As part of the City of Peachtree Corners continued commitment to the expansion of the Corners Connector Trail System, the East Jones Bridge Road Multi-Use Trail Project will begin this week.

This project consists of approximately 1.65 miles of 12-foot-wide concrete multi-use trail connecting SR 141/Peachtree Parkway to Jones Bridge Park.

The project construction will begin at SR 141 and continue until completion at Jones Bridge Park.

Welcome 2022 with a First Day Hike

This New Year’s Day, join our park rangers for an inspiring First Day Hike. More than 40 guided treks let you connect with nature, friends and family. Outings range from a kid-friendly stroll through Mistletoe State Park’s campground, a three-mile hike through Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” and even a night hike at Reed Bingham State Park. (Some are even dog friendly.) Find the perfect First Day Hike for you. Want incentive to keep hiking? Join our Canyon Climbers Club quest.

Explore More in 2022

Where will your boots take you in 2022? Our newly published “Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” is available in park offices or by calling 770-389-7286. The booklet is filled with ideas for spring break, romantic retreats, weekend outings and summer vacations. Do you visit often? Save money with an Annual ParkPass ($50) that provides parking at more than 40 state parks, plus the Historic Site Pass ($25 – $50) that covers admission fees at 15 sites.

New scratch-off posters and passports let you track your travels across Georgia, from Amicalola Falls in the mountains to Wormsloe near the coast.

Prescribed Burns Benefit Ecosystems

You’ve heard “good fires prevent bad ones,” but do you know how experts plan for them? Our latest blog post examines what goes into using prescribed burns to restore and protect Georgia’s ecosystems. Experts use prescribed fires to stimulate the growth of herbaceous plants like wildflowers and grasses, which are the foundation of a healthy wildlife ecosystem. Wildflowers are crucial for pollinators like moths, butterflies and bees, and their health has impacts up to the largest animals, such as bears and deer.

George T. Bagby State Park

Good news, campers! George T. Bagby State Park in southwest Georgia is now operated by the Department of Natural Resources. To best serve guests, plans are underway to replace the lodge with traditional state park amenities such as camping. Cottages and the group shelter will be improved as well. Visit soon to enjoy a meal in the restaurant, play a round at Meadow Links Golf Course, and go fishing and boating on Lake Walter F. George. 

Upcoming Events

Meet the Farm Animals, General Coffee State Park, Douglas – Fridays and Saturdays in January
Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain – Saturdays in January
Colonial Medicine, Fort King George Historic Site, Darien – January 2, 16, 22 and 30
Archery Class, Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen – January 8 and 22
Movie Night, Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross – January 21
Living With Bears, Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen – January 22
Find more happenings on GaStateParks.org.

Look Who’s in the News

Northwest Georgia News – Georgia Parks, Historic Sites Offer Inspiring Adventures to Kick Off the New Year

Southern Living — The Best Stargazing Spots in the South

WSB TV Atlanta — White Christmas, cozy stays, holiday hikes on tap at state’s best kept secret

365 Atlanta Traveler — Gift the outdoors: Georgia State Parks Holiday Gift Guide

MSN Travel — Jaw Dropping spots to park your RV

LoveExploring.com — Your state’s most beautiful natural wonder

Holiday Happenings

Colorful lights, creative crafts and festive tours are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Celebrate by joining ranger-led programs across Georgia. Go on a sunset candy cane hunt at Tallulah Gorge, take a hayride at Magnolia Springs or whisper into Santa’s ear at Hard Labor Creek. You can even try your sleuthing skills at General Coffee’s escape room or walk through 10 acres of colorfully lit scenes at A.H. Stephens. Below are just a few choices from our event calendar, and you’ll find more on GaStateParks.org.

Hayride and S’mores, December 4, Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross
Pearl Harbor Remembrance — December 4, Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site, Warm Springs
Christmas at the Gorge — December 4, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls
Pictures with Santa — December 10, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain
Winter Constellations — December 11, Crooked River State Park, St. Marys
Winter Muster, December 11, Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
Christmas Campfire, December 17, Victoria Bryant State Park, Royston
Campfire S’mores and Stories — December 17, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge

Perfect Holiday Gifts

Georgia State parks can help you fit 39 yurts, 9 waterfalls and the Okefenokee Swamp into one little stocking. Georgia State Park gift cards can be used for a year full of adventure, including camping, boat rental, archery, outdoor gear and more. We make it easy to get your holiday shopping done on GaStateParks.org and in cheerful park gift shops. You’ll even find cozy blankets, hiking stick medallions, patches, clothing and toys as well. Happy holidays!

Mistletoe State Park

This December, plan a getaway to the park with the merriest of names. Mistletoe State Park is located on 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake, one of the top bass fishing spots in the nation. After a day of reeling them in, snuggle up in a cabin or build a toasty campfire. Most RV and tent sites offer spectacular views of both sunset and sunrise over the sparkling lake. Mistletoe is also one of the participating parks in the Georgia State Parks’ Muddy Spokes Club which challenges bikers to explore 12 trails across the state. Membership is $20 and makes a great gift for your favorite mountain biker. (Photo by @gypsydaisyxo)

Welcome the New Year with “First Day Hikes”

On New Year’s Day, park rangers across the country are inviting Americans to start 2022 with inspiring First Day Hikes. In Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, more than 40 guided treks will encourage friends and families to connect with nature and each other. Outings range from a kid-friendly stroll through Mistletoe State Park’s campground, a three-mile hike through Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” and even a night hike at Reed Bingham State Park. Find the perfect hike for you on GaStateParks.org.

2022 ParkPasses Now Available

Ready to explore more in 2022? Our Annual ParkPass covers the daily parking fee at more than 40 state parks across Georgia, including Cloudland Canyon, Elijah Clark, Amicalola Falls, Providence Canyon and Skidaway Island. ParkPasses make thoughtful stocking stuffers for friends who love to travel. The pass is $50, with discounts for seniors and disabled veterans. Bulk discounts (10 or more) are available as well – perfect for large families or corporate gifts.