In a cave at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia

In a cave at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia

4 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do at Georgia State Parks

A vacation at one of Georgia's State Parks is not only lots of fun, but it's one of the best values in the state. Of course, there's amazing hiking as well as a myriad of different camping options; however, Georgia State Parks also offers a lot of unusual activities that can add some affordable adventure to your vacation. Here are four of our favorites.

Ride the rails on the SAM Shortline

Photo courtesy of SAM Shortline
Photo courtesy of SAM Shortline

This is Georgia’s only park on wheels. The Historic SAM Shortline Railroad outside Cordele travels over lakes, through cotton fields and past the boyhood home of former President Jimmy Carter. Along the way sample a bit of life in the rural South, as well as delicious peanut butter ice cream.

See Gopher Tortoises at Reed Bingham State Park

Gopher tortoise at Reed Bingham State Park
Gopher tortoise at Reed Bingham State Park

Did you know the gopher tortoise is the state reptile of Georgia? Well it is, and the best place to see him is at Reed Bingham State Park just off I-75 near Valdosta. While you are there, plan to go camping and ask for the paddle-in campsite.

Learn archery at Panola Mountain State Park

Learn archery at Panola Mountain State Park
Learn archery at Panola Mountain State Park

About 20 minutes outside of Atlanta, Panola Mountain State Park offers archery lessons on the weekends. Bring a bow or use any of the compound bows available, after class, head to the standard or 3D ranges to test your new skills.

Explore the Underworld

Cave hike with G3 Adventures Outpost
In a cave at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Underneath North Georgia's Cloudland Canyon State Park is a whole world waiting to be explored if you're an experienced caver. Be prepared to wade through icy rivers, and get up close and personal with a few bats. Oh yeah, and get very, very muddy.

Published: March 2019
Written by: Sue Rodman
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