Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Walter Rabon as the new Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Rabon began his DNR career as a game warden and law enforcement major before serving as Deputy Commissioner. Additionally, Rabon named Angie Johnson as the new Director of Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. Johnson, who was previously Assistant Director, replaces Jeff Cown who has taken leadership of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division. 

Johnson has worked for DNR for 34 years, including at sites such as Amicalola Falls, Moccasin Creek, Unicoi and Dahlonega Gold Museum. She has been involved with many initiatives over the years, including operating procedures and uniform standards. She served on the Search and Rescue team for 22 years. Johnson was the 1996 Ranger of the Year, 2008 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, as well as the 2014 and 2020 Above and Beyond Awards. Please join us in congratulating both Commissioner Rabon and Director Johnson!

Fall is almost here and that means it is time once again for Georgia to show its colors. Bask in the glow of maples, sourwoods, poplars and hickories as they bid farewell to summer and prepare for cooler months ahead. We’ve put together a sampling of places to explore, plus our Leaf Watch Travel Planner is filled with fall programs, the latest photos and planning tips. Be sure to tag your favorite Instagram shots with #GaStateParks for a chance to be featured.

Good news for RV campers! A.H. Stephens State Park near Crawfordville has completed renovations and now offers 50-amp service and full hookups. The small campground is nestled under the shade of pines and includes a bathhouse with hot showers. The park offers several miles of equestrian trails, hiking trails, fishing, boating, volleyball, horseshoes, geocaching and even a Civil War museum. Upcoming programs include A Haunted Evening on October 28 and Christmas Light Weekends from November 24 through December 25.

Autumn colors seem even more vibrant when enjoyed on horseback, and your steed will appreciate cooler breezes too. Several Georgia State Parks welcome horseback riders, offering miles of equestrian trails, stalls or riding rings, and even nearby campsites. Most horse trails are loops with links to other trails, allowing you to customize your adventure. Frequent riders can save money with annual trail passes. Find equestrian facilities at A.H. Stephens, Cloudland Canyon, F.D. Roosevelt, Fort Mountain, General Coffee, Hard Labor Creek, Don Carter and Watson Mill Bridge, plus guided trail rides at F.D. Roosevelt State Park.

Our biggest volunteer event of the year is Saturday, September 23. The Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites and our rangers invite you to join us for a variety of projects that help take care of our treasured resources. Examples include painting fences at F.D. Roosevelt, clearning debris at Fort McAllister and gardening at Hard Labor Creek. It’s all in celebration of National Public Lands Day.