Georgia
Nature

This Magical Nighttime Adventure Will Provide Views Of Georgia You’ve Never Seen Before

Paddle Under the Stars at Stephen C. Foster State Park offers a magical nighttime kayaking adventure through Okefenokee Swamp.

Published May 3, 2017

Written by 

Angie Slayton

What if we told you there is an epic adventure in Georgia, strictly at night, where people can wander through the outdoors seeing pieces of the state they probably never have seen before? Sounds a bit intense, right? Except that it's mostly just pure magic, and the perfect way to enjoy a side of Georgia with the whole family that most people don't get a chance to. Have a look...

Stephen C. Foster State Park recently held an event that caters to the more adventurous families out there.

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Flickr J Stephen Conn

If you love a good sunset, kayaking, plus exploring the great Georgia outdoors, then this park-hosted event is for you.

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Yelp Sidi L.

Paddle Under the Stars is a ranger-guided canoe or kayak journey through the sprawling marshlands of Okefenokee Swamp during nighttime hours.

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Flickr John Whitehill

Watch as the sun takes it’s final bow before dipping under the horizon, and paddle along the water leaving the Milky Way, or the glow of the moon to guide you.

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J Stephen Conn

It is recommended by rangers that you bring a headlamp, just so that once the sun officially sets, you can still see along the way.

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Yelp Sidi L.

Be careful of what you might find though, you never know what is lurking beneath the waters of this swamp!

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Yelp Sidi L.

Kids must be accompanied by adults in the same boat, and no child under the age of 5 is allowed to participate, for safety issues.

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Flickr John Whitehill

But if you’ve ever imagined what happens after the sun sets over the biggest swamp in Georgia, then this is your chance.

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Flickr Alexander Lerch

Advanced reservations are required for the next Paddle Under the Stars, so make sure you keep an eye out and your calendar open.

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Flickr Phil Oswald Cristiano

Prepare yourself for a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure perfect for the whole family.

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Flickr John Whitehill

Paddle Under the Stars just held an event recently, so stay tuned for announcements for the next adventure on the Stephen C. Foster State Park website here. Or if you're looking to head to Stephen C. Foster to try out a kayak trip during the daytime, you can use the address below:

Stephen C. Foster State Park

17515 Highway 177

Fargo, GA 31631

Clinch County

If you're digging the outdoor adventures Georgia has, then you'll love The One Lake In Georgia That Is Perfect For A Spring Adventure.

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Nature

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Georgia’s Fall Foliage In 2024

Discover the best times and places to see fall foliage in Georgia with the help of an interactive map.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Is there any better season than fall in Georgia? Autumn has it all, from delicious foods to fun fall festivals, not to mention cooler days after the brutal heat of a Peach State summer. Those first few crisp mornings of fall always have us wondering "when do the leaves change color in Georgia?" Leaf peeping is such a fun autumn activity, and there's plenty of great places to spot fall foliage in Georgia, but you definitely want to time your adventures properly.

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If you're looking to plan a fall foliage road trip in Georgia, we've got a Georgia fall foliage map 2024 from Smoky Mountains that will help you figure out when the trees will be at their peak colors. Check out this interactive map:

If living in Georgia has taught us anything, it's that weather can be unpredictable. It's not unusual to have 90-degree days well past Labor Day through much of the state! There's no sure answer for "when do leaves change in Georgia?"

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This map uses weather conditions and history to try to determine when leaves all over the country will be at peak colors. By the middle of October, you can expect most of the state to have patchy autumn hues.

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Amy Luo/Moment/Getty Images

Towards the end of October and early November, North Georgia should be right around peak colors.

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Marilyn Nieves/E+/Getty Images

It doesn't get cool enough in most of South Georgia for areas like Albany or Savannah to see much fall foliage, but head towards the North Georgia mountains and you'll be treated to beautiful views.

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By the end of November, all those beautiful golds, oranges, and reds will be gone.

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Don't miss out on fall foliage in Georgia or you'll have to wait a whole year to see this spectacular sight again!

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Where are your favorite places for leaf peeping in Georgia? I know it's a bit cliche, but I love visiting Helen. It's such a delightful small town and the natural scenery is just as amazing as the German vibe.

Check out the full Georgia fall foliage map 2024 at the Smoky Mountains website.

When fall hits, there's nothing like hitting the trails. Autumn's cool breezes make even lengthy trails less of a challenge, and that scenery really makes exercising so much more fun. If you also love to go fall hiking in Georgia, consider signing up for a free trial of Alltrails+. You’ll enjoy all kinds of benefits.

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Nature

The One Spot In Georgia That’s Basically Heaven On Earth

Dunaway Gardens in Newnan, Georgia, is a historic and enchanting natural rock-and-floral garden that offers a serene escape and has a rich history of hosting Hollywood creatives.

Updated Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

The fact that we have a little slice of heaven in the great state of Georgia that can still be kept under the radar is why we love this state so much. If you want to check out someplace intriguing, but also fascinatingly beautiful at the same time, then Dunaway Gardens in Georgia is the place to go.

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Located a mere 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, you'll find the enchantment that is Dunaway Gardens.

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Facebook Dunaway Gardens

This majestic garden is actually one of the largest natural rock-and-floral gardens in the South.

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Trip Advisor Darryl P.

The history behind this magical garden is even more fascinating than the beauty of the grounds. Photo Credit goes to Facebook Dunaway Gardens.

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Facebook Dunaway Gardens

Back in the 1920s all the way through the 1940s, Dunaway Gardens was a place for Hollywood producers, directors, and performers to come and practice their craft.

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Yelp Erica B.

The grounds were so alluring, that many creative minds found solace and sanctuary during the Golden Years.

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Dunaway Gardens / Facebook

Over the years, the entire garden was restored to its natural beauty, and people from all walks of life could enjoy the lush greenery in abundance.

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One of the most intriguing spots in the garden is the giant reflection pool carved into a huge granite outcropping, perfect for sitting in silence and enjoying the afternoon.

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Trip Advisor Meredith K.

No matter the time of year, there is still an allure to Dunaway Gardens that can't be beat.

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It is like Georgia's very own secret garden.

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Yelp Erica B.

The gardens have hosted a wide array of people over the years from ballet troupes to even Walt Disney and Minnie Pearl.

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I can't think of a better place to get married—in the middle of #Georgia woods, surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Facebook Photo Credit: Dunaway Gardens

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Facebook Dunaway Gardens

Guests can really enjoy the charm of nature and wonderment in this secret garden while sharing their special day with loved ones.

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From the Hanging Gardens to the Sunken Pool to the old Wedding Tree with sturdy, hanging branches, Dunaway Gardens is a must-visit spot in our beautiful state of Georgia.

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Have you ever visited Dunaway Gardens in Georgia? Share your experiences there with us in the comments below! And if you need a place to stay, check out these nearby vacation rentals.

For more scenic beauty, check out our list of some of the most beautiful places in Georgia:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/unimaginably-beautiful-places-ga/

Looking for even more to explore? Check out the Grand Canyon of the East, located right here in Georgia:

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