Discover Historic Heartland Outdoor ADA Accessible Places
Visit Big Lazer Creek PFA, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Indian Springs State Park, Lockerly Arboretum, Bartram Forest, Georgia State Botanical Garden and much more.
Animal Rescue
Feathered Friends Forever Birds and Parrot Rescue Refuge - Feathered Friends Forever works to improve the lives of companion birds and promotes advancing avian welfare through humane education, rescue, and by providing a temporary and/or permanent safe haven for birds. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Open Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 5pm. All other times by appointment only please. - Phone: 706-556-2424 - Address: 612 Byrd Drive, Harlem, GA 30814
Fishing Lakes, Boat Ramps and Piers
Big Lazer Creek PFA (Talbot County) - 478-825-6151 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill & redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie Water: 195 acre lake. PFA Amenities: concrete two-lane boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, primitive camping, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. Directions from Talbotton: East on US Highway 80 for 4 miles; left on Po Biddy Road for 6.4 miles; left on Bunkham Road; left into area. - Big Lazer Creek WMA Map
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center-Marben PFA (Jasper & Newton Counties) - 770-784-3059 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie. Water: 22 ponds totalling 295 acres. Ponds range in size from 1 to 95 acres. Facilities: Kids only ponds, concrete boat ramps (6 lakes), boat docks, restrooms, fishing piers, picnic areas, primitive camping, some fishing areas accessible to persons with disabilities. Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center also has a network of hiking trails available to visitors. Some of these trails have been impacted by recent facility construction activities at CEWC. Scroll down to see map link towards the bottom of this page. Note: Sign in at information board and check for lakes that are open for fishing when you visit. Click here for additional information about fishing at this PFA. Directions from Mansfield: South on Georgia Highway 11 for 2.7 miles; left on Marben Farms Rd. (Co. Rd. 229), follow signs. Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Map
Charlie Elliott PFA Boat Ramps in Jasper County Lake BennettRiver Basin: Oconee Longitude: -83.72798 - Latitude: 33.45348 Contact Phone: (478) 825-6151No Fee 2 Boat Dock LanesHandicap accessible Courtesy DockRestrooms Flush - handicap accessiblePrimitive CampingParking: Unknown - handicap accessibleParking Capacity: 20
Fox LakeRiver Basin: OconeeLongitude: -83.73045 - Latitude: 33.44353 No Fee2 Boat Dock LanesHandicap accessible Courtesy DockPit/Portable Restrooms - handicap accessiblePrimitive CampingParking: Unknown - handicap accessiblParking Capacity: 50
Dodge County PFA - 478-374-6765 or 229-426-5272 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish. Water: 104 acre lake. Facilities: concrete boat ramps , fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, nature trail, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. Directions from Eastman: South on US Highway 23/341 for 3 miles; left on County Road 49 for 0.6 miles to lake. Dodge County Public Fishing Area Largemouth Bass Tagging Study
Largemouth bass have been tagged and released back into the Dodge County PFA Lake. Information gained from this study will help biologists better manage the bass population in this lake. Rewards will be given to individuals catching and releasing or keeping tagged bass. Anglers must fill out envelope available at fish cleaning station. Visit Dodge County PFA
Evans County PFA- 912-739-1139 or 912-685-6424 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie and brown bullhead. Water: three ponds encompassing 122 acres (8, 30, & 84 acres). PFA Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing piers, restrooms, picnic tables, primitive camping, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. Directions from Claxton: East on US Highway 280 for 8.5 miles; right on Old Reidsville-Savannah Road for 1 mile; left on Old Sunbury Road (dirt), PFA 0.3 miles on right marked by Wildlife Resources sign. Visit Evans County PFA
Hugh M. Gillis PFA (Laurens County) - 478-296-6192 or 912-685-6424 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie. Water: 109 acre lake. PFA Facilities: concrete boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, some facilties accessible to persons with disabilities. Directions from East Dublin: East on US Hwy 80 for 10 miles; left on Keens Crossing Road for 1.4 miles; PFA entrance on right. Directions from Adrian: West on US Hwy 80 for 7.4 miles; right on Keens Crossing Road for 1.4 miles; PFA entrance on right. Visit Hugh M. Gillis PFA
Lake Jackson - Swim, fish and boat in the placid waters of this 4,700-acre lake.
