Page 38 - Discover Georgia Outdoors 2022

he Middle Georgia region
abounds with rippling
• Providence Canyon Outdoor T rivers, sun-dappled lakes,
Recreation Area, known as Georgia’s and a profusion of wildlife.
Little Grand Canyon, where you Blessed with three state parks
can enjoy magnificent views of and miles of country roads for
the canyons from the rim trail.
Columbus Whitewater Backpackers who head out before 4 Lake Blackshear cyclists, the region is literally Lake Tobesofkee
p.m. can sleep under the stars along an outdoor paradise.
The river leaves Columbus and makes the backcountry trail. country farms, and pecan orchards Visitors can take part in the Macon catch a glimpse of this endangered bird.
from the comfort of antique rail
GEORGIA Park in Omaha, at the northern end The Chattahoochee isn’t the only passenger cars along the 68-mile grounds of the Georgia State Botanical A little south of Macon, tour the MIDDLE
its way south to Florence Marina State
Cherry Blossom Festival, visit the
source of river fun, though. Cool off
of 45,000-acre Lake Walter F. George,
SAM Shortline route, running from
peach and pecan orchards at Lane
in the gently flowing Flint River at
with its natural deep-water marina
Cordele to Plains, home of President
Garden in Athens, and sink their teeth
Packing, the state’s largest peach
Sprewell Bluff Park, a little-known
Jimmy Carter.
and accessible deep-water fishing pier,
into a fresh, juicy peach in Fort Valley,
grower, in Fort Valley, or walk among
boat slips, and boat ramp. Other state
among myriad other activities.
WEST • F.D. Roosevelt State Park in gem and great daytime getaway spot. Drive through the 500-acre wildlife In the Macon area, hike the camellias, and azaleas at Fort Valley’s GEORGIA
acres of grasslands, ponds, roses,
Skip rocks across the water, picnic on
parks in the area include:
preserve at Wild Animal Safari in Pine
the river’s edge, or toss horseshoes in
Mountain to get close to endangered
Ocmulgee Heritage
Massee Lane Gardens.
a grassy field. A boat ramp is available
Pine Mountain, where you can
Trail along the river,
from six continents.
picnic at Dowdell’s Knob, Franklin for canoeists, kayakers, rafters, and exotic animals explore ancient Indian Enjoy Warner Robins,
D. Roosevelt’s favorite picnic spot, and anglers. Birders flock MIDDLE mounds at Ocmulgee Mounds Georgia’s Wellston Park and
overlooking a magnificent view of the And you’ll never tire of all the to this region because it National Historic Park, and Wellston Trail or play a
valley below; hike the 23-mile Pine outdoor opportunities at Georgia includes some of the 30 boat, fish, and water ski on Lake round of golf at the
Mountain Trail, which winds through a Veterans State Park: trails, golf, observation sites and +260 GEORGIA Tobesofkee. Just northwest of International City
mix of hardwoods and pines; ride the swimming, boating, target shooting, species of birds on the Southern Macon, hike the Red-Cockaded Golf Club.
trails on horseback; and camp amid among others. Rivers Birding Trail whose trail Woodpecker Trail through the
a wonderful combination of nature Depart from the state park to maps and lists are available 35,000-acre Piedmont National
and history. experience cypress swamps, scenic at the state’s Visitor The center of outdoor life in Georgia Wildlife Refuge; with luck, you may
Information Centers.
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