Georgia State Parks Beckon Families with Summer Fun Close to Home

Summer vacation doesn’t need to cost a fortune or involve a hefty gas bill. Georgia State Parks offer a plethora of recreational offerings that make it easy for families to save money on gas and enjoy trips close to home. Simply pack a picnic lunch, grab a beach towel or hiking boots, and head to Georgia’s State Parks for affordable recreation that’s not only fun, but also encourages kids to get fit and spend time outdoors this summer. From free park admission and Junior Ranger Camps to swimming beaches and even a splash pad, there is something for everyone without breaking the bank.

• Swimming Beaches, Pools and Splash Pad Make Fun Day Trips
Skip the trip to the coast this year and head to one of Georgia State Parks’ many lakeside swimming beaches. Grab your sunscreen and enjoy the simple pleasures of a sandy beach right near your own backyard. Or, if your family is more interested in getting in a few laps at the pool, Victoria Bryant, Magnolia Springs and High Falls state park pools are sure to please. Little Ocmulgee State Park offers a Splash Pad just for the youngest water lovers. For a list of recreational offerings, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

• Cabin Rentals Offer Affordable & Memorable Staycations
Start a new family tradition this summer by planning a getaway to the mountains, lake or marsh. Spend the day fishing, canoeing, hiking or just hanging out at a lake beach, then retreat to a comfy cabin without ever leaving the park. Many state parks feature cabins with fully equipped kitchens, rocking-chair porches and spectacular scenery ~~ ideal for spending quality family time together. For help in planning a summer staycation, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275. Rates range from $85 to $160 per night, and dogs are welcome in select cabins.

• Free Park Admission & Natural Recreational Offerings
Planning a daytrip with the kids can be affordable and heart-healthy. No need to spend another day at a fast-food kids’ gym or the same neighborhood playground. Pack a nutritious picnic lunch and head to your favorite Georgia State Park for the day instead. A Georgia public library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic Site Pass. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 state parks and historic sites statewide. For a listing of Georgia’s public libraries, go to www.georgialibraries.org. Most Georgia State Parks offer playgrounds, picnic areas, miles of hiking and biking trails, and even wildlife viewing or nature centers. With a diverse geographic topography, Georgia’s state parks and historic sites offer adventures in northern mountains, midland swamplands, piedmont plains and along the beautiful Georgia coast.

• Junior Ranger Day Camps (ideal for young explorers ages 6-12)
Kids ages 6 to 12 are invited to explore Georgia’s wildlife, nature and fascinating history first-hand as they earn their way through three badge levels. Nature hikes, arts and crafts, water games, fishing and outdoor cooking are just a few of the daily camp workshops offered at Georgia’s state parks. With more than a dozen Junior Ranger Day Camps offered through August 5, kids can meet new friends as they build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. And, parents can have the satisfaction of knowing their children are entertained and learning an appreciation for the great outdoors. Families can also pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Book at any state park or historic site and work through the activity requirements at their own pace. Or, receive the latest park news and learn more about Georgia nature and history by subscribing to The Georgia Junior Ranger, a free e-newsletter.

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Free Day: Sept. 25, 2010

Put away your wallet and pull out your fishing pole or hiking boots. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering free admission on Saturday, September 25 as part of National Public Lands Day. The statewide celebration is a way to thank park visitors and volunteers for their support of outdoor recreation and historic preservation.

“Georgia’s state parks and historic sites wouldn’t be here without our visitors and supporters,” said Parks Director Becky Kelley. “Free Day in the Parks is our way of thanking the thousands of people who volunteer their time, spend their vacations in the parks, or even just visit for the day. We are waiving the parking fee, but of course voluntary contributions are welcome because they help us preserve Georgia’s public green spaces.”

Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, the celebration includes dozens of family-friendly events, such as outdoor adventure day at Unicoi, a children’s fishing rodeo at Indian Springs and pioneer harvest festival at General Coffee. A full calendar of events is posted at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events and selected programs are listed below. Numerous volunteer projects are being coordinated by the non-profit Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites with nearly 50 chapters across the state.

On Free Day in the Parks, the regular $5 parking fee will be waived, historic sites will open their doors for free, and even anglers will not need a fishing license. September 25 is also National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at many events and locations.

“For less than a tank of gas, families can enjoy a full day of ranger programs, hiking, biking, picnicking, birding and more,” said Kelley. “All visitors will pay for are rental facilities, some events or programs, activities such as canoe rental and mini golf, and accommodations like cottages, lodge rooms or campsites.”

