FDR State Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park—known simply as FDR State Park—is Georgia’s largest state park at over 9,049 acres of rugged Pine Mountain wilderness. Named for the 32nd President who sought healing in the nearby warm springs and pondered world affairs from the park’s iconic Dowdell’s Knob overlook, this park is a living monument to both presidential history and New Deal conservation. The 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail is considered one of the finest hiking trails in the Southeast, while 21 historic CCC-built cabins and the legendary Liberty Bell Pool—a National Historic Landmark carved from natural stone—transport visitors back to the 1930s. Established in the mid-1930s under Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, this park remains one of the best-kept secrets in Georgia outdoor recreation.
🏛️ At a Glance
- Size: 9,049+ acres (Georgia’s largest state park)
- Trails: 40+ miles, including 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail
- Cabins: 21 historic CCC-built cottages
- Campsites: 115+ developed + 21 backcountry
- Swimming: Liberty Bell Pool (seasonal)
- Lakes: Lake Deleanor, Lake Franklin
- Hours: 7 AM–10 PM daily
Pine Mountain Trail
The 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail (PMT) is the crown jewel of FDR State Park and one of the most celebrated hiking trails in Georgia. Winding along the crest of Pine Mountain through hardwood forests, past cascading waterfalls, over rocky outcrops, and through sun-dappled meadows, this trail system offers everything from easy afternoon loops to challenging multi-day backpacking adventures with 21 designated backcountry campsites.
| Trail Loop | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Mountain Creek Nature Trail | 3.2 miles | Easy | Diverse plant habitats, creek crossings |
| 🌿 Overlook Loop | 3.4 miles | Easy–Moderate | Scenic overlooks, newest trail addition |
| 🌿 Dowdell’s Knob Loop | 4.3 miles | Moderate | FDR’s favorite spot, panoramic summit views |
| 🌿 Wolfden Loop | 6.7 miles | Moderate–Strenuous | 5 waterfalls, beaver ponds, wolf’s den, grasslands |
| 🌿 Longleaf Loop | 6.9 miles | Moderate | Pine forests, multiple trail connections |
| 🌿 Big Poplar Loop | 7.8 miles | Strenuous | Rock formations, creeks, park’s longest loop |
| 🏔️ Full Pine Mountain Trail | 23 miles | Strenuous (2–3 days) | Complete end-to-end backpacking experience |
🎒 Backpacking the PMT
The full 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail can be completed as a 2–3 day backpacking trip using the 21 designated backcountry campsites. A permit from the park office is required, and a Daily Use Fee Pass is needed for parking. Campsites are first-come, first-served—plan to start early on weekends.
Dowdell’s Knob
This rocky outcrop at the summit of Pine Mountain was President Roosevelt’s favorite picnic spot, where he came to escape the pressures of the presidency, grill steaks over an open fire, and contemplate the fate of nations. Today, a life-size bronze sculpture of FDR sits at the overlook, gazing out over the same panoramic views he loved. The drive up to Dowdell’s Knob is also accessible by car, making it one of the park’s most visited viewpoints.
Liberty Bell Pool
The Liberty Bell Swimming Pool is no ordinary swimming hole—it’s a National Historic Landmark. Built from natural stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s, this large, spring-fed pool is a stunning example of Depression-era craftsmanship. Open seasonally from May through September, it’s one of the most unique swimming experiences in any American state park.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏊 Season | Late May–September |
| ⏰ Hours | 11 AM–6 PM (open days) |
| 💰 General Admission | $7/person |
| 👴 Seniors | $5/person |
| 👶 Children Under 3 | $3/person |
| 🏛️ Historic Status | National Historic Landmark (CCC-built, 1930s) |
Historic CCC Cabins
The park’s 21 cottages include some of Georgia’s finest lodging options—historic stone and log cabins built by the CCC in the 1930s. These one, two, and three-bedroom cabins sit on lakesides or hillsides with scenic views, and feature full kitchens (stove, refrigerator, utensils), bed linens, and cozy fireplaces. No TVs—just the natural soundtrack of Pine Mountain.
| Cabin Type | Bedrooms | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏡 Lakeside Cabin | 1–2 BR | Lake Deleanor shore | Lake views, fishing access, porch |
| 🏡 Hillside Cabin | 2–3 BR | Mountain slope | Mountain views, fireplace, privacy |
| 🏡 All Cabins Include | — | — | Full kitchen, linens, grill, fireplace |
Camping
| Type | Sites | Amenities | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Developed Campsites | 115+ | Water, electric, bathhouse with showers | $23–50/night |
| 🎒 Backcountry (PMT) | 21 | Primitive, permit required | Daily Use Fee Pass |
| 🏕️ Pioneer Camp | Group | Primitive group camping | Contact park office |
| 🏡 Cottages | 21 | Full kitchen, fireplace, linens | $75–250/night |
Fishing & Lakes
Lake Deleanor is the park’s primary fishing and paddling destination. The 15-acre lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, and a dedicated fishing dock makes shore fishing easy. The park office rents kayaks, canoes, and jon boats. Lake Franklin is reserved for group camp guests.
