12 Extraordinary National Parks in Georgia
Georgia is one of the most underrated states in terms of its beauty. Some of the most stunning landscapes can be found in the 12 National Parks in Georgia. These parks help to preserve the landscapes and protect some of the most iconic landmarks in the state.
As one of the thirteen original colonies, Georgia has played a pivotal role in the history of the United States. The National Park system has worked to preserve historic sites such as the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Fort Frederica, Fort Pulaski, and the Martin Luther King National Historical Park. Join us as we explore the National Parks in Georgia!
Table of Contents
National Parks in Georgia
Andersonville National Historic Site
During the Civil War, the Confederates built this prison (known as Camp Sumter) to house captured Union Soldiers. The prison was infamous for the horrendous conditions and mistreatment of inmates. The inmates suffered disease, malnutrition, overcrowding, and abuse under the hot Georgia sun. By the close of the war, nearly 13,000 men died here.
The Andersonville National Cemetery began as a burial site for the prisoners of Camp Sumter. It later became the final resting place for those who served in the US Military. In 1998, the Prisoner of War Museum opened. The museum honors the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have been Prisoners of War.
Amenities: Historic site
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, GA 31711
National Park Website for Andersonville National Historic Site
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a dream for any outdoor enthusiast. The southern tip of the train is located at Springer Mountain. From here, the trail extends 2,180+ miles north to Maine. The Georgia stretch of the trail is 78 miles long. The elevation ranges from 2,510 feet to 4,461 feet.
Amenities: Trails
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Various
National Park Website for Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Just north of Atlanta, you’ll find this impressive national recreation area. THe park covers 48 river miles and offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.
Amenities: Hiking, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing
Entrance Fee: $5/vehicle
Address: 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
National Park Website for Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
This expansive park is perfect for history buffs! When the park was established in 1895, it was the first of its kind! The park features several monuments, battlefields, and exhibits from the Civil War.
Amenities: Historic site, guided tours, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding
Entrance Fee: Free- with the exception of Point Park (Lookout Mountain Battlefield which is $10/person
Address: 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
National Park Website for Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
This iconic barrier island is almost completely untouched by civilization. The island features sugary white sand beaches, marshland, and stunning forests. It is world-known for its population of wild horses that inhabit the island.
Cumberland Island is known for being the home to important families including James Oglethorpe, the Carnegie family, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, and for being the site of JFK Jr’s wedding.
This island boats over 50 miles of trails and 18 miles of beach.
To access the island, you’ll need to take a ferry ride (about 45 minutes) from the address listed below.
This is hands down one of our favorite National Parks in Georgia!
Amenities: Historic site, hiking, biking, beach, camping,
Entrance Fee: $10/person 16 years and olver
Address: 113 St. Marys St W, St. Marys, GA 31558
National Park Website for Cumberland Island National Seashore
In 1736, Fort Frederica was established by James Oglethorpe (the same dude who founded Savannah) to protect the colony of Georgia. The Brits would control the fort and town until the armies were disbanded.
With no troops in the area, there was no reason to stay. The fortification became a ghost town and disintegrated into ruins. Fort Frederica, is all but gone, today. All that is left is a few fireplaces, building foundations, fragments of a barracks, and a part of a coquina fort. Despite this, Fort Frederica is one of our favorite hangout spots!
Amenities: Historic site, hiking, kayaking, fishing
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 6515 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
National Park Website for Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski was a key fortification during the Civil War. The fort was built by both free men and slaves. Whoever controlled the fort also controlled the entrance to the Savannah River. For 30 hours straight, the Union forces bombarded the fort with cannonballs. The Confederacy was forced to surrender and turned the fort over to the Union.
Amenities: Historic site, hiking, biking
Entrance Fee: $10/person 16 and older
Address: 101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah, GA 31410
National Park Website for Fort Pulaski National Monument
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
This park honors the life of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. The Carter administration is remembered for focusing heavily on human rights.
Carter’s former high school, Plains High School, serves as the visitor center. The site also includes his boyhood home and farm, a train depot, the Rosalynn Carter Gallery, the Carter Center, and the Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
Amenities: Historical sites
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Various
National Park Website for Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
One of the bloodiest battles during General William T. Sherman’s advance toward Atlanta occurred on this site. During the battle, soldiers completely changed the landscape of the area. They cut down trees and tore apart whatever they could to create earthworks to create barriers. There are still 8 miles worth of earthworks visible today.
Even if battlefields aren’t your thing, the site has a ton of trails that are worth the visit. This park is one of the most visited National Parks in the country!
Amenities: Historical sites, hiking, museum, tours
Entrance Fee: $5/vehicle
Address: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152
National Park Website for Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park
Located in downtown Atlanta, this park offers the opportunity to learn more about one of the most influential men in American History. The park encompasses sites that were important to MLK’s life.
Amenities: Historic sites
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 450 Auburn Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30312
National Park Website for Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Park
This park showcases 17,00 years of history ranging from the ice age, European exploration, and the Revolutionary War. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is home to a 50-foot-high Great Temple Mound and other ceremonial mounds. The mounds were constructed around the year 900 , with the Mississippians arrived. Their culture thrived here for 700 years.
Amenities: Historical sites, hiking
Entrance Fee: None
Address: 1207 Emery Hwy, Macon, GA 31217
National Park Website for Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park
While you’re exploring the south, be sure to check out the national parks in Florida.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, located in southern Georgia, is home to between 10,000 and 13,000 alligators. The swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in the United States. The dark waters make it perfect for alligators and venomous snakes like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes to camouflage.
Amenities: Historical sites, hiking, boat tour, rentals
Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle
Address: 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Rd
Waycross, Georgia 31503
National Park Website for Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Check Out National Parks in Nearby States
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
How to Visit the Parks for Free
Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter. This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person.
The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free! Learn more about these days.
If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free! Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family! Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov
Other Park Resources
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Post Updated: 3/19/2024
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