Geo-tour passport: go for an outdoor adventure [Dec. 2013]

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Geocaching is an outdoor adventure game similar to a treasure hunt played with a GPS device. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called caches, then share your experiences online. There are over a million active geocaches around the world and now with the Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge you can "Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit." and go geocaching in Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.

Explore our new Geocaching.com GeoTours and visit unique destinations in a new way. These custom tours showcase geocaches designed to introduce you to new locations including spectacular state parks and unique historic sites. Choose The Georgia State Parks GeoTour or The History Trail GeoTour, download one or ALL the coordinates, pack your bags, and begin a new adventure!

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Steps to the Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge:

1. Obtain a Georgia State Park Geo-Tour PassPort from any participating state park or historic site, or download it and the grid sheet from GeorgiaStateParks.org/Geocaching.
2. Go to www.Geocaching.com, create a log-in, and find the GPS coordinates and more information for the Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge locations.

3. Start your search and locate one or all caches using a hand-held GPS unit. The cache containers are sealed ammo boxes labeled as a Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites geocache. Caches are located in 43 Georgia state parks and state historic parks.

4. No GPS? No problem! You can borrow a Global Positioning System unit at select state GPS DEMO parks for a few hours to see how you enjoy the game. First come-first served, and supplies are limited. Visitors will be asked to leave a driver's license until the GPS is safely returned. (There are several DESTINATION parks that have 10 or more caches to locate.)

5. When you find a Geo-Tour cache, log your name and any comments on the logbook inside the cache and stamp your PassPort grid sheet with the unique stamp for that specific park. Leave the stamp for the next player!

6. Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines - GeorgiaStateParks.org/LeaveNoTrace

7. Complete specific numbers of caches to get a custom geo-coin. Bring your stamped PassPort into the park's Visitor Center and receive a voucher for your coin. With 15 completed caches you are eligible for a bronze level coin. With 30 completed caches you are eligible for a silver level coin. With 40 completed caches you are eligible for a gold level coin.

8. Once you find the caches for the custom geo-coins, you are also eligible for a bonus cache at each level. These caches are more challenging and not required to complete the Geo-Tour or receive your coins. Find the coordinates for them at www.geocaching.com.

Now come play The History Trail!
Geocachers can visit 14 state historic sites, answer questions related to each site, and solve a padlock code to open the 14 multi-caches. Players without a GPS can get written clues from historic site staff. For the History Trail Geo-Challenge, historic sites are grouped by category: Native Americans, forts, historic homes, museums and battlefields, and plantations. Inside each cache is a collector card. Once players collect all the cards in a particular category, they can trade them for pathtags. Pathtags are smaller than geocoins, but just as collectible. Collect one or win them all. Either way this is educational fun for the whole family! To learn more about the game of geocaching, visit www.Geocaching.com, and to learn about the states new History Trail GeoChallenge, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/Geocaching/History-Trail.

Join Georgia State Park GeoCampers! In an effort to say thank you to our loyal geocaching community, and to promote GeoTouring in Georgia we have created The GeoCamp Loyalty Program! Stay 9 nights in any Georgia State Park campground and get the 10th night FREE! Tent campers could earn free nights, or save them up for a free camping vacation in the future. Grab a Camp Card at any Georgia State Park and start saving today.

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A.H. Stephens State Historic Park Crawfordville | 706.456.2602
Enjoy camping, fishing and horseback riding while learning some history of the Civil War. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, group camp and pioneer campground available.
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge Dawsonville | 706.265.4703
After your geocaching adventure, hike the 2,000 steps up the waterfall to complete one of the challenges of the Canyon Climbers Club. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, 56-room lodge with restaurant available.
Black Rock Mountain State Park Mountain City | 706.746.2141
(Seasonal Park: Open March 16 - November 30)
At 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is the highest state park in Georgia. The park is only open from March 16 through November 30 and access to the park as well as Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages and pioneer campground, is available only during this time.
Chattahooochee Bend State Park Newnan | 770.254.7271
DESTINATION PARK This state park showcases a spectacular tract of wilderness in northwest Coweta County. Located in a graceful bend of the Chattahoochee River, the park is a haven for paddlers, campers and anglers. Tent/Pop-up/RV, platform, adirondack and walk-in campsites available.