FDR Connection
Franklin D. Roosevelt first came to this area in 1924 seeking relief from polio in the naturally warm springs of nearby Warm Springs, Georgia. He fell in love with the Pine Mountain landscape and returned regularly throughout his presidency. Under his New Deal policies, the park was established in the mid-1930s, and the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed many of the facilities that still stand today—cabins, trails, retaining walls, and the iconic Liberty Bell Pool. Roosevelt died at his Little White House in Warm Springs on April 12, 1945, just 10 miles from the park that now bears his name.
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Best Activities | Crowds | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar–May) | Wildflower hikes, waterfalls at peak flow | Moderate | Wolfden Loop waterfalls best in spring |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | Liberty Bell Pool, lake paddling, cabin stays | High | Book cabins months in advance |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov) | Foliage hikes, backpacking, Dowdell’s Knob | Moderate–High | Peak foliage mid-October to early November |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) | Quiet hiking, cabin retreats, birding | Low | Cabin fireplaces make winter stays magical |
Budget Planner
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🅿️ Parking | $5 (daily pass) | $5 | $50 (annual pass) |
| 🏊 Pool | $7/person | $7/person | $7/person |
| 🏕️ Camping | $23/night (tent) | $35/night (electric) | $150/night (cabin) |
| 🛶 Boat Rental | $10/hour (kayak) | $15/hour (canoe) | Own gear |
| Weekend Total (2 nights) | $58 | $95 | $320+ |
Safety Tips
| Hazard | Details | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| 🐍 Snakes | Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes present | Watch where you step, stay on trail |
| 🦌 Deer Hunts | Semi-annual managed hunts close park areas | Check park calendar before visiting |
| 🌡️ Summer Heat | High humidity, temps above 95°F common | Hike early morning, carry extra water |
| 🗺️ Trail Navigation | 23-mile PMT requires planning | Carry map, register at park office |
What to Pack
🌿 Day Hike
- Sturdy hiking boots
- 2+ liters water per person
- Trail map (Pine Mountain Trail)
- Bug spray & sunscreen
🎒 Backpacking (PMT)
- Tent, sleeping bag, pad
- Water filter (creek water available)
- Bear canister recommended
- Backpacking stove & fuel
🏡 Cabin Stay
- Groceries (full kitchen provided)
- Firewood (available at camp store)
- Games & books (no TV!)
- Fishing gear & GA license
Nearby Attractions
- Little White House Historic Site — FDR’s Warm Springs retreat (10 min, must-visit)
- Warm Springs — Historic village, restaurants, antique shops (10 min)
- Callaway Gardens — Botanical gardens, butterfly center, golf (15 min)
- Wild Animal Safari — Drive-through wildlife park (20 min)
- Providence Canyon — “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” (45 min)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pine Mountain Trail?
The Pine Mountain Trail runs 23 miles from the WJSP-TV Tower trailhead to the Dowdell’s Knob trailhead. For day hikers, there are several loop options ranging from 3.2 miles (Mountain Creek) to 7.8 miles (Big Poplar Loop). Backpackers can complete the full trail in 2–3 days using the 21 designated backcountry campsites.
Are the CCC cabins at FDR State Park air conditioned?
Yes, the historic CCC cabins have been updated with heating and air conditioning while maintaining their 1930s character. They include full kitchens, bed linens, and fireplaces but no televisions—by design. Book well in advance, especially for fall foliage and summer weekends.
Is the Liberty Bell Pool heated?
No, the Liberty Bell Pool is spring-fed and unheated. It’s open seasonally from late May through September, 11 AM–6 PM. Admission is $7 general, $5 seniors, $3 for children under 3. This CCC-built stone pool is a National Historic Landmark.
Can you go horseback riding at FDR State Park?
Yes! FDR State Park has over 20 miles of designated equestrian trails. You can bring your own horse or book guided horseback rides through privately operated stables near the park. Riders share some trails with hikers, so please announce when passing.
What fish can you catch at FDR State Park?
Lake Deleanor holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Shore fishing is easy from the dedicated fishing dock, and the park rents kayaks, canoes, and jon boats. Stream fishing for trout is available across 40+ miles of park waterways. A Georgia fishing license is required (ages 16+).
What is Dowdell’s Knob?
Dowdell’s Knob is a rocky overlook at the summit of Pine Mountain that was President Roosevelt’s favorite picnic spot. He frequently visited to grill steaks and contemplate world affairs. Today, a life-size bronze sculpture of FDR marks the spot, which offers panoramic views of the Georgia piedmont. It’s accessible by car or via the 4.3-mile Dowdell’s Knob Loop trail.
Is FDR State Park the largest in Georgia?
Yes, at over 9,049 acres, FDR State Park is Georgia’s largest state park. The park spans the ridge of Pine Mountain in Harris County, offering 40+ miles of hiking trails, 115+ campsites, 21 historic cabins, two lakes, and the nationally significant Pine Mountain Trail.
🏛️ Walk in a President’s Footsteps
FDR State Park combines Georgia’s finest hiking with Depression-era history, CCC-built cabins, and the spirit of a president who found solace on Pine Mountain. Visit Georgia State Parks for cabin reservations and trail maps.
