Outdoor activities have always been important in Scenic Southwest Georgia. Kayak or canoe down the Flint River or hunt quail on a South Georgia plantation resort. Put the boat in at George T. Bagby State Park on Lake Walter F. George in Fort Gaines or at Seminole State Park on Lake Seminole in Donalsonville. Launch into the Flint River from Earle May Boat Basin Park in Bainbridge. Mega ramps for boating, a beach with swimming area, campground, petting zoo, picnic pavilions, playground and a walking trail mean there’s something for everyone.
Two lakes
at Kolomoki Mounds State Park near Blakely
provide fishing, boating and lakeside camping opportunities. Hikers at this
park can choose from three scenic trails: the Spruce Pine Trail which offers
views of lakes Yahola and Kolomoki, and the Trillium Trail and White
Oak Trail which meander through the forest.
Look for gopher
tortoises, “buzzards,” and an abundance of other wildlife at Reed Bingham State Park near Adel; hike through the serene cypress
swamp, or boat, ski, or fish on the 375-acre lake. Stephen C. Foster
State Park in Fargo is the western gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp.
Explore Albany’s Flint RiverQuarium and its 175,000-gallon, 22-foot deep, open-air Blue
Hole that showcases the Flint River ecosystem, home to plants, reptiles, and fish. Or get a close look at flamingos, zebras, cheetahs, African black rhinos and other exotic animal exhibits within a natural cypress swamp habitat while you stroll on scenic boardwalks at the nearby Chehaw Park. This is one of just two AZA-accredited zoos in Georgia. The park also features a BMX bicycle motocross track, disc golf, mountain bike trails, as well as RV and tent camping.
Take the kids on an agricultural tour to see where their food comes from. Treat yourself to juicy peaches, tomatoes and, yes, melons at Mark’s Melon Patch, not far outside of Albany in Sasser, known as our famous roadside stand! It is definitely a sight to see in October when the sunflower field is full of stunning sunflowers, pumpkins galore, music, face painting, and the famous homemade ice cream.
Water sport athletes in this area head
to the Valdosta Wake Compound, one of the first Georgia cable parks completely funded,
designed, developed and operated by riders, for riders. The pro shop at the
Compound rents canoes, kayaks, water skis and wake boards.