Modern campsites, fully equipped cottages, unique yurts and hotel-style lodge rooms provide overnight accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay for the weekend. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

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Back-To-School? Stay Active

 Just because the kids are heading back to school doesn’t mean families need to shelve their fitness regimen for next year. Georgia State Parks makes it easy to stay on track with challenging heart-pumping recreational programs and outdoor activities for every age and fitness level. Fall is the perfect time for families to re-energize and resolve to keep outdoor recreation an ongoing part of the weekly itinerary.

Outdoor recreation is just as important to living a healthy lifestyle as eating an apple a day! Pack a picnic lunch and head to a different state park every weekend for affordable adventure and quality time together that gets kids off the couch and moving in nature’s playground. Here are a few popular ideas based on age level. For a complete list of recreational opportunities and parks, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

·    Playgrounds, Swimming Beaches, Spray Park (Toddler and up)
Georgia State Parks feature fun for all ages, even those still sporting diapers and sippie cups. Parents with toddlers in tow can pack the beach pail and swimming suits for a fun-filled day of splashing and sandcastles at one of 18 state park swimming beaches. Some of the most popular lakeside beaches are at Vogel, John Tanner, Seminole, Unicoi, Hard Labor Creek, Fort Mountain and Richard B. Russell state parks. For even more water fun, bring the kids to Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge and enjoy the park’s splash pad where they can tire out by running through the fountains. The beaches and splash pad are open through Labor Day. Or for weekday fun, skip the indoor soft play and head to the state parks for safe, clean outdoor playgrounds perfect for the next toddler play date. And, for even more of an incentive to take the kiddies outdoors, Wednesdays are free days in Georgia’s state parks, allowing parents to skip paying the parking fee.

·    Kid-friendly Trails, Mini-Golf, Camping (Kids age 6 and up)
With technology such a big part of everyday life, kids need to unplug and connect with nature, especially during the school year when scheduled time is at its peak. Make outdoor play something to look forward to every week. Elementary age kids can explore the “real Georgia” and expend energy on a variety of state park hiking trails. Popular choices for kids to enjoy nature’s wonders include Fort Mountain (lake loop), General Coffee (farm animals), Reed Bingham (gopher tortoises), Skidaway Island (fiddler crabs), Sweetwater Creek (follows large creek) and Watson Mill Bridge (covered bridge and shoals). Young golf enthusiasts can also enjoy mini golf at 15 Georgia State Parks. Or, learn how to play disc golf, where a Frisbee-style disc is tossed into a metal basket. Disc courses are found at Cloudland Canyon, Fort Yargo, Georgia Veterans and Richard B. Russell state parks. This is also a perfect age for camping. With more than 2,700 campsites, Georgia State Parks have plenty of opportunities for everyone and rates average as low as $23 per night. Get the kids involved in preparing the site, carrying the wood, cooking food the old fashion way, and build lifetime skills and family memories.

·    Clubs for Mountain Bikers, Hikers and Paddlers (Kids ages 10 and up)
Parents with middle school-age children can keep them motivated all year long with three heart-pumping clubs at Georgia State Parks. Upon completion, members receive a bragging-rights t-shirt, as well as the personal satisfaction of accomplishment. For hiking enthusiasts, the Canyon Climbers Club invites families to explore four state parks. Hikers can experience breathtaking vistas and cascading waterfalls, more fun than any gym Stairmaster, at Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls, Cloudland Canyon and Providence Canyon. Mountain bikers and cyclists can tackle the Muddy Spokes Club and challenge their skills across 11 state parks and 68 miles of trails for their bragging right t-shirt. Trails vary in difficulty, so riders have the chance to improve their skill as they move from park to park. The easiest trails are the paved path at Panola Mountain State Park and pine-needle trail at Magnolia Springs. The most difficult mountain bike trails are at Fort Mountain, Fort Yargo, Tallulah Gorge and Unicoi state parks. And, finally canoe and kayak fans will love the Park Paddlers club. Members explore six state parks by waterway, ranging from quiet lakes to the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Paddlers are challenged to complete 22 miles at Crooked River, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Sweetwater Creek state parks.

