Giant Sloth Chases Campers Through Savannah

Georgia Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 04/01/2017 07:00 AM EDT

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April 2017

Giant Sloths, Spring Break, Peregrine Falcons, Paddling Trips & Deals

Giant Sloth Chases Savannah-Area Campers

Okay, not really. (April Fools!) But Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah once really WAS roamed by giant ground sloths called Megatherium. These mammoth-sized mammals have been extinct for 11,000 years, but today’s campers can see a towering replica in the park's interpretive center. This late Pleistocene herbivore stood 20 feet tall and weighed 3 to 5 tons. We're pretty sure it ate s'mores.

Park Activities

Spring Break Ideas

Want to get the kids out of the house? Many state parks rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and bikes to get out and explore. Free Junior Ranger books can be downloaded from GaStateParks.org, and your kids can work toward earning their own badge. Geocaching combines technology with trails, sending your family on a treasure hunt. Or try disc golf, “glamping” yurts, archery classes and more. Find your spring break getaway.

Hike & Paddle at Chattahoochee Bend

Chattahoochee Bend State Park near Newnan offers guided hikes and paddles to explore “the Hooch.” Read about this couple's recent adventure on 365AtlantaFamily. Want to join park rangers on the next excursion? Make sure to call for reservations because trips sometimes sell out. The park offers other events as well. (Tent campers, check out their riverside platform sites.)

Tallulah Gorge Falcon & Dam Update

Peregrine falcons have been spotted soaring over Tallulah Gorge and rangers have confirmed at least four eggs. Visitors will need binoculars to spot the nest from a rim trail viewing area. During this time, climbing is not allowed. Additionally, dam repair has caused water releases and hikes to Sliding Rock to be postponed this spring.

Park Events

Easter Egg Hunts & Celebrations

Statewide

Several Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are hosting Easter celebrations where children can fill their baskets with goodies and work off energy on playgrounds. Shelters can be reserved for large family potlucks and barbecues.

April 8-22, 2017

Torchlight Tours of Etowah Mounds

Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville

Travel back more than 1,000 years during this guided tour of ancient Indian mounds. The torch-lit paths are a fascinating place to enjoy the setting sun and imagine life during earlier cultures. $5. 770-387-3747.

Saturday, April 8, 2017 -- 6 – 9 p.m.

Evening Pontoon Tours

Reed Bingham State Park - Adel

End your day with a relaxing tour of the park's lake and river. Look for alligators, herons and other wildlife while learning about the park's history. Enjoy how scenery changes with the setting sun. Register in advance. $8-$10 plus $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Saturdays in April, 2017 -- 6:30 p.m.

Earth Day is April 22 -- Outings & Activities

Statewide

Celebrate Earth Day with cave tours at Cloudland Canyon, crafts at Florence Marina, a wildflower walk at Don Carter, birding walk at F.D. Roosevelt, kayak tour at Fort King George, dog hike at Fort McAllister, tree climbing at Panola Mountain, nature hike at Sapelo Island and much more.

April 22, 2017

Featured Deal

Turn Memorial Day into a Weeklong Vacation

From Monday, May 29, through Thursday, June 1, you can save 40% on camping and 20% on cottages, cabins and yurts. Minimum stay is 2 nights. Excludes Moccasin Creek State Park and cannot be combined with other offers. Use promo code MEMDAYPROMO17 when making reservations online or by calling 1-800-864-7275.