You need to go here. Most folks head down to Upson County just to drop a kayak into the Flint River, where cool water cuts right through high, rocky outcrops. It gets loud. You'll hit gentle rapids that toss your boat around enough to keep you awake, and if you bring a fishing rod, you might actually land a prized shoal bass. Big ones, too.

If staying dry is more your thing, grab your boots and hit the trails winding up above the water. The views are wild. You get three miles of dirt paths hugging steep banks, hardwood trees blocking out the brutal Georgia sun, and plenty of flat rocks perfect for eating a crushed peanut butter sandwich. No huge crowds here. So, instead of fighting for parking at larger state parks, you actually get a quiet afternoon surrounded by longleaf pines and rushing water.