To join any of the state park clubs, park visitors simply purchase a $10 membership card at any of the club parks or call (770) 389-7401. Members get their card punched at each participating park office and receive their official bragging-rights t-shirt upon completion. What a fun way to get the whole family moving and inspired throughout the year, as well as enjoy the diverse park landscapes and wildlife while getting fit. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Families interested in planning a weekend staycation at their favorite Georgia State Park can choose from a variety of affordable accommodation options including camp sites, fully-equipped cottages, yurts and hotel-style lodge rooms with restaurants. For help in planning a staycation for your family, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275.



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New Megaramp at Lake Hartwell Creates Better Access for Boaters and Anglers

Anticipating more than 10,000 users each year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources opened a new megaramp on July 13, 2010 at Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell, giving boaters and anglers greater access to the lake.

The megaramp facility includes six boating lanes, plenty of parking and restrooms. The area will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This ramp is one of more than 15 ramps being constructed around the state as part of the Go Fish Georgia Initiative. This initiative seeks to establish Georgia as a national fishing destination through a three-tiered approach: 1) improving the quality of fishing in Georgia waters; 2) improving access to water bodies for fishing in Georgia; and 3) increasing participation through active promotion and marketing of Georgia’s exceptional fishing resources.

Georgia DNR received funding for the ramp as part of a natural resource damage settlement related to PCB contamination of Twelve Mile Creek which feeds into Lake Hartwell. The PCB contamination resulted from discharges from a manufacturing plant formerly located along the creek. Maintenance of the ramp will be handled by Georgia DNR State Parks and Historic Sites.

There have been several participating groups and agencies involved with the development of this ramp, including The Lake Hartwell Natural Resources Trustees, Georgia DNR, Franklin County and the City of Lavonia, the Facility Design Team for this project, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jeff Schwann for construction of the actual boat ramp and Simpson Construction Company for the development of the rest of this facility.

Situated on a wooded peninsula, Tugaloo State Park visitors have spectacular views of 55,590-acre Lake Hartwell in every direction. Fishing is excellent year-round, and largemouth bass are plentiful. During summer, the lake is a popular destination for swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating. Visitors can stay overnight in fully equipped cottages or the modern campground. The name “Tugaloo” comes from an Indian name for the river which once flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell Dam.

For more information on fishing or boat ramps, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com . For more information on Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, visit www.gastateparks.org .

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Georgia State Park Lodges Introduce New 'Lodge-ical' Rates

/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia State Parks invite guests to enjoy a vacation in lodges with a new, lower "Lodge-ical" rate that starts at $69 per night. Available now, guests can experience an affordable overnight escape for as little as $69 at George T. Bagby State Park on Lake Walter F. George, Little Ocmulgee State Park in McRae and Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona. A new Lodge-ical rate of $79 is now available at Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville and Unicoi State Park near Helen. Guests can call 1-800-864-PARK (7275) to book their vacations with the new Lodge-ical rate.

"Our new Lodge-ical rate allows more people to take an affordable vacation in Georgia's great outdoors with the comfort of hotel-style accommodations," said Sally Winchester, marketing manager for Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. "A vacation at a state park lodge offers visitors a chance to slow down and reconnect with each other and nature in our parks' true beauty. It's a vacation unlike any other."

From waterfalls at Amicalola Falls State Park to water hazards on the championship golf courses at George T. Bagby and Little Ocmulgee state parks, the lodges offer a wide variety of recreation. Each destination offers fresh-air outings designed to help visitors disconnect from their daily routine and reconnect with the great outdoors. Experience nature-filled hiking trails by day and reflect under a canopy of stars at night. There is mountain biking for the more adventurous, leisurely boating and fishing on scenic lakes, and tennis and golf for those that enjoy a bit of competition in their vacation. Completing the sense of escape from the everyday, all lodges offer on-site dining so guests can stay right at the park.

The Lodge-ical rate applies to new reservations in a standard, double room booked for weekdays (Sunday -- Thursday). Overnight guests can start their mornings with a free continental breakfast for two (full breakfast at Unicoi) which is included in the new Lodge-ical rate. Rates are based on availability and cannot be combined or transferred with any other packages or promotions. To book the new Lodge-ical rate, guests can call 1-800-864-PARK (7275). More information on accommodations, amenities and meeting spaces at Georgia State Park Lodges can be found at www.GaLodges.com.

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Celebrate Fishing Week at Georgia State Parks

There's still time to enjoy the end of National Fishing Week in Georgia this weekend.


