Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Fort Yargo State Park, 27 miles south of Gainesville in Winder, is home to a 1792 fort built by settlers for protection against Cherokee and Creek Indians. The park also features 18 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers as well as a lake, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. Other amenities at the park include a disc golf course, picnic areas, tennis courts, a miniature golf course, boat ramps and boat rentals. For overnight stays, the park offers cottages, yurts and campsites for tents, trailers and RVs.
Smithgall Woods State Park, 33 miles north of Gainesville near Helen, is a mountain property best known for its fishing. Dukes Creek, one of north Georgia's premier trout streams, runs through the park. Anglers must make reservations for catch-and-release fishing. The park also has 5 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Smithgall Woods features six rental cottages equipped with electricity and telephone service. Select cottages have porches overlooking the creek. The park also features picnic areas and a 1-mile nature trail that leads to Dukes Creek Falls.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge, surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is 36 miles north of Gainesville and 2 miles north of the village of Helen. The park is home to Unicoi Lake, which offers opportunities for swimming and fishing. Catch-and-release fishing is also permitted in Smith Creek. Unicoi has 12 miles of nature and hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, picnic areas, tennis courts and softball and volleyball areas. For overnight stays, the Unicoi Lodge has 100 rooms with mountain views and wireless Internet. The lodge also features 30 rustic cabins.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is 37 miles northwest of Gainesville in Dawsonville. The park is home to the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi, which the Cherokee named Amicalola, or "falling waters." The 729-foot falls are just a short hike from the Amicalola Falls Lodge, which offers full-service hotel rooms and rustic cabins. Cabins have one to three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, heating and air conditioning. Bed and bath linens are provided. Select cabins have wood-burning stone fireplaces. Nearby activities include whitewater rafting and horseback riding.