My friends and I enjoyed a day kayaking on lake Alexander at Panola State Park. Ranger Veronica walked us through all the safety gear and how to paddle a kayak. Parking was $10 and paid easily via a QR code. We enjoyed another great adult program at Panola's read more

See all

Map was a smidge confusing and marking is lacking in some areas. We visited the visitor center which had animals on display, educational materials, and fun souvenirs! The restrooms by the playground were clean and spacious! The playground was large and fun and offered minimal shade. We drove out and around to the water front to hike the loop trail which was such a joy. We saw so many lovely animals and ran into some lovely locals who shared stories of animal run ins while at the park. The barn you walk through could use some love it was a little spooky haha overall we would come back in a heart beat! It's a beautiful natural oasis! read more

Beautiful. My boyfriend and I love it. The picnic area is nice. We had time to eat and talk. And Alexander Lake is beautiful. We love the walking trail. We will be back. read more

Panola Mountain State Park - This is a beautiful park. My boyfriend and I love it. The picnic area is nice. And lake is beautiful. We are coming back again. - Parks Near Me - Stockbridge, Georgia

See all

I love Panola Mountain, I can't believe I used to drive all the way to Amicalola Falls to get out of the city! It's 1,635 acres,100 of them granite, smaller and more pristine than Stone Mountain. It's been home to early settlers, immigrant rock cutters, freed slaves and Trappist monks. There are 5 primitive campsites, 4 picnic shelters, an event room and Alexander Lake Pavilion. There's an amphitheater, nature center, gift shop and a playground. There's archery, 25 miles for hiking, fishing, birding, tree climbing, roller blading, bike rental ($10 hourly), you can even have a wedding! Parking is $5 unless you buy a $50 annual pass (50% off for seniors, 25% off for Vets.) I enjoy bike-riding on the hilly, paved trail or walking so far that I can drown out the sounds of cars in the distance. That's when I start my mindfulness.. I see green leaves on trees, the blue sky, a shy rabbit or deer. I hear scurrying squirrels, the growl of airplane overhead, birds singing. I feel my feet on the pavement, a crisp, cool breeze, serenity. I inhale the fresh air and damp earth.. Occasionally, I'll hear someone with a boom box, talking loudly on their cellphone or speeding by on an electric bike (which is illegal). But overall, Panola Mountain is my oasis. read more

See all

Came here for a family reunion. We rented the pavilion and catered food. The area was large enough to accommodate all of us and we had no issues with parking. The only con is they need more trash cans. This is our second time renting this pavilion and I could see us using it again. read more

Panola Mountain State Park - Parks Near Me - Stockbridge, Georgia

I love this park. It's a great place to hike, go fishing or host an event. The Pavilions book put rather fast, so be mindful of that. I do not think all have electricity, but maybe. Great safe place to visit. read more

August 15, 2020 This park's monadnock (946 ft) is one of three in the Atlanta area. The other two are Stone Mountain (1686 ft) and Arabia Mountain (955 ft). The term "monadnock" is used by geologists to describe any isolated mountain formed from the exposure of a harder rock as a result of the erosion of a softer one once surrounding it. You can hike to the top but not before registering for the parks' guided tour. We called two days ahead and were able to arrange a guided tour. The cost is $20 per adult and its well worth it. The primary reasons hiking alone is prohibited is due to several plant species that are highly endangered and thought to grow in a handful of regions in the US, if not the world. For this reason, this monadnock is also kept in pristine condition. Once we reached it, we hiked single-file to minimize damage to the lichen, mosses, solution holes, and plant life growing here. Growth on these desolate places takes nearly 4 times as long due to the fact that vegetation and water do not accumulate. Our tour lasted 3 hours and covered approximately 3 miles. The toughest part of the hike was going up the monadnock which had some slick surfaces where water was running off of it. Especially difficult with a 3 year old on my shoulders. We managed but were warned this hike was more appropriate for children 10 years or older. We started off in the forest which we learned was new growth, less than 50 years old. Some hardwoods are older but the area surrounding the mountain was primarily used for farms. Many of the gullies surrounding the mountain were from erosion which were the result of farming. Panola is the Choctaw Native American word for cotton, definitely a cash crop which was raised in the area. The tour continued past remnants of stills used during prohibition, and the family lake front cottages from former land owners some of which burned down. Our guides Bill and Laura had been conducting tours of Panola for years and were great tenants of the park. Parking is $5 at the gate but when the gate attendant is not on duty you can pay online, which is what we did and was pretty easy. Overall we had a great tour and felt accomplished having completed this hike through our history. read more

