The 4 best national parks in Georgia, USA. Looking for the most amazing national parks in Georgia? You’ve come to the right place, because here I will explain everything from a packing list to accommodation.
What is a national park?
What exactly is a national park? A national park is a site of beauty, as well as being of historic and cultural significance. They usually boast stunning landscapes and have unique features that set them apart from the ordinary. A national park aims to preserve its grounds and benefit from them as well as caring for the natural environment. The ‘National park service‘ manages 423 national parks across America, in aims of conserving the ‘natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations’.
Why visit the national parks in Georgia?
Why visit the national parks in Georgia? Georgia has a wide choice of national parks, which all explore something different to one another. You will find US history, national battlefields, scenic views, mountains, trails and rivers. So, with that being said, there is something for everyone in the national parks of Georgia.
How many national parks in Georgia are there?
There are 11 national parks in Georgia, gaining nearly 7 million visitors a year to these parks alone! With this being said there is a lot of selection, so make sure to keep reading to discover the best.
The best accommodation when visiting the national parks in Georgia
Visiting the national parks in Georgia but can’t find the right accommodation? You’ve come to the right place. Here I have found the most convenient, high quality and affordable accommodations to suit your trip. Keep reading for more…
Booking.comMacon Marriott City Centre
Macon Marriot City centre is just a 35 minute walk from Ocmulgee Mounds. This accommodation is amazingly facilitated, with a pool and wellness centre on site. There is a vintage restaurant and coffee house on site, which are highly rated for their delicious south American cuisine and freshly grounded coffee, perfect for a pick me up! The hotel is in an amazing city centre location, so it’s super convenient for getting around easily. Click here to find out more.
GoodKarma Rentals Historic Marietta
GoodKarma rentals is just a 10 minute drive or half an hour walk to Kennesaw mountain. This accommodation is stunningly furnished and fully equipped with all the facilities for a perfect stay. There is an equipped kitchen, garden view and free WIFI on site. Parks fill the surrounding area, and there are plenty of restaurants to dine in, from Burger king to Come- N- get it. Click here to find out more.
Modern Cabin with Deck in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Modern Cabin is about a half an hour drive from Chattahoochee national park. It’s a charming little cabin with an eco vibe, perfectly matching its forest surroundings. The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, as well as TV and free WIFI. Embrace the natural scene by enjoying the view from the patio, and then enjoy a BBQ in the evening after a long day of visiting national parks. Click here to find out more.
Spencer House Inn
Spencer House Inn is a great accommodation just across the water from Cumberland island. This pretty accommodation is beautifully decorated and in an excellent location with St Marys river and a café nearby. All rooms have fresh flowers and a box of gourmet chocolates in the bedroom, so relax and indulge! Picnic lunches are an option the Inn provides for a day of going out to Cumberland island, which is a unique way to enjoy lunch. Click here to find out more.
Essential packing list when visiting the national parks in Georgia
Here is the essential packing list for visiting the national parks in Georgia. With this list, you’re sure to get the best out of your trip!
Insect repellent
Out in the national parks of Georgia, you may become prone to insect bites. That’s why its essential to pack a repellent for your skin. I recommend the Avon bug repellent, as it acts as a oil body spray so it keeps you skin soft as well as bite free.
Travel first aid kit
Whilst spending a lot of time in the great outdoors, you never know when you might need a plaster or some paracetamol, especially on those long hikes and trails. Stay safe with the Protect life first aid kit. It’s small and compact which is perfect for packing, whilst efficiently holding everything from bandages to eyewash.
Phone strap
There are so many sites that are worth capturing in Georgia, whether you are hiking the Appalachian or viewing Kennesaw mountain. You’re going to want your phone in quick reach, yet still in a safe place. The perfect solution is a phone strap to wear around your neck, this way you can conveniently take pictures on the go. I recommend the Takyu phone strap for its adjustability and comfort.
Power bank
A power bank is always an essential for a long day out to keep safe in case of emergency. I recommend the Miady power bank because it’s small to pack, efficient and a fast charger.
The best national parks in Georgia
The best national parks in Georgia. So here are the answers you’ve been waiting for! These national parks rank above the others for their beauty, history and unique nature.
Ocmulgee Mounds
Ocmulgee Mounds is a prehistoric American- Indian site. The site explores the lives of the indigenous people that inhabited for thousands of years and tells the tales of the land, and the people that made it so special. Across the site, there are many activities to discover. Start by taking a trip to the visitor centre to explore the museum, full with thousands of artefacts that were discovered on the site in the 1930s when it was dug up by archaeologists.
There are plenty of trails to wander through! Try the half mile McDougal trail, named after Captain Robert McDougal, who was buried along this route. However you will find plenty of other historic and beautiful trails, such as Bartram Trail where you are expected to witness deer, lizards, squirrels and chipmunks.
Before leaving, make sure to stop off at the park store to pick up a cute Ocmulgee souvenir and support the national park.
Kennesaw Mountain
Kennesaw mountain preserves a Civil war battleground. where battle was carried out on site for 13 days, ending on the 2nd of July 1864. Today it’s open for insight onto the Civil war era across nearly 3,000 acres of greenland, and definitely one of the best national parks in Georgia for its history and preservation.
Firstly, check out the Museum on site which displays lots of interesting Civil war exhibits, including the actual weaponry used for battle, the shoes the soldiers wore and the lunch bags that the soldiers would carry. Some of the pieces on exhibition are extremely rare due to the fact they have survived for such a long time period when their quality was not built for much endurance, which is pretty amazing!
Of course while you’re there you have to climb Kennesaw mountain! This is a short hike of about a mile upwards, and when you reach the top you will be submerged in the scenes of Atlanta, definitely a beautiful site!
Chattahoochee river
Chattahoochee river is one of the best national parks in Georgia for its natural scenery. The site exudes beauty, you will find yourself at peace within the grounds. The Chattahoochee river is a great place to observe nature and wildlife up close in all of its magnificence.
Many animals inhabit Chattahoochee, including over twenty species of fish and over two hundred bird species, which creates quite a choir! Down in the forests is where the larger animals lay, you may find deer, fawn and rabbits nestling in the distance.
There are many hikes to take around the site to really get to know the environment. You can pick up maps from the visitor centre to discover the best trail for you!
Cumberland island
Cumberland island is home to 9.800 acres of nature, situated in a remote part of Georgia. The only way to access it is by ferry which departs twice a day at 9 AM and 11:45 AM.
The Islands have some ranger led tours that delve into the history and culture of the island. One of these is the Plum orchard tour, which discovers an early 1900s homes rooms and legacies, delving into a whole new decade.
There are opportunities to camp on the island, but only with booked reservations. It’s a great way to stay for a longer duration and explore the great outdoors. Enjoy the sandy beaches on the shores of the island, a perfect stop for a beach picnic.
The best national parks in Georgia- further reading
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