Walton Gas customers share their picks for Georgia’s best state parks
When we asked Walton Gas customers to tell us about your favorite park, we received many recommendations.Georgia is home to nearly 50 state parks, offering visitors a diversity of landscapes and experiences. When we asked Walton Gas customers to tell us about your favorite park, we received many recommendations. Here are some of their suggestions for exploring Georgia this summer.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park • Tallulah Falls Recommended by Janet Keener, Carrollton “I have been visiting this state park for 30-plus years and still look forward to visiting it each year,” Janet wrote about the place dubbed “one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S.” Tallulah Gorge is 2 miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. During spring and fall water releases from the dam, visitors can hike gorge rim trails to glimpse “five gorgeous, breathtaking waterfalls that are barely visible other times,” Janet advised. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing more spectacular views of the river and waterfalls.
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Hard Labor Creek State Park • Rutledge Recommended by Mike Wasko, Athens Mike is a volunteer at the park which he says “has just about everything” within its 5,800 acres. The second largest park in the state system and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features a popular golf course, around 20 miles of equestrian trails and more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The park also offers a swimming beach on 270-acre Lake Rutledge, along with seasonal kayak rentals, and a boat ramp for year-round fishing and canoeing. A mini golf course plus renovated cabins and campground add to the park’s appeal.Tugaloo State Park
Tugaloo State Park • Lavonia Recommended by Jim Lacy, Atlanta “My favorite state park is Tugaloo on Lake Hartwell,” Jim said about the park alongside the 55,590-acre lake. Situated on a wooded peninsula, Tugaloo’s cottages and most campsites offer spectacular views of the lake. The park is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating.
Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain State Park • Chatsworth Recommended by Glenda Brown, Lawrenceville “I hope everyone who is starved for the great outdoors can someday visit Fort Mountain,” wrote nominator Glenda Brown. Situated near Chatsworth in the North Georgia mountains, the park’s trails attract hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Glenda says the abundance of wildlife is a favorite feature. She’s seen a bald eagle and twin fawns as well as countless wild turkeys and pheasants on past visits. “As someone from Chicago, to see all these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat was something amazing for me,” she wrote.