Tag Archives: Georgia Parks

Cloudland Canyon, Dade County

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Through the acquisition of private lands beginning in 1938, Cloudland Canyon State Park was established in 1939, with much of the initial work being done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of FDR’s New Deal. Until this time, the only access to most of Dade County was through Alabama or Tennessee so the State of Georgia and the CCC built Georgia Highway 136 to connect the park and the county seat of Trenton to U. S. 41 and the rest of the state.

Before you explore, check out the interpretive center. The architecture could be described as a modern chalet meets something from outer space. If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll probably intrigued. I’m going to try to find out more about it.

The park is located on the Cumberland Plateau atop Lookout Mountain, where Daniel Creek and Bear Creek converge to form Sitton Gulch Creek. The site was historically known as Sitton Gulch. Characterized by a dramatic gorge cut by Sitton Gulch Creek, Cloudland Canyon is over a thousand feet in overall depth, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1980 feet.

One of the most-visited state parks in Georgia, Cloudland Canyon offers something for everyone. Primitive campers, as well as “glampers” utilizing one of the well-appointed yurts or cottages, can spend days hiking the canyon, accessing waterfalls, caves and other amazing features.

I highly recommend adding this to your Georgia “bucket list” if you’ve never visited.

Even if you’re not an “experienced” hiker, the the Overlook Trail adjacent to the main parking lot is relatively easy. The views at the main overlook are well worth the effort.

Overlook #2 is a short hike from the interpretive center and affords wonderful views of Bear Creek Gorge. It’s usually quite shaded and a bit difficult to photograph.

From the Overlook Trail, follow signs to the Waterfalls Trail. A quick descent and strenuous steps characterize this hike, which I didn’t complete due to time constraints.

Even if you can’t make it all the way to the falls, enjoy the geologic formations, including this well-known rock overhang.

LaFayette Square, LaGrange

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The focal point of downtown LaGrange is LaFayette Square, which is anchored by a bronze copy of Ernest Eugene Hiolle’s famous statue of the Marquis de LaFayette. LaGrange is named for the Marquis’s French country estate. The statue was placed in the square in 1976 and is on permanent loan to the city from LaGrange College.

LaGrange Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Peachtree Street from the Square, Cuthbert

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Cuthbert Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Altamaha Regional Park, Everett

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General Store

The Altamaha Regional Park began as a fish camp and has grown into a public facility that is well-known to area sportsmen, offering a general store, dock, and campsites and rental cabins.

Several of the older cabins remain on the property, as well as mobile homes.

The South Altamaha Flathead Association was a fishing club that met here at one time. I’m not sure they’re still active.

The fishing is good here, though.

I made this aerial photograph of the park on an assignment with veteran pilot Frank Lee and photographer Mike McCall.

Howard Gilman Memorial Park, St. Marys

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The riverfront park in St. Marys, named for the late timber and paper magnate and one of America’s greatest art patrons, Howard Gilman, is a wonderful public space, rivaling any in Coastal Georgia.

I could have spent hours just watching and photographing the birds in the ornamental fountain. Pictured below: Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major).

Lake Pamona Park, Colonels Island

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This small public natural area is located on Lake Pamona Road, near Camp Viking but not on Lake Pamona itself. It features a short boardwalk and is a good example of a tidal wetland. Meredith Belford writes that it’s [traditionally] known as Youmans Pond. It was owned by Hoke Youmans and later became county property for greenspace.

White-tailed Deer, Okefenokee Swamp

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White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are abundant in the Okefenokee and the ones I photographed at Stephen C. Foster State Park were nearly tame. Their are signs warning against feeding them, but people apparently do so anyway.

Connie’s Children’s Park, Nashville

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Created and named  for Nashville’s first woman mayor, the late Connie Tate Perry, Connie’s Children’s Park is located beside the old courthouse. I can’t emphasize enough how wonderful this fountain is as a piece of accessible public art. There’s really nothing to compare in South Georgia.

Okefenokee Swamp, Charlton County

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okefenokee trail charlton county ga photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

The drive on the Okefenokee Trail (Georgia Highway 177) from Fargo to the entrance of Stephen C. Foster State Park will give an indication that you’re about to be in a real wilderness. There isn’t a sign of civilization for miles.

okefenokee swamp ga stephen c foster state park entrance photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

Practically tame, White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can often be seen grazing near the entrance to the state park.

okefenokee swamp ga white tailed deer photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

Though the swamp had been in a drought for several years when I made these photographs, search and rescue boats were on hand to illustrate the real dangers of getting lost in the swamp.

okefenokee swamp ga dnr search rescue boats photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

The Trembling Earth Nature Trail is the easiest way to see a microcosm of the swamp at the park, though a boat is always best. Fred Deal designed this walkway when he attended Ware Technical school in 1967.

okefenokee swamp boardwalk photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

The boardwalk is always well-maintained. It’s a great place to watch birds. I caught a quick glimpse of this Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus).

okefenokee swamp ga red shouldered hawk photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

The swamp is quite different in the winter, especially in low water.

okefenokee swamp ga cypress stump photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

I’ve always found alligators in abundance in the Okefenokee, but didn’t see a single one on this visit.

okefenokee swamp saw palmetto photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 209

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is ubiquitous. As a native of South Georgia I appreciate its beauty and place in the ecosystem.

okefenokee swamp ga autumn photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009