Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area The Recreation Area lies within four counties, north and northeast of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It consists of 16 land units along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River. In addition to providing recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, picnicking, and boating, the park contains a wide variety of natural habitats, flora and fauna, nineteenth century historic sites, and Native American archeological sites.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Located in north and central Georgia are the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Georgia's national forests are said to be a hiker's paradise. Winding trails lead visitors through scenic mountains and rolling hills, by wild rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls. The famous 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail begins here and hardy hikers don't see the end until they reach Maine! Drive along the Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway, which tours the Armuchee Ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. Don't forget to stop at Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak at 4,784 feet. Unlike the tall peaks of the Chattahoochee, the Oconee National Forest is relatively flat with small hills.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park Between 1890 and 1899 the Congress of the United States authorized the establishment of the first four national military parks: Chickamauga and Chattanooga, Shiloh, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg. The first and largest of these, and the one upon which the establishment and development of most other national military and historical parks was based, was Chickamauga and Chattanooga. It owes its existence largley to the efforts of General H.V. Boynton and Ferdinand Van Derveer, both veterans of the Army of the Cumberland, who saw the need for a national park to preserve and commemorate these battlefields during a visit to the area in 1888.
Cumberland Island National Seashore Cumberland Island is 17.5 miles long and totals 36,415 acres of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. It is well known for its sea turtles, abundant shore birds, dune fields, maritime forest, salt marshes, and historic structures.
**********************************************
NEW: Go to the "FACILITIES" link on this home page and read about the new Museum Building that is currently open!
**********************************************
Fort Frederica National Monument Established in 1736, the town of Frederica was the southernmost post of the British colonies in North America. It protected the rest of Georgia and South Carolina from the Spanish in Florida. The park is known for it's exceptional beauty. Stately oaks, exceptionally large grape vines, and Spanish moss lend an air of antiquity unequaled on the coast
Fort Pulaski National Monument The defining events of Fort Pulaski occurred during the American Civil War. In April of 1862, Union troops directed rifled cannon fire at the fort breaching the southeast angle. The quick success of this experimental cannon surprised military strategists. The accuracy and range of the rifled cannon rendered brick fortifications obsolete. Immediately after capturing the fort, Union Major General David Hunter, an ardent abolitionist, ordered the release of area slaves. Many were recruited into the Union army comprising the First South Carolina Colored Regiment.
The park includes scenic marsh and uplands that support a variety of animal life characteristic of southern barrier islands. White-tailed deer, alligators, and raccoons as well as resident and migratory birds grace the landscape. Spanish moss drapes from yaupon holly bushes and vegetation includes cabbage palms, various wetland grasses, and a variety of temperate hardwood and pine trees.
