Amicalola State Park
(Dawsonville, GA)
Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest cascade and its overlook bridges are readily accessible at several points by car for those who can’t take the steep stairs alongside. The state park the falls has a number picnic areas and trails down the mountains that give great views especially in the colorful fall.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
(Tallulah Falls, GA)
Tallulah Gorge is a large canyon in northeast Georgia that was formed over the years by the Tallulah River. When unleashed, the river forms separate several cascades that make up Tallulah Falls, a formerly roaring waterfall that is now held back to generate electrical power. Once every few months, however, the falls are opened up for the enjoyment of the public.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
(Rising Fawn, GA)
Cloudland Canyon is the other huge canyon valley of Georgia but on the western side heading towards Tennessee. It has trails along both rims that you can easily cross over to and great views of the gorges on both sides. On the valley floor is the creek and that made the canyon (though not always flowing in dry seasons)
Moccasin Creek State Park
(Clarkesville, GA)
Moccasin Creek is actually Georgia’s smallest state park, little more than one loop of RV park with a pavilion and playground. However, it sits right at the point where Moccasin Creek become Lake Burton and is therefore quite a beautiful site with ready access to the lake along which sits beautiful huge lake houses and trees brilliant with color in the fall. Moccasin Creek State Park is also the start of the trail that goes up along the creek to Hemlock Falls
Tugaloo State Park
(Lavonia, GA)
Tugaloo State Park sits at the point that the Tugaloo River becomes Lake Hartwell, a large reservoir right on the Georgia-South Carolina border. With abundant picnic shelters, concessions, a small beach, trails, and even minigolf, it’d be a great place for a large group outing. A paddle around the confluence of the lake and river can make you feel like you’re out in open water, about seven miles roundtrip around the peninsula and back again.
Victoria Brant State Park
(Royston, GA)
Victoria Bryant is a small state park just off Interstate 85 almost all the way to the South Carolina border. Most notable for the stream that runs through it which can walk beside and drive through (at the point where you can cross the shallow spillway), it is very picturesque. There are small fishing ponds and picnic areas as well.
Unicoi State Park
(Helen, GA)
Unicoi is one of the more well-known state parks for its prime location right near the popular tourist destination of Helen,GA and for the fact that you have to pass through it when going to the popular Anna Ruby waterfall. The park management itself was recently turned over to a private company and thus it has a high-quality lodge and restaurant as well as numerous paid adventure activities like zip lining, paddleboarding, archery, and axe throwing.
