Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park
(770) 389-7801
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for March 12-14: Picnic Shelters, Conference Room (as of March 9, 2010 - updates are posted on Tuesday)
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.
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.
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/PanolaMountain
Attending an event? Due to the popularity of our scheduled programs and guided hikes, all require advance registration.
FACILITIES:
- 1,319 Acres
- 4 Picnic Shelters ($65)
- Conference Room (seats 50, $150)
- Visitor Center
- Playground
- 2 Fishing Lakes
ACTIVITIES:
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
OTHER:
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Events

Lost Person Prevention 2nd Saturday of Month 10 AM from Mar 13, 2010 until Dec 11, 2010
| 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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Basic Fly Fishing Clinic 2nd Saturday of Month 10 AM - 12 PM from Mar 13, 2010 until Dec 11, 2010
| 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... $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Backpacking Clinic Saturday & Sunday 2 PM from Mar 13, 2010 until Mar 14, 2010
Saturday & Sunday 2 PM from Nov 6, 2010 until Nov 7, 2010
| This over-night guided trip will take you to breathtaking vistas, pine savannahs, hardwood bottomlands and water crossings... $30 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Mountain Top Adventure Hike 2nd Sunday of Month 2 PM from Mar 14, 2010 until Dec 12, 2010
| These guided hikes depart from Panola's nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops... $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Saturday Mountain Hike 3rd Saturday of Month 10 AM from Mar 20, 2010 until Dec 18, 2010
| These guided hikes depart from Panola's nature center and are for people in good physical condition... $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb 3rd Saturday of Month 1 PM - 4 PM from Mar 20, 2010 until Dec 18, 2010
| 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. Meeting at Naomi-Ruth Climbing Tree... $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Let's Go Fly A Kite Sunday, Mar 21, 2010 2 PM
| With spring just around the corner, the piedmont rolling hills and grass lands will soon be alive with the sound of whooping and squealing as mom and dad get their children's kits air born. Pleas join us for this family tradition at Panola Mountain's Alexander Lake Recreational Area... $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Mountain Bike Adventures Saturday, Mar 27, 2010 10 AM
Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 10 AM
| Join the Southern Bicycle League at the Rockdale River Trail parking area by Alexander Lakes for an off-road adventure. This ride will take you to scenic vistas, wetland complexes and pine savannah. Covers most of Panola Mountain's property; both dirt and paved trails... $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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ZZZ's in the Trees Saturday & Sunday 6 PM from Apr 3, 2010 until Apr 4, 2010
Saturday & Sunday 6 PM from May 1, 2010 until May 2, 2010
Saturday & Sunday 6 PM from Sep 25, 2010 until Sep 26, 2010
Saturday & Sunday 6 PM from Oct 2, 2010 until Oct 3, 2010
| 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... $125 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Mountain Top Owl Prowl Saturday, Apr 3, 2010 8 PM
Saturday, May 8, 2010 8 PM
Saturday, Jun 26, 2010 8 PM
Saturday, Jul 10, 2010 8 PM
Saturday, Aug 7, 2010 7 PM
Saturday, Sep 4, 2010 7 PM
Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 7 PM
Saturday, Nov 6, 2010 6 PM
Saturday, Dec 4, 2010 6 PM
| Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night and offers one of the best perches for viewing Atlanta's skyline. Bring flashlights and comfortable clothing. Meeting at the nature center... $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Sunday Afternoon Fly Fishing Clinic 1st Sunday of Month 2 PM from Apr 4, 2010 until Dec 5, 2010
| Casting is the backbone of this clinic; however, if time permits will also cover equipment, knot tying, and safety issues and other tricks of the trade. Master Instructor C. H. Brown suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion... $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Family Camping Clinic Saturday & Sunday 2 PM from Apr 10, 2010 until Apr 11, 2010
Saturday & Sunday 2 PM from Jun 5, 2010 until Jun 6, 2010
Saturday & Sunday 2 PM from Sep 11, 2010 until Sep 12, 2010
| This clinic allows the whole family to build confidence and develop an appreciation of the natural world through science education, exploration, and the classic fun of camping. Please bring your own gear... $80 for a family of 5.
$50 for a family of 3.
$35 for a family of 2 or less. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Giants of the Forest -- Arbor Day Celebration Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 9 AM to 3 PM
| Learn why forests are important to humans and explore efforts being made to conserve this natural resource. This is an all day hike. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise... $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Tree Top Night Climb Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 6 PM
Saturday, Jun 12, 2010 7 PM
Saturday, Oct 30, 2010 7 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... $25 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Wood Carving 101 Saturday, May 8, 2010 2 PM to 5 PM
Saturday, Jul 10, 2010 2 PM to 5 PM
Friday, Oct 8, 2010 2 PM to 5 PM
During this introductory course, learn how to carve wood by hand, shaping it into art. The course will cover types of wood, carving tools and equipment, and hands-on instruction. Participants will carve in-the-round and relief. Meeting at the nature center... $30 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Kids Fishing Festival Saturday, May 29, 2010 9 AM to 2 PM
Kids 15 and younger are invited to our lake to hook a catfish or bluegill while learning about aquatic habitats, fish identification and fishing skills. Also, an archery range, fly-fishing, tree climbing, Georgia Wildlife Encounters, and other activities will be available... $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Frog Slog Tuesdays 6 PM until Aug 31, 2010
| Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Meet in the Alexander Lake parking area. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Twilight Hike Thursdays 7 PM until Aug 26, 2010
| Join a park ranger on this guided hike when the days are long, and the temperatures cool just before sunset. This is the time when wildlife is most active. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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National Trails Day Celebration Saturday, Jun 5, 2010 9 AM to 3 PM
| Explore the secret valley of Panola Mountain State Park. You will be guided on a 6-mile hike through wetlands to upland forest and be able to view stunning outcrops. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise... $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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FitNFun USA Camp Weekdays 9 AM - 4 PM from Jun 14, 2010 until Jun 18, 2010
Weekdays 9 AM - 4 PM from Jun 21, 2010 until Jun 25, 2010
| Children 10-17 explore personal growth, self awareness, life enrichment and empowerment through a holistic approach to health and well-being. Register in advance. $125 to $200 plus $5 parking. 678-401-7084 or 404-272-7418. |
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Starlight and Fireworks Saturday, Jul 3, 2010 7:30 PM
| Listen to whippoorwills and owls as fireworks shower Atlanta's skyline. The top of Panola Mountain is one of the best places for a quiet and colorful view of July 4th festivities. Bring flashlights, refreshments and comfortable clothing. Fireworks are prohibited inside the park... $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Backyard Birding Saturday, Jul 10, 2010 10 AM
Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 10 AM
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the America. Around 60 million people feed birds in the USA. The only outdoor hobby that is more popular is gardening, and the two combine naturally... $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Fly Tying Clinic Sunday, Jul 11, 2010 2 PM
Participants learn the art of fly tying as instructors introduce them to tools and techniques to create realistic flies. Will make one fly, possibly more if time permits. Ages 10 and older. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Volunteer Orientation Sunday, Aug 8, 2010 2 PM
Share you passion with others as you advance your skills and talent. Use these orientation training as a foundation to introduce you to what you need to do to become a volunteer and enhance your volunteer experience at Panola Mountain. Meet at the nature center... $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |
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Introduction to Backpacking Saturday, Aug 14, 2010 2 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. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program... $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. |

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