The United State State Parks are tracts of land that have been devoted to preservation because of their, “…natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational potential” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_park). Within the United States, there are 7,804 State Parks open to the public. From that 7,804, there are over 60 in the state of Georgia, alone! Within that 60, there are 11 State Parks within just 50 miles of Glen-Ella Springs Inn’s gracious porches. Here is a list of these nearby and incredible North Georgia State Parks!

• Moccasin Creek State Park: 3655 Highway 197, Clarkesville: Just a few minutes from the Inn, Moccasin Creek State Park offers terrific views, canoe rentals, and easy to moderate hiking. This park is perfect for travelers with disabilities or young children due to its relatively flat elevation and gentle terrain.
• Tallulah Gorge State Park: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd., Tallulah Falls: One of the most breathtaking and dramatic waterfalls in the United States, Tallulah Gorge State Park is within ten minutes of our Inn. Offering a variety of levels of hiking- from easy to expert – this is truly one of the most spectacular and unforgettable North Georgia State Parks!
• Black Rock Mountain State Park: 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City: This state park claims the highest elevation of all of North Georgia’s State Parks! Providing sweeping landscapes, wonderful hiking trails, and a quaint lake, this is one of North Georgia’s gems!
• Smithgall Woods State Park: 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen: Known for its incredible catch and release trout fishing, Smithgall Woods is where the serious fishermen (and women) congregate! Fishing reservations are recommended due to the high demand and capped number of permitted anglers per day at this site.
• Unicoi State Park: 1788 Highway 356, Helen: Unicoi is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise!   A perfect locale for swimming, biking, canoeing, and hiking, Unicoi has it all! There are also craft and educational programs offered throughout the year. Check the website for more information.
• Tugaloo State Park: 1763 Tugaloo State Park Rd., Lavonia: Nestled on a peninsula on Lake Hartwell, this state park truly caters to anglers and boaters. The lake covers more than 55,000 acres and is a refreshing and beautiful getaway!
• Victoria Bryant State Park: 1105 Bryant Park Rd, Royston: Located on the piedmont, this gorgeous park is home to the Highland Walk Golf Course. Filled with wildlife, bubbling brooks, and shaded thickets, this is just another fine example of all that the North Georgia State Parks have to offer.
• Don Carter State Park: 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd, Gainesville: Located on Lake Lanier, this is yet another opportunity for nature lovers to revel in North Georgia’s incredible beauty. Regardless of whether one is on shore or in a boat, there is plenty of fun to be had at Don Carter State Park!
• Vogel State Park: 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville: Once in a while, a state park is located within a National Park. Within the Chattachoochee National Forest is Vogel State Park, a perfect place for canoeing, paddle boating, hiking, and truly taking in nature’s majesty!
• Watson Mill Bridge State Park: 650 Watson Mill Road, Corner: Home to the longest covered bridge in the state of Georgia this quiet haven is perfect for picnics, light hiking, and horseback riding (http://gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge).
• Fort Yargo State Park: 210 S. Broad Street, Winder: “Located between Atlanta and Athens, this popular park features a 1792 log fort built by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians” (http://gastateparks.org/FortYargo). Beyond its history, Fort Yargo offers beautiful scenery, disc golf, swimming, and more!

Obviously, Glen-Ella Springs Inn is nestled in an area rich in beauty and topographical interest. Make your reservations today and enjoy these amazing North Georgia State Parks!