Explore More in 2023

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January 2023

Black Rock Mountain sunrise

Resolve to Explore More in 2023

Cloudland Canyon by we.married.adventure

What lies ahead in the new year? Do you want more adventure, like learning to kayak? Dreaming of more days with a fishing pole in hand? Is a certain trail on your bucket list? Our newly published “Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites,” available in park offices, can help you meet those New Year’s Resolutions. Join our quests, like the Canyon Climbers Club, for a little extra incentive. Do you visit often? Save money with annual passes, or pick up passports that let you track your travels. (Photo @we.married.adventure)

Winter Escapes on Lake Seminole

Seminole

Mild weather and great crappie fishing are perfect reasons to visit Seminole State Park in winter. Four of the park’s cottages have been completely renovated and set to open in January. Enjoy morning coffee and lake views from your screened porch, then snuggle up by the fireplace in the evening. Birders can keep an eye out for bald eagles, limpkins and osprey, while hikers sometimes spot gopher tortoises and deer. This park sits on 37,500-acre Lake Seminole in southwest Georgia, and campground renovations are planned for the near future.

Atlanta Camping & RV Show -- January 27-30

Camper at F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Campers, come see us at the Atlanta Camping and RV Show at the Atlanta Expo Center South in Jonesboro. Tour the latest models of your dream home on wheels and pick up the hot-off-the-presses "2023 Guide to Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites." Our team will be happy to answer questions about Georgia State Park campgrounds, scenery, fishing, hiking trails and ranger programs. See you there, from January 27 to 30!

Welcome the New Year with “First Day Hikes”

first day hike sticker

On New Year’s Day, park rangers across the country are inviting Americans to start 2023 with inspiring First Day Hikes. In Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, more than 40 guided treks will encourage friends and families to connect with nature and each other. Outings range from short strolls to all-day adventures. Find the perfect hike for you on GaStateParks.org.

January 5 is National Bird Day

heron

Each year, our rangers pick a theme to spotlight in programs, and 2023’s theme is “Birds, Bats and Pollinators.” All across the state, you can join evening bat walks, backyard bird counts, pollinator habitat restoration projects and butterfly hikes. You’ll learn the importance of pollination for our food, migration patterns and much more. Take a moment on January 5, National Bird Day, to appreciate the beauty that feathered friends bring to our lives, and check GaStateParks.org for ranger-led programs near you.

January Programs & Events

Our program theme for 2023 is “Birds, Bats and Pollinators,” and our calendar is filled with activities celebrating creatures that take flight. Find butterfly walks, birding excursions, habitat projects and more happenings on GaStateParks.org.
National Bird Day Walk – January 5, Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Cartersville
Toddler Tuesday – January 10, Fort Yargo State Park, Winder
Intro to Archery – January 15, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge
Sunset Mountain Hike – January 14, Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge
Chunanee Falls Hike – January 14, Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen
Birding with Buddies Hike – January 14, Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia
Winter Encampment – January 21, Fort King George Historic Site, Darien
Backyard Birding – January 21, High Falls State Park, Jackson
Window Birding – January 22, Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs

Look Who's In The News

The Washington Post -- All-terrain wheelchairs arrive at U.S. parks: 'This is life-changing'

CNN -- ‘A whole new world’: Georgia debuts all-terrain wheelchairs at its state parks

USA Today -- Georgia State Parks introduce all-terrain wheelchairs for visitors to use for free

The Douglas Sentinel -- Sweetwater Creek, other state parks get all-terrain track chairs

WMAZ TV Macon -- Well at Indian Springs State Park closes after dome covering smashed

USA Today Go Escape Magazine -- Doggone Destinations

The Savvy Mama Lifestyle -- Blairsville Georgia With Kids: 9 Thrilling Things To Do

Southern Travel + Lifestyles -- Best Georgia Getaways (Dahlonega Gold Museum)

Gwinnett Citizen -- Give the gift of experiences inspired by nature and history from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Monroe Local -- 2022 Holiday Gift Guide from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

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