It’s cold outside, but that doesn’t mean the outdoors have to be off-limits. If you’re looking for some sunlight and fresh air, Georgia’s parks are always a great option — even in the winter.
“We know being in nature is comforting, so most State Parks and Historic Sites remain open. Trails, boat ramps, fishing docks, campsites, cabins and golf courses remain open, allowing you to enjoy being outside,” according to the parks’ website. Historic site museums and trails are open to the public. State Park visitor centers are open during regular operating hours.
Depending on the chill factor and driving conditions, these eight activities form a perfect plan for enjoying Georgia’s mountains and lakes during the season of cold weather and early sunsets:
Practice archery at Panola Mountain State Park
Panola Mountain State Park (2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge) partners with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to offer an archery range and 3D archery trail. Not only is it open sunrise to sunset all year, but there’s also an option to purchase an annual pass, so you can be a fair-weather archery friend too.
Catch a sunset
Instead of lamenting how early it gets dark in the winter, rejoice that you can see the sunset and still be home for bed by eight. Use an online sunset calculator — like the one at sunrisesunset.com to pinpoint the perfect time to experience a majestic sunset from one of Georgia’s easily hike-able peaks.
Credit: Submitted by Tracy Newsome
Credit: Submitted by Tracy Newsome
If you’re a hiking newbie, consider a sunset road trip. Rabun County’s Black Rock Mountain State Park (3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City, Georgia) provides several overlooks where you can enjoy the sunset in the Blue Ridge Mountains from inside a warm vehicle.
Cozy up in a cottage
If you don’t want to roll out of bed early to drive to the Georgia mountains, how about waking up already in the park? Red Top Mountain State Park (50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth) is just one example of a state park that offers one- or two-bedroom cottages you can rent year-round.
Make s’mores
Just the thought of gathering round a campfire with this classic treat is enough to get you outdoors no matter the season. You can book a picnic shelter any time of year at Red Top Mountain State Park (50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth), for example, and they include grills just waiting for your graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars.
Chill in a yurt
In the cold months, there’s not as much competition for Georgia’s popular state park yurts. Barrow County’s Fort Yargo State Park (210 South Broad Street, Winder) and Red Top Mountain State Park are good places to rent one and have a wintry camping experience, with electricity inside, a fire ring outside and glorious scenery all around.
Credit: RCT
Credit: RCT
Have a breakfast campfire (singing optional)
Not the sweets type? Round up the gang on a wintry morning for a grill-out breakfast and a view of Lake Allatoona at those same Red Top Mountain picnic shelters.
Let a ranger be your guide
There are numerous ranger-led hikes at Georgia state parks even in the chilly months. And since they know you’ll be reluctant to leave your warm house in the winter, they make the offerings extra-special — like the Candlelight Hike to the Mill at Sweetwater Creek State Park (1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs).
Rollerblade
Forget the ice skates. Several parks, including Panola Mountain, have paved trails ideal for rollerblading. You’ll still get the Georgia mountain vibe, too, since the park includes a 100-acre granite outcrop that’s like a mini-Stone Mountain with its own intriguing ecosystem.
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