Vogel's New Visitor Center, Your State Parks Day & More

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Sweetwater Creek State Park

September 2025

Vogel State Park visitor center

Vogel State Park Opens New Visitor Center

Many generations have cherished memories of camping, hiking and swimming at historic Vogel State Park. Now a large covered porch welcomes everyone to a visitor center where they can relax and enjoy views of Lake Trahlyta. The new, 6,500-square-foot building has plenty of room for campers to check in and hikers to pick up maps. You’ll find a gift shop with souvenirs, clothing, hiking sticks and camping gear -- plus grab-and-go meals, coffee and ice cream. There’s even a lake-view event room available for rent. This mountain park is especially popular in summer and fall, so weekday visits are encouraged. Reserve your cabin or campsite today.

Shelter at James H. Floyd State Park

Planning Your Family Reunion

We know you put a lot of love into planning your family reunion, so we make it easy to find the perfect location. Georgia’s State Parks offer a variety of venues, from picnic shelters to group shelters and even well-appointed event centers like the one at Fort Yargo State Park. Everyone can stay overnight, and you’ll save money by providing your own catering or potluck picnic. Your next reunion is sure to be a big hit, complete with playgrounds, nature trails, mini-golf, fishing, kayaking, archery, geocaching and golf right inside the park. Start planning today.

Fishing

Outdoor Adventure Day

Get ready for a day filled with fishing, prizes, a snake show, archery, bird show, hiking and more. James H. Floyd State Park’s annual Outdoor Adventure Day is set for Saturday, September 27. This 561-acre park is known for its old mine entrance with small waterfall, plus great campsites, cute cottages, and two lakes for paddling. Watch a video highlighting James H. Floyd State Park in northwest Georgia, then check GaStateParks.org for accommodations still available throughout the fall “leaf watching” season. 

Volunteers

Your State Parks Day is September 27

Our biggest volunteer day of the year is Saturday, September 27. The Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites and our rangers invite you to join service projects that help take care of our most treasured places. Examples include getting Don Carter State Park ready for a fishing rodeo, invasive plant removal at Fort King George Historic Site, and trail maintenance at Laura S. Walker State Park. Chattahoochee Bend State Park will be planting flowers and removing fencing, while Hard Labor Creek has several activities, like building benches and trail improvements. Find a complete list of projects on GaStateParks.org. Your State Parks Day is in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Thanks to our Friends, parking and admission are free that day! 

September 2025 Programs

Our program theme for 2025 is “Wild Georgia," highlighting Georgia’s conservation efforts and the State Wildlife Action Plan. Find a complete list of programs on GaStateParks.org.

Morning Mill Ruin Tour – September 5, 6, 12, 19 and 26, Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs

Dog Splash and Luau – September 6, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain

From Fleece to Fabric – September 6, Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill

Birding Basics – September 7, 11, 14, 21 and 25, Crooked River State Park, St. Marys

Fungi Hike – September 7 and 13, Watson Mill Bridge State Park, Comer

Scorpion Night Hike – September 12 and 26, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge

Girl Scouts Love State Parks Days – September 13 and 14, Statewide activities such as guided hikes and outdoor safety classes.

Fun For Fido – September 19, Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Newnan

Daisy Days – September 20 and 27, Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge

Archery, Hayride and Fishing – September 20, Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia

 

Look Who's In The News

CBS Sunday Morning -- This Moment in Nature: Providence Canyon in Georgia

Fox 5 Atlanta -- Adventure awaits at James H. Floyd State Park

New Echota – Plenty of Events at New Echota

Reserve America -- 6 Georgia State Parks with Charming Cottages

Islands -- Georgia's Largest State Park Is A Mountainous Family Gem With Waterfalls, Cute Cottages, And Lake Recreation

365 Atlanta Traveler -- Your State Parks Needs You

Cruise America -- Top 25 Campgrounds

Atlanta Journal Constitution -- Soak up the last days of summer with these 5 outdoor wellness ideas

Matador Network -- Best State Parks for Hiking

Smoky Mountain Living -- Tallulah Gorge Holds One of Georgia's Natural Wonders

@ljforsyth Elijah Clark State Park

Elijah Clark State Park by @ljforsyth. (Thank you for sharing your photo!) Do you take beautiful images? We would love to see your adventures on Facebook and Instagram. Tag us #GaStateParks.