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Highlighting State Parks near Metro Atlanta

by

Anne Jiles

Georgias many state parks offer visitors lots of fun activities. Take a hike, ride a bike, swim or fish in a lake, pack a picnic, or play a round of golf. The three state parks in the metro Atlanta area provide visitors the opportunity to plan a family gathering, enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, and improve their health and fitness with a little exercise.

Panola Mountain State Park was created to protect a granite outcrop that is a smaller version of Stone Mountain. This popular park on Atlantas south side has two lakes, picnic areas, a nature trail, and a fitness trail. Fishing is allowed in the lakes, and boat rentals are available. Rangers lead hikes to the top of the mountain Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations are required. This is a restricted access area because of the mountains rare plants and unusual ecological features. Panola Mountain State Park is located on Highway 155 in Stockbridge, Georgia. Park hours are 7am to dusk. A $5 parking fee is charged.

Sweetwater State Park is located on the west side of Atlanta. Sweetwater Creek is a tributary of the Chattahoochee River. The creek is a gentle stream much of the time, but the cascades can become class IV rapids after a heavy rain. The park has nine miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, a fishing lake, and boat rentals. The ruins of an historic cotton mill are preserved within the park. The New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a five story brick building, was constructed in 1849. During the Civil War the company produced cloth that was used to make Confederate tents. Union cavalry forces burned the mill in 1964, and it was never rebuilt. A trail that leads along a high bluff overlooking the creek affords scenic views of the creek and the ruins. Sweetwater Creek State Park is located at 1750 Mt. Vernon Road in Lithia Springs. Park hours are 7am-10pm daily. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

Red Top Mountain State Park is located on Lake Allatoona, in the northern suburbs of the metro area. Boating, swimming, and fishing on scenic Lake Allatoona make this one of the states most popular parks. The park has two boat ramps, a fully stocked marina, and a seasonal swimming beach. There are more than twelve miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The parks other amenities include picnic areas, tennis courts, and miniature golf. Weekend visitors can tour the reconstructed 19th century homestead. Red Top Mountain State Park is located off I-75 at Exit 285 in Cartersville, Georgia. The park is open from 7am-10pm. A $5 parking fee is charged.

Anne Jiles is the Director of Sales of the Hampton Inn

Morrow hotel

in Atlanta-Southlake. Located in the heart of Morrow, the hotel is just across from Southlake Mall and 18 miles from downtown Atlanta. This property offers a full range of services and amenities to make your stay exceptional. For more information visit: http://www.HAMPTONINNSOUTHLAKE.COM

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