Reservations 800-864-7275
Park
770-389-7801
A NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for May 17-19:
Conference Room (Contact park directly for Conference Room reservations 770-389-7801.)
(as of May 14, 2013)
 Panola Mountain State Park Business Plan
Just 15 minutes from Atlanta is a recreational haven for all ages and interests. Visitors can picnic while children work off energy on the playground. Anglers can bring their fishing poles to catch dinner at Alexander Lake. The park even offers archery, boat rental, geocaching, orienteering, birding and tree-climbing programs. A paved trail is open for biking, roller blading, jogging and dog-walking, while forested fitness trails are open for hiking and running.
Panola Mountain is a 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain, but smaller and much more pristine. Park visitors will see the outcrop and its rare ecosystem just as Native Americans did centuries ago. Reservations are required for ranger-led hikes that teach about the rare plants and animals found in this habitat.
Panola Mountain State Park is the crown jewel of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, one of only three National Heritage Areas in the state. The park’s unusual natural beauty and intriguing cultural changes are the basis for this special recognition. Over the years, this area has been home to early settlers, immigrant rock cutters, freed slaves and even Trappist monks. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a partnership among the state of Georgia; DeKalb, Henry and Rockdale counties; the Monastery of the Holy Spirit; and numerous communities and public-private partners. Panola has also been designated a National Natural Landmark. Learn more at www.arabiaalliance.org.
Park Hours:
Open Daily - 7 AM to Dusk
Nature Center Hours:
8:30 AM to 5 PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday during winter.
$5 parking. Annual passes available.
GeorgiaStateParks.org/PanolaMountain
FACILITIES:
- 1,635 Acres
- 4 Picnic Shelters ($70)
- Conference Room (seats 50, $155) and Cart Barn -- contact park for reservations
- 5 Primitive Campsites -- under construction
- Nature Center and Gift Shop
- 2 Fishing Lakes
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
- Hiking-- 2 miles of self-guided nature trails and 1-mile fitness trail. Guided 3.5-mile hikes to the mountain (call for reservations)
- Bicycling and Jogging -- access to 12-mile, paved Rockdale River and Arabia Mountain PATH Trail, Muddy Spokes Club
- Archery Range (fee, annual pass available, static and 3-D range)
- GeoCaching
- Tree Climbs
- Fishing -- boat rental, Georgia fishing license required, free park permit required
- Birding
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Weddings (park approval required)
 WSB TV "Hidden Treasures" video:
- Hiking at Panola (part 1)
- Tree Climbing at Panola (part 2)
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
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View by date Events
Kids Outdoor Adventure Festival
Saturday, May 18, 2013 8 AM
  Join us at Alexander's Lake for a fishing rodeo, archery, fly-fishing, tree climbing, orienteering, hay rides, and lots of other fun games. Bring your fishing poles and bait as we learn about aquatic habitats and fish identification. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturdays 10 AM until Sep 7, 2013
| Find out why Panola Mountain is such an important ecosystem during a Ranger led hike to the top of the mountain. As we twist and turn on the trail, we will see different plants and wildlife. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and water. Register in advance. Meet in Nature Center. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Sunday, May 19, 2013 8 AM to 12 PM
Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 8 AM to 12 PM
| Bring your binoculars for this gentle hike through the park's Power of Flight area. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Meet at the Alexander Lake Area. Register in advance. Donations of birdseed are appreciated. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Tree Top Night Climb
Saturday, May 25, 2013 8 PM to 10 PM
| Come see the stars and the full moon through the tree branches. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. Register in advance. For ages 8 and up. Meets at Alexander's Lake. $20 per person $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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ZZZ's in the Trees - Canopy Camping
Saturday & Sunday 8 PM from May 25, 2013 until May 26, 2013
| Join us for a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your "tree-boat," viewing stars and the full moon. A treetop camp will be established in our secluded climbing tree for an overnight experience. Participants should bring dinner, breakfast and a sleeping bag. Register in advance. $90 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, May 25, 2013 8 PM
| Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night. Bring flashlights and hiking boots. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Memorial Day Mountain Hike
Monday, May 27, 2013 9 AM
| Work up an appetite before your holiday cookout. Join a ranger for a 3 mile hike to the top of Panola Mountain. Enjoy views of Atlanta and Stone Mountain. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Meet in the Nature Center. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Basic Archery
Friday, May 31, 2013 6 PM to 8 PM
| Take aim and hit the bull's eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the cart barn at Alexander's Lake. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes early. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Evening Paddle on Alexander's Lake
Friday, May 31, 2013 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
| We will paddle Alexander's Lake in the evening to enjoy the sunset and hear as the night creatures begin to show off. Register and pay in advance to reserve a spot, this program is limited to 15 people. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Dendrology Tree Hike
Saturday, Jun 1, 2013 2 PM to 4 PM
| Take a guided hike with our naturalist and learn about tree species native to Georgia's Piedmont region. We will learn approximately 25-30 species of trees and how to identify their leaves and bark patterns. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Register in advance and meet at the nature center. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 1 PM to 2 PM
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 3 PM to 4 PM
| Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. One group will start at 1PM; another group will start at 3PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Frog Slog
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
| Learn how to identify frogs by their calls. Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Meet at the Nature Center. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Junior Ranger Camp ages 6-12
Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 until Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 8 AM to 5 PM
| Send the kids over to our day camp to earn a Junior Ranger badge. At this session we will work toward earning a Level I,II, or III Junior Ranger badges with fun activities like hiking, fishing, nature games, and much more! We will meet at the Nature Center each morning. Don't forget good hiking shoes and sunscreen. $100 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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