Georgia is well known for being the home of peaches, the Atlanta Falcons and Coca Cola. However, it also accommodates almost 50 state parks, which combine to perfectly showcase its outstanding natural beauty.
Encompassing spectacular landscapes where rolling farmlands, lush countryside, dense woodlands and rampaging rivers are framed by stately mountains, the region has a diverse topography.
However, it is also one that is a joy to explore. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, SUP, mountain biking and rafting presenting themselves around this terrain.
If you live near the city of Alpharetta, these public recreational spaces are great places to reconnect with nature, and take a break from the pressures of every day life.
Should this be something you are in mind to do, here are 5 state parks near Alpharetta that are well worth visiting.
Map of State Parks Near Alpharetta GA
Here is a map of the Georgia state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Alpharetta
All 5 of the state parks near Alpharetta highlighted below are located within a two hour drive from this Georgian city. Therefore they are great places to visit as a day trip destination.
That said, for those interested in camping for a few nights, they all have different facilities available for guests to use.
1. Don Carter State Park
Location: 5000 N Browning Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506
At just under an hour’s drive north east, The Don Carter State Park is the nearest of all these recommended state parks near Alpharetta.
Boasting a spectacular landscape where the scenic Chattahoochee River merges with the shimmering Lake Lanier, this is an excellent place to visit if you like to partake in recreational water based activities. Over at the reservoir’s northern part, swimming, kayaking, SUP and fishing are all popular. While there are a number of boat ramps that get you on to the water quickly too.
There is also a sizable, sandy swimming beach, which features a modern bath house. As well as an enchanting hardwood forest that is great to hike or mountain bike in.
Set across 1,316 acres, this park provides 44 tents, RV campsites and trailers as their camping options, as well as 8 cottages. For those who like to rough it, there is also a primitive camping area with 14 tents and hammocks available.
2. Fort Yargo State Park
Location: 210 S Broad St, Winder, GA 30680
Fort Yargo State Park is another great state park, which is only an hour’s drive east of Alpharetta.
Well known for its magnificent scenery, the main drawcard here is a 260 acre lake that defines the landscape. It is a perfect spot for SUP, canoeing, kayaking and fishing, while there is also a pretty swimming beach to sunbathe on as well.
The park also has almost 21 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as a historic log fort that was built some time around 1792. In addition, there is also a wooded disc golf course onsite which proves a real hit with visitors.
In terms of overnight accommodation, you can choose between 47 sites for trailers, RV campsites and tents, as well as 6 yurts and 16 cottages. While there are also 12 walk-in campsites as well.
3. Victoria Bryant State Park
Location: 1105 Bryant Park Rd, Royston, GA 30662
Set within 502-acres, the Victoria Bryant State Park is the perfect destination for those who enjoy hiking through fabulous landscapes of dense woodlands, picturesque creeks and scenic streams.
It is also a very good place to come if you like fishing – as there are two small ponds that are very well-stocked – as well as swimming on a warm summer’s day.
Golf enthusiasts too should relish the chance of a round at the parks beautiful golf course. Which has been very well designed with rolling hillsides, stunning Bermuda fairways and immaculate greens.
For children, there are three good playgrounds situated around the park, which should keep them very entertained.
Camping options include a small site that can accommodate 27 tents, RV Campsites and trailers. As well as two pioneer campgrounds which enable up to 75 people to sleep.
4. Watson Mill Bridge State Park
Location: 650 Watson Mill, Comer, GA 30629
At just an hour 45 minutes east of Alpharetta, The Watson Mill Bridge State Park is another fabulous place to visit.
Flanking the meandering South Fork River, the lovely 1,118-acre park is notable for housing the longest covered bridge that is still operational in Georgia.
Constructed by Horace King in 1885, who was the son of a freed slave, this historic bridge is not only a marvel of construction, but also a terrific photo opportunity.
Across the park you will also find several trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, that will take you to lush forest and stunning rivers which are perfect for swimming and fishing. Kayaks, canoes and pedal boats can also be hired to explore them further too.
Camping options are quite varied here, with sites for 21 trailers, tents and RV campsites being available, in addition to 11 equestrian campsites and 22 horse stables. There are also 3 pioneer campsites, as well as 3 log cabin bunkhouses too.
5. Richard B. Russell State Park
Location: 2650 Russell State Park Dr, Elberton, GA 30635
Around 2 hours east of Alpharetta lies the Richard B. Russell State Park.
Another stunning state park that is centered around a lake, this one encompasses 26,650 acres. So it is a haven for anglers, as well as those who enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddleboarding.
For those who would rather keep their feet on dry land, there are several picturesque nature trails to check out around the shoreline. As well as the impressive structure that is the region’s oldest steel pin bridge.
This state park is another one that features a very good golf course, while it is also a popular spot for geocaching as well.
The campground here enjoys a picturesque location nestled on the fringes of the lake. It accommodates 27 tents, trailers and RV campsites, as well as 20 cottages that come fully equipped. There are also 3 picnic shelters available for use as well.
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