See all

Panola Mountain State Park is a nice, quiet place that's good for picnics and hiking. There's not all that much to do here beyond hiking and picnicking, though there's a small playground for children. Tip: If there's nobody working the gate when you arrive here you can leave the fee in an envelope and put it in the box to avoid being fined. This park's got lots of free parking, clean bathrooms, and enough signs to keep newbies from getting lost :-) read more

See all

I'm working on completing 52 hikes in a year and Panola was my most recent hike. I took the Alexander Lake trail which is paved and part of the PATH system so it's well-marked and maintained. I parked at picnic shelter no. 4 and picked up the trail from there. The trail was quiet because it was a Monday, and most people were at work. I only saw 4 other people during my walk. Normally this wouldn't bother me but this day seemed different. The trail is wide like most PATH trails I've been on but it feels more secluded that the others. There is a sign fairly early on the trail that states the trail is in a remote area and they weren't kidding. I felt like I was in the backwoods and wished I'd brought my firearm. Because the day was overcast and cool, it felt very hushed on the trail. I saw 2 deer but nothing else, not even squirrels and I thought those mini-monsters were everywhere. There are a lot of benches along the trail and there is a building at the lake loop trailhead that would provide shelter if rain unexpectedly started. I didn't finish the lake loop because I saw a loose dog on the trail and when I yelled out for the owner (3 times!) I never got a response. Because the dog stood on the trail and stared at me instead of just walking toward me, I was spooked and decided to turn around. I don't want to get dragged off by some Henry County redneck. (Yeah, I said it!) I made it back to my car safely with sore calves and a 4.8 mile finish instead of the 5.5 I was planning, but I'll be back - when there are more people! Ha! The park costs $5 to enter, and you can pick up a trail map and souvenirs at the nature center. There is a fitness area near picnic shelter no. 4 with gym-style equipment and what looked like (to me) several playgrounds. There are a lot of picnic shelter ls big enough to accomodate extended families. Panola Mountain is definitely worth a visit. read more

The trail is amazing if you like the outdoors walk. Please advise don't walk alone it's very remote

The paths are clean , and the beautiful landscapes are awesome. Don't go off the paths. The pond is an awesome place for snakes and things.

It's nice to know this park is right in our back yard! Today was our field trip day and our theme is "Our vision is clear". We decided to take our home schoolers exploring. We started with the Nature Center which to our surprise had live animals for us to see and discuss. Our focus was how humans and animals use their eyes. After the Nature Center we decided to walk a mile and a half nature trail. The trail was beautiful especially if you love nature and outdoors. We were able to read and learn about all the different animals occupying the forest. The trees kept us nice and cool overall it was a peaceful walk. After we completed the trail we had lunch in the picnic area which was also nice, clean, and shaded. They also have nice pavilions as well. Perfect for celebrating Labor Day! Check out my pics and vids. read more

Panola Mountain State Park - How do you feel about snakes ??? - Parks Near Me - Stockbridge, Georgia

See all

I would have to count this among Georgia's gems. The park protects a 100-acre granite monadnock. Panola Mountain State Park is a conservation park with an active volunteer presence that leads a variety of hikes and community activities. There's stuff for kids, and there's stuff for adults. There's an education center, archery, fishing, tree-climbing, canoeing, a conference room, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more. My favorite is the hike to the top of the mountain. You can hike around the facility on your own, but to get to the top of the mountain, you need to partake of a special guided hike that gets you into the restricted access portion of the park. There are occasional guided hikes for photographers, nature enthusiasts, outdoor-lovers, and complete novices, too. I always look forward to visiting this place. Holler if you're coming with. read more

