Do you ever crave to go on an adventure and get some fresh air? Or maybe you just have the desire to see nature that goes beyond the sea of never-ending pine trees in your backyard.
Going somewhere new and doing something for the first time can be good for your well-being. Especially if they are places where you can clear your head or even better, get a good workout and put your body to use. There are plenty of places right here in Georgia that offer you the experience you yearn for.
Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park is a great place to have fun while becoming one with nature. Visitors can walk, jog, or climb up and around the mountain.
Location? 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Does it Cost? The daily rate for parking is $15, and the annual pass is $40.
Other things to do? summit skyride, snowzone, miniature golf, scenic railroad, , SkyHike, Ride the Ducks, Laser Show, Hiking, Fishing, Shopping, and Camping.
Distance from Statesboro? 221 Miles (3 h 15 m)
Tree-Top Quest Gwinnett
Tree-Top Quest in Gwinnett is an adventure course that people from all ages can enjoy, starting at age four. The quests are outdoors and self-guided, ranging from six different levels of difficulty that challenge the body.
Location? 2020 Clean Water Dr, Buford, GA 30519 (or their Dunwoody location which is 4770 N. Peachtree Rd Dunwoody, GA 30338)
Cost? Prices for admission range from $22-$49. Member and group discounts are also available.
Other things to do? nature hikes, zip lines, monkey bridges, Tarzan jumps
Distance from Statesboro? 240 miles (3 h 45 m)
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon is the perfect place if you’re into hiking. And if you are not, this would be the place to give it a chance. There are many trails here where you can backpack, mountain bike and explore. These fun activities allow you to take in the beautiful scenery.
Location? 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Does it cost? Regular parking is $5 for visiting the park and annual passes are available. The prices vary for campsites depending on which area you want to be located and how long you plan to stay.
Other things to do? camping, cave tours, hiking 2-mile waterfalls trail, exploring the Cloudland Connector Trail, horseback riding, pond fishing and more.
Distance from Statesboro? 325 miles (5 h 25 m)
Amicalola Falls State Park
This place is more than your average state park. Here’s where your adventure side is going to jump for joy. Their guided fitness trail is where you’d get a good workout and have an instructor who knows the ins-and-outs of the park. With the natural structure of the trails, you’re bound to intensify your normal run.
Located? 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Does it cost? There are different packages available depending on what you’d like to do. Prices range from around $119-$200.
Other things to do? zip lines, climbing wall, 3-d archery, guided hikes, a GPS scavenger hunt
Distance from Statesboro? 240 miles (4 h 45 m)
Indian Springs
Indian Springs is known for being one of the oldest parks in Georgia. Not only is it popular because of its age, but also because of all the things you can do to have fun outdoors. Get active at McIntosh Lake and take a swim or bike the trails.
Located? 678 Lake Clark Road Flovilla, GA 30216
Does it cost? Regular parking is $5 for visiting the park and annual passes are available. The prices vary for campsites depending on which area you want to be located and how many nights you plan to stay. Group shelters range from $325-$625.
Other things to do? boating, fishing, aqua cycling, kayaking, camping out
Distance from Statesboro? 165 miles (2 h 30 m)
This was previously published in the Spring 2016 Reflector. Visit our Issuu page to view the digital copy of the magazine.
Photos Courtesy of Indian Springs, Amicalola Falls State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Tree-top Quest Gwinnett, Stone Mountain, and Georgia Department of Resources
