Georgia State Parks are filled with beauty. The parks are perfect for a relaxing gaze into a stunning canyon, peaceful waterfall-side picnic or a rejuvenating overnight stay – but they offer a wild side, too. Book one of these adventuresome activities at a nearby state park to catch a summertime adrenaline rush:
Explore a cave
Sitton's Cave at Cloudland Canyon is dark, muddy, wet – and a lot of fun. Enjoy a break from the summer heat in the cave's chilly, 56 degree climate on group Wild Cave Tours led by Georgia Girl Guides. Crawl through slick mud, trek through a river and scramble over rock to explore cave formations, see cave-dwelling animals and experience the magic of complete darkness.
Paddle under a meteor shower
Adventure under shooting stars, floating this guide-led paddle at Hard Labor Creek State Park. You'll see the Perseid meteor shower by water on a dark, dimly lit sky. Save on the paddle's admission fee with an overnight at the park; the paddle, usually $20 per person, is free with the rental of one cottage or two campsites.
Explore a tree canopy
Catch some adrenaline and high up views at Panola Mountain State Park while you explore the tree canopy on Tree Top Excursions. Aided by ropes and a harness, you'll master climbing basics on this introductory climb into the branches of a 100-foot Southern Red Oak.
Balance on a tightrope
Karl Wallenda made his famous, adrenaline-filled highwire walk across Tallulah Gorge in 1970. Near the now-toppled Wallenda tower, learn highlights of the history of tightrope walking and the basics of balance and tightrope walking on a slackline.
Pedal the parks
The parks aren't only for hiking! Many Georgia State Parks offer mountain biking trails, too. Pedal and grind through a set of scenic mountain biking trails in the Muddy Spokes Club. After you've completed your 11-park pedal, claim your Muddy Spokes Club shirt and earn official bragging rights for completing this 68 mile adventure.
Adventure under a full moon
Hike the full moon hikes at Tallulah Gorge and Cloudland Canyon to explore the canyons by moonlight and listen for the animals and insects that come out at night. Or explore a park by water on a full moon paddle at Don Carter State Park, Hard Labor Creek or Tallulah Gorge.
Grab an overnight adventure
The Adventure Lodges of Georgia combine a stay at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge or Unicoi State Park & Lodge with a fun, adventure-packed itinerary. Choose your own adventure from a huge list of options, including paddle board lessons, fly fishing, survivalist camp, climbing walls, zip lines, archery, guided hikes and more. Packages include park fees, lodge accommodations, guided leadership and equipment.
Click here to begin your search for the perfect summer camp.
About the Author
