Georgia’s protected places span coastal marshes, Appalachian foothills, Civil War history and Indigenous routes, giving very different ways to experience the state. Whether you’re after short history stops or full-day outdoor outings, Georgia’s sites pack a lot into relatively short drives.
There are 12 National Parks in Georgia, ranging from Andersonville to Trail of Tears. For each site you’ll find below concise details organized as Designation,Location,Notable so you can quickly compare type, where it is, and what makes it worth a visit — you’ll find below.
Do I need reservations or fees to visit these parks?
Some sites charge entrance or parking fees and popular areas (campgrounds, guided programs) may require reservations; smaller historic sites and trails can be free. Before you go, check the official National Park Service page for each unit listed below to confirm hours, fees, and any permit requirements.
How should I use this list to plan a trip across Georgia?
Use the Designation,Location,Notable columns to group parks by region and interest (history, hiking, wildlife), estimate driving times, and build a multi-day route; prioritize any seasonal attractions or limited-access sites and book lodging or guided tours in advance.
National Parks in Georgia
| Name | Designation | Location | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andersonville | National Historic Site | Andersonville / south-central Georgia | Site of Confederate prisoner-of-war camp and national cemetery; moving Civil War history museum |
| Appalachian Trail | National Scenic Trail | Springer Mountain (southern terminus) / north Georgia | Southern terminus at Springer Mountain; scenic long-distance hiking through north Georgia mountains |
| Chattahoochee River NRA | National Recreation Area | Atlanta (metro) / north Georgia | Urban river parks, trails, boating and fishing in metro Atlanta |
| Chickamauga and Chattanooga | National Military Park | Fort Oglethorpe (near Chattanooga) / northwest Georgia | Civil War battlefields, monuments, hiking trails and historic overlooks |
| Cumberland Island | National Seashore | St. Marys / coast (southeast Georgia) | Wild barrier island beaches, historic ruins, roaming horses, ferry access |
| Fort Pulaski | National Monument | Savannah/Tybee Island / coast (southeast Georgia) | Well-preserved 19th-century fort; Civil War siege, river delta birdwatching |
| Fort Frederica | National Monument | St. Simons Island (Brunswick area) / coast (southeast Georgia) | 18th-century British fort and town ruins on St. Simons Island |
| Jimmy Carter NHP | National Historical Park | Plains / southwest Georgia | President Carter’s boyhood home, farm, and presidential museum in Plains |
| Kennesaw Mountain | National Battlefield Park | Marietta / north Georgia (metro Atlanta) | Civil War battlefield with trails and panoramic skyline views of Atlanta |
| Martin Luther King Jr. NHP | National Historical Park | Atlanta / central Georgia (city center) | Birth home, church, and civil rights landmarks honoring Dr. King |
| Ocmulgee Mounds | National Historical Park | Macon / central Georgia | Ancient Native American earthworks, museum, ecology trails and cultural exhibits |
| Trail of Tears | National Historic Trail | Northern Georgia (Cherokee removal routes) | Historic routes commemorating Cherokee removal; driving, hiking, interpretive sites |
Images and Descriptions
Andersonville
Note that Andersonville National Historic Site preserves the Civil War prisoner-of-war camp and the national cemetery near Americus. State the museum, reconstructed stockade site, and memorials. Include because it is a National Park Service site that tells important Civil War and human-rights history in Georgia.
Appalachian Trail
Note that the Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain in northern Georgia and runs through the state’s mountains. State that the trail is a long-distance hiking route managed by a mix of partners and volunteers. Include because Georgia holds the trail’s southern terminus and many popular day-hike access points.
Chattahoochee River NRA
Note that Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area protects river corridors through metro Atlanta and nearby counties. State that it offers trails, paddling, fishing, and picnic areas along the river. Include because it is a very accessible NPS-managed outdoor area near a major city.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga
Note that Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park preserves key Civil War battlefields in northwest Georgia and nearby Tennessee. State that the park features monuments, trails, and interpretive driving routes. Include because portions of the park sit in Georgia and explain major Civil War events in the region.
Cumberland Island
Note that Cumberland Island National Seashore protects a wild barrier island off Georgia’s coast. State that it contains beaches, maritime forests, ruins, and free-roaming horses accessed by ferry. Include because it is Georgia’s major NPS seashore with unique coastal ecosystems and history.
Fort Pulaski
Note that Fort Pulaski National Monument sits on Cockspur Island near Savannah and preserves a 19th-century masonry fort. State that the site shows Civil War-era military engineering and offers river views, exhibits, and trails. Include because it highlights coastal defense and a pivotal Civil War siege in Georgia.
Fort Frederica
Note that Fort Frederica National Monument preserves an 18th-century British colonial fort and town on St. Simons Island. State that the site includes archaeological remains, a visitor center, and walking paths. Include because it protects early colonial history and settlement patterns in Georgia.
Jimmy Carter NHP
Note that Jimmy Carter National Historical Park centers on the life and work of President Jimmy Carter in Plains, Georgia. State that the park includes his boyhood farm, museum exhibits, and historic buildings. Include because it is a presidential NPS site located in Georgia and documents recent American history.
Kennesaw Mountain
Note that Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves Civil War battlefield land and offers hiking near Atlanta. State that the park features trails, a museum, and ridge-top views. Include because it combines accessible outdoor recreation with Civil War history close to the metro area.
Martin Luther King Jr. NHP
Note that Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park preserves MLK’s birthplace, church, and related civil rights sites in Atlanta. State that the park includes exhibits, guided tours, and memorials. Include because it commemorates a major Georgia-born leader and pivotal events in U.S. civil rights history.
Ocmulgee Mounds
Note that Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park protects ancient Native American earthworks near Macon. State that the site includes large mounds, museum displays, and walking trails. Include because it represents thousands of years of indigenous history and archaeology in Georgia.
Trail of Tears
Note that Trail of Tears National Historic Trail traces removal routes used during the forced Cherokee relocation, including sections in Georgia. State that the trail is marked by interpretive sites and historic markers across the state. Include because it documents a tragic, essential chapter of Georgia and U.S. history.
