Fall in love with Georgia’s natural history this Valentine’s Day; Georgia State Parks have plenty of events to choose from, from paddling and exploring suspension bridges under the moonlight, to dinner and dancing or a haunting history tour.
North Georgia
In mountainous northeast Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park is offering a short moonlit hike to the suspension bridge on the edge of the gorge. Enjoy a hike in the full moon on Saturday, February 24. The cost is $10 to attend plus $5 for parking, and participants will need to register in advance. Call 706-754-7981 to register.
West of Tallulah Gorge near Chatsworth is Fort Mountain State Park. On Valentine’s Day, the park is hosting the Hidden Heart Valentine’s Day Hike on February 17 and 18 in the afternoon. When the Civilian Conservation Corps built the 38-foot fire tower at Fort Mountain in the 1930s, a young mason working on the project carved a heart out of stone and left it in the tower to remind him of his love back home. Hike participants will see the stone and learn about the love story behind this romantic gesture.
Middle Georgia
For couples who would rather not handle bows and arrows, Panola Mountain State Park is hosting its Valentine’s Day Couples Hike from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 17. During this guided hike, visitors will travel through the conservation area, watch the sunset over downtown Atlanta, take breathtaking photos and settle down by a campfire. Space is limited, so call 770-389-7801 to reserve your spot. Bring sturdy shoes, water and a flashlight. The cost to attend is $25 plus $5 to park.
South Georgia
Couples who would prefer a land excursion can join in on the Couple’s Hike at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel. On this hike, guests will still be able to see both everyday and nocturnal wildlife. The hike will be held on Friday, February 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight and bug spray. Tickets are $2 for the hike and $5 to park. Register by calling 229-896-3551.
Finally, couples or double-daters can enjoy a romantic train ride dinner on February 17 at 6 p.m. on the SAM Shortline Train at Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele. At 5:30 p.m., guests will board the train before departing for a 45-minute train ride to stunning Lake Blackshear. On arrival, guests will enjoy a romantic Italian dinner on the train with a breathtaking view of the lake. The Lake Blackshear Resort will host a cash bar serving beer and wine on the train. After dinner, the train will take guests back to Georgia Veterans State Park. Reservations are required and cost $129 per couple plus sales tax and $229 for a table of four plus sales tax. Please note coach tickets and shrimp cocktail tickets for two are also available. Register by calling 229-276-0755.
Fall in love with nature this Valentine’s Day at one of Georgia’s 63 beautiful and historic state parks. For more ideas on having fun at a state park near you, visit GAStateParks.org.