During the pandemic, I have seen an increase number in people of color on the move to the outdoors.  Georgians have discovered the secret we’ve all known for a while.  The need to get outdoors and discover areas where they can escape the enclosure of 4 walls, amid the closeness of family members.   Even I learned I could unwind and escape to my backyard for some camping time alone.  A complete rejoicing of that feeling of jail break from the norm of what so many others are experiencing is what we all need. Connecting with others like me, is always the goals, to share and learn from others who have been doing this a lot longer than I have. 

Georgia has 63 state parks and historic sites, several of which, are really close to me like High Falls State Park, Indian Springs State Park and Panola Mountain State Park are within a 20 to 45-minute drive from McDonough. Others, like Red Top Mountain State Park and Amicalola Falls State Park are a bit farther out but still within an hour or so drive depending on where you live in the metro area.

Many offer similar activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping, boating, picnicking while others, such, like Hard Labor Creek State Park in Winder, may offer golf or lessons on tree climbing, sunset hikes or kayaking tours. Several parks, Red Top Mountain, High Falls, and Tugaloo and Sweetwater Creek offer yurts, which provides an experience I love most, “Glamping!” You get to experience the love of a tent that includes a deck, furniture, door locks, and electrical outlets.

State parks absolutely saw a jump in attendance last year. Sweetwater, in particular, is often at a capacity especially on weekends.  Thank goodness for 84,000 acres for everyone to explore outdoor activities.  As I’ve mentioned before state parks connects like-minded individuals together. There are plenty of growing outdoor clubs dedicated to hiking, camping, kayaking and fishing.  Of course, my favorites are camping and fishing. No matter what, Georgia has beautiful trees, water, fields and mountains. Simply put, we have just as many beautifully hidden gems that are completely breathtaking.  Numerous people travel from afar to view the spectacular view of our Waterfalls!    

Honestly, LET’S GO PLACES AND DO THINGS!

HIGH FALLS STATE PARK

76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, https://gastateparks.org/HighFalls,                                

Park Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m., Office 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Fees & Passes $5 parking Annual passes available.              

Park Phone: 478-993-3053, Reservations 800-864-7275

INDIAN SPRINGS STATE PARK

678 Lake Clark Rd, Flovilla, GA 30216, https://gastateparks.org/IndianSprings

Park Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m., Office 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Fees & Passes $5 parking. Annual passes available.                     

Park Phone: 770-504-2277, Reservations 800-864-7275

PANOLA MOUNTAIN

620 Georgia 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281, https://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain,

Park Hours: 7 a.m.– Sunset, Office 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Fees & Passes $5 parking. 

Annual passes available.                      

Park Phone: 770-389-7801, Reservations 800-864-7275

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, https://www.amicalolafallslodge.com,

Park Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fees & Passes $5 parking

Park Phone: 706-344-1500, Reservations 800-573-9656

Article by Yolanda J. Edwards (AKA Mz. Hooked), Georgia Chapter Guide

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