A guide to Georgia state parks

If you live in Georgia or if you're just visiting the state, the state park system provides an opportunity for a great variety of family activities, or just a quiet walk in the open air. There are activities for history buffs, hikers, fishermen and just those out to enjoy a sunny afternoon with a picnic and a game of Frisbee.

Outdoor activities

Georgia's state parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, from climbing and hiking to fishing and football. Amicalola State Park Only 70 miles from Atlanta, this is one of the most popular GA state parks. An 8.5 mile trail leads to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. Another 5.5 mile trail goes to an overnight wilderness camping facility. Just a short walk can take visitors to a 729 foot waterfall. Cloudland Canyon State Park Situated 30 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, this park offers three hiking trails. The West Rim Loop Trail has been described by the Department of Natural Resources as "one of the most scenic hiking trails in the South east." Another trail, just a mile long, leads to a scenic waterfall. Crooked River State Park Located at the southern end of the state and near the ocean, Crooked River is a park that offers a little bit of everything. There are camp-sites, picnic facilities, boat launching ramps, and a nature centre. The park's nature trail winds through forest and salt marsh, and hikers may see gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs and great blue herons. Crooked River's proximity to the ocean makes it popular with boaters and anglers, who sometimes fill the launching ramps at five in the morning. Information For information on all the Georgia state parks, go to Gastateparks.org..

Historic sites

The state of Georgia's park system includes historic sites. All of the following have camp-sites and cottages. A. H. Stephens Historic Park This park, west of Augusta, has a confederate museum, and is known for its equestrian facilities. There are 12 miles of riding trails. Fort McAllister Historic Park On the banks of the Ogeechee River south of Savannah, this fort was the last holdout of the Confederacy, finally taken by General Sherman in 1864. More information For information on all Georgia State Park historic sites go to Gastateparks.org (historic)