The historic LaphamPatterson House in Thomasville, fishing at Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona, and an overlook at Black Rock Mountain State Parle are shown with spectaca)ar TaDulah Gorp State Park in the background. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast. Georgia has an exceptional variety of scenery. Tallulah Gorge with its spectacular interpretive center; Amicalola Falls. the highest waterfall this side of the Rockies; Providence Canyon. Georgia's 'little Grand Canyon;" and the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp are among the unusual places preserved in our state parks. Georgia also has a rich and colorful past told through state historic sites. Ceremonial Indian mounds. Revolutionary War and Civil War forts . the Cherokee Indian capital. a stagecoach inn. plantations and Roosevelt 's Little White House are some of the places where the past still comes alive. And with more than 6o state parks and historic sites to choose from . you are never more than an hour's drive away. Geon_ STATE PARKS&HISTO RI CSITES Sunset at Florence Marina State Park in south Georgia, a family excursion to the backcountry Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park, and the refurbished mill at George L. Smith State Park are shown over a trail at Fort Mountain State Park. Canoes may be rented at Little Ocmulgee and several other state parks. CAMPING Whether you are a first-time camper or an experienced backpacker, Georgia's state parks have a campsite for you. Forty-one parks offer more than 2,700 campsites, including tent and trailer camping, RV pull-thru sites, walk-in sites, primitive camping, and pioneer and group camp facilities. Most state parks have laundry facilities and sell campi ng suppl ies. Campgrounds are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-ro und. TENTITRAILERIRV CAMPING All tent/ tra iler/ RV campsites offer electr ical and water hookups, grills or fire rings, and picnic tables. Modern comfort stations with hot showers, fl ush toilets and electrica l outlets are within easy wa lking dista nce. All campgrounds have dump sta tions. A few state parks offer cable TV hookups. WALK-IN SITES F. D. Roosevelt State Park These quiet campsites provide a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. bu t no water or electricity. While they are more remote than tent/ trai ler/ RV sites. they are wi thin easy walking distance of a comfort sta tion and cen tral parking area . PRIMITIVE BACKPACKING Backpackers will enjoy the soli tude of these designated but undeveloped sites. All ca mping gear is packed in and out by the hiker. PIONEER CAMPING Organized groups can pitch tents in these more remote camping areas with water spigots and pit toilets. Pioneer campsites will not accommodate RVs or trailers. GROUP CAMPs Group camps and lodges are available for organized groups, providing sleeping quarters, kitchens, dining/ assembly rooms, restrooms, activity areas and swimming facilities. LODGES The Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Fa lls State Park is a special retreat just for hikers. The 20-room inn is reached only by a five-mile trail through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Dinner and breakfast are included with accommodations, allowing guests to carry only their personal items along the trail. Hotel-type accommodations are available at Amicalola Falls", George T. Bagby, Little Ocmulgee, Red Top Mountain" and Unicoi" state parks. These lodges offer a relaxing natura l setting for special getaways. receptions, reunions and group meetings. All lodges have restaura nt dining, catering and meeting services. The lodges range from 30 to 100 rooms, each with in-room televisiOn, telephone and climate control. Handicapped-equipped and non-smoking rooms are available. ("Accommodauons at these parks are operated by Amfac Parks and Resorts.) Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park The fi ve lodges and Georgi a Veterans' conference center are equipped for meetings and receptions for 150 to 6oo peopl e. Guests can enjoy the retrea t-like atmosphere, golf, te nnis, swimming, hiking and boating during leisure ti me. Professional conference coordinato rs can assist in planning conferences and banquets. More unique group accommodations are availabl e at The Lodge at Smithgall Woods near Helen and the Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island. Smithgall is a superbl y decorated mountain retreat surrounded by s.6oo acres of undisturbed forest. This cozy lodge is also popular with couples for romantic getaways. The Reynolds Mansion is a plantation home set among the moss-draped oaks and salt marshes of Sapelo Island . Both locations have limited access. providing complete privacy. Group reservations are made by calling the individual lodges. COTTAGES R. B. Russell State Park Cottages with one, two or three bedrooms are available at most state parks. They are fully equipped with stoves, refrigerato rs, kitchen and dining utensils. bed linens. blankets and towe ls. All cottages are heated, and most are air conditioned. Many cottages have porches or decks and woodburning fireplaces or stoves (firewood no t provided). Since many state parks offer group camps, co ttages are not available to church or civic groups, fraternities or sororities. or school groups. OUTDOOR j . ACTIVITIES j HIKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS Almost every park and historic site has hiking trails, with more challenging backcountry trails at Amicalola Falls. Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon. F.D. Roosevelt, Fort Mountain, Providence Canyon, Unicoi and Vogel. Primitive camping is allowed along some backcountry trails with prior approval. Shorter nature trails, boardwalks and accessible. paved path s are also available. Mountain bikers may test their endurance on designated trails at Fort Mountain, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi , Victoria Bryant and several other parks. SWIMMING Nearly all parks offer a swimming pool or lakeside beach for visitors ' enjoyment. Lifeguards are provided at all swimming pools (except at lodge parks), and a small admission is charged. Hours and days of operation vary among the parks; however, most are closed on Mondays except legal holidays. Beaches have no lifeguards, are open year-round and are free to all visitors. FISHING AND BOATING Eleven state parks are located on major lakes and reservoirs , including Allatoona , Burton, Cl ar ks Hill , George, Hartwell , Ru ssell and Seminole. These parks are equipped with boat ramps and docks. Some have marinas supplying fuel , groceries and boating supplies. Water skiing is perm itted on these lakes. At most lake parks, the campsites and cottages are located on or near the water. Twenty-six other parks are located on smaller lakes with excellen t fishing opportunities. Most have boat ramps, docks and canoe/ boat rental s. Private fishing boats. sailboats and canoes are permitted on some park waters. A few smaller lakes have restrictions on private boats and horsepower limitations. Fishing in park lakes. rivers and streams is free. but a valid Georgia resident/ non -resident fishing license is required for guests 16 or older. Trout stamps are requ ired when fishing in streams. HORSEBACK RIDING Park visitors can ride their own horses on trails at A.H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Fort Mountain. F.D. Roosevelt and Watson Mill Bridge state parks. Some parks have designated camping areas for horse owners and stall rental. Riders pay a small additional fee to use equestrian trails. To rent horses for short rides or overnight excursions, visit the stables at F. D. Roosevelt or Fort Mountain state parks. GoLF Seven state parks offer some of the finest public golf in the South with no crowds and no noise. Eighteen-hole courses are available year-round at Meadow Links at George T. Bagby, Georgia Vets Memorial Course. The Creek at Hard Labor, The Lakes at laura Walker and Little Ocmulgee Wallace Adams Course. Nine-hole courses are found at Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant and Brazell's Creek at Gordonia-A iatamaha. Call J-800-434-0982 to make tee times, request brochures, and learn about golf packages, unlimited weekday play and senior ra tes. ~I GOLF, PEDAL BOATS, TENNIS AND BICYCliNG Georgia's state parks offer numerous choices for outdoor recreation, including miniature golf, pedal boats, tennis and bicycling. Visitors who play miniature golf pay a small fee and can practice their putting skills while surrounded by natural beauty. Many parks with lakes rent pedal boats. jon boats and canoes by the hour. Ten parks offer tennis courts free of charge. Bicycles may be enjoyed on paved roads only, with th e ,xception of bike trails at select parks (see chart). CNICKING All state parks and many historic sires provide picnic tables. Open picnic shelters may be reserved for a small fee, otherwise they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enclosed group shelters