Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park
(770) 389-7801
This unusual park near Atlanta was created to protect a 100-acre granite monadnock (mountain) often compared to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Minimally developed, Panola Mountain shelters rare plants of the Piedmont region. Hikers may explore the park's watershed and granite outcrop on their own, or they may join park staff for guided hikes onto the restricted-access mountain. Children especially enjoy the interpretive center with animal exhibits. Due to its delicate ecological features, Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark, and pets are not allowed on most trails. Bicycles are allowed only on the paved PATH trail.
Attending an event? Due to the popularity of our scheduled programs and guided hikes, all require advance registration.
Park Hours: September 15-April 14, 7AM-6PM (or dark); April 15-September 14, 7AM-9PM (or dark).
Interpretive Center Hours: open 8:30AM-5PM daily.
Teachers and Educators
Panola Mountain Research Watershed Area
Join Friends of Panola State Park
FACILITIES:
1,026 Acres
4 Picnic Shelters ($60)
Conference Room (seats 50, $150)
Interpretive Center
Playground
2 Fishing Lakes
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking
Bicycling and Jogging -- access to 12-mile, paved Rockdale River and Arabia Mountain PATH Trail
Birding
Fishing -- free permit required
Picnicking
Interpretive Programs
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Georgia's Treasures Along I-20
McDonough, Georgia
Sandy Springs, Georgia
Hard Labor Creek State Park and Golf Course
High Falls State Park
Indian Springs State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park
Arabia Mountain
Atlanta, Georgia
Stone Mountain Park
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Events
Summer Fly Fishing Clinic
Tuesday, Aug 26, 2008 6:30 PM - 8 PM
| This clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety and other tricks of the trade. If time permits, participants may stay to catch the "Fish of Fish." Instructors suggest wearing long pants and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen... $10 or $7 with own gear. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Walk On the Wild Side Night Hike
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, Aug 28, 2008 7:30 PM - 9 PM
| Lace up your hiking shoes and come see the nightlife of Panola Mountain. This adventure will introduce you to the nocturnal world of the forest and swamps. You will see fluorescent creatures, hear bats, and participate in "spider sniffing... $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Sep 27, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Jan 24, 2009 10 AM - 12 PM
| This clinic is for graduates of our Basic Fly Fishing Clinic and will focus on "On the Water Techniques... $12-$15, plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Art of Fly Tying Demostration
Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 2 PM - 5 PM
| Join fly fishing instructors for demonstrations in the art of fly tying, which will include hands on assistance. Participants will have first access to pre-register for our 2008 fall and winter fly-tying clinics. Our instructors are available to explain basic fly-fishing gear and equipment. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Tree Top Excursions: Open Climb
Saturday, Sep 6, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday, Jan 3, 2009 1 PM - 4 PM
| Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $10 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, Sep 13, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Oct 11, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Nov 8, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 9:45 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, Jan 10, 2009 10 AM - 12 PM
| The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the "Fish of Fish." Instructors C. H... $7 - $10 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Nocturnal Treetop Excursion
Saturday, Sep 13, 2008 6 PM - 9 PM
Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 6 PM - 9 PM
| Join us aloft in "Naomi Ruth," a wonderful 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Register in advance. $20 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Panola Mountain Volunteers: Hands On Atlanta
Saturday, Sep 20, 2008 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 11, 2008 9 AM - 12:30 PM
| Volunteers are invited to lend a hand with projects to improve the park's recreational and environmental resources. Removing invasive plants improves native habitat, while grounds maintenance (such as spreading woodchip mulch along trails) will assist with erosion control... 404-979-2817. |
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Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, Sep 20, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 18, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Nov 15, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 10 AM - 1:30 PM
| These ranger-led hikes depart from the nature center and are for participants in good physical condition. Register and pay in advance. This program must have at least five hikers or it will be cancelled. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Road Bike Ride
Saturday, Sep 27, 2008 to Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 9 AM
| Join us for a 23-mile ride highlighting the fabulous Arabia Mountain Path and gently traveled roads. We will gather at the Rockdale River Trail parking area near Alexander Lake. Register in advance. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Fall Wildflower Hike
Saturday, Sep 27, 2008 10 AM - 1 PM
| Take this guided hike up Panola Mountain during the time of year when yellow daisies are in their full glory and the colors of fall are everywhere. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Fat Tire Adventures
Saturday, Sep 27, 2008 12 PM
| Join the Southern Bicycle League at the Rockdale River Trail parking area for an off-road adventure. This ride will take you to scenic vistas, wetland complexes and pine savannah. Register in advance. $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Geology Day
Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 9 AM - 2:30 PM
| Join an expert in geology and Georgia's native plants as we tour both Panola Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Fall Color Half-Day Hike
Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 9 AM - 2:30 PM
| Take this guided tour that encompasses several habitats, types of forests and granite outcrops during the peak fall color season in Georgia. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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ZZZ's in the Trees
Saturday & Sunday 6 PM Oct 25, 2008 until Oct 26, 2008
| Join us aloft for a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your "tree-boat," viewing stars glimmering like diamonds in the sky. A treetop bivouac camp will be established in our secluded climbing tree for an overnight experience... $75 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Introduction to Backpacking
Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
| This beginner's class will take place in an outdoor classroom type setting. 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. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Backpacking Clinic
Saturday, Nov 8, 2008 to Sunday, Nov 9, 2008 1 PM
| This over-night guided trip will take you to breathtaking vistas, pine savannahs, hardwood bottomlands and water crossings... $30 per participant $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Winter Bird Hike
Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 9 AM - 12 PM
| Join one of Panola Mountain's birders on this winter tour and search for a variety of hawks, sparrows and other winter migrant and resident birds. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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