Open: Daily 7am-10pm. Amenities: Parking at adjacent Lloyd Shoals Park Cost: $3. Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired Phone: 770-775-4753 – Address: Jackson Lake Rd., Jackson, GA 30233
Lake Tobesofkee Recreation Area - Arrowhead Park, Sandy Beach Park and Claystone Park feature fishing, camping, boating, tennis and swimming. Open: Daily 6am-10pm. Cost: Day use $3. Call for camping fees. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. Phone: 478-474-8770 – Address: 6600 Mosely Dixon Rd, Macon, GA
Lawrence Shoals Recreation Area fun activities includes boating, swimming, picnicking and camping are offered. It is on Lake Oconee. Lawrence Shoals hasfull-service campgrounds and day-use areas. It has a large picnic pavilion that may be reserved for groups of 30 or more. In addition, it has day-use picnic areas, equipped playgrounds, boat ramps and a beach including a beach house with bathrooms and dressing area. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 7a.m.-9p.m. Fri.-Sat. 7a.m.-10p.m. $3 parking fee. Call for camping fees. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Lawrence Shoals is located near Wallace Dam on the south part of the lake off of Georgia Highway 16. Old Salem is located about eight miles south of Interstate 20, off of Highway 44 and Linger Longer Road. Phone: 706-485-5494 – Address: 125 Wallace Dam Rd., Eatonton, Georgia 31024
Ocmulgee PFA (Bleckly/Pulaski Counties) - Phones: 478-783-2557 (PFA) or
478-825-6151 (Fort Valley Fisheries Office) Fish Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish - Note: No largemouth bass harvest will be allowed initially, statewide limits will apply to other species. Water: 106-acre lake and one special event pond. PFA Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing piers, restrooms, picnic tables, some facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities Directions from Hawkinsville: Take Hwy. 341 towards Eastman then turn left on Hwy. 26 towards Cochran. Travel approximately 0.25 miles, then turn left on Upper River Road, go about 6 miles and make a left onto Allison's Landing Road, then make a right into the PFA at the sign. Visit Ocmulgee PFA - Ocmulgee WMA Map
Paradise PFA (Berrien County) - Phone: 912-285-6094 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, brown bullhead. Water: 68 lakes encompassing 525 acres of water. PFA Facilities: Restrooms, picnic area, concrete boat ramps, primitive camping, fishing pier, boat dock, some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
Waterfowl hunting opportunities available at this PFA. Find more infromation here. Directions from Tifton: East on US Highway 82 for 8 miles to Brookfield. Turn right onto Whitley Road and travel approximately 100 yards; take the first left onto Brookfield-Nashville Road and travel 1.5 miles. Entrance to area is on the left. Visit Paradise PFA
Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA (Floyd County) - Phone: 706-802-5087 Fish Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, hybrid striped-white bass. Water: Two lakes (202 & 357 acres). Antioch Lake and swimming beach and Heath Lake (open the 1st through the 10th of each month). Note: New Heath Lake regulations - Lake is now open the 1st - 10th of each month and there is now a slot limit on largemouth bass. All largemouth bass 14" - 20" must be released immediately. There is still a creel limit of 5 fish, only one of which can be over 20". PFA Facilities: concrete boat ramps, fishing jetties, restrooms, picnic shelters, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, tent & RV camping (seasonal), group primitive camping and RV camping site near Antioch Lake (reservation only), group picnic area (reservation only), some facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. Directions from Rome: North on US Highway 27 for 10.4 miles, left on Sike Storey Road 0.4 miles, left on Big Texas Valley Road 5.4 miles to entrance. Visit Rocky Mountain Recreation & PFA - Rocky Mountain PFA Map
Turner Lake is a great place for fishing, hiking and walking. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 706-786-4373 Address: 6185 Turner Lake Rd, Covington, GA 30014
State Parks
Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites are committed to making facilities and programs accessible to everyone. All lodges have accessible rooms, meeting facilities and restaurants. Most parks offer accessible cottages, campsites, fishing piers, nature trails and picnic areas. Since degrees of accessibility vary among the sites, visitors may find it helpful to call the park or historic site they plan to visit to ensure their needs can be met. Overnight guests should be specific about needs when making reservations.