See all

Lovely state park! I came with my boyfriend on a Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago. We paid $5 to enter to a person at the entrance. We were looking for a hike, but instead we found a very long paved path trail. It was a nice walk rather than a hike, but if I came again I would bring a bicycle instead. I was surprised by how few people were here. With social distancing, it was a good thing though! Definitely a less well-known place, but very nice :) read more

Cool place Family oriented Nice bike trails Several walking trails Cool Place to take anyone read more

Panola Mountain State Park seems to be one of those parks that kind of slips by undetected. An unscientific poll of acquaintances would back up this statement; I got a lot of "Where's that?" But that worked out since it wasn't too crowded on a summer weekend, unlike a lot of more famous spots. However, there were lots of groups grilling out at reserved pavilions. Music was a touch too booming at some of them though. Parking was $5, and you had to pay yourself using an envelope system. It was nice walking along the paved path actually called the PATH trail, ha. There weren't any spectacular vistas, but that was okay. True to its name, there was a mountain but you can't hike it unless you're on an official hike. I didn't see any fellow hikers or bikers for a long time. You can also do archery here at this park which is pretty neat. There was a fair amount of airplane noise from jets flying above so keep that in mind. read more

Great Archery range. Let's of foam animals in a natural setting. Very relaxing and peaceful.

Panola Mountain Park is the underdog to Stone Mountain Park. Everybody and their momma go to Stone Mountain. Yes, Panola is smaller but very few people have heard about it cause it's tuck away in Stockbridge. When I was a child, the Hmong community used to have picnics there so I was no stranger to it, which was a yearly event growing up. We all used to live in Dekalb County and preferred Panola over Stone Mountain for these events. I loved the walking trails. The trail leading on top of Panola is not public. You have to reserve a spot and pay a fee to have a ranger take you. Since it's a state park, you will have to pay $5 for parking. A lot of the plants that are still on the mountain are extinct so that's one reason why the mountain is not public for walking and you will need a ranger so they will educate and show you around. It wasn't my first time hiking. The last time I came was many years ago when I was in high school. I went with my Advance Earth Science class and we made the hike up. There are no paths going up the mountain because the ranger takes a different path every time so there will not be signs of a trail (that's what they told us). I am mainly reviewing the Moonlight Mountain Hike this time (there's a campfire at the end of the tour and even smores!) but I've been to Panola so many times when I was younger that I still enjoyed it. I cannot wait to go back again for the regular trails. Hopefully my family and I will go camping there in the future. My brother already ask me about fishing! PS - Longer posting & more pics on my personal blog. read more

See all

This is a beautiful park right outside the city that feels like it's not right outside the city! I do a lot of exploring with my toddler son and find the trails here pretty easy to navigate with him, so I'll definitely say it's kid friendly. There's also a spot right outside the visitor center that has a few activities for kids, like a water spigot, some pans to sift dirt and minerals, and a few musical type things to bang on. We have a fun time! read more

Beautiful place for a nice walk to commune with nature. The park is well maintained but has a great natural feel. I should visit more often.

One of Georgia's hidden gems. Great for hiking, jogging or just relaxing with friends. read more

Panola Mountain State Park - Parks Near Me - Stockbridge, Georgia

I honestly had a great time at this park! They have picnic areas with grills, a play ground, and 2 lakes! I enjoyed a walk down the paved path right behind picnic area 4. It's great for biking, or even a walk with your dog/Family/friends. It's a good place to be one with nature. While walking you see deer in the trees next to you. There's even a view point not to far up with bench's for people who might want rest a lil or take photos. Now I didn't like that they charge $20 per person for the rangers to guide you up the mountain. I just feel that's a lil steep they know they could have charged $5-$10 but hey maybe that's just me. Over all I really enjoyed my experience and will be going back for sur! . read more

