For moms who love the great outdoors, spending family time with Mother Nature can be the best gift of all. Georgia’s State Parks provide plenty of places where families can enjoy springtime scenery and make memories. Below are five ideas for a Mother’s Day that will make outdoorsy parents smile.
Discover a Hidden Gem
Think your mom has seen it all? Discover something new through the Hidden Gems series offered by Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites. In honor of the park system’s 85th anniversary this year, rangers are revealing their favorite little-known places. Show Mom the ancient Red Cedar at Elijah Clark State Park near Augusta or the abandoned moonshine truck at Amicalola Falls. Find a Hidden Gem near you at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/HiddenGems.
Take a Walk in the Woods
Birds, blooms and butterflies are sure to make Mom happy when you sign up for a guided nature hike on May 8. Cloudland Canyon State Park in northwest Georgia offers a five-mile hike with a naturalist along the canyon rim. If your family includes four-legged members, plan to attend the Paws on the Falls dog hike at High Falls State Park near Jackson. A calendar of more events is listed at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
Go “Glamping”
Adventurous moms will get a kick out of “glamping” – or glamour camping – in a yurt. Several Georgia State Parks rent yurts, which are like a cross between a tent and a cabin. Mom will sleep cozy inside and Dad can fire up the grill outside. Reserve yurts, cabins or campsites at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/reservations.
Picnic in the Park
Give your mother a day off from cooking by packing a picnic basket with her favorite goodies. All of Georgia’s State Parks have picnic tables with beautiful views of forests, lakes or mountains. Larger families can reserve open-air shelters or enclosed group shelters for an all-day potluck. Find a picnic spot near you at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/map.
Gift Cards & Passes
If you can’t resist wrapping up a present, consider a gift card, annual ParkPass or membership to Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. Gift cards can be used on cabins, yurts, retail items, kayak rental, bike rental, golf green fees, historic site admission, and many other outdoor activities. Annual passes provide free parking, and Friends membership provides an annual pass and additional discounts. Find details at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org and www.FriendsofGaStateParks.org.
Georgia has more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites, offering overnight accommodations, museums and a wide range of outdoor recreation. Smaller children can burn off energy on with pedal boats and mini-golf, while older kids can enjoy geocaching and disc golf. Families can also enjoy fishing, boat and bike rental, swimming and many other activities. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275.
