They say it’s the call of the wild, that yearning desire to escape the rush and chaos of city life and lose yourself among trees and down rivers. Georgia may be best known as a city hub of the South, but take a trip to one of its many parks and you’ll find the answer to the call is closer than you think. Find out more at gastateparks.org
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Red Top MountainFrom pioneers to pickle ballLake Allatoona is the highlight of this park’s offerings, spanning 12,000 acres. Hike on a trail or poke around the Pioneer Campground, a reconstructed 1860s homestead.> Splash around in Lake Allatoona and rest on the tree-lined sand beach. > Hop on a rented boat or go water-skiing or fishing.> Stay in a cozy lakeside yurt. Cottages, tent camping, RV and trailer sites are also available.> Play a round of golf or a game of pickle ball, a tennis, badminton and table tennis hybrid.> Special events are offered year-round, like the Iron Pour in November.> Park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking passes are $5.
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Cloudland Canyon‘Gorge’-eous views, above and belowWith its expansive view of the Sitton Gulch Creek gorge, it’s hard to believe how close Cloudland Canyon is to Chattanooga. Disappear for a while into the gorgeous vistas of our closest Georgia park. A short visit will afford you a spectacular view of the gorge cut — just a short walk from the picnic area — but stay a while to hike to the canyon floor by staircase, or scale the rim of the canyon.> Step out for the refreshing sights and sounds of lush waterfalls on a hike on Waterfalls Trail.> Get muddy and messy on a family-friendly, guided wild cave tour. > Backpack to the hemlock grove on the two-mile Backcountry Loop.> The park opens at 7 a.m. and gates close at 10 p.m. Parking is $5.
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Black Rock MountainSuch great heightsWind your way up in the Blue Ridge Mountains to Georgia’s highest state park, at 3,640 feet in altitude. Hikes atop the Blue Ridge Mountains reward you with 80-mile vistas. Choose from four hiking trails.> Make yourself at home in a cottage complete with a playground.> Black Rock Lake is popular with anglers, filled with catfish and large-mouthed bass, some weighing more than 10 pounds. > Canoes, kayaks and other small boats are permitted on the lake.> At its high altitude, Black Rock Mountain is cooler than other parks. Check before a winter visit, because the park often closes during icy weather.> Open daily March 16-Nov. 30. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is $5.
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Chattahoochee RiverAn ancient river with new excitementWay down yonder on the Chattahoochee, a national recreation area provides river access for year-round enjoyment. With 48 miles of river, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has plenty of space for river exploration. Canoes, kayaks, rafts and other small boats are allowed.Personal flotation devices are required during all activities in the water between Buford Dam and the GA 20 Bridge, and between Morgan Falls Dam and the Morgan Falls Boat Ramp.> The Chattahoochee River is perfect for fishing for trout, bass and catfish among other species.> The park is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Cost is $3 per car.> Find out more at nps.gov.