Cloudland Canyon State Park Rising Fawn | 706.657.4050
A hike down into the gorge (and back up!) will provide views of 2 cascading waterfalls and accomplish one of the Canyon Climbers Club challenges. Tent/ Trailer/RV sites, walk-in sites, backcountry sites, cottages, group lodge (sleeps 40) and pioneer campground available.
Crooked River State Park St. Mary's | 912.882.5256
GPS DEMO PARK This spot is great for boating, salt water fishing and kayaking and is one of the stops in the Park Paddlers Club challenge. Tent/ Trailer/RV sites, cottages and pioneer campground available.
Don Carter State Park Gainesville | 678.450.7726
This park is located on the north end of Lake Lanier and offers outstanding recreation for water lovers. Boat ramps provide quick access to the lake, while a paved, multi-use trail welcome hikers and bikers to explore the hardwood forest. RV & walk-in tent sites and cottages available.

Georgia Department of Natur al Resources

Elijah Clark State Park Lincolnton | 706.359.3458
GPS DEMO PARK Located on the largest manmade lake east of the Mississippi River, boating, fishing, swimming and water sports are most popular but don't overlook the historical significance of the area too. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages and walk-in campsites available.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park Pine Mountain | 706.663.4858
The 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail winds through hardwoods and pines and offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. Horseback riding trails are also available. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, backcountry campsites and pioneer campground available.
Florence Marina State Park Omaha | 229.838.6870
This small park on a big 45,000acre lake offers a great setting for water sports and birding. Tent/ Trailer/RV sites, cottages and efficiency units available.

A. H. Stephens

Amicalola Black Rock Cloudland

Crooked River

Elijah Clark

F. D. Roosevelt

Florence Marina

Fort McAllister

Fort Mountain

Fort Yargo

Falls

Mountain Canyon

General Coffee

George L. Smith

George T. Bagby

Georgia Veterans

GordoniaAlatamaha

Hamburg Hard Labor Creek

High Falls

Indian Springs

James H. Floyd

Kolomoki Mounds

Fort McAllister State Historic Park Richmond Hill | 912.727.2339
Combine Civil War history with giant live oaks, a beautiful salt marsh, camping, hiking and fishing and you get Fort McAllister, the place where General Sherman ended his "March to the Sea" and home to one of the best-preserved earthwork fortifications of the Confederacy. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, backcountry campsites and pioneer campground available.
Fort Mountain State Park Chatsworth | 706.442.1932
Come see the mysterious 855-foot-long rock wall which stands at the highest point of the mountain. Fort Mountain is also one of the stops in the Muddy Spokes mountain biking club. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, walk-in campsites, backcountry campsites, platform campsites and pioneer campground available.
Fort Yargo State Park Winder | 770.687.3489
GPS DEMO PARK Located between Atlanta and Athens, the park surrounds a lake with a swimming beach, fishing areas and boat ramps. It is also a mountain bikers dream and is part of the Muddy Spokes Club. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, yurts and pioneer campground available.
General Coffee State Park Nicholls | 912.384.7082
This park is known for its Heritage Farm, with log cabins, a corn crib, tobacco barn, cane mill and other exhibits. Hike to the farm, rent a bike or a boat, go horseback riding, or enjoy a picnic. Tent/Trailer/ RV sites, cottages, walk-in campsites, group lodge (sleeps 32) and pioneer campground available.

