Leaf Watching, Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day Golf

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Victoria Bryant campsite

November 2020

Late-Season Leaf Watching

Kayaking George L. Smith State Park

It’s not too late to enjoy leaf watching when you seek out middle Georgia’s hidden gems. In late autumn, the cypress needles at George L. Smith State Park turn deep orange and reflect off the dark mill-pond water. Close to Atlanta, High Falls and Hard Labor Creek state parks still have some turning leaves, and F.D. Roosevelt State Park is a good choice for long-distance hikers. For the most solitude on trails, visit these “Hidden Gems” during late autumn, and use our Leaf Watch Travel Planner to find more escapes.

Explore Crooked River State Park

Crooked River

On the southern tip of Georgia’s Colonial Coast sits the perfect park for exploring salt marsh, a tidal river and maritime forest. At Crooked River State Park in St. Marys, guests can stay in campsites under Spanish moss or cottages with sunrise views. A boat ramp and bait shop are available for anglers who often take to the water early in the morning. Take a stroll on the nature trail to look for gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, herons and sometimes even alligators.

Free Veterans Day Golf in State Parks

gordonia golf

To say thank you to our men and women of service, we’re inviting all military to a day of free golf. On Wednesday, November 11, military can play 18 holes for no charge at eight beautiful courses across the state. Golfers must call ahead for tee times, mention this discount and show proof of service. This deal is valid for all U.S. veterans, active duty, reserve military and National Guard with valid military ID. Find details and more deals on GaStateParks.org/Specials.

Native American Heritage Month

Kolomoki Mounds

November is Native American Heritage Month, so we invite you to celebrate the culture of native people. More than 1,000 years ago, vibrant civilizations thrived across the Southeast. Their earthen mounds and legacy remain at Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville and Kolomoki Mounds State Park in Blakely. Later, in the early 1800s, the Cherokee Nation established its central government in north Georgia. New Echota Historic Site near Calhoun showcases this capital through original and reconstructed buildings, and nearby Chief Vann House Historic Site features a stunning 1804 home.

Gift Cards Available Online

Gift Card

We’ll help you stuff mountains, lakes and cabins into one little stocking. With our online gift cards, you can do your holiday shopping from home while also sharing wide open spaces with those you love. Georgia State Park gift cards can be used for camping, cabins, historic site admission, golf green fees, gift shop items and dozens of other treats.

Look Who's In the News

USA Today 10Best -- Vogel State Park Named Best for RV Travelers

Georgia Outdoor News -- 111-Pound Blue Catfish Shatters Georgia State Record

ToGoRV.com -- The Best RV Parks for Fall Travel

North Georgia Living -- Day Tripping in Franklin County

Atlanta Journal Constitution -- Best Social Distancing Destinations in Georgia

North Georgia Living -- Fall Color Travel Planner

Global Grasshopper -- The Top 16 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Georgia