Panola Mountain Conservation Park

The Panola Mountain State Park is just outside of Atlanta, and the entire park is approximately 1,600 acres and includes plenty of amenities for you to check out with family and friends, and of course, your favorite four-legged friend Fluffy. One great feature is 100 acres of unquarried granite, making it unique to the area. 

This park is part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA), which means that these 100 acres are untouched by human-made inventions and amenities. Snap on that leash and explore this breathtaking park with Fluffy. You can take your dog on-leash to the areas of the park that include paved trails. He can sniff all the plants and critters that are native to this area. 

Although everything might smell wonderful, please respect the park rules and be mindful that your pup is not allowed on the pathways in the conservation area and is only allowed on paved trails. While on the paved trails, remember the carry-in, carry-out policy applies, so please bring your own poop bags for Fluffy and bring him some water, too. 

The park also has two lakes, a large pavilion, rustic campsites, a playground, an archery field, which you must pay to use, and other things for you and your family to do. The park is located near I-20, making it easy to get to from the city. You can put on your hiking boots and grab Fluffy and get there quickly for an after-work walk. 

You can pay the $5 for parking, or you can become a Friends of Georgia State Parks member for anywhere from $55-$150, depending on if you want to have basic park entrance or access to discounted events and amenities. The Friends of Georgia State Parks Membership is valid at all Georgia State Parks that are run by the Parks & Historic Sites Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.