must be reserved and can hold 45-500 people. Tables, chairs, grills and large ki tchens are provided, and restrooms are nearby. Picnicking is not allowed in camping areas by non-campers. ' ' \\ HISTORIC SITES \ Native American homes, ancient Indian mounds, Revolutionary War forts, Civil War battlefields, picturesque plantations and a gold museum are just some of the historic sites which mix entertainment with education. Many historic sites have exhibits and short videos for their visitors' enjoyment. Exciting living history demonstrations such as reenactments and skills demonstrations are often scheduled throughout the year. Some sites have regularly scheduled tours, while others allow visitors to explore at their leisure. A small admission is charged; annual passes are available. Throughout the year. state parks and historic sites host a variety of special events for their visitors. Arts and craft shows, living history demonstrations, battle enactments, music festivals, backpacking trips, canoe excursions, wildlife programs and holiday ce lebrations bring visitors back to the sites year after year. An events brochure is published each spring and is available by calling 770-389-7275 or 1-Soo-864-7275 During the summer, the sites host smaller programs not listed in the brochure, such as guided hikes, bird walks, nature crafts and campfire programs. MAP SYMBOlS ) ~ little E.J While House ~ ~ Sprewell F.D. Bluff Roosevelt 0t.~ watso Mill Bridge Athens Robert Toombs House / RESERVATIONS S INFORMATION 1-8oo-864-7275 oa 770-389-7275 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.gastateparks.o~ With one call, you can request brochures and make reservations for campsites, cottages, picnic shelters, group shelters, group camps. golf packages, and the south Georgia lodges. Because accommodations at Amicalola Falls, Red Top Mountain and Unicoi state parks are privately operated, call these parks directly at the numbers listed in the chart. Reservations for camping at Tallulah Gorge, the group camp at Fort Yargo, the Lodge at Smithgall Woods and the Reynolds Mansion are made by calling the individual parks. Reservations must be made at least two days prior to arrival, but no more than 11 months in advance. If you wish to use the facili ty in less than two days, contact the site directly. Walk-ins are welcome to use unreserved facilities. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, most cottages require a one -week stay. A three-night minimum is required for most accommodations on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. Detailed information on each site is available at www.gas tateparks.org or by calling 770-389-7275 or 1-8oo-864-7275 A 128-page Travel Guide with color photos and descriptions of all sites may be purchased by call ing 404-656-2770. s Hamburg Ge org e L. Sm ith 2 Stephen C. Foster ATLANTIC OCEAN Crooked / PARKPASS / HOURS / RATES AParkPass is required for all vehicles in Georgia's state parks, and proceeds go toward maintenance of the sites. Upon arrival, visitors pay a $2 daily parking fee ($4 at Ta llul ah Gorge) or may purchase a $25 Annua l ParkPass (valid April- March). Large passenger vans and buses pay a higher rate. The daily ParkPass is valid at all -state parks visited the same day. Overnight guests pay one fee for the duration of their stay, and golfer parking is included in greens fees . School groups are exempt and Wednesdays are "free days. " To purchase an Annual ParkPass, visit the park office or call 770-389-7275 or 1-8oo-864-7275 Discounts are available for senior citizens (62 and older) and disabled veterans. . / ~ - BECOME A FRIEND Joining the non-profit "Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites " is an excellent value and helps protect Georgia's natural and historic resources. For a minimum $35 donation- only $10 more than the price of an Annual ParkPass- Friends receive one Annual ParkPass, free admission to all state historic sites, a 10%discount at Friends-operated gift shops, one golf pass and a newsletter. To join, call 770-389-7275 or 1-8oo-864-7275, or visit www.friendsofgastateparks.org or any state park. PARK HOURS Most state parks are open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily, year-round. Panola Mountain, Providence Canyon, Sapelo Island, Smithgall Woods, Sprewell Bluff, Stephen C. Foster, Tallulah Gorge and Victoria Bryant operate seasonal schedules. Most park offices are open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. HISTORIC SITE HOURS Most state historic sites are open 9 a.m . - 5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday; 2- 5:30p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday (except legal holidays), Thanksgiving. Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours vary at the Little White House, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Fort Morris, Pickett's Mill Battlefield and Robert Toombs House. Because each state park and historic site is unique, rates for accommodations and activities vary. There is a small admission charge (usually $1-$5) at historic sites. To receive a current rate brochure, call 770-389-7275 or 1-8oo-864-7275. RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules and regulations are posted at site offices and must be observed by all guests and their visitors. Pets are welcome at state parks and campgrounds if leashed (no longer than six feet) and accompanied by the owner at all times; however, they are not allowed in historic sites, cottages, lodges, swimming areas, or Panola Mountain's trails. Kennels are not available. Consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants is unlawful in any public-use area. All campfires must be kept in designated areas such as a fire ring. ACCESSIBILITY Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites are committed to making facilities and programs accessible to everyone. Al l lodges have accessible rooms, meeting facilities and restaurants . Many parks offer accessible cottages, camp- sites, fishing piers, nature trails and picnic areas. The WillA-Way Recreation Area at Fort Yargo State Park is a fully accessible group camp accommodating up to 250 people. Since degrees of accessibility vary among the sites. visi- tors should call the park or historic si te they plan to visit to ensure their needs can be met. ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACTIVITIES For detailed information on sites listed below, visit www.gastateparks.org ... 1 Amlea lola Falls Park and Lodge Len Foote Hike Inn - . . . or cali404-6;6-.Z770 to purchase a Travel Guide. ' 240 Amicalola Falls Rd., Dawsonville , 30534, (706) 265-4703 (par1c:} 15 mi. N.W. of Dawsonville via Ga. 183 & 52 416 Amicalola Falls Rd.. Dawsonville, 30534, (BOO) 5739656 (reseNations) H1ke Inn Reserva1ions: {770) 389-7275 or (BOO) 864-7275 ~ ~ ! 2 I!!. t ~ ~ 1':' ;f ~ ::; 14 20 3 57 20 2 Btack Rock Mountain Park P. 0. Drawer A, Mountain City, 30562, (706) 746-2141 3 mi. N. of Clayton off U.S. 441 on Black Rock Mtn. Pkwy 10 48 ' Bnbhy Rrnwn PP!rk 4 Cloudland Canyon Park ?SM Rohby Rrnwn StRIA P~rk ~r1 F lhArton, ::\06,.'\S_ 11~\ ?1~-?04fi 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, 30738, (706) 657-4050 21 ml s E. of Elberton off Ga 72 25 mi. N.W. of Lafayette off Ga. 136 61 7 16 73 24 5 Crooked River Park 6 Bllah Clark Pllrk 6222 C harlie Smith Sr. Hwy.. St. Mary's, 31558 , (912) 8825256 2959 McCormiCk Hwy., UncolniOn, 3081 7, (706)359-3458 7 mi . N. of St. Mary's on Ga. Spu r 40 7 mi. E. of Un::olnton on u.s. 378 11 60 15 20 165 68 7 F. D. Roosevelt Park 2970 Ga. Hwy. 190, Pine Mountain. 31822 . (706) 663-4858 5 mi . S.E. of Pine Mtn. on Ga. 190 21 140 30 8 Florence Marina Park Route 1, Box 36 , Omaha, 3182 1, (912) 838-6870 16 mi. W. of Lumpkin at end of Ga. 39C 14 43 20 9 Ft. Mountain Park 181 Ft. Mountain Park Rd., Chatsworth , 30705, (706) 695-2621 8 mi . E. of Chatsworth via Ga. 52 15 70 35 6- 10 Ft. Vargo Park and Will-A-Way Recreation Area P. 0. Box 764, Winder, 30680, (770) 867-3489 Group Camp Reservations: (n0)867-6123 1 mi . S. of Winder on Ga. 81 47 5 3 11 General Coffee Park 46 John Coffee Ad., Nicholls, 31554. (912) 384-7082 6 mi . E. of Douglas on Hwy. 32 5 50 50 12 ~ l. Smith Pork 37 1 George L . Smith State Park Ad ., Twin City, 3047 1,(912) 763-27 59 4 mi . S.E. of 1\vin City off Ga. Hwy. 23 4 25 6 13 George T. Bagby Park and Lodge 14 Georgie Veterana Park Route 1. Box 201 . Ft. Gaines. 3175 1. {9 12) 766-2571 24 59A U .S. Hwy. 280 W., Cordele , 31015, (912) 276-2371 4 mi . N. of Fort Gaines off Hwy. 39 9 mi. W. of Cordele via U.S. 280 5 30 10 n 40 15 Gordonia-Aiatamaha Park P. 0 . Box 1039 , ReidSVIlle, 30453, (912) 557-7744 City limits of Re idsville off U.S. 280 23 3 16 HllmbUrsJ Park 6071 Hamburg State Part< Rd., M~II. 30820, (91 2) 5522393 6 mi. N.E. of Warthen on Hamburg Rd. 30 7 17 Hard Labor Creek Park P. 0 . Box 247 , Rutledge , 30663 , (706) 5573001 3 mi. N. of Rutledge off U.S. 278 20 51 8 18 Hart Park 330 Har1 State Park Rd., Hartwell, 30643, (706) 376-8756 3 mi. N. of Hartwell off U.S. 29 5 78 3