Picnic Spots Near Me in Wray
Jack Hill State Park
162 Park Lane, Reidsville, GA
This southeast Georgia park is a favorite for picnicking, family reunions and golf. Picnic tables and shelters surround a small lake where visitors can rent aquacycles and fishing boats during warmer months. Docks are available for anglers, and children will enjoy looking for beaver dams from the observation deck. Ten rental cottages face the golf course, all with screened porches, fireplaces and televisions.
The park’s Brazell’s Creek Golf Course offers a pro shop and junior/senior discounts. The course was expanded to 18 holes a few years ago, making it a challenging—yet fun—test of golf. The Par 71 layout plays to just under 7,000 yards from the tips, boasting five sets of tees. The signature 17th hole is a 207-yard Par 3, which plays over scenic wetlands to a large island green. A 1,500 yard winding bridge connects the original holes with the back nine.
In 2020, the park was renamed from Gordonia-Alatamaha to Jack Hill, honoring the late Georgia senator who did much for the community. Hill was instrumental in bringing many facilities to the park, including its group shelter, cabins, splash pad, expanded golf course and more.
Fort McAllister State Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, GA
Located close to I-95 south of Savannah on the banks of the Ogeechee River, this scenic park showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads but did not fall until 1864—ending General William T. Sherman's "March to the Sea." Visitors can explore the grounds with cannons, a hot shot furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades and more, while a Civil War museum contains artifacts, a video and gift shop.
Nestled among giant live oaks, Spanish moss and salt marsh, this park is a beautiful location for camping, fishing, boating and picnicking. Seven cabins sit on stilts near the marsh, surrounded by palm trees and palmettos. The shaded campground is bordered by tidal Redbird Creek, a boat ramp, fishing dock and nature trail. A large picnic area offers river views and playgrounds, while another boat ramp provides access to the Ogeechee River.
Hard Labor Creek State Park
5 Hard Labor Creek Road, Rutledge, GA
While this park may be best known for its golf course, it also offers a wide range of recreational opportunities in a beautiful wooded setting. A lakeside beach is popular with swimmers during summer months, and more than 24 miles of trails are available for hikers and horseback riders. Horse owners even have their own private camping area near stalls. Other overnight guests can choose from fully equipped cottages or a modern campground. With so many ways to relax, it is ironic that the park’s name is thought to come from slaves who tilled summer fields or American Indians who found the creek difficult to cross.
Located between Madison and Covington off I-20, The Creek Golf Course provides one of Georgia’s best golf values, along with a pro shop, driving range, rental carts and special rates for seniors and children. The 18 hole course is a favorite for its challenging layout and well maintained greens combined with a pristine, natural setting.
Things To Do & See:
Off-road Biking — 17 miles of trails. Hiking Permitted.
Birding
Fishing
Foot Golf (fee)
Geocaching
Group Programs
Hiking — 2.5 miles of trails, horse trails open to hikers weekdays only
Horseback Riding (trail fee) — 22 miles of trails, stalls, annual pass available
Mini Golf (fee)
Swimming — seasonal
Weddings — park approval required
Boat Rental — seasonal
Kayak Rental — seasonal
Fort Yargo State Park
210 South Broad Street, Winder, GA
Located between Atlanta and Athens, this popular park features a 1792 log fort built by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians. Today, visitors come to Fort Yargo for its wide variety of outdoor recreation and scenery. Mountain bikers and hikers can test their endurance on 18 miles of trails. A 260-acre lake offers a large swimming beach, fishing and boat ramps. The park's wooded disc golf course is exceptionally challenging.
Fort Yargo State Park is a beautiful location for outdoor weddings, reunions and other celebrations. Visitors have a choice of numerous facilities for all budgets, ranging from group shelters to lake-view pavilions. Overnight guests can choose from fully equipped cottages or cozy campsites. For a more unique experience, visitors can reserve lakeside yurts, which are like canvas and wooden tents. Each yurt has furniture and electricity inside and a fire ring, picnic table and grill outside.
Things To Do & See:
Biking
Boating — private boats permitted, 10 HP limit
Disc Golf (fee) — annual passes available
Educational Programs
Fishing
Geocaching
Hiking — 20.5 miles of trails
Miniature Golf (fee)
Muddy Spokes Club
Picnicking
Swimming
Weddings — park approval required
Jon Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Stand-Up Paddleboard & Pedal Boat Rental — April to October (weekends only in Apr, May, Aug, Sept)
Panola Mountain State Park
2620 Highway 155 SouthWest, Stockbridge, GA
Just 15 minutes from Atlanta is a recreational haven for all ages and interests. Visitors can picnic while children work off energy on the playground. Anglers can bring their fishing poles to catch dinner at Alexander Lake. The park even offers archery, boat rental, geocaching, orienteering, birding and tree-climbing programs. A paved trail is open for biking, roller blading, jogging and dog-walking, while forested fitness trails are open for hiking and running.
