Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park
(770) 389-7801
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for February 3-5:
Picnic Shelters / Conference Room (Call the Park for reservations for the Conference Room 770-389-7801)
(as of January 31, 2012 - updates are posted on Tuesday)
This unique park near Atlanta protects a 100-acre granite monadnock (mountain) similar to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Minimally developed, the mountain shelters rare plants of the Piedmont region. During autumn, it is blanketed with colorful Yellow Daisies, while from late winter to early spring, the tiny red Diamorpha showcases its white blooms. Hikers may explore the park’s watershed and granite outcrop on their own, or they may make reservations to join park rangers for guided hikes onto the restricted-access mountain.
Due to its delicate ecological features, Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark, and pets are not allowed on trails in the conservation area. However, the paved Rockdale River/Arabia Mountain PATH Trail is open to leashed dogs and bicycles, traveling 12 miles from Alexander Lake to Lithonia. This rolling journey takes visitors past two fishing lakes, grassy fields, shaded woods and rock outcrops, over the South River and beyond. Deer, turkey and other wildlife are abundant. Those who ride this trail may join the park’s Muddy Spokes Club.
Park Hours:
Open Daily - 7 AM to Dusk
Nature Center Hours:
8:30 AM to 5 PM
Notice: Through March 1, 2012, the Nature Center will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Mid-week programs are available by calling the Nature Center.
GeorgiaStateParks.org/PanolaMountain
FACILITIES:
- 1,635 Acres
- 4 Picnic Shelters ($70)
- Conference Room (seats 50, $155, contact park for reservations)
- Visitor Center
- 2 Fishing Lakes
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
 WSB TV "Hidden Treasures" video:
- Hiking at Panola (part 1)
- Tree Climbing at Panola (part 2)
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
SUPPORTERS:
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Events
Home School Thursdays
Thursday, Feb 9, 2012
| Each month will cover a topic relating to science and nature. The day will be divided into two sessions and will cover the same topic on an appropriate level for that age group. Session 1: 10 -11:30 a.m. Children 9 and younger. Session 2: 12:30 -2 p.m. Children 10 and older. $3 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
2nd Saturday of Month 9 AM - 11 AM from Feb 11, 2012 until Dec 8, 2012
  The clinic covers casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the Fish of Fish. Instructors suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Lost Person Prevention
2nd Saturday of Month 10 AM from Feb 11, 2012 until Dec 8, 2012
| Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class unless a SAR activity is occurring. Meeting at the nature center... $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Atlanta Audobon Society Bird Walk
Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 10 AM
| Bring your binoculars for this gentle hike through the park's Power of Flight area. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Meet at the Alexander Lake Area. Register in advance. Donations of birdseed are appreciated. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Saturday Afternoon Mountain Hike
Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 3 PM
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 3 PM
Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 3 PM
| Find out why Panola Mountain is such an important ecosystem during a Ranger led hike to the top of the mountain. As we twist and turn on the trail, we will see different plants and wildlife. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and water. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Friends of Panola Mountain Hike
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 10 AM
Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 10 AM
| See Panola Mountain up close as a volunteer explains the reasons why the mountain is protected and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera. The hike generally lasts 2-3 hours. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Wilderness Survival Skills
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 10 AM
| Going on a day hike? What if your hike turned into a three-day survival trek? We will list what items to put in your survival kit and how to use them. Weather permitting we will practice building fires and learn other important survival skills. Register in Advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Sunset Mountain Hike
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 4:30 PM
Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 6 PM
| Join a ranger on a hike to the top of Panola Mountain, just as the sun sets. This twilight hike promises to provide spectacular views and good photo ops. Bring sturdy shoes, water and a flashlight. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Panola Unlimited
Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 9 AM
| Wear your hiking boots, pack a lunch and bring plenty of water for a rigorous half-day, ranger-led hike through Panola's rugged conservation area. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before hike departs. Ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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First Friday Mountain Hike
Friday, Mar 2, 2012 10 AM
Friday, Apr 6, 2012 10 AM
| Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water for a 3-mile ranger-led hike to the top of Panola Mountain. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before hike departs. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, Mar 3, 2012 5:30 PM
Saturday, Mar 31, 2012 7 PM
| Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountaintop under the full moon. We'll head out just before sunset and enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. Bring flashlights, hiking boots and water. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Basic Archery
Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 10 AM
| Take aim and hit the bull's eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the Archery Range. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. $10. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Navigation for Recreation: Geocaching 101
Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 2 PM
| Want to join the geocaching bandwagon but don't know where to start? Join a geochaching expert at the nature center. Bring your own GPS. Don't have a GPS yet? Come anyway for demos. You will have an opportunity to find caches hidden just for our class. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Moth Party
Saturday, Mar 24, 2012 7:30 PM to 10 PM
| One of the little-known joys of studying natural history is setting up a blacklight and watching for moths after dark. Discover Life is recruiting naturalists to participate in a Spring Natural History Survey to explore impacts such as climate, pollution, invasives and diseases. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Spring Butterfly Hike
Sunday, Mar 25, 2012 2 PM to 4 PM
Sunday, Apr 15, 2012 2 PM to 4 PM
| Join a park ranger when many flowers are in bloom and butterflies like hairstreaks and zebra swallowtails abound. Meet at the Park Nature Center. Hike is a rugged 2-mile loop... $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Spring Wildflower Hike
Saturday, Mar 31, 2012 10 AM to 1 PM
Saturday, Apr 7, 2012 10 AM to 1 PM
Saturday, Apr 14, 2012 10 AM to 1 PM
| Spring is a great time to see the incredible diversity of wildflowers on Panola Mountain. Not your typical habitat, this 100-acre granitic rock is a tough place to grow! See the beatiful Red-leaved Diamorpha, the delicate Sandwort, and the rare Granite Stonecrop. Register in advance... $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Navigation for Recreation: Orienteering 101
Saturday, May 19, 2012 2 PM
| Every year many people get lost in the wilderness. Many of them have a map and compass. Our orienteering course will help you to understand compass usage and use topographic maps to find your way. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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National Trails Day Celebration
Saturday, Jun 2, 2012 9 AM
| You will be guided on a hike through wetlands to upland forest and be able to view stunning outcrops. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before program begins. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Introduction to Backpacking
Saturday, Jun 2, 2012 3 PM
| This beginner's class will take place in an outdoor classroom. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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