An official website of the State of Georgia.
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Looking for quality time with your four-legged family members? Leash up your best friend to explore Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites this summer. Kickstart the adventure by hiking on a shaded trail, splashing around in a creek and ending the day camping under the stars. No matter what type of adventure you both enjoy, Georgia’s State Parks guarantee a great day and many ways for your bestie to explore. Below are six ways to have a paw-some time this summer at Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites.
- Tails on Trails Club – Dogs love new sights and smells, so leash up Fido, lace up your hiking boots, and join in the Tails on Trails Club. This quest challenges you and your dog to explore 12 of 42 participating Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. You’ll get a members-only t-shirt and matching bandana for your pet to wear while exploring. There is no time limit to complete the trails, so go at your own pace. For club information, visit GaStateParks.org/TailsOnTrailsClub.
- Hiking & Sniffing Trails – Whether you’re walking a Greyhound or a Basset Hound, you can find the perfect path. Almost all Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites welcome leashed dogs on hiking trails. Occasionally, you will find rangers that lead hikes where you can make new canine friends. A few popular parks to explore include F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, Don Carter State Park on Lake Lanier, Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona, Mistletoe State Park on Clarks Hill Lake, or Crooked River State Park in St. Marys. Laura Walker State Park in Waycross even has an off-leash dog park. Find a trail near you on GaStateParks.org/DogWalking.
- Canine Camping – On the hunt for pet-friendly campsites? More than 40 Georgia State Parks have campgrounds that welcome dogs of all sorts and sizes for no extra fee. A few scenic choices include Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton, Chattahoochee Bend State Park near Newnan, Sweetwater Creek State Park near Atlanta, or Magnolia Springs State Park near Millen. For a full list of pet-friendly campsites, visit GaStateParks.org/Camping.
- Dog-Friendly Cabins – Cancel the dog sitter and rent a designated dog-friendly cottage at one of Georgia’s State Parks. These fully furnished cabins let you stay in the heart of the state park, with hiking, boating, fishing and more right outside your door. Reservations are required and there is a pet fee (two dog maximum). Good choices with five or more dog-friendly cabins include Fort Yargo State Park (6), Elijah Clark State Park (7), Vogel State Park (5), Mistletoe State Park (5), Richard B Russell State Park (6), Tugaloo State Park (6). Learn more at GaStateParks.org/Cottages and GaStateParks.org/ParkRules.
- Pooches can Glamp too – If camping isn’t your idea of outdoor fun, take it up a notch. Glampers now have the option to book a Fido-friendly yurt at Fort Yargo State Park — Yurt # 1. Staying in a yurt still gives you the feel of camping without going through the trouble of pitching a tent. Recently, Fort Yargo made yurt #1 fur-friendly, so no need to glamp alone. For more information, visit GaStateParks.org/UniqueAccommodations.
- Parks that match your pet: Wondering which park might be a match for your dog? Take a look at which dog breed the Georgia State Parks team thinks best embodies some Georgia State Parks. GaStateParks.org/state-parks-blog/if-parks-were-dogs