Kids from 3 to 103 are invited to explore Georgia’s great lakes, rivers and streams in celebration of National Fishing Week, June 6-13, at Georgia’s state parks. With more than a dozen fishing events planned in the week ahead, Georgia’s state parks offer an adventure for everyone – from children’s fishing rodeos to expert fly fishing classes.

No fishing gear? Some of Georgia’s state parks offer a fishing equipment loaner program for free. Georgians interested in angling in the parks can check out a pole, try their luck and return the equipment when finished. Check out www.GeorgiaStateParks.org for a list of participating parks.

Turn an exciting day of fishing into an overnight adventure under the stars. State park visitors can stay the night in a campsite, cottage, yurt, or hotel-style lodge. What better way to get away from computers and build memories that last a lifetime? Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275.

Free Fishing Days
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA
No license is required for this special day of free fishing. $5 parking. 706-245-6270.

Senior Citizen Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM to 12 PM
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville, GA

Ladies and gentlemen 65 and older can enjoy using their skills to bring in the largest catfish. Bring your own bait. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.

Fishing and Boating Blast
Saturday, June 13, 2009
10 AM to 6 PM
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge - McRae, GA

Kids can earn a GO Georgia Badge by participating in a canoe trip, fishing in the lake, identifying some water dwellers and being creative with some fishy crafts. Stay overnight in the park’s lodge. $5 parking. 229-868-7474.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
2nd Saturday of Month (June 13)
10 AM - 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the "Fish of Fish." Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $7 - $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA

Children 12 and younger can enjoy friendly competition to see who can catch the most or biggest fish. Meet at the Kiddie Ponds on the Cook County side of the park. Kids must bring their own tackle, but the park will furnish some bait. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Paddle and Cast at Buck Shoals State Park
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM to 12 PM
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen, GA

This is a rare opportunity to canoe and fish at Buck Shoals State Park because the park is not open to the public yet. Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided. Bring your favorite fishing gear. No live bait allowed. Register in advance. 706-878-3087.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
8 AM to 12 PM
Vogel State Park - Blairsville, GA

Join kids 12 and younger to fish our stocked trout stream. Prizes will be given to the lucky ticket holders, and families will enjoy watching children have a blast. $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is one of the top-rated state park systems in the country. With a diverse geographic topography, Georgia’s 63 state parks and historic sites offer adventures in northern mountains, midland swamplands, piedmont plains and along the beautiful Georgia coast.

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Take a Walk on Georgia’s Wild Side

Georgia has a long state park legacy…the longest in fact. From Indian Springs, thought to be the oldest state park in the nation, to F.D. Roosevelt, the state’s largest park and one that contains the former president’s favorite picnic spot, Georgia’s beautiful topography and rich history are brought together in her state parks. Discover sights like the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, remnants of ancient civilizations and Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” all while hiking, birding, canoeing, fishing, biking, golfing, horseback riding, backpacking, kayaking, swimming, playing tennis or exploring.

Strike out into thousands and thousands of acres open for public use that offer expansive and gorgeous hiking year round. Join the Canyon Climbers Club and make it your goal to scale to the top of Amicalola Falls, explore the depths of Providence Canyon, brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge and face the daunting staircase in Cloudland Canyon. Or, try your hand at a challenging backcountry trail in eight different parks. If your approach is more laid back, state parks also offer more relaxing hikes that highlight seasonal treasures. Go on one of eight guided spring wildflower walks, revealing blossoms such as wood violet, trout lily, wild azalea, showy orchis, trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit and a host of other native blooms. During autumn, Georgia’s forests ignite with intense yellows, oranges and reds for some of the best leaf watching in the Southeast. Guests can also take advantage of several parks with paved paths, making them ideal for strollers or wheelchairs.

Tired feet? Go for a ride! Roughly 530 miles of off-road mountain bike and equestrian trails zigzag through the state parks, and there are many miles of paved trails and roads available for use at parks across the state. Test your biking abilities on 68 miles of trail at 11 state parks by joining the Muddy Spokes Club. Including trails for every skill level, from the fairly easy to the strenuous, the club is a challenging and rewarding way to get out and see Georgia’s wild side. Five parks offer horseback riding trails for riders who have their own horses, and two of those feature privately operated stables where guests can rent horses for short rides or overnight excursions. Riding rings and designated camping areas for horse owners open up the possibilities and make each equestrian outing safe, fun and distinctive.