Hard Labor Creek State Park - ADA Access Ammenities: Campsites with comfort station, cottage and restroom. Park Hours - 7 am - 10 pm. Phone: 706-557-3001 at 8 am - 5 pm - Location: P. O. Box 247, Rutledge, GA 30663
High Falls State Park - ADA Access Ammenities: Campsites with comfort station, museum and restroom. Park Hours - 7 am - 10 pm. Phone: 478-993-3053 at 8 am - 5 pm Address: 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, GA 30233
Indian Springs State Park - ADA Access Ammenities: Campsites with comfort station, cotage, museum and restroom. Park Hours - 7 am - 10 pm. Phone: 770-504-2277 at 8 am - 5 pm. Address: 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla, GA 30216
Parks - Nature Centers - Wildlife Center & Refuge - Trails - Gardens - Arboretums
1839 Lockerly Hall and Lockerly Arboretum is a fine example of plantation architecture. This 45 acre arboretum offers, in addition to nature trails showcasing shrubs and trees, an herb garden, iris, day lily beds, a rhododendron garden, a vineyard, bulb and perennial gardens, a butterfly garden and a tropical and desert greenhouse. Tours available with Milledgeville CVB. The Arboretum grounds are free to the public.Free parking.Amenities: Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. In Milledgeville, GA 31061
Alcovy Conservation Center- Demonstration habitat gardens will inspire you with ecologically sound ideas for your backyard habitat. Amenities: Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, party facilities. Free admission and parking. In Covington, Georgia 30014
Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail at Memorial Park - Park is 72 acres with a lake and zoo, which is home to over 120 species of native animals. Amenities: Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. Free admission and parking. In Athens, Georgia
Central City Park - Amenities include: picnics, birthday parties, family reunions, class reunions, compan and group outings, concerts, festivals, walks, and many other events. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, walking trail, open space, picnic tables and grills, gazebo, buildings for rent, midway area, a 7 field softball complex and Luther Williams baseball field. The Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices are located at Central City Park. Central City Skatepark is located in building number 10. Trails, Volleyball Courts, Skateboarding/ In-Line Skating and Lake/ Pool. Motor coach parking available and handicap accessible. Open year-round. Phone: 478-751-9280 - Address: 150 Willie Smokie Glover Blvd., Macon (off Lower Walnut St)
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center- On this 6.400-acre preserve, enjoy 29 ponds and a five-acre rock outcropping, hiking, fishing, birds, hunting and camping. Free admission and parking.Amenities: Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. In Mansfield, Georgia
Dauset Trails Nature Center - Explore the ponds, creeks, wildflower fields, wooded trails and nature center. Camping for groups available. Free parking and admission. Amenities: Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. In Jackson, GA
Founders Memorial Garden features a fountain, winding walkways, ornamental shrubbery and an 1857 antebellum home form this grand memorial to the founders of America’s first garden club. Free admission and parking.Amenities: Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities - Located in Athens, Georgia
Georgia International Horse Park - Since opening its gates in September of 1995, the Park has already served as the equestrian venue for the largest sporting event in the world. Whether biking on the same trails used by Olympic competitors or taking a relaxing trail ride that winds around the Park, you too can experience the Legacy. Amenities: Parking, restrooms, accessibility for mobility impared, food and party facilities. Phone: 770-860-4190 Address: 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
Lawrence Shoals Recreation Area fun activities includes boating, swimming, picnicking and camping are offered. It is on Lake Oconee. Lawrence Shoals hasfull-service campgrounds and day-use areas. It has a large picnic pavilion that may be reserved for groups of 30 or more. In addition, it has day-use picnic areas, equipped playgrounds, boat ramps and a beach including a beach house with bathrooms and dressing area. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 7a.m.-9p.m. Fri.-Sat. 7a.m.-10p.m. Call for camping fees. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Lawrence Shoals is located near Wallace Dam on the south part of the lake off of Georgia Highway 16. Old Salem is located about eight miles south of Interstate 20, off of Highway 44 and Linger Longer Road. Phone: 706-485-5494 – Address: 125 Wallace Dam Rd., Eatonton, GA 31024
