After many road trips to Atlanta to hang out at some of the best velvet lounges, cigar bars and the South’s go to for urban beats, word on the street is that Atlanta is more than a hot stop for the nightlife. For years, Atlanta residents have enjoyed the spoils of outdoor recreation Here’s a look into some of metro Atlanta’s adventure hot spots and others that are worth the road trip.

ETOWAH INDIAN MOUNDS HISTORIC SITE

813 Indian Mounds Rd., S.W.
Cartersville, GA 30120

Home to several thousand Native Americans between 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D., this 54-acre site contains six earthen mounds, a plaza, village area, borrow pits and defensive ditch. This is the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeastern United States. While only nine percent of this site has been excavated, examination at Mound C and surrounding artifacts revealed much about the people who lived here more than 500 years ago. The Etowah Indian Mounds symbolize a society rich in ritual. Towering over the community, the 63-foot flat-topped earthen knoll was used as a platform for the home of the priest-chief. In another mound, nobility were buried in elaborate costumes accompanied by items they would need in their after-lives. Today, visitors may tour the museum where exhibits interpret daily life in the once self-sufficient community. Many artifacts show how the natives of this political and religious center decorated themselves with shell beads, tattoos, paint, complicated hairdos, feathers and copper ear ornaments. Well-preserved stone effigies and objects made of wood, sea shells and stone are also displayed.

Admission: $2.50–$4. Group rates available with advance notice. Bus parking available.

Facilities: 6 Earthen Mounds, Museum, Gift Shop, 20 Picnic Tables, Riverside Benches, Bus Parking

Directions: Located 5 miles southwest of I-75 exit #288. Follow brown directional signs.

Information: Park (770) 387-3747

PANOLA MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

2600 Ga. Hwy. 155, SW
Stockbridge , GA 30281

This unusual park near Atlanta was created to protect a 100-acre granite monadnock (mountain) often compared to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Minimally developed, Panola Mountain shelters rare plants of the Piedmont region. Hikers may explore the park’s watershed and granite outcrop on their own, or they may join park staff for guided hikes onto the restricted-access mountain. Children especially enjoy the interpretive center with animal exhibits. Due to its delicate ecological features, Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark, and pets are not allowed on most trails. Bicycles are allowed only on the paved PATH trail.

Key Activities: Hiking, Bicycling and Jogging (access to 12-mile, paved Rockdale River and Arabia Mountain PATH Trail), Birding, Fishing – free permit required, Picnicking, Interpretive Programs

Facilities: 1,026 Acres, 4 Picnic Shelters ($60), Conference Room (seats 50, $150) Interpretive Center, Playground, 2 Fishing Lakes

Directions: Located 18 miles southeast of Atlanta on Ga. Hwy. 155 via 120 exit #68.

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Park (770) 389-7801

PICKETT’S MILL BATTLEFIELD HISTORIC SITE

4432 Mt. Tabor Church Road
Dallas, GA 30157

Pickett’s Mill is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Visitors can travel roads used by Federal and Confederate troops, see earthworks constructed by these men, and walk through the same ravine where hundreds died. On May 27, 1864, the Federal Army, having been stopped in its advance on Atlanta two days earlier by the Battle of New Hope Church, attempted to outflank the Confederate position. Some 14,000 Federal troops were selected for the task, and General Howard was given command. After a five-hour march, Howard’s force reached the vicinity of Pickett’s Mill and prepared to attack. Waiting were 10,000 Confederate troops under the command of General Cleburne. The Federal assault began at 5 p.m. and continued into the night. Daybreak found the Confederates still in possession of the field. The Federals had lost 1,600 men compared to the Confederate loss of 500. The Confederate victory resulted in a one-week delay of the Federal advance on Atlanta.

Admission: $3 adult; $2.50 senior; $1.75 child (6-18) Children under 6 are free. Group rates are available with advance notice. Rates are subject to change.

Facilities: 765 Acres, Group Shelter (seats 175, $125), Picnic Tables, Visitor Center – film, artifacts and exhibits, Hiking – 4 miles of trails, Earthworks, Bus Parking

Directions: Located 5 miles northeast of Dallas off Ga. Hwy. 381 on Tabor Church Rd., accessed by Dallas-Acworth Rd. or Due West Rd. If using I-20, take Exit #44 (Thornton Road).

