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Camping and Hiking in Georgia
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Vogel State Park
One of the Georgia's oldest and most popular state parks, Vogel
is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee
National Forest. Driving from the south, visitors pass through
Neel Gap, a beautiful mountain pass near Brasstown Bald, the
highest point in Georgia. Vogel is particularly popular during
the fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains transform into a rolling
blanket of red, yellow and gold leaves. Cottages, campsites and
primitive backpacking sites provide a range of overnight
accommodations. For information call: (706)745-2628
Tugaloo State Park
Situated on a rugged peninsula that juts into Hartwell
Reservoir, Tugaloo's cottages and campsites offer spectacular
views of the water in every direction. Some cottages even have
boat docks for overnight guests. Fishing is excellent
year-round, and large-mouth bass are plentiful. The name
"Tugaloo" comes from an Indian name for the river which once
flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell dam. For
information call: (706)356-4362
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Named after songwriter Stephen Foster ("Way Down Upon the
Suwannee River"), this park is one of the primary entrances to
the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Moss-laced cypress trees reflect off
the black swamp waters, providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors
can look for 223 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, 54
species of reptiles and 60 species of amphibians while on the
park's elevated boardwalk trail or on a guided boat trip. For
information call: (912)637-5274
Skidaway Island State Park
Located near historic Savannah, this barrier island has both
salt and fresh water due to estuaries and marshes that flow
through the area. The park borders Skidaway Narrows, a part of
the intercoastal waterway. Two nature trails wind through
marshes, live oaks, cabbage-palmettos and longleaf pines,
allowing visitors to watch for deer, raccoon, shore birds and
fiddler crabs. Observation towers provide another chance for
visitors to search for wildlife on this beautiful island. For
information call: (912)598-2300
Richard B. Russell State Park
Located on a 26,500-acre lake, Richard B. Russell State Park
offers some of the state's finest fishing and boating. All
facilities are designed for wheelchair accessibility, including
the swimming beach. The park's new campground and fully equipped
cottages are located on or near the water's edge for a relaxing
getaway. A nature trail follows the shoreline to one of the
oldest steel pin bridges in the area, loops through the
adjoining woods and returns to the beach. Connecting trails to
most park facilities are planned for the future. Several Indian
sites were excavated near the park in 1980 before the lake was
filled, indicating that Paleo-Indians lived in the area more
than 10,000 years ago. This area is now called Rucker's Bottom
and lies deep within the waters of Lake Richard B. Russell. For
information call: (706)213-2045
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