Make holiday memories with friends and family at Georgia’s State Parks. Park gates will be open on Christmas and New Years Day for you to try out your brand new hiking shoes or camera lens. (Most park offices will be closed so that staff can spend time with their families.) Georgia's State Historic Sites will be closed Christmas and New Years Day, but otherwise are open usual hours. To reserve cabins, campsites and yurts, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org/reservations. Find discounts on GaStateParks.org/specials.

All across the country, park rangers are inviting Americans to start the New Year with an energizing First Day Hike on January 1. In Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, dozens of guided treks will encourage friends and families to connect with nature -- and each other. Last year, nearly 28,000 Americans rang in the New Year, collectively hiking 66,000 miles throughout the country! Find a First Day Hike near you on GaStateParks.org.

This holiday season, when you buy gift cards for those on your list, you’ll get a little something for yourself as well. Buy $50 or more in Georgia State Park Gift Cards, and you can join one of our activity clubs for free. Choose from Canyon Climbers, Park Paddlers, Muddy Spokes and even our Fido-friendly Tails on Trails Club. These heart-pumping challenges will get you exploring Georgia throughout the next year. Gift cards can be purchased online or in park offices. Deal valid through December 24, 2017.

Plan a last-minute getaway to scenic Elijah Clark State Park on Clarks Hill Lake.  Spend days fishing or boating, then snuggle up by a toasty fire. Offer valid Sunday through Thursday until December 31. Use promo code 30%COTTAGES. Call 706-359-3458 or visit GaStateParks.org for more details. (Upcoming park events in 2018 include a Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day, Old Fashioned Easter celebration, and the Little Roy and Lizzy Music Festival in May.)

Enjoy a peaceful winter wonderland while saving on your wallet. This December and January, save 50% on most campsites (all week long) and 25% on “glamping” yurts (Sunday through Thursday).  Enjoy cozy campfires, great views and even bathhouses with hot showers. Use promo code WNTRPROMO17 when booking online or calling 1-800-864-7275. Valid at most Georgia State Parks. Excludes New Year’s Eve. Find a winter deal for your getaway.

This January, bring a friend for free to explore Georgia’s State Historic Sites. Climb to the top of an ancient Indian mound or walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers. Buy-one-get-one-free admission is good at Etowah, Camp Lawton, Wormsloe, Fort McAllister, Fort King George, Hofwyl-Broadfield, Fort Morris, Kolomoki, Little White House, Jarrell, New Echota, Vann House, Pickett’s Mill, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Liberty Hall and Traveler’s Rest. Regular adult admission ranges from $5 to $12. Valid Sunday through Thursday. Learn more at GaStateParks.org/AllHistoricSites.