Laura S. Walker

Little Ocmulgee

Magnolia Springs

Mistletoe

Moccasin Creek

Panola Mountain

Richard B. Russell

Red Top Mountain

Reed Bingham

Seminole

Skidaway Island

Smithgall Stephen C. Sweetwater

Tallulah Gorge

Tugaloo

Unicoi

Victoria Bryant

Vogel

Watson Mill Chattahoochee

Woods

Foster

Creek

Bridge

Bend

Don Carter

George L. Smith State Park Twin City | 478.763.2759
Paddle, bike or hike your way through history at the refurbished combination grist mill, saw mill, covered bridge and dam. Get your card punched and complete another Park Paddlers Club trail. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages and pioneer campground available.
George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge Fort Gaines 229.768.2571 Meadow Links State Park Golf Course.
This resort park features a 60-room lodge and conference center, a restaurant and an awardwinning 18-hole golf course. The beach, marina and boat ramp offer easy access to the large lake. Cottages are also available for overnight accommodations.
Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park Cordele | 229.276.2371
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, Georgia Veterans features a cool museum with aircraft, armored vehicles and historic items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. Tent/Trailer/RV sites and pioneer campground available.
Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park Reidsville | 912.557.7744
Brazell's Creek State Park Golf Course
GPS DEMO PARK This scenic site is a favorite for family reunions and championship golf. Visitors can rent pedal boats and fishing boats during warmer months. Tent/Trailer/RV sites and cottages.
Hamburg State Outdoor Recreation Area Mitchell | 706.456.2602
Visitors of all ages can enjoy great lake fishing, boating, hiking, birdwatching and camping. Tent/Trailer/RV sites can be found along the edge of quiet Hamburg Lake and are available seasonally. Managed by A.H. Stephens Historic Park. Please call ahead concerning camping.
Hard Labor Creek State Park Rutledge | 706.557.3001
The Creek State Park Golf Course
The Creek at Hard Labor was named "4th Sweetest Deal in the USA" by Golf Digest's Frugal Golfer in January 2010. With trails for hikers and horseback riders, camping, cottages and a lakeside beach there's something for everyone. Tent/ Trailer/RV sites, 2 group camps (sleeps 75120) and pioneer campground also available.
High Falls State Park Jackson | 478.993.3053
This pretty park in middle Georgia is conveniently located near I-75 and visitors can enjoy the scenic waterfall, hike to the grist mill foundation remains, play mini golf with the kids or relax by the pool. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, yurts and pioneer campground available.
Indian Springs State Park Flovilla | 770.504.2277
Come visit one of the oldest parks in the nation. The Creek Indians used the springs for their curative powers and visitors can still sample the spring water while enjoying camping, fishing, boating and swimming. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, group camp (sleeps 130) and pioneer campground available.

James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park Summerville | 706.857.0826
This scenic park offers outstanding fishing and boating on two stocked lakes. Rent a paddle boat, hike along three miles of lake loop trails or relax in swings while watching for bluebirds. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages and pioneer campground available.
Kolomoki Mounds State Historic Park Blakely | 229.724.2150
GPS DEMO PARK DESTINATION PARK This unusual park is an important archaeological site and scenic recreational area with earthen mounds and a museum with numerous artifacts and an interesting film. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, group camp (sleeps 135) and 2 pioneer campgrounds available.
Laura S. Walker State Park Waycross | 912.287.4900
The Lakes State Park Golf Course
DESTINATION PARK Being located near the Okefenokee Swamp provides the opportunity to see many strange and curious creatures and carnivorous plant life. The park is well known for its championship18-hole golf course. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, group camp (sleeps 142) and 2 pioneer campgrounds available.
Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge Helena | 229.868.7474
Wallace Adams Golf Course
Golfers can test their skills on the 18-hole course and anglers love the lake with swimming beach and boat rentals. Children can play miniature golf or cool off in the Splash Pad during summer. This resort park also features a lodge, conference center and restaurant. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages and pioneer campground available.
Magnolia Springs State Park Millen | 478.982.1660
Hike the boardwalk and watch for alligators, turtles and other wildlife near the springs or rent a boat and fish at the lake. There are 10 miles of hiking and biking trails and the park is part of both the Park Paddlers Club and the Muddy Spokes Club. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, walk-in campsites, cottages group camp (sleeps 86), group lodge (sleeps 16) and 2 pioneer campgrounds are available.
Mistletoe State Park Appling | 706.541.0321
DESTINATION PARK Located on 72,000-acre lake near Augusta, this is one of the finest bass fishing spots around. The park is also one of the stops in the Muddy Spokes Club. So pack up the tent, your bike and fishing poles and head out. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, walk-in campsites, backcountry campsites and pioneer campground available.
Moccasin Creek State Park Clarkesville | 706.947.3194
(Seasonal Park: Open March 16 - November 30)
This small, 32-acre park is nestled on the shores of 2,800-acre Lake Burton. It is great place for little ones on bicycles and is easily accessible for wheelchairs with a fully accessible fishing pier. The park is only open from March 16 through November 30 and access to the park, as well as Tent/Trailer/RV sites, are available only during this timeframe.
Panola Mountain State Park Stockbridge | 770.389.7801
GPS DEMO PARK This unusual park is near Atlanta and features a granite outcropping. It offers great hiking and biking, as well as unique Tree Top Excursions with caches in the trees! The paved path for biking is part of the Muddy Spokes Club. The only overnight accommodation is a Primitive Campground.