Panola Mountain State Park - Photo was taken at the view point looking to the left during sunset. - Parks Near Me - Stockbridge, Georgia

Quiet and well maintained, plenty of free parking, friendly attendants, clean bathroom, signage keeps you from getting lost, all around pleasant experience. read more

Early Sunday, I decided I wanted to try this place out for a walk/run/hike. I drive by every day and always wanted to check out the scenery. I arrived around 8a and parked at the 155 entrance. The cost to park is $5/day or $50/year. Debating on whether or not I will go enough to purchase an annual pass. There are plenty of different parking lots. This one probably could house roughly 15 cars, I believe. The trail was paved and the scenery was beautiful. I walked to the 2 mile mark and back. Going was a breeze since it was mostly slight downhill. Coming back, well... it was uphill. LOL! It was definitely a good workout. I got my 4 miles in and almost 9k steps. Next time I go, I will park at another entrance so that I can see difference scenery and maybe I will bike next time (as soon as I purchase a bike)! read more

My boyfriend and I did have a fun time but the walk from the parking lot to the campsite is a bit much considering camping essentials makes up a bit. So just prepare yourself for 2-3 trips considering how much you are bringing. So be mindful read more

This was my first time visiting this park. I absolutely love the trails. The view was amazing. If anyone decides to visit and jog the trails. Please stop by the nature center to get a map. There are some trails that doesn't circle back around. Thankfully the one I was on did. They also have bike rental and fishing. read more

See all

I love coming here to run with my dog! This park is beautiful the scenery is amazing it's very peaceful and everybody I have met are just nice people love this park one of my favorites! read more

See all

I came here for reptile day with my 3 year old son and a friend of his that was the same age. The park fee is $5 AND the reptiles were $5 per adult (we had two). The bouncy houses were $1 per child for three times running through (two kids). So $17 later, we went to try and find some water or creek for the kids to play in. Turns out the lake is closed, and most of the trails have been closed for construction. The lake was muddy with nowhere to sit even if we had wanted to get in, and the parking was limited everywhere near the children's playground and events. Every person working here that I came in contact with didn't really know anything about the park. They all just told me to refer to the map I was given. This place is more for older children that would like to (and are able to) climb boulders and hike, which is why I gave three stars. read more

Had a great day riding mountain bikes too Panola Mountain. Great bike path on east side of town. Will be back for more adventures. read more

Panola Mountain State Park - Parks Near Me - Stockbridge, Georgia

See all

Love this place. I took my nephew here last weekend to bike ride their trails. We rented to bikes and a helmet for $51.00 and was able to enjoy the trails for about 4 hours. We totally underestimated how far the trails went and ended up beat. However this was a great day out bike riding. We enjoyed it immensely. read more

This was my first and and my best experience ever I love this place it really a fun park I advise anyone to come here. I will definitely be coming back here soon read more

Panola Park you blow! Post pumpkin picking I tried to go get in a little hike with the dog, friend, and friends dog. We arrive to find a lack of maps posted. Head on over to the large office to get a map only to be told that dogs are off limits on unpaved trails and that the one paved trail is a 5 minutes drive away. Did you hear that world!! NO dogs on unpaved paths! If I wanted to hike a paved path I would walk the path along Freedom Park or a city sidewalk. Same fucking thing! Anyhoo, we decided to sneak onto the unpaved paths in the park we were already in. First path up was the "Fitness Trail". A very confusingly marked path, but it had loads of old school 80'sish "exercises" along it that you stop and do in between running. I have to admit that if I lived close I would be all over this (as long as I had a yearly park pass). Some of the exercise signs were lame and hard to follow, others were easy to follow but hard to do. Monkey bars anyone?? Sad to say that my arm strength can't swing myself from bar to bar anymore:(. There were probably 20 different exercise stations along the trail. We weren't paying attention and somehow went off on another trail. We walked through the woods for a bit and then found the "Rock Overlook Trail". This trail was about 1 1/2 miles long and took you to a lookout over a large hunk of exposed granite. All along the trail you will see signs saying "No collecting", "No walking off the trail", "No...", "No...", "No...". Panola Park is the most negative signage park I have ever been too. Oh and the vast majority of the park is off limits except to guided tours because it is considered a nature conservation area. For all my love of parks and the great outdoors, Panola Mountain State park didn't do it for me. I do not plan on ever going here again, especially if my pup can't "legally" join me for a walk in the woods. read more

