
Panola Mountain State Park
This unusual park near Atlanta offers great hiking and biking, as well as unique Tree Top Excursions. Visitors may explore on their own, or join park staff for guided hikes onto the restricted-access mountain. Due to its delicate ecological features, Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark, and pets are not allowed on most trails. Children will especially enjoy the 12 miles of paved path for biking, or touring the a interpretive center with animal exhibits.
Activities at Panola Mountain State Park
Nature Viewing
Biking
Fishing
Picnicking
Playgrounds
Panola has many options for hikers and joggers:
- Enjoy the 2 mile self-guided nature trail.
- Hit the 1-mile Fitness Trail.
- Go on a guided 3.5-mile hike to the top of Panola Mountain, Wednesday-Saturday. Please note that you must call ahead to make reservations 770-389-7801.
THE 12 MILE PATH FOUNDATION TRAIL; Panola Mountain Trailhead. This is a paved trail which connects Panola Mountain with Arabia Mountain and Stonecrest Mall. It is available for hiking, biking, skating and other non-motorized vehicle use. Dogs are only allowed on this trail provided they are on a 6-foot leash.
WATERSHED TRAIL
This 1.25 mile trail skirts two branches of a small creek draining the piedmont uplands. A watershed describes an area containing a network of streams and rivers that all drain into a larger body of water. This creek drains into the South River, which joins the Oconee, eventually becoming the Altamaha which empties into the Atlantic ocean. The vegetative cover of the watershed influences the rate and amount of runoff, as well as water quality. Along the trail you will see evidence of poor agricultural practices in the past, which greatly increased stream erosion and siltation. Modern resource management is improving the watershed's ability to conserve high-quality water.
ROCK OUTCROP TRAIL
This 3/4 mile trail overlooks a granite outcrop typical of many found in Georgia's piedmont. After traversing a second-growth pine-oak forest, the trail brings you to the edge of the outcrop where you can see evidence of the geologic forces that created the mountain, as well as the erosional forces shaping its present appearance. Along the way you will see some of the plants and animals found in this unique ecosystem. All have adaptations allowing them to survive on the bare rock face. This enchanting but harsh environment is called nature's rock garden.
- Hit the 1-mile Fitness Trail.
Don't miss our Tree Top Excursions "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Birders enjoy the wildlife at Panola Mountain State Park. Bring your binoculars.
Bicyclers and joggers have access to the 12-mile paved Rockdale River and Arabia Mountain PATH trail.
Get a free permit to fish the clean cool lakes at Panola Mountain State Park. (permit is required)
Get out and bring your friends for a lunch in the park.
- 4 picnic shelters
A fun, clean playground is available for the kids or the kid in you.
Contact Panola Mountain State Park
Reservations (800) 864-7275
Hours of Operation
April 15-September 14, 7 AM-9 PM (or dark)
Events at Panola Mountain State Park
Privet Pull Volunteer Workday at PanolaPanola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 / 9 AM to 12 PM
Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of State Wildlife Grants, which funded the native grassland restoration at Panola Mountain State Park. Contribute further to this restoration by helping to eradicate invasive privet. Meet at Nature Center. Dress for the outdoors. Bring a water bottle, snacks, work gloves, and hand saw (if you have one). 770-389-7801.
Facilities at Panola Mountain State Park
For rates visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/PanolaMountain
- 1,319 Acres
- 4 Picnic Shelters
- Conference Room (seats 50)
- Interpretive Center
- Playground
- 2 Fishing Lakes
Clubs at Panola Mountain State Park

Ride the trails or just ride in the mud. Join the Muddy Spokes Club and you'll be introduced to some 68 miles of mountain bike trails... from not so hard to downright exhausting.
GO-for Muddy Spokes >>
Programs at Panola Mountain State Park

A new GO Georgia badge has been added to the successful Junior Ranger Program. Kids ages 7 - 14 choose from a list of activities to earn their Gopher badge. The younger ones, ages 7 - 10 must complete 5 activities while those in the older group, ages 11 - 14 must work toward completing 8 activities.
GO-for Junior Ranger Gopher Badge >>




