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State Parks, State Treasures

Amicalola Falls State Park

Dawsonville, Georgia

Many who have tried Georgia’s state parks say their beauty makes them perfect for church groups, as well as retreat, conference, camp and workshop participants. One in particular that stands out is Amicalola Falls State Park, located near Dawsonville in the north-central part of the state.

The park provides an outdoor sanctuary for groups that crave peaceful tranquility for silent meditation and reflection. Regular visitors include church staffs; Bible study groups; men’s, women’s and couples’ retreats; and choral groups.

There are plenty of cabins and campsites to use, but for those who want more creature comforts, the popular Lodge at Amicalola Falls is a comfortable alternative. The view of the park from there is spectacular.

The most popular attraction is the 729-foot-tall Amicalola Falls, said to be the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. Visitors get the best views of it from an accessible pathway or on the more challenging trails with natural staircases.

“We offer guided hikes, wilderness survival schools, geocaching, archery, campfire programs and a lot more,” said Chaz Brown, supervisor of park activities. “We also have a GoPro rental program for when you go hiking or doing other things. In the future, we will have zip lines open.”

And speaking of hiking, March is the time for the annual Appalachian Trail Kick-off, where hikers of the famous trail begin their 2,100-plus-mile trek at nearby Springer Mountain as they head north to their ultimate destination: Maine.

There are also naturalists who work with groups.

“Most of them have been here for years and really know their stuff,” said Brown. “We take great pride in presenting a professional and educational program. We’ll spend time with our groups to make sure they are comfortable, happy and will want to return again.”

www.gastateparks.org/amicalolafalls

Hocking Hills State Park

Logan, Ohio

The history of Ohio is written in the 360 million-year-old sandstone and shale formations in Hocking Hills State Park, located in the southeast part of the state. Nature’s slow and deliberate handiwork is what attracts visitors to this park.

“The caves are what bring people here,” said Jennifer Scott, natural resource staff member at the park. “Four of the six park locations also have waterfalls.”

There are five distinctive areas in the 2,300-acre park, some with remarkable rock formations sporting colorful names. Old Man’s Cave has a narrow, deep gorge with waterfalls. Rock House sits on cliffs and features a rock shelter, and Ash Cave is a large rock shelter with its own small waterfall. Cantwell Cliffs features a wide gorge at the head of a hollow and has an unusual stone stairway. Cedar Falls has a huge waterfall as its main attraction. Hiking, rock climbing and rappelling are all popular pursuits for visitors who want to give it a try.

Groups of all kinds come to the state park. Group planners should note that overnight accommodations are limited to cottages and campgrounds.

“We have two campsites that hold up to 20 people each and two sites that handle up to 30 each,” said Scott. In addition, primitive campsites can be used. Additional hotels, inns and cabins are available off the state park property.

There are numerous ways to see the park, including by air via Hocking Hills Scenic Air Tours. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway takes people on a history tour by rail. Horseback riding is available, and so is zip lining, either during the day or at night. Lake Logan draws people to water activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and rafting.

www.thehockinghills.org

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Spencer, Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park can be found in central Tennessee and is the largest and most visited park in the state system. And no wonder. Located on part of the jagged Cumberland Plateau, the park is full of beautiful gorges, cascades and hardwood forests and has water flowing everywhere.

“There are six waterfalls that people definitely want to see,” said Adrian Hankins, who works in the park’s campground and group reservations department. One waterfall is 256 feet high, one of the tallest in the eastern United States. “There are also observation areas to stop at and enjoy the scenery and more than 35 miles of trails,” said Hankins.

Hikers can take either short walks or longer ones around Fall Creek Lake or to the base of Fall Creek Falls. Also available are two other challenging trails that require overnight stays.

This busy park entertains adult and youth church groups as well as family and school reunions and student groups, to name a few. The park has an inn with 145 guest rooms with fantastic panoramic views of the lake below. There is also a conference center with meeting facilities and a restaurant. In addition, the park has 30 cabins and 222 campsites.

“From Memorial Day in the spring to Labor Day and after in the fall, there is something going on at least every weekend,” said Hankins. Naturalists are available to educate and guide groups, depending on the program they choose.

Programs include such diverse options as campfire chats, arts and crafts, musical performances, movies, organized games and environmental education. The park is an outdoor classroom. The park also has a fine 18-hole golf course and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

www.tnstateparks.com/fallcreekfalls

Dan Dickson

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