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Park (770) 443-7850

RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK & LODGE

Red Top Mountain

50 Lodge Rd SE
Cartersville, GA 30121

This popular park on 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona is ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent from Park Marine. Twelve miles of hiking trails wind through the park, providing opportunities for exercise and to explore a reconstructed 1860s log cabin (open and staffed on Saturdays). The park’s lodge, restaurant and meeting facilities make Red Top a great getaway for family reunions and business groups. A 3/4-mile paved trail behind the restaurant is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Named for the soil’s rich red color caused by high iron-ore content, Red Top Mountain was once an important mining area for iron.

Key Activities: Hiking/Biking (12.5 miles of wooded trails), Biking (Rigorous 4-mile Iron Trail), Fishing, Boating and Skiing – marina, 2 ramps, 2 docks, Picnicking, Swimming, Interpretive Programs, Miniature Golf

Facilities: 1,562 Acres, 92 Tent, Trailer, RV Sites ($20-$24), Yurt ($40), 18 Cottages ($95-$124), Cottages #17 and #18 are dog friendly cottages, 33-Room ($65-$125) Lodge & Conference Center (Wireless Internet Service), 7 Picnic Shelters ($40), 2 Group Shelters (seat 100 and 250, $160-220), Pioneer Campground ($25 and up), Meeting Facilities, Restaurant, Swimming Beach (seasonal), Swimming Pool (lodge and cottage guests only), Tennis Court, Boat Ramps Closed Due to Drought

Directions: Located 45 minutes north of Atlanta near Cartersville, 1.5 miles east of I-75 exit #285

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Lodge Reservations (800) 573-9658 Visitor Center (770) 975-4226

SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK

1750 Mt. Vernon Road
Lithia Springs , GA 30122

Sweetwater Creek is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from bustling downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the free-flowing stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful shoals below. The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoeing. Fishing supplies are available in the park’s bait shop, while wildlife and history displays, trail maps, snacks and gift items may be found in the Visitor Center—one of the most environmentally efficient buildings in Georgia.

Key Activities: Hiking (9 miles of trails, Lake and Stream Fishing, Canoe Rental (seasonal), Picnicking, Ranger Programs

Facilities: 2,549 Acres, 215-Acre Lake, Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Conference Room (seats 40, $100), 11 Picnic Shelters ($60), Group Shelter and BBQ Pit (seats 150, $115-$175), 2 Fishing Docks, Playgrounds

Directions: Take I-20 west from Atlanta, exit #44 at Thornton Road, turn left and go 1/4 mile. Turn right on Blairs Bridge Road, go 2 miles and turn left on Mount Vernon Road.

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Park (770) 732-5871

A FEW NEARBY GEORIGA STATE PARKS WORTH THE WEEKEND DRIVE

• AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK & LODGE
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road
Dawsonville, GA 30534

ABOUT AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK

Amicalola Falls

It’s easy to see why this is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an appropriate name for these 729-foot falls ~~ the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. An 8.5 mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail. However, numerous other trails are available for shorter journeys. A beautiful lodge at the top of the mountain is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts, while a 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to see nature displays, live exhibits and a gift shop.

Key Activities: Hiking (12 miles of trails), Trout Fishing, Picnicking

Facilities: 829 Acres, 24 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25), 14 Cottages ($69–$199), Cottage #5 (Bottom of Falls) and Cottage #6 (Top of Falls) are dog friendly cottages, 4 Picnic Shelters ($30), Group Shelter (seats 50, $75), 56-Room Lodge & Conference Center ($89–$189), Restaurant, 20-Room Hike Inn, Visitor Center, Ropes Course, Gift Shops

Directions: Located 15 miles northwest of Dawsonville on Ga. Hwy. 52. Take Hwy. 53 west to Hwy. 183 north to Hwy. 52 east.

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Lodge Reservations (800) 573-9656 Visitor Center (706) 265-4703

• FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Fort Mountain State Park
181 Fort Mountain Park Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705

ABOUT FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find some of the most beautiful trails in northern Georgia. Most wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, occasionally crossing streams and providing spectacular vistas. During the summer, children will enjoy the sand beach located on a clear mountain lake, as well as miniature golf and pedal boat rental.

