Things to Do at Georgia's State Parks

Learn about the nation's first major gold rush

Twenty years before the 1849 gold rush to California, thousands of gold seekers flocked into North Georgia to make their fortunes. Between 1838 and 1861, more than $6 million in gold was coined by the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega.

Watch an iron pour

Celebrate North Georgia's rich 19th century history and mining traditions while watching an iron pouring demonstration at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Canyon Climbing

Georgia's Canyon Climbers Club is for those few who brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge, scale to the top of Amicalola Falls, explore the depths of Providence Canyon, and master the staircase in Cloudland Canyon.

Ride a train

Ride the rails on the Historic SAM Shortline Excursion Train through southwest Georgia in air-conditioned 1949 vintage cars. There are fun and exciting train stops, including at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, the Telephone Museum, Americus and Plains.

Climb in the trees

At Panola Mountain State Park, you can climb into the canopy of a noble Southern Red Oak that tops out around 100 feet! Learn how to use ropes to lift yourself into the branches.

Kayak whitewater rapids

One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. The first two weekends of April and first three weekends of November are when the dam’s water release is high enough for paddlers to experience the rapids.

Climb Georgia's oldest great temple mound

Occupied by Indians from 350 to 750 A.D., the historically significant Kolomoki Mounds State Park preserves seven Indian mounds, including the 57-foot-high great temple mound.

Experience the darkest skies in Georgia

Stephen C. Foster State Park is among the best spots in the world for stargazing. The gold-tier "International Dark Sky Park" located in the Okefenokee Swamp offers exceptional views of the moon, stars, planets and comets.