Panola Mountain is a 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain, but smaller and much more pristine. Park visitors will see the outcrop and its rare ecosystem just as Native Americans did centuries ago. Reservations are required for ranger-led hikes that teach about the rare plants and animals found in this habitat.
Panola Mountain State Park is the crown jewel of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, one of only three National Heritage Areas in the state. The park’s unusual natural beauty and intriguing cultural changes are the basis for this special recognition. Over the years, this area has been home to early settlers, immigrant rock cutters, freed slaves and even Trappist monks. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a partnership among the state of Georgia; DeKalb, Henry and Rockdale counties; the Monastery of the Holy Spirit; and numerous communities and public-private partners. Panola has also been designated a National Natural Landmark.
Things To Do & See:
Archery — Archery Range Information (fee - annual pass available)
Biking — PATH Trail
Birthday Parties
Birding
Bouldering — permit required
Fishing
Geocaching
Hiking — 25 miles of trails, PATH Trail
Interpretive Programs
Muddy Spokes Club
Orienteering
Picnicking
Tree Climbing
Weddings — park approval required
Bike Rental ($10/hour)
Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Ridgeview Park
5200 South Trimble Road, Sandy Springs, GA
Groups are invited to use pavilions, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you bring a picnic lunch to a park, for example, and a pavilion is not being used, you are welcome to use it. However, if a group has reserved a pavilion in advance for an event such as a family reunion, it may not be used during the reserved time by another individual or group. A permit is required for guaranteed use.
20.72 acres
Amenities:
Fit Trail Course
Pavilion
Picnic Tables
Playground
Walking/Hiking Trails
Hammond Park
705 Hammond Drive, Sandy Springs, GA
Hammond Park is home to the Hammond Park Gymnastics Center. Park in the Hammond Drive parking lot for easy access to the Gymnastics Center and turf field (705 Hammond Drive).
Hammond Park's playgrounds, Community Building, 2 lighted tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts and 2 picnic pavilions are best accessed from the Glenridge Drive parking lot (6005 Glendridge Drive).
Groups are invited to use pavilions, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you bring a picnic lunch to a park, for example, and a pavilion is not being used, you are welcome to use it. However, if a group has reserved a pavilion in advance for an event such as a family reunion, it may not be used during the reserved time by another individual or group. A permit is required for guaranteed use.
13.708 acres
Amenities:
Basketball Courts
Gymnastics Center
Pavilion
Picnic Tables
Playground
Restrooms
Sports Field
Tennis Courts
Garrard Landing Park
8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA
AMENITIES:
Canoe/Kayak Launch
Fishing Allowed
Picnic Areas
Playground
Restrooms
River/Creek Access
Trails (Hiking/Walking)
Allen Road Park
83 Allen Road Northeast, Sandy Springs, GA
Playground, Multipurpose Court, Walking Trail, Basketball Court, Picnic areas, Soccer Field
3.042 acres
Sweetwater Creek State Park
1750 Mt Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.
The 215 acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and picnicking. However, there is no beach and swimming in the Reservoir is not allowed. Fishing supplies are available in the adjacent bait shop. During warmer months, the park rents fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Visitors can join the Park Paddlers Club, which challenges them to explore waterways in six state parks. An award-winning Visitor Center—one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the country—features exhibits on the area’s history, wildlife displays, trail maps, snacks and a renovated gift shop. A window-lined meeting room that seats 40 can be rented for gatherings.
Things To Do & See:
Birding
Family Reunions — park approval required
Fishing — private boats allowed, electric motors only
Geocaching
Hiking — 15 miles of trails
Interpretive Programs
Park Paddlers Club
Picnicking
Weddings — park approval required
Jon Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard, & Aquacycle Rental — seasonal
Shakerag Park
10945 Rogers Cir, Suwanee, GA
Shakerag Park is a rustic and presently lightly developed, 66-acre community park located in the northeastern tip of Johns Creek. The park features a 1.1-mile-long nature trail that loops under 200 year old hardwoods and past one of Johns Creek’s only working farms.
Abernathy Park
254 Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Springs, GA
2 Tennis Courts, Playground, Picnic Tables, Parking Lot
Marsh Creek Rain Garden
100 Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Springs, GA
Environmental park that uses plants to filter pollutants from stormwater. Amenities include a path, benches, fountain, and boardwalk overlook.
