Month-long Effort to Salvage Historic DeKalb Icon a Success! Following a month of work, stabilization of historic Vaughters’ Barn – the iconic white-painted structure located off of Klondike Road – is complete. The building required significant renovations to fix years of wear and tear, the result of aging materials and the elements. Now that construction has finished, the Barn and meadow loop trail are once again available for hikers and photographers.

All across the country, park rangers are inviting Americans to start the New Year with an energizing First Day Hike on January 1. In Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, dozens of guided treks will encourage friends and families to connect with nature and each other. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative from America’s State Parks to get people outdoors, with hundreds of hikes scheduled in all 50 states.

Give the gift of nature with the help of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites and watch a simple present turn into an unforgettable experience. Explore the outdoors amongst family, friends and fellow nature lovers with the below seven gift ideas.

White County resident Eric Bentley has been named Assistant Director of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks and Historic Sites Division. Bentley will oversee operations of more than 60 properties across the state, including Kolomoki Mounds in Early County and Dahlonega Gold Museum in Lumpkin County. He was appointed by new Georgia State Parks Director Jeff Cown.

Every fall in Georgia, Mother Nature displays her most beautiful work, beckoning travelers from near and far to take in the scenery of the Peach State. From the crisp mountain air, the comforting autumn breezes and the red, orange, yellow and faded green hues, Georgia State Parks is the premier destination to take all of fall in. Thanks to the overlooks that can be found at the below state parks, guests can indulge in the beauty offered by standing miles high and basking in its glory.

September 29 Event Sponsored by Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.

Thomas The Tank Engine™ To visit Cordele, GA on October 19, 20, 21 and 27 & 28.

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Director Becky Kelley was recently honored during the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism. She received the Paul Nelson Award for Outdoor Recreation and Preservation. Kelley retires this September after 16 years as parks director. She, her husband Steve and daughter Amanda reside in Henry County.

Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Mark Williams has announced the appointment of Jeff Cown to serve as the director of the State Parks & Historic Sites Division of DNR succeeding Becky Kelley who is retiring in October. The Board of Natural Resources will act to approve Mr. Cown’s appointment at its September meeting.

For many people, the perfect autumn weekend includes cozy campfires and gooey s’mores surrounded by fiery-hued forests. To help leaf peepers plan their fall escapes, Georgia’s state parks will soon launch “Leaf Watch 2018” to track fall color as it moves across the Peach State.

Kick off the summer with an adventure and head up the coast of Georgia to visit some of the most historically enriching sites the Peach State has to offer.

Renovated Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site reopens June 18

Library patrons can get free admission, discovery backpacks and more through their local library.

Splash into Summer Water Activities at Georgia State Parks.

Grand Opening is May 10 in Reidsville.

Six Ways to Make Memories with Mom in Georgia's State Parks.

Brasstown Valley Resort and Riverwood Golf Club Named Top Courses in the Country.

With designs that leverage the scenic and diverse terrains from lakes to forests across the state, Georgia State Park Golf Courses compare favorably to some of the state’s best private courses.

Six picture-perfect Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites settings.

Fun, affordable and educational youth programs can be a challenge to come by, but not with the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites’ Junior Ranger program.