The beauty of Northern Georgia is on display during all seasons at Mistletoe State Park near Appling, Georgia. The park features ten cottages, 92 trailer/tent/RV sites, two primitive backpacking sites, and pioneer camping areas. For day-trippers, 33 picnic sites are available, including four with picnic shelters and a group shelter for large gatherings. Mistletoe's lake offers a public ramp and dock, and rental canoes and fishing boats are available for the boat-less among us. A beach, bike trails, and nature trails add to the park's many opportunities for outdoor entertainment.

Just a few miles north of Millen on US-25, Magnolia Springs is situated about 160 miles (260 kilometers) southeast of Atlanta. The park's lake features a boating ramp and dock, with rentals and private boats usually present in about equal number. Water skiing and fishing are favorite diversions on the lake, while landlubbers enjoy the pool or the many miles of hiking and nature trails. The park provides six cottages, 26 formal campsites, and also permits pioneer camping. Over 150 picnic sites are provided, eight with shelters, and three shelters for large groups.

A short 50-mile (80-kilometer) trip heading south from Atlanta will bring you to one of Georgia's most peaceful state parks. Sprewell Bluff Park is located on Highway 74, about ten miles (16 kilometers) west of the small village of Thomaston. The enormous park features ten picnic sites, a scenic lake that allows private crafts (limits set on motors), hiking trails, and several streams. Fishing is permitted in the park's lake and streams in season. Open daily at 7a.

This boaters' and campers' paradise is located just six miles west of Adel on GA-37 via Interstate 75, 180 miles (290 kilometers) south of Atlanta. Reed Bingham State Park features 46 tent and RV sites, 74 picnic sites, pioneer camping for the truly adventurous and six shelters for the day-trippers. The park's lake features a dock and a ramp for private boats, and hiking trails stretch throughout the park's domain. Waterskiing and fishing are permitted, and stream fishing is also allowed in the park's many small tributaries.

This convenient ticket outlet is located inside Atlanta's de facto visitors center, one block away from the Five Points MARTA Station at Underground Atlanta. The first same-day, half-price ticket booth in the Southeast, this is a great spot to check for discounted tickets to many local attractions and shows. Check Tuesday through Sunday for info on half-price tickets to the best theater, dance and music events in the state. This service is provided by the Atlanta Coalition of Theaters. Travelers checks are accepted, but no personal checks.

This lush state park is located nine miles (15 kilometers) southeast of Waycross, or 240 miles (390 kilometers) southeast of Atlanta. Camping is a priority here, with 44 trailer and tent sites, pioneer camping, and more than 250 picnic sites. The park's lake features a boating ramp and dock, and private boats are allowed. Canoes and other boats are available for rent, and fishing and waterskiing is permitted. A swimming pool, golf course, and miles of nature trails round out the cornucopia of diversions.

The North Georgia mountains provide refuge for Atlanta's adventurous souls throughout the year, and a favorite destination is Hart State Park. Three miles north of Hartwell off US-29, the park lies a convenient 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Atlanta. Two cottages are available by reservation, as well as 78 trailer and RV camp sites and 85 picnic sites. The park's lake features a boating ramp and dock, and fishing and waterskiing are permitted. Canoes are available for rent, and a small beach offers bathers a chance to get their feet wet.

Watson Mill Bridge State Park is another of Georgia's interestingly named natural facilities, located six miles south of Comer on GA-22, 60 miles (100 kilometers) east of Atlanta. Depending on your idea of good outdoor fun, choose from 21 tent/trailer/RV campsites, pioneer camping facilities, or 70 picnic sites, three with group shelters. Other attractions include a swimming pool, rental canoes and paddle boats, streams for fishing, and nature and hiking trails. You'll even find an equestrian trail for the horse lovers in the group.

This park with the funny name lies six miles north of Lavonia on Highway 328. Eighty miles north of Atlanta, it is well situated for a quick camping excursion. The park features 20 cottages, 108 tent and trailer camp sites, five primitive backpacking sites, seven picnic shelters, and one group shelter. Private boats and water-skiers are always welcome on the lake, canoes are available for rent, and fishing is permitted. Nature trails, a beach, tennis courts, and other amenities ensure that visitors will never lack for new activities.

Named for the onetime president of the Confederate States of America, this state park is located one mile north of the tiny burg of Irwinville, just off the interstate. A healthy car trip from the big city, the park requires a 160-mile (260-kilometer) trek southeast from Atlanta along Interstate 75. In addition to the memorial and historic displays, you'll find ten picnic sites, along with one group shelter and an extensive nature trail.