With the oversaturation of cheesy advertisements and tired traditions, Valentine’s Day quickly turns into a holiday that lacks creativity and variety. In a world with constant communication and social media presence, the day of love is the perfect opportunity to unplug and unwind. This Valentine’s Day, leave the phone at home and escape to Georgia State Parks.

Special Valentine’s Day Events

Whether coupled-up or flying solo for the weekend, Georgia State Parks has a packed schedule of events to transform the holiday weekend from basic to extraordinary. Plan out your Valentine’s Day activities with our compilation of this year’s cozy events! Please note each park requires a $5 parking fee.

Friday, February 11

• Snuggle up and listen to ghost stories while roasting marshmallows around the fire! Located at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, Georgia, Campfire S’mores and Stories is the perfect excuse to cuddle up with a loved one.
• Magnolia Springs Park in Millen, Georgia is hosting a Date Night on the Lake! The event features shoot archery, pedal boats, marshmallow roasting and a chance to learn primitive fire building with tickets starting at $15 per attendee and $30 per couple. Call 478-982-1660 to register today!

Saturday, February 12

• For those flying solo, Broken Heart Archery at Pine Mountain is a great excuse to spend time outdoors while learning the art of archery. Attendees shoot heart bullseyes while enjoying loved-themed candy. Perfect for archers of all levels, tickets are $15 per attendee. Pre-register online today to reserve your spot!
• The Valentine’s Dinner and Dance at Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill, Georgia is a unique celebration of love with a candlelit dinner, music and dancing in a historic setting. Tickets start at $75 per person with limited space available. Click here to claim your spot.
• Scrambling for last-minute plans? Movie Night at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah is a free event! Bring your favorite sweet treats to enjoy while cozying around the fire for a memorable Valentine’s Day feature.

Sunday, February 13

• Another solo event, the Singles Hike at High Falls State Park in Jackson, Georgia is the perfect excuse to enjoy Georgia’s scenic nature on the day of love! There is a $5 participation fee, and all hikers meet at the Tranquility Trailhead for a 2.5-mile trek! Pre-registration is required.
• Picturesque views and rom-com worthy moments await at the Valentine’s Day Sunset Hike at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge, Georgia! Watch the sunset over metro Atlanta on the top of Panola Mountain while snapping gorgeous photos and enjoying s’mores around the campfire. The event is $40 per attendee. Pre-register for this rare opportunity here!

Monday, February 14

• Partake in an 1840s tradition by making a vinegar valentine! Sign up for Vinegar Valentine Making at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Georgia and learn about the history behind the quirky custom of decorating a valentine with a rude poem. Tickets are $5 per attendee.
• Another two memorable Valentine’s Day activities, the Sweetheart Hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Georgia and the Romantic Sunset Hike at Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia are perfect opportunities to get outside while adding a one-of-a-kind spin to your holiday! Both hikes require a $5 participation fee and include photo opportunities, as well as a look into the state’s native species.

Make It a Weekend Stay

Many of the state’s parks also feature lodging to extend your romantic getaway into the night. Turn your holiday into a cabin getaway by staying in a historic 1930s stone cottage at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, a luxury cabin at Smithgall Woods in Helen or a “round” barrel cottage at Unicoi State Park in Helen! Stay at one of the state’s many yurt rental opportunities at Red Top Mountain, Fort Yargo, Tugaloo, Sweetwater Creek, High Falls and Cloudland Canyon state parks.

For more information about Valentine’s Day events or to plan your stay at one of the many Georgia State Parks, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

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