Wildlife is abundant in Georgia’s state parks, and what better way to see it than setting out with a pair of binoculars and a field guide. Both Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail and The Southern Rivers Birding Trail go straight through numerous state parks. Along these rural byways you can travel back in time and bird while walking through a longleaf pine and wiregrass community patrolled by gopher tortoises, hearing the roar of the alligator in the mysterious Georgia marshes, trekking into one of the state's precious Carolina bays, searching for warblers and thrushes among wild dogwoods and azaleas and trying to locate tiny songsters flitting in the tops of centuries-old cypress trees.

Water fun abounds throughout Georgia’s state parks, one reason why the Park Paddlers Club was launched this year. The canoe and kayak club includes six state parks with waterways ranging from tidal rivers to the celebrated Okefenokee Swamp. Earn your bragging rights and t-shirt by conquering all 22 miles at Crooked River, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Sweetwater Creek state parks. Lucky paddlers can spy bald eagles, alligators, bears, limpkins and perhaps even a manatee. Fishing is another Georgia pastime that is played out in the lakes, rivers and streams of her state parks.

Forty-one campgrounds and more than 2,486 campsites offer a vast and diverse array of camping options for every season. Or, strike out on your own and find yourself a site in the backcountry. Either way, there is camping for every outdoor enthusiast. Listen to the nighttime sounds of the marshes in South Georgia or peer up at the stars from a Blue Ridge mountaintop. Nestle by a lake for an early morning start to fishing or fall asleep to the sound of crickets on Skidaway Island. There is even a backcountry, mountaintop lodge in Georgia, the Len Foote Hike Inn, accessible only by foot over a moderate 5 mile hiking trail. Unique camping experiences are yours for the making in Georgia. Most parks also feature larger lodge or cabin style accommodations. The Lodge at Smithgall Woods, for example, is an elegant mountain retreat ranked a top 10 Culinary Country Inn by bon appétit magazine.

Georgia’s prominent golf tradition is alive and swinging at her state parks. Seven of the state’s 48 state parks feature beautifully maintained golf courses. And six of the state courses are rated four stars (“Outstanding. Plan your next vacation around it.”) or higher by Golf Digest’s annual subscriber survey, Places to Play. These courses are destinations in themselves, offering outstanding play nearly 365 days a year thanks to Georgia’s mild winters. Sprinkled from the mountains to the coastal plain, visitors can enjoy state park golf all across the Peach State. The growing sport of disc golf is also represented, with four state parks offering world-class disc golf courses.

Georgia’s state parks offer vibrant and rewarding experiences of all types for all ages. In times like these, there has never been a better way to get out and have fun without being nickeled and dimed. Whether planning a big family vacation, small friends’ getaway or intimate weekend, a Georgia state park can fit the bill. Visit www.exploregeorgia.org to plan your vacation today.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

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Georgia State Park Lodges Offer Businesses an Affordable Alternative for Meetings in Tough Times

/PRNewswire/ -- In today's challenging economic times, cutting corporate budgets doesn't have to mean giving up the annual executive golf outing or sales retreat. It just might mean rethinking the venue. Georgia State Park's seven lodges are ideal venues for meetings and corporate retreats. The modern accommodations, scenic environments and unparalleled recreational opportunities provide groups the perfect blend of business and pleasure at an affordable cost.

"Many businesses don't realize the tremendous resources our state parks offer in terms of corporate meetings, retreats and team building," said Vickie Slack, regional director of sales for Georgia State Park Lodges. "Our seven lodge facilities located throughout the state are the perfect blend of technology and nature, which is ideal for planning a relaxing and productive meeting."

Diverse Facilities & Recreational Offerings for Custom Experiences

Facilities for group meetings at Georgia State Park Lodges range from cozy lodge meeting rooms perfect for small groups of 5 to 28, to larger meeting room and convention space to accommodate up to 475 people. And, each of the lodges features wireless Internet service and the latest audiovisual equipment necessary for conducting successful meetings.

After the business of the day is done, the parks offer boundless recreational opportunities to fit every interest and fitness level. For hiking and biking enthusiasts there are miles of secluded trails with breathtaking views of mountainous peaks, waterfalls, and secluded lakes and streams. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy championship golf and fishing enthusiasts will appreciate some of the finest trout steams in the Southeast. The on-site coordinators are also available at each lodge to customize retreats to include special workshops, nature programs, entertainment and team-building exercises designed to challenge participants by taking advantage of the natural environment.

