Get Outside: 5 Awesome Hikes at Georgia State Parks

Before the weather gets too hot, take some time to explore some of these awesome Georgia State Park hikes. It's a great way to get out and explore, and a fun way to get some exercise too.

Sweetwater Creek State Park. Just outside of Atlanta to the west is Sweetwater Creek State Park. Spend a little time in the Interpretive Center, then head out on one of the four hiking trails. The red trail is the history trail and runs parallel to the creek. This will take you by the old Manchester Mill ruins. The mill workers were captured during the Civil War and transported north for the remainder of the war. Many never returned.

Panola Mountain State Park. To the west of Atlanta is Panola Mountain State Park. Panola has a 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain. In addition to forest hiking trails, they also have paved trails perfect for biking, roller blading, or pushing a stroller.

FDR State Park. Go Southwest of Atlanta and you'll find FDR State Park. The Pine Mountain trail is a popular 23-mile trail with several loops. There is an easier part of the trail near the main office, so even if you have small kids, you can do at least part of the trail.

Amicalola State Park. You can't visit this park in North Georgia without hiking up the falls. It's 620 steps to the summit – 175 to the viewing area and then another 445 to the top. The hike isn't too bad and there are lots of places to rest along the way if needed. The falls make it all worth it, looking like icicles falling down the mountain.

Tallulah Gorge State Park. This hike is especially fun because you go across a suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom of the canyon. The Great Wallenda once tightroped across! You can still see the towers he used to anchor the ropes.