We just published our Comprehensive Guide to Dog Friendly US State Parks, so our ears perked up when we heard about this new dog walking club being launched by the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. Known as “Tails on Trails,” the program begins in June 2016, and challenges hikers and their pooches to complete seven hiking trails at Georgia State Parks.

Dog walkers have always been welcome in Georgia State Parks, but now joining the club (a $15 membership card can be purchased at any of the seven participating parks’ visitor centers) and completing all 18.6 miles will earn the dogs a bandana and their person a t-shirt.

Selected Dog Friendly Trails

There are many dog friendly trails in Georgia State Parks, but the seven selected to be included in the program are:

Fort Mountain State Park – Lake Trail (1.1-mile loop) Mostly flat trail through a shaded forest and serene creek valley.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Mountain Creek Trail (3.2-mile loop) One of the most scenic trails through pine and hardwood forests.

Don Carter State Park – Woodland Loop and Lakeview Loop Trails (1.5 miles) Lakeview Loop is a paved trail on 38,000-acre Lake Lanier, and connects with Woodland Loop Trail for those seeking a shady forest hike.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Red Trail (2-mile loop) and White Trail (5.2-mile loop) Both trails lead to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. The Red Trail is the most frequently used and leads directly to the mill ruins. The White Trails take a more meandering route along Sweetwater Creek’s rocky banks.

High Falls State Park – Falls Trail (1.5-mile loop) Moderately challenging trail through hilly forests and along the Towlinga River, offering rewarding waterfall views.

Fort McAllister State Park – Redbird Creek Trail (3.1-mile loop) Under the cover of Spanish Moss, this trail offers views of salt marshes and coastal wetlands.

Red Top Mountain State Park – White Tail Trail (1-mile loop) Trail through hardwood forest to a beautiful overlook of Lake Allatoona.

Pet Policy

Of course, pet owners must abide by all state parks rules, including keeping dogs on a leash no longer than 6-feet, cleaning up after them, and never leaving them unattended in campsites, cottages, or vehicles.

Dog Friendly Accommodations

All Georgia state parks campgrounds are pet friendly, and every location that offers cottages has at least one that’s dog-friendly! Five of the seven parks participating in the Tails on Trails program offer dog friendly cabins, but they fill up quickly, so be sure to make your plans well in advance of your visit. There is a two-dog per cottage limit, and the pet fee is $50 per dog, per stay.

Related Topic: US State Parks That Allow Pets

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