The GA EPD published an article in 2020 overviewing the success of the Marsh Creek project in improving water quality.
Abernathy Greenway Park North
70 Abernathy Road Northeast, Sandy Springs, GA
The 6.6-acre linear park opened in 2014.
Playable Art structures playground, pavillion, picnic tables, restrooms
Groups are invited to use pavilions, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you bring a picnic lunch to a park, for example, and a pavilion is not being used, you are welcome to use it.
Get to know the Playable Art Pieces:
It's You and Me, Kid - Artist, Frank Swanson, Littleton, CO - Laser cut granite boulder creating a three piece positive and negative space explorative sculpture
Spider Walk - Artist, Phil Proctor, Atlanta, GA - Interactive climbable sculpture in the form of a playful, stylized spider for children to climb, occupy and be enveloped within.
Wonder Wall - Artist, Reham Aarti, Boise, ID - Mosaic of kiln-dried glass on a concrete and steel frame invites children to explore texture, stimulate curiosity and inspire interaction.
The Big Imagine - Artist, Jeff Hackney, Hillsborough, NC - Reinvented functional swings with no upper cross-members to obscure the view of the sky.
Dragonfly, Artists, Alexis Gregg and Tanner Coleman, Tupelo, MS - Industrial brick, concrete, steel, mortar, polished concrete slides, climbing ropes and "dalle de verre" windows.
Twist and Shout, Artist, Beth Nybeck - A nonlinear jungle of stainless steel tubing that loops, whoops, curves and twists. It creates spaces to hang from, climb on, crawl under and walk through.
Sandy Springs Lost Corner Preserve
7300 Brandon Mill Road Northwest, Sandy Springs, GA
Located on 24 acres of beautiful woodlands and nature trails, Lost Corner Preserve is a destination for nature lovers and history buffs. The property dates back to mid-1800’s and was once a working farm that has had only two owners since Native Americans inhabited the land. Lost Corner Preserve is located at the corner of Brandon Mill and Dalrymple Roads. The park features, a community garden, greenhouse, apiary, walking trails and renovated cottage.
The cottage is available for rent, please visit the Facility Rental section on the registration page to learn more.
Amenities:
ADA Approved Trail
Bee Apiary
Community Garden
Greenhouse
Walking/Hiking Trails
Picnic Tables
East Roswell Park
9000 Fouts Road, Roswell, GA
AMENITIES:
Art Room/Studio
Disc Golf
Dog Park
Fitness Center
Garden
Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Picnic Areas
Playground
Pond
Recreational Center
Soccer Fields
Softball Fields
Sprayground
Tennis Courts
Trails (Hiking/Walking)
Morton Road Park
4860 Morton Road, Johns Creek, GA
Morton Road Park is a four-acre pocket park completed in November 2020. It is the city’s very first park in which Johns Creek didn’t inherit from Fulton County.
Johns Creek purchased the land in 2015, planned the park design, constructed the park and is now open to the community to enjoy.
Morton Road Park features a pavilion, picnic shelter, play structures, a multi-use path, a half basketball court, and open lawn.
The pocket park is located on the north side of East Morton Road, just east of its intersection with State Bridge Road.
Pocket parks are small parks at typically 4 acres or less. They are designed to serve nearby neighborhoods, tend to be left as green space with the possibility for playgrounds, have limited facilities, and little or no parking.
Morgan Falls Athletic Complex
450 Morgan Falls Place Northeast, Sandy Springs, GA
Amenities:
Pavilion
Picnic Tables
Playground
Restrooms
Sports Field
Baseball fields, T-ball fields, football field, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, concession stands
27.26 acres
Morgan Falls Overlook Park
200 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs, GA
This park, opened in 2010, was the first new park opened by the City of Sandy Springs since its incorporation. Amenities Include picnic pavilions, a playground, restrooms, boat dock, hiking trail, fire pit, porch swings and scenic views.
Groups are invited to use pavilions, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you bring a picnic lunch to a park, for example, and a pavilion is not being used, you are welcome to use it. However, if a group has reserved a pavilion in advance for an event such as a family reunion, it may not be used during the reserved time by another individual or group. A permit is required for guaranteed use.
Amenities:
Fishing
Picnic Tables
Playground
Restrooms
Walking/Hiking Trails
Don White Memorial Park
925 Riverside Road, Roswell, GA
AMENITIES:
Canoe/Kayak Launch
Fishing Allowed
Fishing Docks
Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Picnic Areas
Restrooms
River/Creek Access
Trails (Hiking/Walking)
Trails (Multi-Use)
Volleyball Court