National parks and sites aren’t just good to visit over the summer or during spring break but also over weekends and just on good sunny days. Taking the children to go visit a beautiful sight while enjoying a picnic is a good way to enjoy these beautiful views. Even if you just need a breath of fresh air, you could visit a national park or site. Any occasion or day, you can visit one of the many amazing national parks or sites near Georgia. 

 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park   

Location: Tennessee

Things to do:

•  Hike to Abrams Falls, walk five miles round-trip through rhododendron, hemlock, and pine-oak forest to a 25-foot waterfall and scenic pool. 

•  Bring a snack or lunch and eat by the river at the picnic tables.

•  Go to one of the 10 front-country campgrounds and enjoy the view.

• Enjoy guided horseback riding from mid-March through late November.

Why do people like this location? It has natural scenery with beautiful landscapes. It’s free to enter, which is great for visitors. “The visitors can enjoy a wide variety of wildlife. The park has a long history, offering insights into the region’s past. There are also numerous outdoor activities available.”

Sources: National Park Services

      2.  Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Location: Sandy Springs, GA

Things to do:

• You can go kayaking, rafting, canoeing, or motorboating along the river

• You can go fishing 

• You can go cycling along the 7.11 miles of open trails in the park

Why do people like this location? There is natural beauty, like the gentle rapids and the diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy various activities. 

Sources: National Park Service

        3.  Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Location: Starts in Georgia and ends in Maine

What to do: 

• Hike along the footpath

• Enjoy the view and have a picnic along the trail

• Look at any of the 7 waterfalls while walking along the trail

Why do people like this location? Many people find the trails to be a way to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. The trail isn’t around urban areas, so it’s an escape for people who want to get away from it all. It’s a chance to meet other people while on the hike. 

Sources: Appalachiantrail.org and National Park Service

          4. Cumberland Island National Seashore

Location: Camden Country, Georgia 

What to do:

• Visit two museums and two historical districts 

•  Go swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing, stargazing, and biking

• Go on a guided tour

•  Search for shells

•  Rent a bike on the island 

Why do people like this location? The park has pristine white beaches, sand dunes, and towering live oaks that help create a stunning landscape. Visitors can see roaming wild horses and explore ancient ruins. There are different activities to do, such as hiking and exploring the ecosystem.

Sources: National Park System and Google 

           5. Okefenokee Swamp

Location: Southern Georgia and Northern Florida 

What to do: 

•  Explore the swamps on a guided boat tour 

•  Paddle through the scenic waters by kayaking and canoeing 

•  Observe the different kinds of birds in their natural habitat

•  Go camping under the stars

•  Explore the trails and enjoy the unique flora and fauna.

Why do people like this location? It has a diverse range of amphibians and reptiles such as alligators, turtles, snakes, etc. “The swamp is the habitat for the Florida black bear, and it attracts wildlife enthusiasts. It has great historical significance, with Indigenous people having occupied the area for centuries.” It is the largest swamp in North America, which offers unique natural landscapes and ecosystems.

Sources: Okefenokee Swamp Park and Adventures, and Google