100 Days of Summer: Spending Time at Georgia State Parks

What does the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, the longest covered bridge in it original location, a town dating back to the 1700s located beneath a lake and the only house FDR built have in common?

Unable to figure out the connection? Well, while it’s definitely an interesting list of items, the tie that binds them together is that they all are part of Georgia State Park & Historic Sites.

Wait a minute… you mean Georgia has waterfalls?

Yes, and marshes in the southern part of the state. As Kim Hatcher, public affairs coordinator with Georgia State Park, what you see while driving along the interstates isn’t a true representation of Georgia.

To really (re)discover the state, you need to spend time at one of the 63 sites.

“It’s a great excuse to spend time with friends and family, and in nature as well,” comments Hatcher.

Not only that but for families (or anyone), state parks are great places for accidental learning.

“At many of the sites, the staff host programs that brings history to life. They make stories more interesting, fun and relative.”

Don’t forget about the outdoor recreation opportunities, either. According to Hatcher, the state parks offer a variety of ways to stay fit while having fun. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, playing tennis or golf – you’ll be able to find a state park or two to accommodate you.

Hatcher points out that with all the state parks have to offer, they really add up to being a value-added vacation.

And if that isn’t enough, she offers this temptation.

“Instead of waking up in anywhere-U.S.A., why not wake up surrounded by nature at a Georgia State Park.”

Did You Know…

Lodging at a Georgia State Park is as varied as the parks themselves. Of course you’ll find lodges, camp sites and cottages, but you’ll also discover…

• yurts.
• primitive treehouse-style camping at Seminole State Park.
• squirrel’s nest camping at Unicoi State Park & Lodge.
• Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicacola Falls State Park, which is hike inn property. Park your car and the base, grab your items and enjoy the five-mile trail to the inn.

Fourth of July events…

If you haven’t made any plans yet on where to celebrate Independence Day, you might want to consider spending the holiday weekend at a Georgia State Park. Here’s a sampling of what’s going on.

• July 4th Mountain Style at Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, July 3-5. ($5 parking)
• Happy Birthday, America at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, July 4. ($5 parking)
• Fireworks on the Flint at Georgia Veterans State park in Cordele, July 4. ($5 parking)
• Celebrate America at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, July 4. ($1-2 boat tours, $5 parking)

photo credit: All photos are courtesy of Georgia Department of Economic Development. (top left) Watson Mill Bridge State Park; (middle right) Hiking at Cloudland Canyon State Park; (middle lower right) Canoeing at Unicoi State Park and Lodge; (bottom left) Tallulah Gorge State Park