5 National & State Parks In Georgia You Have To Visit

From the lengthy Atlantic coastline to its lush, mountainous interior, Georgia is a beautiful and varied place in terms of its natural draws. Within the Peach Tree State, there are numerous state and national parks, both big and small, open for you to explore today. This article takes a deeper look at five of these destinations, whether you're looking for a campsite, a mountain to climb, a trail to hike, or simply a nice place to take some photos for your Instagram page!

Providence Canyon State Park

Often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon State Park showcases a powerful example of erosion and its impact over time on the landscape. Located in Stewart County, the park covers a little over 1,100 acres, with gullies that drop as deep as 150 feet.

These colorful formations were not shaped by natural geological forces alone, however, but were accelerated by poor farming practices during the 1800s. The result is a network of eye-catching, steep ravines with exposed layers of red, purple, pink, and orange soil, creating one of the most unique geological sites in the southern United States.

You can explore several trails in and around the area, including the 2.5-mile Canyon Loop Trail, which circles nine of the park’s canyons. For longer treks, the 7-mile Backcountry Trail provides access to lesser-visited spots and even offers primitive campsites for overnight stays. The park also features an outdoor museum detailing the region’s history, including abandoned farmhouses and rusted vehicles from early settlements.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Spanning more than 353,000 acres near the Florida border, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge preserves one of the largest intact freshwater wetlands in North America. This vast swampland hosts a mix of cypress forests, peat bogs, prairies, and more, providing critical habitat for hundreds of species. In fact, alligators, sandhill cranes, black bears, and over 200 species of birds thrive here, easily making the refuge one of the state’s most important ecological sites.

You are able to experience the swamp by water or land. Canoe and kayak trails wind through dark, reflective waterways bordered by towering cypress trees covered in Spanish moss. For those who prefer hiking, several boardwalks and trails allow access into the wetlands without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. The most popular is the Chesser Island Boardwalk, a three-quarter-mile path leading to an observation tower overlooking the swamp.

This refuge also protects some significant cultural history for the region. Native American tribes once inhabited the area, and later, European/American settlers built homesteads along the swamp’s edge, with some sites still intact for your viewing pleasure.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park, located deep in northeast Georgia, is centered around a dramatic canyon carved by the Tallulah River. The gorge stretches nearly two miles long and plunges up to 1,000 feet deep, ranking among the most impressive natural features in the state. Its six waterfalls, collectively known as Tallulah Falls, descend through the gorge and create both a scenic and geological landmark, one that is particularly beautiful in the fall season.

The park is fairly well-developed, as it provides multiple easy-to-access ways to view this gorgeous landscape. For example, a suspension bridge spans 80 feet above the river, offering a close perspective of the cliffs and water below. Furthermore, various rim trails provide breathtaking overlooks, while a challenging permit-only trek allows hikers to descend into the gorge floor for a more rugged experience. Rock climbing is also permitted in designated areas, drawing climbers to the steep granite walls that can be found here.

Interestingly, in 1970, the gorge became the site of Karl Wallenda’s famous tightrope walk, giving it a touch of cultural fame on top of all the other things it has to offer.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Situated on the western edge of the famed Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park features some of Georgia's most rugged and wild terrain. The canyon itself goes more than 1,000 feet deep in places and is cut by Sitton Gulch Creek, which meanders through the region's lofty sandstone and limestone cliffs. Moreover, the park covers nearly 3,500 acres, encompassing dense forests, caves, and waterfalls, with extensive hiking routes woven all throughout.

Trails here range from short overlooks to demanding treks. The Waterfalls Trail leads you down steep steps to Cherokee and Hemlock Falls, while the Sitton’s Gulch Trail follows the creek through the canyon floor. If you're after more expansive views, however, the West Rim Loop Trail is a five-mile circuit passing along bluffs with numerous vistas. The park is also a popular spot for caving, mountain biking, and overnight stays, with yurts or backcountry campsites available to book.

Cloudland Canyon's ecological significance is another standout feature, with its mix of Appalachian and Cumberland Plateau geography supporting a variety of plant and animal life. Its pristine woodlands bring wonderful seasonal changes, from wildflowers in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn, making it a true year-round destination for all.

Skidaway Island State Park

Conveniently located near Savannah, Skidaway Island State Park protects part of Georgia’s Atlantic coast, where maritime forests meet tidal creeks and salty marshes. The park covers a relatively small 588 acres but allows visitors to get close to the Skidaway River and Wassaw Sound, important habitats for shorebirds, fiddler crabs, and other coastal species.

Trails here wind through live oaks draped in mosses, pine flatwoods, and boardwalks over marshes, giving you an easy introduction to the region’s ecology. The park’s six miles of trails include the Sandpiper Trail Loop, a short route with observation platforms for birdwatching, and the Big Ferry Trail, which passes Civil War earthworks and remnants of early island settlements.

An interpretive center will provide you with more information on this oceanside environment. It has many displays on local wildlife, including a preserved giant sloth skeleton discovered in the area.

Skidaway Island also functions as a convenient base for exploring the broader coastal region, boasting a collection of campsites, RV facilities, and picnic areas within a short drive of Savannah’s iconic historic district.

Explore Georgia's Parks This Year

There is still plenty of time to travel in and around Georgia's many parks, whether you want to go on a pleasant summer hike, a scenic drive during fall, or a quieter outing as the temperature drops later in the year. From the historic coast to the Appalachians in the interior, your options are endless and diverse, ensuring this southern state's position as a top-tier spot for nature lovers of all kinds.