There are some great state parks in the Peach State that are extremely popular, and they’re certainly frequently-visited for a reason But with 63 state parks and historic sites within our boundaries, some tend to fall through the cracks and not get as much attention as they deserve. We’ve gathered up seven of our favorite underrated state parks in Georgia that should get more love than they do. Check them out:
- Watson Mill Bridge State Park: 650 Watson Mill, Comer, GA 30629
Otto VeeDub/Google Maps Watson Mill State Park is tucked away in a rural area just outside of Athens. The 1,018-acre state park is home to some gorgeous trails, a variety of campsite options, and, most famously, the longest covered bridge in Georgia. The bridge spans 229 feet over the South Fork of the Broad River and has been in the same site since 1885. Watson Mill Bridge State Park, 650 Watson Mill, Comer, GA 30629, USA
- Crooked River State Park: 6222 Charlie Smith Sr Hwy, St Marys, GA 31558
Paul Bohling/Google Maps Crooked River State Park is an out-of-the-way park in Camden County, about two hours south of Savannah. The park has 500 acres of gorgeous marshland and wooded surroundings, plus a nature center that’s great for kids. Crooked River State Park, 6222 Charlie Smith Sr Hwy, St Marys, GA 31558, USA
- Vogel State Park: 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
David Portnoy/Google Maps Vogel State Park is right at the base of Blood Mountain and has some amazing scenery. If you’re looking for a great spot to hike through the mountains, this is it! Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
- Skidaway Island State Park: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411
LLL Neal/Google Maps Located just outside of Savannah, Skidaway Island State Park is a must-visit. The park is full of magical trails filled with marshlands, greenery, and Spanish moss. Skidaway Island State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411, USA
- Hard Labor Creek State Park: 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd, Rutledge, GA 30663
Rebecca/Google Maps The massive Hard Labor Creek State Park is undoubtedly one of the most underrated state parks in Georgia. With nearly 6,000 acres to explore, there’s something for everyone here. The trails are beautiful and it’s a great spot for camping, plus festive events are held throughout the year. Hard Labor Creek State Park, 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd, Rutledge, GA 30663, USA
- Chattahoochee Bend State Park: 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan, GA 30263
William VanZee/Google Maps At just under 3,000 acres, you’d think Chattahoochee Bend State Park would garner a lot of attention for its size alone, but this is another park that isn’t as well-publicized as you’d think. It’s located right on the Chattahoochee River, so you’ll find tons of opportunities for exploring both the water and the land. Chattahoochee Bend State Park, 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan, GA 30263, USA
- Indian Springs State Park: 678 Lake Clark Rd, Flovilla, GA 30216
Alejandro Hernandez/Google Maps Indian Springs State Park is actually one of the oldest state parks in the country. The springs here were believed to have healing powers by the Native Americans that inhabited here before it became a tourist destination. Wading through the water here is a true delight! Indian Springs State Park, 678 Lake Clark Rd, Flovilla, GA 30216, USA
How many of these underrated state parks in Georgia have you visited? Are there any others you think belong on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Otto VeeDub/Google Maps
Watson Mill State Park is tucked away in a rural area just outside of Athens. The 1,018-acre state park is home to some gorgeous trails, a variety of campsite options, and, most famously, the longest covered bridge in Georgia. The bridge spans 229 feet over the South Fork of the Broad River and has been in the same site since 1885.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park, 650 Watson Mill, Comer, GA 30629, USA
Paul Bohling/Google Maps
Crooked River State Park is an out-of-the-way park in Camden County, about two hours south of Savannah. The park has 500 acres of gorgeous marshland and wooded surroundings, plus a nature center that’s great for kids.
Crooked River State Park, 6222 Charlie Smith Sr Hwy, St Marys, GA 31558, USA
David Portnoy/Google Maps
Vogel State Park is right at the base of Blood Mountain and has some amazing scenery. If you’re looking for a great spot to hike through the mountains, this is it!
Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
LLL Neal/Google Maps
Located just outside of Savannah, Skidaway Island State Park is a must-visit. The park is full of magical trails filled with marshlands, greenery, and Spanish moss.
Skidaway Island State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411, USA
Rebecca/Google Maps
The massive Hard Labor Creek State Park is undoubtedly one of the most underrated state parks in Georgia. With nearly 6,000 acres to explore, there’s something for everyone here. The trails are beautiful and it’s a great spot for camping, plus festive events are held throughout the year.
Hard Labor Creek State Park, 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd, Rutledge, GA 30663, USA
William VanZee/Google Maps
At just under 3,000 acres, you’d think Chattahoochee Bend State Park would garner a lot of attention for its size alone, but this is another park that isn’t as well-publicized as you’d think. It’s located right on the Chattahoochee River, so you’ll find tons of opportunities for exploring both the water and the land.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park, 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan, GA 30263, USA
Alejandro Hernandez/Google Maps
Indian Springs State Park is actually one of the oldest state parks in the country. The springs here were believed to have healing powers by the Native Americans that inhabited here before it became a tourist destination. Wading through the water here is a true delight!
Indian Springs State Park, 678 Lake Clark Rd, Flovilla, GA 30216, USA
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