Fort Yargo State Park

Between Atlanta and Athens, Fort Yargo State Park is named for a log blockhouse built by settlers in 1792 to protect themselves from the local Creek and Cherokee. Today the park is a popular mountain biking destination, with a demanding 12-mile loop trail for experienced riders (featuring steep ascents and descents and such challenges as Heart Attack Hill, Horseshoe Drop, and Monster Mile). Inquire at the park about group rides, hayrides, historic re-enactments, and ongoing preservation efforts. The 1,816-acre park surrounds a 260-acre lake, with a seasonal swimming beach and boat rentals (fishing boats, canoes, and pedalboats). You can ...

Between Atlanta and Athens, Fort Yargo State Park is named for a log blockhouse built by settlers in 1792 to protect themselves from the local Creek and Cherokee. Today the park is a popular mountain biking destination, with a demanding 12-mile loop trail for experienced riders (featuring steep ascents and descents and such challenges as Heart Attack Hill, Horseshoe Drop, and Monster Mile). Inquire at the park about group rides, hayrides, historic re-enactments, and ongoing preservation efforts. The 1,816-acre park surrounds a 260-acre lake, with a seasonal swimming beach and boat rentals (fishing boats, canoes, and pedalboats). You can camp, rent a wooded cottage, or stay in one of five minimally furnished canvas yurts with wide decks out over the water. There is also a disc golf course, miniature golf, and tennis courts. In its scenic setting with many well-maintained facilities and amenities, the park draws crowds for group activities, weddings, reunions, and other events. Athens, home of the University of Georgia and a lively local music scene, is less than 30 miles away for plenty of urban diversions. Within Fort Yargo State Park is a special needs recreational and therapeutic camp operated by a partner of the state park system for children facing serious illnesses and life challenges.

About the Expert

Kap Stann has written or contributed to many guidebooks to the American Southeast for such publishers as Moon, Avalon Travel, Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness, and Mobil Guides.