Lewis Vaughn Botanical Gardens - 1.5 garden acres is in the heart of Downtown Conyers. The site offers examples of native plants of Georgia's Piedmont region. The pond is
fed by the City's downtown water tower built in 1900. Adjacent to the botanical gardens is the Pavilion which hosts many community events and
activities. Open: Daily 8am until dusk. Free admission and parking. Amenities: Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-602-2606 and toll free at 800-CONYERS - Address: Main and Commercial Streets, Conyers, Georgia 30012
Monastery of the Holy Spirit - The 2,000-acre grounds include a bonsai garden greenhouse, lake and plenty of great walking areas. It hosts service, tours and religious retreats. Open: The Monastery gates are open from approximately 4 am and close at 8 pm after the Night Prayer.
The Abbey Store is open from 10 am until 5 pm Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 pm (closed holidays). The Bonsai Greenhouse is open from 10 until 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays and holidays). Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-483-8705 - Address: 2625 GA Hwy 212 SW, Conyers, GA 30094
North Oconee Greenway and Heritage Trail - This park connects Sandy Creek Park, Sandy Creek Nature Center, North Oconee River Park, Dudley Park and UGA with 3.5 miles of trails. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Free admission and parking. Located in Athens, Georgia
Oconee Forest Park is a 60-acre, 100-year-old forest park has lakeshore hikes, bike trails, a picnic area and a network of trails with more than 100 kinds of native trees and shrubs. Open Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 706-542-1571 – Address: UGA Recreational Sports Complex, College Station and E. Campus Road, Athens, GA 30602
Sandy Creek Park is a 782-acre park that surrounds Lake Chapman. Enjoy fishing, camping, swimming and hiking at this park. Open: Summer 7am-9pm, winter 8am-6pm. Cost: Adults $2, under 4 and over 64 free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 706-613-3631 – Address: 400 Bob Holman Rd., Athens, GA 30607
Sandy Creek Nature Center- Exhibits, native wildlife and 225 acres of woodland, fields and marshland. Open: Trails daily. Center Tu.-Sat. 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Call for tours. Naturalist walk on first and third Saturday of each month. Free admission and parking. In Athens, Georgia
Gardens and Nature Centers
American Camellia Society-Massee Lane Gardens, Annabelle Lundy Fetterman Educational Museum - Enjoy the beautiful rose garden, the environmental garden, the Japanese garden and the sculpture display. Open: Daily. Call for hours and tours. Cost: Adults $5, children free, seniors $4. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, and Party Facilities. Phone: 478-967-2358 Address:100 Massee Lane, Fort Valley, GA
Fox Vineyards and Winery is an award-winning family-owned winery that offers tours of its 15-acre vineyard and tasting five days a week. Open: Wed.-Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 1-6pm. Cost: Adults $3. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-787-5402 – Address: 225 GA Hwy. 11 S., Social Circle, GA 30025
State Botanical Garden of Georgia - A dazzling three-story tropical conservatory dominates this 313-acre preserve, along with a visitors center and café. Open: Call for hours and guided tours. Free admission, but donations accepted. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired and Food. - Phone: 706-542-1244 - Address: 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens
Handicap Accessibility: The State Botanical Garden makes every effort to ensure the accessibility of all programs and buildings. Most gardens and collections and all facilities are handicap accessible, however, the nature of the facility prevents portions of the trails and natural areas from being completely accessible to all visitors. Walking, wheelchair or electric scooter are the primary ways in which to experience the Visitor Center & Conservatory and nearby gardens.
