Welcome the cool, crisp fall air with a round of golf at some of the best golf courses in Georgia. Stay and play at eight Georgia State Parks’ courses that are offering overnight accommodations featuring two day, two night stay packages. These
bargain packages range from $58 to $180 and include accommodations in lodges, cottages or nearby hotels, as well as cart and greens fees for 18 holes per day. Want a challenge? Visit The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor State Park appropriately named as “the 4
th sweetest deal in the United States” by
Golf Digest Frugal Golfer magazine and tackle what is voted as “the hardest starting hole in Georgia.” The Lakes at Laura S. Walker State Park is also a challenging yet fun test of golf. Settle overnight at a lakeside cottage and enjoy the views of the stunning peninsula and partake in the course selected as “the 7
th best municipal course in the nation” by
GolfWeek.
Biking and hiking trails are some of the best ways to explore Georgia State Parks this fall. Bike enthusiasts are encouraged to find the challenge they seek and enjoy the beautiful scenery on an array of available biking trails. Whether biking recreationally or on a more vigorous terrain, visiting the trails at Georgia State Parks is a great way to get outdoor exercise and take in the vibrant autumn color of the leaves while quietly rolling through the scenic woods. Recreational bikers are free to roam miles of paths at Panola Mountain, Red Top Mountain, Hart, Smithgall Woods, and Victoria Bryant state parks. With dynamic grades and terrains, grab a bike and strap on a helmet to visit eight state parks that will test your talent. Fort Mountain, Tallulah George, Unicoi, Richard B. Russell, Mistletoe, Fort Yargo and Hard Labor Creek state parks are loaded with steep grades, bridges and fast berms that are designed to provide a challenge for the more experienced cyclers.
Enjoy exploring the outdoors on foot? Hikers can ease their mind and stretch their legs when visiting some of the most diverse and scenic hiking trails in the state. The challenging backcountry trails of Black Rock Mountain State Park and paved trails suitable for wheelchairs and strollers at Mistletoe State Park are available for all ages and fitness levels. Take fall fun to new heights with hiking excursions that include breathtaking waterfalls of the North Georgia Mountains at Fort Mountain State Park, Vogel State Park and Amicalola Falls. For guests who prefer to explore the trails after sunset, Tallulah George State Park even offers full moon hikes during the fall. To begin or expand hiking adventures at Georgia State Parks, join the
Canyon Climbers Club and experience some of the system’s most spectacular landscapes.
Fall at Georgia State Parks would not be complete without a little celebration to bring in the cooler weather and festive activities that await after summer. Seize the autumn day and come out to the many fall-themed events available. Harvest on the Homestead at Red Top Mountain State Park in September is perfect for families to enjoy toys and games, crafts, blacksmithing, cooking, contests, and more. Florence Marina State Park will offer a family-friendly Oktoberfest festival complete with a haunted hayride, games for kids and a costume contest, as well as the annual Silent Auction. There is something for the art lovers too— F.D. Roosevelt will host the first Little White House Craft Festival and Cloudland Canyon state parks will hold the Second Annual Arts & Crafts Festival in November.