Red Top Mountain State Park Cartersville | 770.975.0055
DESTINATION PARK This park is located on beautiful Lake Allatoona and is ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Wooded hiking and biking trails wind through the park and provide another stop on the Muddy Spokes Club. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, yurts, cottages and pioneer campground available.
Reed Bingham State Park Adel | 229.896.3551
DESTINATION PARK Expect to see a lot of wildlife at this park including gopher tortoises, nesting bald eagles, alligators and "buzzards" (actually black vultures and turkey vultures). A 375-acre lake is popular with boaters and is part of the Park Paddlers Club. Tent/Trailer/RV sites and pioneer campground available.
Richard B. Russell State Park Elberton | 706.213.2045
Arrowhead Pointe State Park Golf Course
An award-winning18-hole course with special golf and camp packages is available at this big park on Lake Richard B. Russell. The lake provides fine fishing and boating and there are wooded hiking and biking trails, including one in the Muddy Spokes Club. Tent/Trailer/ RV sites and cottages are available.
Seminole State Park Donalsonville | 229.861.3137
Beautiful Lake Seminole offers excellent boating, fishing and birding. The park surrounds a small cove with smooth water for swimming, skiing and tubing. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages, pioneer campground and screened treehouse camping available.
Skidaway Island State Park Savannah | 912.598.2300
GPS DEMO PARK DESTINATION PARK Located near historic Savannah, this barrier island has both salt and fresh water with estuaries and marshes flowing through it. The park borders a part of Georgia's intracoastal waterway. Home of GGA's "Going Coastal" geocaching event. Tent/Trailer/RV sites and 3 pioneer campgrounds available.
Smithgall Woods State Park Helen | 706.878.3087
A premier trout stream runs through this spectacular mountain property and it is a favorite for catch-andrelease fishing. Five beautifully decorated cottages provide a total of 14 bedrooms with private baths, telephones and television. Pioneer campground (youth groups only) available.
Stephen C. Foster State Park Fargo | 912.637.5274
This remote park is a primary entrance to the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Visitors may tour the swamp in rental boats, canoes or kayaks and this is one of the trails of the Park Paddlers Club. Because the site is located within a National Wildlife Refuge this challenge is a multi-cache! Tent/Trailer/RV sites, cottages and pioneer campground available.
Sweetwater Creek State Park Lithia Springs | 770.732.5871
Only minutes from downtown Atlanta, this park features a wooded hiking trail following the creek to the ruins of a textile mill burned during the Civil War. A 215-acre reservoir is popular with anglers and canoeing enthusiasts and is part of the Park Paddlers Club. Overnight accommodations are not available at this park.

Tallulah Gorge State Park Tallulah Falls | 706.754.7981
Explore rugged wilderness and get another punch on your Canyon Climbers Club card. More than 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking provide one of the stops in the Muddy Spokes Club, too. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, backcountry Adirondack shelter and pioneer campground with Adirondack shelter available. Permit required to access the gorge floor.
Tugaloo State Park Lavonia | 706.356.4362
Fishing is excellent yearround and largemouth bass are plentiful in 55,590-acre Lake Hartwell on which the park is situated. The lake also provides great swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating and most of Tugaloo's campsites offer spectacular lake views. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, primitive campsites, cottages and pioneer campground available.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge Helen | 706.878.2201
GPS DEMO PARK Miles of hiking and excellent biking on scenic mountain trails make this one of Georgia's most beloved parks. Fulfill a Muddy Spokes Club requirement or fish year round at accessible docks that make it easy for all ages and abilities. A lodge, conference center and restaurant are available at this resort park. Tent/Trailer/ RV sites, walk-in campsites, Squirrel's Nest campsites and cottages also available.
Victoria Bryant State Park Royston | 706.245.6270
Highland Walk State Park Golf Course Hikers and bikers can follow the short nature trail or the longer perimeter trail that winds through hardwoods and over creeks. Golfers will enjoy the challenging course with clubhouse, golf pro and
junior/senior discounts. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, platform tent sites and 2 pioneer campgrounds available.
Vogel State Park Blairsville | 706.745.2628
This park is especially popular during fall leaf season and offers scenic wooded trails for day hikes and backcountry excursions. Rent a pedal boat on the lake and head out for some great fishing, or play a round of mini golf with the kids. Tent/Trailer/RV sites, walk-in campsites, backcountry campsites and pioneer campground available.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park Comer | 706.245.6207
Watson Mill Bridge hosts the longest covered bridge in the state. Hikers and bicyclists will find trails for every fitness level and will be able to complete a Muddy Spokes Club trail. Horseback riding trails, horse stalls and equestrian campsites are also offered. Seasonal, self-registration Tent/Trailer/RV sites and Log Cabin bunkhouse (sleeps 8) available. Managed by Victoria Bryant State Park. Please call ahead concerning camping and horseback riding.
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