181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth, Ga.

Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Distance/fuel cost: The park is about a 55-mile drive southeast of Chattanooga. Take Interstate 75 South to exit 333. Turn left and go east on Highway 52 through Chatsworth. The park is an eight-mile drive east of Chatsworth. The drive includes a winding climb into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Estimated fuel cost is about $22 for the round trip.

Admission: $3 per vehicle, but Wednesdays are free. Guided horse rides are $30 per hour. Riders may also bring their own horses for a $10 trail fee. There is a $2 trail fee for mountain bike riders.

Why it’s worth the trip: There’s an array of activities and the natural beauty of the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest. Fort Mountain features 14 miles of hiking trails, 27 miles of mountain bike trails and plenty of camping sites and cottages.

For the kids: Horseback riding, fishing, miniature golf, pedal boats and a 17-acre lake for swimming.

Cost-saving tip: Pack a picnic lunch. There are also plenty of free activities like swimming and hiking.

More information: gastateparks.org/info/fortmt

For camping reservations call (800) 864-7275. The park office number is (706) 422-1932.