5 Ways to Get Fit — and Fuel Up — in the Great Outdoors

With cooler temperatures right around the corner, fall is a good time to up your fitness game in the great outdoors. Georgia’s State Parks have plenty of ways to get your heart pumping while soaking up autumn scenery. Choose from recreational activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, geocaching, archery and more. Below are five ideas to help you get fit surrounded by fall foliage.

1. Fuel your fitness with a quick stop at the visitor center’s snack section. You’ll now find healthy choices like granola bars, jerky, popcorn and sports drinks at all Georgia State Parks. These new offerings are part of the park system’s commitment to healthy communities, which includes nutrition as well as recreation. (Courageous visitors looking for an extra-high-protein snack can even join the latest food trend with freeze-dried insects, like cricket chips.) GaStateParks.org/Map
2. Outdoor fitness equipment, such as chest press and rower machines, have been recently added to five state parks. Many of the stations are wheelchair accessible. You’ll find these new amenities at Gordonia-Alatamaha in Reidsville, Sweetwater Creek in Lithia Springs, F.D. Roosevelt in Pine Mountain, Don Carter on Lake Lanier and Skidaway Island near Savannah. GaStateParks.org
3. Hike down in to—and up out of—a beautiful canyon. Georgia’s Canyon Climbers Club is reserved for those few who can scale to the top of Amicalola Falls, explore the depths of Providence Canyon, brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge and face the daunting staircase in Cloudland Canyon. Finish all four heart-pumping treks and you’ll earn a bragging-rights t-shirt. GaStateParks.org/CanyonClimbersClub
4. Since pets need exercise too, why not take Fido for a healthy walk? Leashed pets are welcome on nearly all Georgia State Park trails, plus at campsites and select cabins. You can even join the Tails on Trails Club, which encourages pet owners to explore seven trails with their four-legged friends. Complete them all and you’ll earn a t-shirt for yourself and matching bandana for Fido. GaStateParks.org/TailsOnTrailsClub
5. Take your bike for a spin. Several parks offer bike trails and rentals, so you can choose from easy, paved paths to difficult singletrack. Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge provides access to the paved Arabia Mountain PATH trail, with challenging and hilly terrain. GaStateParks.org/Biking

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