Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park
(770) 389-7801
This unusual park near Atlanta was created to protect a 100-acre granite monadnock (mountain) often compared to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Minimally developed, Panola Mountain shelters rare plants of the Piedmont region. Hikers may explore the park's watershed and granite outcrop on their own, or they may join park staff for guided hikes onto the restricted-access mountain. Children especially enjoy the interpretive center with animal exhibits. Due to its delicate ecological features, Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark, and pets are not allowed on most trails. Bicycles are allowed only on the paved PATH trail.
Attending an event? Due to the popularity of our scheduled programs and guided hikes, all require advance registration.
Park Hours: September 15-April 14, 7AM-6PM (or dark); April 15-September 14, 7AM-9PM (or dark).
Interpretive Center Hours: open 8:30AM-5PM daily.
Teachers and Educators
Panola Mountain Research Watershed Area
Join Friends of Panola State Park
Facilities
1,026 Acres
4 Picnic Shelters ($60)
Conference Room (seats 50, $150)
Interpretive Center
Playground
2 Fishing Lakes
Activities
Hiking
Bicycling and Jogging -- access to 12-mile, paved Rockdale River and Arabia Mountain PATH Trail
Birding
Fishing -- free permit required
Picnicking
Interpretive Programs
Nearby Attractions
Arabia Mountain Heritage Area
Stone Mountain Park
Hard Labor Creek State Park and Golf Course
Indian Springs State Park
High Falls State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park
Atlanta, Ga.
Georgia's Treasures Along I-20
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Events
Conscious Kid's Kingdom Summer Camp
Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(From Monday, Jul 7, 2008 until Friday, Jul 11, 2008.)
| Ages 10-17 will experience personal growth, self awareness, life enrichment, business and leadership skills, and empowerment through a holistic approach to health and well-being. Register in advance. $125 to $200 $3 parking. 678-401-7084 or 404-272-7418. |
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Summer Fly Fishing Clinic
Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday, Aug 5, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday, Aug 26, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
| This clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety and other tricks of the trade. If time permits, participants may stay to catch the "Fish of Fish." Instructors suggest wearing long pants and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen... $10 or $7 with own gear. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Walk On the Wild Side Night Hike
Thursday, Jul 10, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Jul 17, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Jul 24, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Jul 31, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Aug 7, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Aug 14, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Aug 28, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
| Lace up your hiking shoes and come see the nightlife of Panola Mountain. This adventure will introduce you to the nocturnal world of the forest and swamps. You will see fluorescent creatures, hear bats, and participate in "spider sniffing... $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Second Weekend of Month
Saturday, Jul 12, 2008
Weekends
(Repeats From Saturday, Jul 12, 2008 until Sunday, Sep 14, 2008.)
| Test $3 parking. 222-222-2222. |
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Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, Jul 12, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Aug 9, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Sep 13, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Oct 11, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Nov 8, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
| The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the "Fish of Fish." Instructors C. H... $7 - $10 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Wood Carving 101
Saturday, Jul 12, 2008 10 AM - 12:30 PM
| During this introductory course you will learn how to carve wood by hand, so that you shape that object into art. The course will cover types of wood, carving tools and equipment, and hands-on instruction. Participants will carve in the round and low relief. Registration is required. $25 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Nocturnal Treetop Excursion
Saturday, Jul 12, 2008 6 PM - 9 PM
Saturday, Sep 13, 2008 6 PM - 9 PM
Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 6 PM - 9 PM
| Join us aloft in "Naomi Ruth," a wonderful 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Register in advance. $20 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Conscious Kid's Kingdom Summer Camp
Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(From Monday, Jul 14, 2008 until Friday, Jul 18, 2008.)
| Children 10-17 will explore personal growth, self awareness, life enrichment, business and leadership skills, and empowerment through a holistic approach to health. Register in advance. $125 to $200, plus $3 parking. 678-401-7084. |
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Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, Jul 19, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 20, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 18, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Nov 15, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
| These ranger-led hikes depart from the nature center and are for participants in good physical condition. Register and pay in advance. This program must have at least five hikers or it will be cancelled. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Basic Canoe Clinic
Saturday, Jul 19, 2008 10 AM - 1 PM
| Join a certified park ranger and learn how to safely use a canoe. Enjoy a nice paddle on scenic Alexander Lake. Register in advance. $20 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Consious Kid's Kingdom Summer Camp - Culinary Arts
Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(From Monday, Jul 21, 2008 until Friday, Jul 25, 2008.)
| Children 10-17 explore personal growth, self awareness, life enrichment and empowerment through a holistic approach to health and well-being. Register in advance. $125 to $200 plus $3 parking. 678-401-7084 or 404-272-7418. |
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Panola Mountain Volunteers: Hands On Atlanta
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday, Aug 9, 2008 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 20, 2008 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 11, 2008 9 AM - 12:30 PM
| Volunteers are invited to lend a hand with projects to improve the park's recreational and environmental resources. Removing invasive plants improves native habitat, while grounds maintenance (such as spreading woodchip mulch along trails) will assist with erosion control... 404-979-2817. |
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Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Sep 27, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
| This clinic is for graduates of our Basic Fly Fishing Clinic and will focus on "On the Water Techniques... $12-$15, plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Twilight Hike
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 5:30 PM - 9 PM
| Join a park ranger on this guided hike when the days are long, and the temperatures cool just before sunset. This is the time when wildlife is most active. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Consious Kid's Kingdom Summer Camp - Holistic Arts
Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(From Monday, Jul 28, 2008 until Friday, Aug 1, 2008.)
| Ages 10-17 will experience personal growth, self awareness, life enrichment, business and leadership skills, and empowerment through a holistic approach to health, fitness, nutrition, nature and creative expression. Register in advance. $125 to $200. $3 parking. 678-401-7084 or 404-272-7418. |
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Road Bike Ride
Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 9 AM - 12 PM
| Join us at Panola Mountain State Park for a great 23-mile ride highlighting the fabulous Arabia Mountain Path and gently travelled roads. We will gather at the Rockdale River Trail parking area near Alexander Lake. Register in advance. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Fat Tire Adventures
Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 12 PM
| Join the Southern Bicycle League at the Rockdale River Trail parking are for an off road adventure through Panola Mountian State Park. This ride will takes you to scenic vistas, wetland complexes and pine savannah. Register in advance. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Tree Top Excursions: Open Climb
Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Sep 6, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
| Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $10 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 5:30 PM - 7 PM
| Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Register in advance. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Fall Wildflower Hike
Saturday, Sep 27, 2008 10 AM - 1 PM
| Take this guided hike up Panola Mountain during the time of year when yellow daisies are in their full glory and the colors of fall are everywhere. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Geology Day
Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 9 AM - 2:30 PM
| Join an expert in geology and Georgia's native plants as we tour both Panola Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Fall Color Half-Day Hike
Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 9 AM - 2:30 PM
| Take this guided tour that encompasses several habitats, types of forests and granite outcrops during the peak fall color season in Georgia. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Introduction to Backpacking
Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
| This beginner's class will take place in an outdoor classroom type setting. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Backpacking Clinic
Saturday, Nov 8, 2008 to Sunday, Nov 9, 2008 1 PM
| This over-night guided trip will take you to breathtaking vistas, pine savannahs, hardwood bottomlands and water crossings... $30 per participant $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Winter Bird Hike
Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 9 AM - 12 PM
| Join one of Panola Mountain's birders on this winter tour and search for a variety of hawks, sparrows and other winter migrant and resident birds. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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