Mistletoe Park

A pawsome outdoor adventure awaits you and Fido at the Mistletoe State Park! Less than an hour's drive from Augusta, this 1,920-acre site features 15.5 miles of trails, a pooch-friendly campground, and the 72,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake—your pupper's tail will surely be wagging non-stop!

With so many fun activities to do, it can be hard to decide where to start! Does your best friend enjoy climbing over rocks and tree roots? Then they'll have a barking good time hiking the park's meandering trails. The Cliatt Creek Nature Trail Loop, which spans 3.75 miles, will lead you and your pup through a pine, sweetgum, beech, and oak forest that used to be a plantation field. If Fido's a top athlete who requires a bigger challenge, hit the 6.25-mile Rock Dam Trail, the most difficult route in the park. Prepare to tackle four stream crossings and head into a deep ravine, but know that your efforts will be rewarded with the best opportunities to see wildlife and wildflowers.

After your hike, refuel with a packed lunch at one of the park's picnic shelters. Once your tummies have been filled and you're ready for more adventure, go for a boat ride on Clarks Hill Lake. Access one of the largest lakes in the Southeast by launching your personal watercraft from one of the three provided boat launching ramps, or rent a canoe at the park office if you're an overnight guest. Bring any essentials with you to the park, including water and clean-up bags.

If you and Fido are staying a night or two at the park, there are a few different accommodation options for you to choose from. Sleep under the stars at a backcountry or electric campsite, or get comfortable in a designated dog-friendly cabin. Note that dog-friendly units are limited, so reservations are recommended! Each cabin welcomes a maximum of two dogs for an additional fee of $50 per pooch.

As always, keep your furry pal on a 6-foot leash throughout the park and clean up after them, so that everyone can have a pawsitive experience at Mistletoe State Park!