When you think of Georgia, what are the first things that come to mind? The beautiful beaches at Savannah and Tybee Island? The vibrant city of Atlanta with its booming economy and diverse culture?
Maybe even the old-fashioned charm found in historic downtown Macon. With all these amazing destinations so close to home, it is no wonder why we love exploring our state’s natural beauty!
One thing that many people don’t know about Georgia is that there are 12 national parks within our borders!
These parks have lots of places to explore. You can go to mountains, rivers, forests, and more. Which one will you visit next?
1. Andersonville
Andersonville is a part of Chicago. It was named after a man who commanded a fort during the civil war. George Washington Maher made it in 1857
In 1861, after his release from prison in Richmond, Anderson was appointed commander of Union forces at Chicago. The district is bounded by Bryn Mawr Avenue on the west; Devon Avenue or Loomis Street to the north; Western or Kimball Avenues to the east; and Irving Park Road to the south.
Andersonville National Cemetery and Museum is a place that holds Union prisoners from the Civil War.
2. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2000 mile long, 6-month hike. It goes through 14 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 180 towns. It is one of the seven “crown jewels” of American hiking.
It’s a famous hiking trail in America. It is 76 miles long and starts at Springer Mountain, which is in the Chattahoochee National Forest. You can see towns like Blairsville or Clayton from preacher’s rock when you look out from the scenic overlook. There are also opportunities to explore forests on your way up North!
3. Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River is one of the most diverse natural ecosystems in Georgia. The ecosystem ranges from tidal marsh to dry land forests and includes some of the rarest plant species in existence, such as Loblolly bay trees.
This waterway has many animals like alligators, turtles, snakes, and even otters.
This is a great place for outdoor adventures. You can walk along the banks, go fishing, or spot bald eagles.
If you want to have a relaxing day on a summer day with your friends or family, then you can go to Georgia National Parks and rent boats. You can float down the river!
4. Chickamauga & Chattanooga
The Union army was left to its own devices, (at least partially) because this battle had been between two Confederate armies.
Braxton Bragg was the leader of the Confederate Army. Rosecrans led the Union Army of Tennessee. It must have been hard for those soldiers in the Union army because they were alone without help from other armies.
During the Civil War, people fought for control of Chattanooga. There were some trails that soldiers walked on and there are two visitor centers that show you what happened outside. It is fun to see what happened before going outside!
5. Cumberland Island
It is one of the most beautiful places in America Cumberland Island is a pristine paradise. It has an abundance of wildlife and vegetation, which provide many opportunities for adventure.
If you want to do things outdoors, Cumberland has many choices. You can hike and go horseback riding or take a tour of nature.
The deserted Cumberland Island is a great place to reconnect with nature. The island has many activities such as camping, biking around the island and exploring its wildlife. You can also enjoy a four-hour ferry ride from Jekyll or St Simons Islands to get there.
6. Fort Frederica
Delaware’s most historic landmark and was the first permanent settlement in Colonial America. It is a National Historic Landmark, managed by The National Park Service
The fort on St. Simons Island near Brunswick, Georgia was first founded in 1736. It sits on three acres of beachfront property and looks out over Frederica Sound.
If you like walking and exploring history, then Fort Frederica is for you! You can take a guided tour, or explore on your own. The fort was built in 1736 to protect Georgia’s colony from Spanish attacks. It is near Saint Simons Island. There are lots of fun activities there if you love adventure!
7. Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski is a national monument that sits on Cockspur Island in the Savannah River.
The fort was built in 1829 between the Union and the Confederate. It was finished in 1847, but Confederates abandoned it because they were low on resources. The fort never fell to Union forces because of its construction.
This is a place where people could live. It was also used to keep soldiers from enemy countries out of the city. The Civil War is a war that happened in the past. People can go there and stay to see birds and sunsets now.
8. Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia was signed into law on December 20th, 1980.
The park has places that come from the life of Jimmy Carter. The first place is his house. Then he had a peanut farm for some time. Finally, there is a library about him or something like that – I’m not sure what it’s called.
Jimmy Carter is one of the most important presidents in US history. His hometown, Plains Georgia has been recognized as a National Historic Park and visitors have the opportunity to experience life at Jimmy’s school, visit his farm from when he was younger, or take a tour through Rosalynn’s museum honoring their years together.
9. Kennesaw Mountain
Kennesaw Mountain is a mountain in Cobb County, Georgia. It was the site of General Sherman’s March to the Sea during the Civil War and it is now home to Kennesaw State University.
The park has a lot of hiking trails, and there are places where you can have lunch or dinner. There are two observation decks that give you views for miles.
A war took place in Atlanta, Georgia. This mountain still has scars from the battles that happened during this time of trouble for America. You can hike up to see the battlefield and learn about what it was like for people who lived through the war.
10. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
This place is in the United States and it is a national park. It’s about Martin Luther King, Jr.
The site has 3 things: Dr. King’s birth home, his burial place, and a museum that tells the story of Dr. King. The birth home is next to a church where he became a minister. The burial place was on top of a hill away from town so it would be simple and equal for everyone there. In the
You can visit a place called Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. There are lots of things for you to learn about this person in the park. One of them is that he was baptized when he was twelve years old at a church called Ebeneezer Baptist Church.
The World Peace Rose Garden is a garden that is all about the message of peace. It has roses from every country. There are also special exhibits there, too. One exhibit teaches people how to make their community better by walking across different lines when crossing intersections so they can have two different perspectives at once while also making it safer for everyone else.
11. Ocmulgee Mounds
Ocmulgee Mounds is a historic site that contains earthworks and artifacts, including pottery. The site is located in Macon County near the city of Dublin. It was occupied during both the Mississippian Period (800-1600 CE) and the early Historic period (1000-1500). Today it’s operated as an outdoor museum by the University of Georgia.
In Georgia, there are a lot of National Parks that protect American Indian sites. These include things like mounds where people lived and hunted. They built them to thank Mother Earth for food and firewood. Visitors can walk around on the trails and see drawings on stones that tell about deer hunting.
12. Trail of Tears
According to the Cherokee, they have lived in North America for more than 20 thousand years.
The Trail of Tears was a hard time for the Cherokee Nation. The United States Government wanted them to move, so they made them walk all over on foot, and many people died.
The Trail of Tears is a national park in many states. When you are visiting North-Eastern Georgia, you can visit it. There is the Cherokee Removal Camp, Museum of Major Ridge, and John Ross House. You can also do other things like camping or fishing when you visit the national parks!
I hope this post has convinced you that Georgia is a great place to live and work. We want you to have an awesome experience here in Peach State, so feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions or concerns. If you enjoy our blog posts, please subscribe for more insider information on living in Georgia!