• Jackson is a great home base from which to explore Georgia's state parks.trees image by Rob Forster from Fotolia.com
  
  Jackson is a city in central Georgia and the county seat of Butts County. Named after President Andrew Jackson, this largely rural and residential city is surrounded by nature but is within an hour's drive of Atlanta. Several well-maintained state parks are also located within a short driving distance of Jackson, each one with its own unique array of exhibits, plant life and points of interest.
  
  

High Falls State Park

• High Falls State Park exists on the grounds of what was once a bustling town filled with homes, shops and industrial facilities. The town disappeared when Georgia's railroad system failed to connect it to the railway network, but some elements, like the foundation of the town's grist mill, remain today. Beautiful natural waterfalls are carved through the park's forests. Facilities at the park include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a camping and RV complex, picnic shelters, yurts, a miniature golf course and a 650-acre lake with kayak, canoe and boat rentals.
  
  High Falls State Park
  76 High Falls Park Drive
  Jackson, GA 30233
  478-993-3053
  gastateparks.org/HighFall
  
  

Indian Springs State Park

• Indian Springs State Park was initially designated as a "State Forest Park" in 1927, which is considered by many to be the first christening of a state park in the United States. Like High Falls State Park, a prosperous town once existed here in the 1800s. The Creek Indians, native to the area, have for centuries regarded the park's springs to be the source of waters with restorative powers. A miniature golf course, campground, picnic shelters, nature trail and seasonal museum are among the park's facilities. Swimming beaches surround the park's 105-acre lake, as well as a few rental cottages. Indian Springs State Park is located just under 4 miles south of Jackson in Flovilla, Georgia.
  
  Indian Springs State Park
  678 Lake Clark Road
  Flovilla, GA 30216
  770-504-2277
  gastateparks.org/IndSpr
  
  

Panola Mountain State Park

• Panola Mountain State Park exists to protect the site's 100-acre granite mountain and array of native plants. Many of the areas surrounding the mountain are open to all, but certain areas are restricted to guided tours. Pets and bicycles are also limited in certain sections of the park. Within the park there are two fishing lakes, picnic shelters, a visitor center with museum exhibits, a playground, boat rentals and biking and hiking trails. Panola Mountain State Park is located 26 miles northwest of Jackson in Stockbridge, Georgia.
  
  Panola Mountain State Park
  2600 GA Highway 155
  Stockbridge, GA 30281
  770-389-7801
  gastateparks.org/Panola