Great place to visit. Free. Nice scenery. The water feels great too. I just wish people would stop littering in the park

I recently went here for a picnic and hike (guided) and thought it was pretty neat. The "mountain" is a granite hill in the spirit of Stone Mountain, though much smaller, and has a nice lake at its base. The park itself is relatively small, so don't expect a huge trail system, but what they have is nice. The $7 hike I took was guided by volunteers who were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Overall I thought it was a good time. I recommend checking out one of their guided day or night hikes. One last note on the poster who is ranting about dogs and maps ... I have a dog, but I know there are a few parks that don't allow them (like Kolb Farm over in my area). They probably have their reason, so lighten up. As for maps, I saw them posted. read more

You have two choices of mini mountains in the area. Panola or Arabia. We just went to both recently. I was looking for more of a mountain / hike. Panola was more of trail with a view over a relatively small granite outcrop. I don't think you are supposed to walk on it, just view it from an elevated walkway. The park is generally nice, in line with most Georgia state parks. If you want more of a mountain, go check out Arabia. If you want more of a picnicking spot, Panola is for you. read more

Just got back from the full moon hike at Panola and had a great time. Our (volunteer) guides were well-informed and really added to the experience. Panola Mountain is a protected area and hence no dogs, That's one of the reasons I had never been, but I will definitely be going back. It's so close to Atlanta and is a calming change of pace from hiking at Stone Mountain. It was so much prettier and interesting than I expected. We'll dock it a point for not allowing dogs, although I can definitely understand it, especially since half the time it's for the protection of the dogs, themselves. Panola Mt is not alone in this policy - many if not all National Parks prohibit dogs on most trails. If you like to hike with your dogs, do a little research first to save yourself time and frustration. read more

Great walking trail, love to get out and see nature. The only thing that I wish would stop would be the people still taking their kids to sit on the "beach" ! That area is sewage runoff and the used to have signs posted read more

This review is for the archery range installed in 2011 at Panola Mountain State Park. Panola Mountain Park looks great, and Gary(?) the Park employee was on the job, greeting folks and patrolling. But... The archery course is below average. It was empty! No crowds here. The static target range (fixed 20-50 yard targets) was set-up with multiple lanes, picnic tables and bow hooks. This is a great open location and creative use of the old golf course, the grass is cut and the area is clean, BUT the targets are so high that a miss below the target puts your arrow into the blackberry bushes. IMO poor target design. Design of archery ranges is much better at several Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) with archery ranges. The archery range fee is $10 and the parking fee of $5! I'll go to a WMA or to an indoor range in Snellville/Woodstock and shoot my bow in an air conditioned range for that price. Only three of the 3-D targets involved shooting downhill toward the target to almost simulate tree stand shooting. Also many targets were "brushed in" so that if you missed the target- you almost certainly lose your arrow...what were they thinking? Apparently designed by a target shooter with a rangefinder or someone with lots of arrows. About the fishing: Seems the fish in the lake get a lot of pressure, we only caught 1 bluegill. You can't bring your own canoe/kayak and it is a 300 yard walk to the rental john boat to carry a trolling motor. I did not enjoy this lake. Panola Mtn is probably great as a scenic area for guided hikes, etc., just not for me. read more

I love panola state. They have lots of activities such as led nature walks, fishing, bike lessons, and more. They rent out canoes for fishing as well. Ooh, they also have a big climbing tree where you get harnessed in and climb. Never a dull moment at panola! read more

Love, love, love this place... They have miles and miles of paved bike/walk trails. Very quiet, safe and well kept.