As we begin coming out of our seasonal hibernation, that initial case of spring fever is often intoxicating. A symptom can be an unrelenting itch to hit the great outdoors. So here are just a few go-and-do suggestions as we bounce into spring.
TREETOP QUEST
While some connect with nature by enjoying a hike among the timber, others take things to the next level, literally. Guests at Treetop Quest, located in the dense forest adjacent to the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, get as high as 55 feet above the ground while exploring this adventure obstacle course. It’s made up of suspension bridges, zip lines, swing ropes and more. Before taking to the trees, participants get a crash course on safety and equipment operation, which includes a practice session. Everyone gets wrapped up in a double sling-style harness with a carabiner and pulley, which allows for soaring through the air on zip-line crossings and flying foxes. The tinier tree climbers slip on helmets, and all forest explorers are given gloves to combat potential callouses. The self-guided adventure begins, and visitors can spend the next two and a half hours exploring their respective age appropriate courses as many times as they’d like. Six courses snake through the woods. The lower Chick’ Pea course is designed for ages 4 to 6, and the continuous belay system keeps them extra safe. Older folks can experience the other five levels, and the height and difficulty increase with each. Zip line lovers ages 7 and older can gravitate to Level 3, known as Fly Through the Trees. The highest, most advanced course is Your Place in the Sun, which requires a bit of athleticism for those 12 and older.
10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. April 8-12 , and Saturdays and Sundays in April. Last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Hours change seasonally; call or check website for more information. $22 ages 4-6; $32 ages 7-11; $42 ages 12-17 and students; $49 ages 18 and older. Treetop Quest, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford. 770-904-3500.
PANOLA MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
This somewhat hidden gem offers activities and a communion with nature about 15 minutes from Atlanta. Fishing fanatics can cast lines in Alexander Lake. Others take advantage of the paved trail by running, biking, roller blading or simply walking the family dog. Some prefer the forested fitness trails for running and hiking. Keep an eye out for special events and classes. Those happening soon include Panola Unlimited (9 a.m. April 13; $10), which finds visitors joining a park ranger for a half-day hike through the conservation area where you’ll see plants that only grow on granite. Adults and fans of “The Hunger Games” or “Brave” might appreciate the Basic Archery classes (3 p.m. April 13 and 20; $10 each lesson), which takes place on the park’s new archery range. A certified instructor joins the group, made up of those age 9 and older, and equipment is provided. The Full Moon Night Hike (7:30 p.m. April 20; $7) allows hikers the opportunity to see the park’s nocturnal wildlife. Check the website for many more outdoor opportunities.
7 a.m.-dusk daily. $5 parking. Panola Mountain State Park, 2600 Highway 155 S.W., Stockbridge. 770-389-7801.
EARTH DAY KIDS FEST
Families can experience the outdoors and learn more about it as Chatthoochee Nature Center hosts this celebration. Those who ride their bikes from home get free admission. Kids rub elbows with environmental superhero Captain Planet, and get a live slice of popular family band Laughing Pizza. Both kids and adults can bone up on their environmental knowledge by visiting interactive booths and exhibits. Naturalists show off some of the center’s resident animals. Guests are invited to hop in a canoe and paddle their way around the center’s Beaver Pond. Adults can regularly explore the lush grounds by taking a guided hike along one of the center’s six woodland and wetland hiking trials. A Chattahoochee Nature Center docent helps point out the plant and animal life along the way. The hikes are included with center admission and take place at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through May. The trail hike schedule changes to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays June through August. The center’s river canoe trips, for ages 6 and older, begin in May. A center naturalist takes paddlers on an ecologically-themed trip along the Chattahoochee River (6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in May, June, July and August; $30; $25 members).
10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 13. $10; $7 ages 13-18, ages 65 and older; $6 ages 3-12; free ages 2 and younger. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055.
