Georgia is blessed with an abundance of top-notch state parks, each with its own unique draw. Nature enthusiasts can explore everything from lush forests to stunning waterfalls and serene rivers and lakes, making Georgia state parks ideal destinations for hiking, camping and exploring the natural world.
In the spirit of spending summer outside, we’ve put together a guide to family-friendly, low-cost, or free events happening at Georgia state parks within just a few hours of Peachtree Corners.
Explore caves, try kayaking or let out your inner astronomer. There is something for everyone on our list.
1. Guided Waterfall Hike
Tuesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 9
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville, GA
Join a park naturalist on a 1.5-mile round-trip hike to the waterfall on the Appalachian Approach trail. Along the way, you will learn local human history and natural history, discover flora and fauna, and come face-to-face with thundering Amicalola Falls. Register in Advance. $12 plus $5 parking. 706-344-1515.
2. Sitton’s Cave Adventures
Saturday, June 8
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
These 2 to 2.5-hour-long Ranger-led programs will take you crawling in the mud, scrambling over rocks, encountering strange creatures and (possibly) wading through a subterranean stream as you explore the fascinating world underground. $45 per person plus $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
3. Campfire Shenanigans
Fridays, June 14 through Aug. 30
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA
Spend time with park rangers for an evening of songs, skits and more. Meet at the campground by the picnic shelter beside Comfort Station 3. Enjoy a wonderful evening of delightful fun and s’mores. Some chairs are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring bug spray. $5 parking. 770-975-4226.
4. Beginners Kayaking
Friday, June 14
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
This intro to kayaking course is limited to a small number of students at a time. The course starts with the absolute basics and works its way up from there. Ages 10 and over. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunglasses and a hat. Admission is $40 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
5. From Slavery to Freedom in Middle Georgia
Sunday, June 16
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
How did the African community live during enslavement in Georgia up to the Civil War, and how did life change in the decades after June 19, 1865, when slavery ended in the United States? Join this walking tour to learn about the people who lived in middle Georgia before the war and stayed after to seek a new beginning. Reservations required. $4.50 to $7.00 fees. 478-986-5172.
6. Reptile Reception: Come Meet the Snakes
Sunday, June 16
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
Meet the Corn Snake and Western Hognose, who will be serving the public as ambassador animals. This hands-on learning opportunity explores the difference between native and non-native species, arboreal traits and fossorial traits and everything else there is to know about our hognose and corn snake. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
7. Junior Ranger Camp
Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21
Every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
This camp is for kids ages 5 to 8 years of age. Campers will learn about nature and participate in outdoor activities. Send your child with lunch and a water bottle. Snacks will be provided. Meet at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. Please call and sign up in advance as space is limited. $250 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
8. Birds of Prey
Saturday, July 6
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville, GA
Join Blue Ridge Raptors to meet several amazing Birds of Prey up close and learn how to help wild raptors! Come early to chat with raptor specialists. Programs are held in our Visitor Center’s Arch Room. $5 parking. 706-344-1515.
9. Tales of Scales Junior Ranger Camp
Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12
Every day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
This camp is for ages 8 – 11. This camp is a collaboration with Smithgall Woods State Park, Hardman Farm State Historic Site & Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area. Campers will spend one day at Anna Ruby Falls, two days at Smithgall Woods and two days at Hardman Farm. Children will need appropriate outdoor clothing, closed-toe shoes and their own lunch. $150 fee. 706-878-3087.
10. Iconic Trees of Amicalola Falls
Saturday, Jul 13
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville, GA
Join volunteer naturalists to learn how to use a tree ID guidebook and scientific sketches to identify amazing trees at Amicalola Falls. This walk will take place at the Lodge Loop Trail, which overlooks the mountain range that surrounds the Lodge. Meet in the lodge lobby. $5 parking. 706-344-1515.
11. Harvest Festival
Saturday, July 20
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hardman Farm Historic Site – Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Governor Hardman grew several acres of corn to feed his livestock. The UGA White County Extension and Hardman Farm have grown a field of pesticide free corn. Harvest your own corn and enjoy music, participate in a sweet-corn taste test, play old-fashioned games, pet farm animals and more. $8 tickets. Children 5 and under are free. 706-878-1077.
12. Full Moon Hike
Saturday, July 20
9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Hike to the suspension bridge and watch the moon rise above the gorge. Meet at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. Please call and sign up in advance, as space is limited. Plan to pay with cash as the gift shop will be closed at this time. $10 per person plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
13. Fundamentals of Plant Identification
Saturday, July 27
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville, GA
Explore the Biodiversity of Amicalola Falls with a short introduction to the iNaturalist forestry Identification app, followed by a walk around our visitor center to identify surrounding flora/fauna. This virtual app allows for quick identification and education on native flora and fauna that can be found in the park. $5 parking. 706-344-1515.
14. Sunflowers & Selfies
Saturday, Aug. 3
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
A much-awaited annual event, Sunflowers & Selfies, promises to deliver on a family-fun day of hayrides, games, photo ops, a native plant sale and a blooming field of sunflowers. Learn about the park from knowledgeable guides as you enjoy the beauty of Smithgall on a hayride or at your own pace. $5 admission plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
15. Perseid Shooting Star Party 2024
Saturday, Aug. 10 to Sunday, Aug. 11
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
View the best meteor shower of the year. Come to the beach to enjoy astronomer talks, music, concessions and meteor viewing. A limited number of telescopes are available to view the night sky at no charge. Flashlight use must be kept to a minimum. Red lights are preferred. Tickets are available to purchase ahead of time after July 10, or they are $3 per person, cash only at the door. Kids five and under are free. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Learn more about Georgia state parks at gastateparks.org.