Key Activities: Hiking and Backpacking – 14 miles of trails, Mountain Biking – 27 miles of trails, $2 trail fee, Fishing Boat, Canoe and Pedal Boat Rental (summer weekends), Miniature Golf (summer weekends), Horseback Riding – 25 miles of trails, horse rentals, stables

Facilities: 3,712 Acres, 17-Acre Lake with Swimming Beach, 70 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25) – cable TV hookups, 4 Walk-in Campsites ($12), 6 Platform Campsites ($10), 15 Cottages ($110-$130)—#5 and #6 are dog friendly. 7 Picnic Shelters ($30-$40)
Group Shelter (seats 80, $110, seasonal), Pioneer Campground ($40), Backcountry Campsites ($5/person)

Directions: Located 8 miles east of Chatsworth via Ga. Hwy. 52 (take I-75 exit #333 off I-75 toward Ga. Hwy. 411).

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Park (706) 422-1932

• FORT YARGO STATE PARK
210 S. Broad Street
Winder, GA 30680

ABOUT FORT YARGO STATE PARK

Camping in Ft. Yargo

Located between Atlanta and Athens, Fort Yargo offers a fun camping, hiking and fishing experience. The park surrounds Marbury Creek Reservoir, a 260-acre lake with a swimming beach, fishing areas and boat ramps. Many campsites are near the water’s edge, and hiking trails follow the lake shore. Mountain bikers can test their endurance on 12 miles of trails with beautiful views. Within the park is Will-A-Way Recreation Area, an accessible facility specifically designed for challenged populations, with a group camp, picnic and fishing areas, and paved trail. This historical park features a log fort built in 1792 by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians.

Key Activities: Hiking and Mountain Biking – 15 miles of trails, Fishing and Boating – seasonal canoe, fishing boat and pedal boat rentals, Picnicking. Miniature Golf – $2 per person, per round. Rental equipment available. Disc Golf – $2 per person, per round. Annual Individual ($20) and Family ($30) Passes available. No rental equipment available.

Facilities: 1,814 Acres, 260-Acre Lake with Beach (seasonal), 40 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25), 7 Walk-in Campsites ($15), 3 Cottages ($100), Cottage #3 is a dog friendly cottage, 5 Picnic Shelters ($30-$70), 2 Group Shelters (seat 80 and 100, $100–$125), Pioneer Campground ($50), Group Camp (sleeps 250, special populations, $13-$17/person), 2 Boat Ramps, 2 Tennis Courts, 18-Hole Disc Golf Course (fee)

Directions: Located 1 mile south of Winder on Ga. Hwy. 81.

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Park (770) 867-3489

•JAMES H.SLOPPY FLOYD STATE PARK
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park
2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road
Summerville, GA 30747

ABOUT JAMES H. SLOPPY FLOYD STATE PARK
Surrounded by rural countryside and the Chattahoochee National Forest, this quiet park in northwest Georgia offers outstanding fishing on two stocked lakes. Visitors can hike along three miles of lake loop trails and relax in swings while watching for the many bluebirds that live in the park. Access to the scenic 60-mile Pinhoti Trail is only a 1.6-mile hike from the park. Children especially enjoy the playground, feeding fish from the boardwalk and renting pedal boats. A small campground and four cottages are nestled on tree-covered hillsides. This park was named for Rep. James H. “Sloppy” Floyd who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1953 until 1974.

Key Activities: Hiking – 3 miles of trails, Pinhoti Trail nearby, Boating – 2 ramps, electric motors only, Fishing – 2 docks, boat rental, handicapped pier, Pedal Boat Rentals (currently not available due to low water levels)

Facilities: 561 Acres, 2 Lakes (51 acres) and Boardwalk, 25 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($24), 4 Cottages ($110-$120), Cottage #1 is a dog friendly cottage, 4 Picnic Shelters ($30), Pioneer Campground ($50), 2 Playgrounds

Directions: Located 3 miles southeast of Summerville on Sloppy Floyd Lake Road via U.S. Hwy. 27.

Reservations: Reservations (800) 864-7275 Park (706) 857-0826

More information is available at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275. Also visit blackoutdoorsman.com/club-connections for the various clubs associated with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.

Photos appear courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites