Reservations 800-864-7275
Park
770-389-7801
A NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for June 21-23:
Primitive Campsites / Conference Room (Contact park directly for Conference Room reservations 770-389-7801.)
(as of June 18, 2013)
 Panola Mountain State Park Business Plan
Just 15 minutes from Atlanta is a recreational haven for all ages and interests. Visitors can picnic while children work off energy on the playground. Anglers can bring their fishing poles to catch dinner at Alexander Lake. The park even offers archery, boat rental, geocaching, orienteering, birding and tree-climbing programs. A paved trail is open for biking, roller blading, jogging and dog-walking, while forested fitness trails are open for hiking and running.
Panola Mountain is a 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain, but smaller and much more pristine. Park visitors will see the outcrop and its rare ecosystem just as Native Americans did centuries ago. Reservations are required for ranger-led hikes that teach about the rare plants and animals found in this habitat.
Panola Mountain State Park is the crown jewel of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, one of only three National Heritage Areas in the state. The park’s unusual natural beauty and intriguing cultural changes are the basis for this special recognition. Over the years, this area has been home to early settlers, immigrant rock cutters, freed slaves and even Trappist monks. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a partnership among the state of Georgia; DeKalb, Henry and Rockdale counties; the Monastery of the Holy Spirit; and numerous communities and public-private partners. Panola has also been designated a National Natural Landmark. Learn more at www.arabiaalliance.org.
Park Hours:
Open Daily - 7 AM to Dusk
Nature Center Hours:
8:30 AM to 5 PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday during winter.
$5 parking. Annual passes available.
GeorgiaStateParks.org/PanolaMountain
FACILITIES:
- 1,635 Acres
- 4 Picnic Shelters ($70)
- Conference Room (seats 50, $155) and Cart Barn -- contact park for reservations
- 5 Primitive Campsites ($15) -- Half mile hike in to site. Water and restroom available in Parking Lot.
- Nature Center and Gift Shop
- 2 Fishing Lakes
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
- Hiking-- 2 miles of self-guided nature trails and 1-mile fitness trail. Guided 3.5-mile hikes to the mountain (call for reservations)
- Bicycling and Jogging -- access to 12-mile, paved Rockdale River and Arabia Mountain PATH Trail, Muddy Spokes Club
- Archery Range (fee, annual pass available, static and 3-D range)
- GeoCaching
- Orienteering
- Tree Climbs
- Fishing -- boat rental, Georgia fishing license required, free park permit required
- Birding
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Weddings (park approval required)
 WSB TV "Hidden Treasures" video:
- Hiking at Panola (part 1)
- Tree Climbing at Panola (part 2)
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
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View by date Events
Junior Ranger Camp ages 6-12 - Reserve a spot by 06/14/2013
Now until Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 8 AM to 5 PM
  Send the kids over to our day camp to earn a Junior Ranger badge. At this session we will work toward earning a Level I,II, or III Junior Ranger badges with fun activities like hiking, fishing, nature games, and much more! We will meet at the Nature Center each morning. Don't forget good hiking shoes and sunscreen. $100 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturdays 10 AM until Sep 7, 2013
| 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. Meet in Nature Center. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 8 PMSaturday, Jul 20, 2013 8 PM
Saturday, Aug 17, 2013 7:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 14, 2013 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. Participants must register and pay in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 8 AM to 12 PMSunday, Jul 21, 2013 8 AM to 12 PM
Sunday, Aug 18, 2013 8 AM to 12 PM
| 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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4th of July Night Hike
Thursday, Jul 4, 2013 8:30 PM
| Slow down this July 4th and join a ranger for a leisurely stroll to the top of Panola Mountain. As the sun sets we will enjoy a panoramic view of Atlanta's Independence Day Celebrations. Bring water and bug spray. Participants must register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 1 PM
| 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. Meet at the Nature Center. Register in advance. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, Jul 20, 2013 1 PM| Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. One group will start at 1PM; another group will start at 3PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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