state-botanical-garden.html - Visit the State Botanical Garden
Historic Sites
1870 Bryon Railroad Depot features a pictorial history, town memorabilia and historical facts about trains. Open: Call for hours and tours. Free admission.Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 478-956-3600 or 478-956-2409 - Address: 101 E Heritage Blvd, Bryon, GA 31008
Double-Barreled Cannon - This weapon, still pointing north, may be one of the most unusual from the Civil War. It was built at the foundry in 1862 when the community feared attack. Open: Daily. Free. Located at College and Hancock Sts., Athens, GA 30601
Ocmulgee National Monument - See burial mounds, an earth lodge reconstructed over the original 1,000-year-old floor, an outline of a colonial trading post, and a museum. Open: Daily 9a.m.-5p.m.. Call for groups. Free admission.Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired and Party Facilities. Phone: 478-752-8257 Address: 1205 Emery Hwy., Macon, GA 31217 -
Rock Hawk Effigy and Trails - This 5000 year old monument is the centerpiece of 15 miles of education and recreation trails. It is in the shape of a hawk. Display cover 12,000 years of nature and history. Free admission and parking. Amenities: Parking, Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Located in Eatonton, GA
Rose Hill Cemetery - Many famous Macon citizens rest here, including Civil War soldiers and Southern rock ‘n’ roll legend Duane Allman. Open: Daily until Sunset. Free to visit. Amenities: Parking and Accessibility for mobility-impaired Phone: 478-751-9119 - Address: 1071 Riverside Dr, Macon, GA 31204
Tours & Driving Trails
Historic Commercial District Tour is a self-guided walking tours, maps and brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce. Features Courthouse Square a nd surrounding eight blocks have 40 structures of mostly mid-to-late 1800's construction on the National Register. Courthouse features pressed metal ceiling. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 478-994-9239, 888-642-4628 - Located in Downtown Forsyth, GA 31029
Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway Drive Route - Traveling through Putnam and Hancock Counties, the Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway stretches for 82 miles. From the Rock Hawk effigy, built by Native Americans thousands of years ago, to Glen Mary Plantation and other antebellum homes, this route reveals a region of Georgia that is rich in historic and cultural qualities. The scenic and natural beauty of the Piedmont is also on display as the byway travels through the Oconee National Forest, across the Oconee and Ogeechee Rivers, and past acres of rolling farmland. Scenic Byway Driving Tour picture, map and more info.
Lane Packing Company - At Lane’s peach-packing facility, browse the locally grown produce at the market. Open: Tours available daily. Call for hours. Free admission.Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Food and Party Facilities Phone: 478-825-3362 and toll-free 800-27-PEACH Address: GA Hwy. 96. 50 Lane Rd., Fort Valley, GA 31030
Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway Drive Route - Pine forests and rolling pastures dominate the views along the Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway as it runs through Jasper County. This 29-mile Byway emphasizes the rural and historic qualities of the area. Native Americans and evangelical Methodist Circuit Riders once used these routes as they crossed the state. Highway 83 was also part of the Seven Island Stage Coach Road that ran from Augusta to New Orleans and the Natchez Trace. Several structures and the central business district of Monticello have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amenities: Parking and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 706-468-8834 More info and map. Scenic Byway Driving Tour picture, map and more info.
Old Clinton Historic District - This pre-Civil War hamlet is the “town that time forgot.” Self-guided tour brochure available. Read the history on markers and enjoy the park. Georgia's early 19th century county seat. Only Clinton has survived sufficiently free of modern development to give an idea of the layout and appearance of this early New England town. Twelve houses built between 1808-1830 and the Methodist Church, 1821, still stand. Self-guided driving and walking tours. Free. Amenities: Parking, Accessibility for mobility-impaired Phone: 478-986-1123 – Address: US Hwy. 129, Clinton, GA 31032
