With the holiday season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning a holiday gift list. This year, consider giving the gift of the outdoors to friends and family, with experiences that offer the thrill of nature and adventure. From waterfalls and lakes to yurts and cozy cabins, Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites provide unforgettable outdoor gifts and experiences for every type of nature lover.

The Georgia Board of Natural Resources today named the first commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Joe D. Tanner, as the 2024 recipient of the Rock Howard Conservation Achievement Award for environmental conservation.

Georgia’s State Parks continue to enhance accessibility in new and innovative ways, with the latest addition being EnChroma colorblind glasses at three of its most popular destinations: Cloudland Canyon, Sweetwater Creek and Skidaway Island state parks. Just in time to capture late fall foliage, visitors with red-green color vision deficiencies (colorblindness) can better experience vibrant autumn hues for the first time.

All-terrain wheelchairs among the many accessibility improvements.

As autumn sweeps across Georgia, the state’s most popular parks often steal the spotlight for leaf watching. But this year, we invite you to venture off the beaten path and discover the vibrant fall foliage at some of Georgia’s lesser-known state parks. Color usually peaks in late October through early November at these hidden gems. All offer breathtaking displays, without crowds, making them the perfect destination for a peaceful and immersive nature experience.

Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored yesterday during the annual Managers Conference. Accomplishments include improving Georgia’s natural habitats, protecting historic structures, leading outstanding ranger programs, rescues, major renovation projects, customer service excellence and more. Dozens of managers attended an awards ceremony celebrating those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations across Georgia. They also attended training sessions and shared ideas on park operations within the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Below are this year’s award winners.