A trip to a national park is a bucket list item for many people, but the rising cost of travel can make it difficult. Please join us. These are great “destination ducks” found right here in Georgia.
These Georgia state parks may be lesser known, but they’re really, really great and worth a visit. If you can’t make it to the national parks this year, one of these budget-friendly spots might be just the thing for you.
Here is a list of Georgia state parks that can be used as “destination ducks” for some of America’s national parks…
Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs. Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park’s beautiful 729-foot waterfall is located in Dawsonville, Georgia, and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It is the third tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
Great Falls National Park vs. High Falls State Park
High Falls State Park, named for the falls of the Twaliga River that flows over the ruins of a hydroelectric power plant, offers boat rentals, ramps, and fishing spots on the park’s lake. You can also stay in a lakefront yurt at this beautiful destination located between Atlanta and Macon, Georgia. These sights and activities are the perfect duck for Great Falls National Park in Virginia.
Grand Canyon National Park vs. Providence Canyon State Park
You knew this was going to be on the list!
Enjoy Georgia’s very own mini Grand Canyon at Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia. The 40-foot-deep gorge offers spectacular views for hiking.
The canyon here makes it a more convenient duck to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park.
We love taking our kids to Providence and wrote about it here: Secrets of Providence Canyon Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. If you want to camp nearby, try Florence Marina State Park.
Congaree National Park vs. Stephen C. Foster State Park
Stephen C. Foster State Park in Charlton County is the main entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp, the largest blackwater wetland in the South. The park’s breathtaking scenery is highlighted by Spanish moss, cypress knees, and vibrant wildlife.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs. Black Rock Mountain State Park
If you’re traveling to GSMNP’s Oconaluftee Entrance in Cherokee, North Carolina, you’ll likely pass right by Black Rock Mountain State Park on the way, so why not see both?
New River Gorge National Park vs. Talulah Gorge State Park
Talulah Gorge State Park is a beautiful state park that includes a 2-mile-long, approximately 300-foot-deep canyon with a suspension bridge to enjoy the canyon.
Gettysburg National Military Park vs. Pickett Mill Battlefield
Photo courtesy of Pickett’s Mill Battlefield. Courtesy of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites.
For history buffs who don’t want to travel far, Pickett Mill Battlefield is as rich in history as Gettysburg. At his one of America’s best-preserved Civil War battlefields, guests can immerse themselves in the soldiers’ exact environment for a complete experience. To learn more, there’s also an authentic 1800’s cabin and museum on the property in Dallas, Georgia that is open for tours.
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