Crimson reds, rustic oranges and saffron yellows mark the highly anticipated start of fall in Georgia’s State Parks. Opt outside to take in the kaleidoscopic scenery with family and friends atop overlooks, from the water via a kayak or looking up in awe of the waterfalls. Whatever adventure visitors seek, there are activities that everyone can "fall" for. Venture to Georgia’s State Parks to find out why they are a must-visit for the autumn season. For more information and to help plan a fantastic fall escape, visit GaStateParks.org.

Georgia’s State Park System is closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian and preparing to host those sheltering from the storm. Evacuees and their pets are welcome in Georgia’s State Parks, including horses at parks with equestrian facilities. All cottages and campsites will allow pets during this time, and pet fees will be waived. Campsites and cottages are available at regular rates, and “dry camping” is free during this emergency event.

Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site managers were honored recently during a statewide conference held in Savannah. Nearly 300 representatives from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and volunteers gathered for the event hosted by the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. The group spent three days learning how to best operate their sites, including historic structure maintenance, programming ideas, volunteer retainment and marketing. The conference also included an awards ceremony celebrating the efforts of those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations for Georgia’s citizens and visitors.

Five Tail-Wagging Adventures in Georgia’s State Parks
Leash up your four-legged best friend to explore Georgia’s State Parks this summer. Kickstart the adventure on a hiking trail, camp under the stars, and even join a dog-walking quest. No matter what type of adventure you seek with your pet, summer in Georgia’s State Parks guarantees a wagging good time.

Collect 59 New Badges at State Parks & Historic Sites.

Public Ceremony was at 11 a.m., May 14, 2019.

Eight Ways to Make Memories with Mom in Georgia’s State Parks

This year, spend Father’s Day enjoying the great outdoors with Dad. Georgia State Parks offer many outdoor adventures to make his day an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Daytrip to one of Georgia’s State Parks to spend time together and build memories, or make it a weekend by staying in a campsite, cabin or even “glamping” yurt. Be sure to save time for plenty of fishing, hiking, biking and boating. Give Dad a gift card for him to use later for boat rental, golf fees, historic site admission and more. Gift cards, event calendars and reservations can be found atGaStateParks.org.

After a day filled with adventure, you want a truly unique place to grab some zzzz’s. You want a place that’s fun to tell your friends about. Check out these seven suggestions for accommodations with a twist. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll wake up right in the heart state park scenery. Learn more about these unusual cabins, campsites and yurts at GaStateParks.org.

Warmer weather is upon us, just in time for geocache enthusiasts to participate in the newly updated Georgia History Trail GeoTour. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is excited to announce a fresh update to the popular tour complete with new challenges, locations and a new reward. Embark on the mystery cache GeoTour which offers geocachers of all levels a chance to travel back in time to all 19 of the historic sites locations and earn an exclusive trackable coin upon completion.

Elliot Murrer was recently promoted to Manager of Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth. He replaces Brad Ballard who was promoted to Region Manager for the park system. Murrer started his career with Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites in 2016 as an Interpretive Ranger at Fort Mountain and was promoted to Assistant Manager the same year.

Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored recently during a statewide Rangers Conference. More than 150 assistant managers, park rangers and maintenance technicians gathered at Unicoi State Park in Helen for the event. After two days of hands-on training activities, the conference ended with an awards ceremony celebrating the efforts of those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations for Georgia’s citizens and visitors.
 

Thanks to the many easily accessible Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites locations and the variety of outdoor activities suitable for all ages and skill levels, it doesn’t get much better than Spring Break in Georgia’s great outdoors. From locations listed as one of the “Top Places to Visit in the U.S.” by Buzzfeed, to parks considered to be one of the “20 Wild and Beautiful State Parks in the U.S.” by National Geographic, options are endless, affordable and allow families to check off their Georgia bucket lists. Experience the opportunities available to park goers as the weather warms up and gear up for the adventure of a lifetime.

History buffs are in for a treat with the latest Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites perk. New for 2019, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites have added online sales of Historic Sites Annual Passes. This new addition allows guests unlimited access to more than a dozen state historic sites and makes it easier for those interested in Georgia’s rich history to venture to the state’s historic landmarks year-round. They are especially useful to geocachers following the park system’s History GeoTour.

To celebrate the re-opening of Dames Ferry Campground, the public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 8 at 10 a.m. Located on Lake Juliette in Monroe County, the popular campground is operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in partnership with Georgia Power.

Fort Morris State Historic Site recently expanded its operating hours so that visitors can now tour any day of the week. The grounds are now open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and the museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Georgia’s State Parks Offer Outdoor Quests
If your New Year’s resolutions include getting fit, connecting with nature or simply getting outside more often, Georgia’s State Parks can make these goals easy to achieve. Four “Club Challenges” encourage visitors to go hiking, biking, paddling and even dog walking all across the Peach State. With no time limit on completion, members can set their own pace for the challenge. Membership to each club is $15 and includes a t-shirt to wear while exploring. Only those who finish will earn bragging rights and a certificate of completion. To learn more about the four clubs, visit GaStateParks.org/ParkClubs.

To spotlight Georgia’s fascinating past, State Historic Sites are offering free admission on Sunday, February 10. The event is part of Georgia History Festival’s statewide celebration of “Super Museum Sunday.” Visitors can see the Cherokee Nation’s first newspaper, walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers, admire FDR’s hand-controlled roadster, climb to the top of an Indian mound or explore many other locations. Find places to step into the past at GaStateParks.org/SuperMuseumSunday.

Blairsville native Brad Ballard was recently promoted to Region 4 Manager within the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites system. He will oversee operations of 17 sites in the middle/north Georgia area, including Panola Mountain, Fort Yargo, Red Top Mountain and Sweetwater Creek state parks. Region offices are located inside Hard Labor Creek State Park in Social Circle.

The new manager of Black Rock Mountain State Park considers herself to be one happy camper. In less than three years, she landed her dream job of taking care of Georgia’s highest state park. Cali Snider has been the park’s manager since this fall and is looking forward to spending her career right above Clayton.