Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites are not affiliated with the National Park System and will remain open despite the federal government shutdown beginning October 1. The sites are operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and continue to welcome visitors.

The only exception is Stephen C. Foster State Park, which is located within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. While the newly renovated campgrounds and half of the cabins remain open, access to boating into the swamp and hiking nature trails is currently unavailable due to renovations that will make these resources ADA accessible.

Many Georgia State Parks are located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes, including Don Carter on Lake Lanier, Red Top Mountain on Lake Allatoona, Mistletoe on Clarks Hill Lake, and Tugaloo on Lake Hartwell, and remain fully open. Additional examples of unaffected parks and historic sites include:

• Atlanta Area: Sweetwater Creek, Etowah Indian Mounds

• Augusta Area: Elijah Clark, Magnolia Springs

• Columbus Area: Chattahoochee Bend, Roosevelt’s Little White House

• Macon Area: Indian Springs, Jarrell Plantation

• Savannah Area: Skidaway Island, Wormsloe

Fall Foliage Season in Full Swing

October marks the start of leaf-watching season, one of the busiest times for Georgia State Parks. Peak color typically arrives in northern Georgia in late October, with vibrant foliage lasting through mid-November. In southern Georgia, cypress trees and tea-colored lakes create stunning late autumn displays, especially at parks like George L. Smith State Park. Travelers can follow Leaf Watch 2025 on GaStateParks.org for expert updates on where and when to see the best color.

Outdoor Adventures Year-Round

Across more than 65 State Parks & Historic Sits, visitors can explore waterfalls, salt marshes, lakes, and mountains. Activities include fishing, boating, hiking, camping, golf, geocaching, birding, and more. Accommodations range from campsites and cabins to lodges and yurts. Historic sites showcase presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, Civil War battlefields, plantations, and even a gold museum.

Plan Your Visit

Georgia’s public libraries offer ParkPasses and Historic Site Passes for checkout, and visitors can also purchase an Annual ParkPass online or at park offices. Annual ParkPass discounts of 50% are available for seniors 62 and older, and 25% for active military and veterans. Discounted passes must be purchased in person. Membership with Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites includes a complimentary ParkPass and additional discounts.

For more information, visit GaStateParks.org