Convenient Locations and Packages Makes Planning a Breeze

Georgia State Park Lodges offer seven locations from the north Georgia mountains to secluded coastal areas; there is a lodge convenient to all major southeastern cities.

The "Breath of Fresh Air" meeting package includes overnight guest room, meeting facilities, meals (dinner upon arrival, breakfast the next morning and lunch the day of departure), morning and afternoon breaks, basic audio/visual equipment and all gratuities. Package prices range from $130 to $170 per night, based on time of year. Rates are based on single occupancy, with a 2-night minimum stay required on weekends. Taxes are applicable. This package is available at all of the lodges except The Lodge at Smithgall Woods and The Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island, due to the intimate setting of these properties.

Georgia State Park Lodges include the following:

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Georgia

Inspiration and environment go hand-in-hand at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, a 56-room mountain retreat within earshot of one the Southeast's highest waterfall. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge offers an ideal meeting facility for up to 200, along with all the unique amenities of an Appalachian location - miles of hiking trails, trout streams, and one of the seven wonders of Georgia, Amicalola Falls. The lodge features 3,074 square feet of meeting space that includes four spacious conference rooms and ballroom capabilities. For pre-function gatherings, receptions and other group activities, guests enjoy the conference lobby with its huge stone fireplace and stone verandah overlooking the mountain valley more than 1,000 feet below.

Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge, Cartersville, Georgia

Located on the shores of Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge incorporates the best of business and recreation, including hiking on 12 miles of trails, swimming, tennis, boating, fishing and interpretive programs. The 33-room lodge features four meeting rooms totaling 2,500 square feet of functional space. Additional space is also available in the two group shelters that accommodate from 100 to 250 attendees.

The Lodge at Smithgall Woods, Helen, Georgia

Nestled on 5,600 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Lodge at Smithgall Woods is the centerpiece of this upscale Georgia Heritage Preserve and executive retreat, which provides corporate and private groups extensive outdoor recreation, elegant accommodations and exquisite culinary delights. All of these amenities are offered with the rustic charm only the secluded Blue Ridge Mountains can provide. Amidst melodious songbird calls, rustling leaves and complete privacy, groups of up to 28 guests may reserve The Lodge at Smithgall Woods for exclusive-use. Exclusive-use reservations require a 10-room minimum and include accommodations, three delicious meals per day and all on-site activities.

Unicoi State Park & Lodge, Helen, Georgia

Perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains just two miles northeast of the Alpine Village of Helen, Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers groups the perfect rustic retreat to test those important team-building skills. With team building programming, guests may participate in their choice of activities designed especially for their group. The lodge features spacious meeting rooms, which accommodate 5 to 475 people. The exclusive Beach House, overlooking a 53-acre lake, offers a relaxed atmosphere for meetings and events.

George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge, Fort Gaines, Georgia

Surrounded by 700 acres of quiet forest, a 48,000-acre lake and a Willard Byrd designed, links-style golf course, George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in southwest Georgia is the perfect location for conferences, receptions and other group functions. An expanded 3,867-square-foot conference center has meeting and banquet space for up to 200 guests. The 60-room lodge also features a full-service restaurant with lake view and catering for meals and receptions.

Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, McRae, Georgia

Showcasing 1,277 acres of natural grandeur within Georgia's inland coastal region, Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge is ideal for group getaways. The 60-room lodge features a 3,867-square-foot conference center that will accommodate up to 210 people. Guests can enjoy nature's wonders as the park offers miles of hiking and nature trails, 18 holes of championship golf and a 265-acre lake.

The Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island, Georgia

The Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island is a charming 6,110-acre getaway accessible only by ferry for uniquely successful retreats. Accommodating up to 29 guests in 13 bedrooms, the mansion brims with turn-of-the-century ambiance, architecture and art. Meetings and retreats are the house specialty at The Reynolds Mansion. Groups will enjoy the ornately decorated Circus Room that features the wild animal murals of famed artist, Athos Meneboni, whose work appears throughout the house.

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Tallulah Gorge Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike November 12

T2F Note: North Georgia is the place to be right now as nature provides its annual fall show. Here's a new twist we discovered at the Georgia State Park site. Sounds like fun if you're into hiking and moonlight!

Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase of about 325 steps to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 700 steps. Register in advance. $4 parking. 706-754-7981.

Tallulah Gorge State Park
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr
P.O. Box 248
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

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