Panola Mountain State Park

10/07/2026

Happy ! Meet the Northern Slimy Salamander! 🦎

We've been getting lots of rain lately, which means it's a goodtime to spot some of Panola Mountain State Park's tiniest residents! 🌧🍂

The Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus), despite their, uh... name, are pretty incredible little amphibians. When threatened, they secrete a sticky slime from their lower back and tail to defend themselves from predators.

💧 Why do they love the rain? Slimy salamanders are lungless and breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouths. They need to keep their skin moist, and rainy days make it much easier for them to travel around without drying out.

🪱 What's on the menu? These guys munch on insects, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates they find crawling through the leaf litter.

🔎 Where are they found? Keep your eyes on the forest floor! Slimy salamanders like to hide under rocks, logs, leaves, and other damp places. After a rain, they may venture out to explore, find food, or find a mate!

☝And remember: look, admire, and leave our slimy friends where you find them 💚

10/05/2026

🎉THIS SUNDAY!🎉

Rangers from Panola Mountain State Park will be there! Stop by our table and challenge yourself (or your friends and family 😉) to historic games inspired by the kinds of activities people would have played throughout Georgia's history. 🎲

We are so proud to be a part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, and we're excited to celebrate 20 years with y'all! We're lucky to be one of the many special places that make this heritage area so unique.

Here's to 20 years of protecting places, preserving stories, and connecting people. 🍃💚

THIS SUNDAY! Our big 20th Anniversary Celebration is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Join us for BBQ, live blues and bluegrass music, plus FREE ICE CREAM and MOKIPOPs, AWARE animal ambassadors, guided nature hikes, a pop-up museum in historic Vaughters’ Barn and MORE!

We’d also like to highlight the wonderful musicians and acts that will be performing at the event:
• DJ Stagga’ Lee Larry Eaglin
• Owen Eaton Owen
• The Jesse Williams Band The Jesse Williams Band
• RAURY RAURY
• Nate Nelson NATE THE DRIVER

🗓️ Sunday, October 11, 2-6pm
📍 Vaughters’ Farm & Meadow
3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038

More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-anniversary-celebration-arabia-mountain-national-heritage-area-tickets-1997999420050

10/05/2026

We love ending the day on a high note! 🌄

This photo was taken during our Sunset Mountain Hike this past Friday! After the rain cleared, the sky put on quite a show! 💛

10/01/2026

Our partners Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance are hosting a reel-y fun fishing celebration THIS SUNDAY at Alexander Lakes! Fishing equipment and lunch will be provided plus, you have the chance to catch yourself a BRAND NEW FISHING POLE! 👀🎣🐟

It's sure to be a fin-tastic day!

Another successful summer of Junior Angler fishing! Come celebrate the end of the season with the Arabia Alliance at Panola Mountain State Park.

This Sunday, October 4, 10am-1pm, join us at Alexander Lake at Panola Mountain State Park for a Fishing Celebration! Lunch is provided. We’ll supply fishing poles for you to use and bait. PLUS, you will have the opportunity to WIN A BRAND NEW FISHING POLE! Bring your family for a fun filled fishing event! This program is made possible with a grant from the National Parks Foundation.

More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/junior-ranger-angler-fishing-celebration-tickets-2001251286470

09/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and participated in Your State Parks Day, and a huge thank you to Friends of Panola (Panola Mountain State Park GA-USA) for making today possible! We had an incredible turn out of enthusiastic individuals. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm are what continue to make Panola Mountain such a special place! ⛺🌱❤

07/10/2026

We had a wonderful birding outing yesterday morning with Shepherd Center! 🪺🐦

We were able to hear and get good looks at several species including Indigo Buntings, Eastern Bluebirds, Great Crested Flycatchers, and White-eyed Vireos.

Feathers with Furr Birdability Wildlife Resources Division - Georgia DNR

05/23/2026

Due to high chance of thunderstorms this afternoon, we will be canceling today's archery sessions for May 23rd.

Tomorrow morning's, Birding with Bob, will be postposed to a later date. Stay tuned!

Archery sessions for tomorrow afternoon, May 24th, are still on!

Stay safe and dry out there, y'all! ⛈️

04/30/2026

The State of Georgia is currently under a Level 1 Drought Response, as issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).

To help conserve water and protect our natural resources, the following measures are now in effect throughout the park:

Water Use Guidelines:
•Avoid unnecessary water use whenever possible.
•Limit shower times and turn off water while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
•Do not leave faucets running unattended.
•Report any leaks or dripping fixtures to park staff immediately.

Outdoor Water Use:
•Washing of vehicles, campers, or equipment by guests is prohibited.
•Use of hoses should be minimized and only used for essential purposes.

These small steps make a big difference in preserving water resources during dry conditions. We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the environment and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors.

For more information on campfire bans and drought guidance, please visit gastateparks.org/Alerts

04/23/2026

Though, Panola Mountain State Park is not part of the current campfire ban, we ask that our visitors please exercise caution when lighting campfires and charcoal grills

In accordance with Governor Brian Kemp's issuance of a state of emergency, Georgia State Parks has implemented a total ban on campfires, cooking fires, and charcoal grills at many south and central Georgia sites. The use of attended propane grills and propane fire pits are currently allowed. Visit gastateparks.org/Alerts for a list of affected campgrounds.

04/12/2026

Junior Ranger Day 2026 is almost here! On Saturday, April 18, 9:30am-12:30pm, meet at Panola Mountain State Park for a fun filled fair-like day.

Children of all ages and their adults are welcome to join us to experience the Heritage Area. Learn about the South River and how to keep it clean with the South River Watershed Alliance, make a craft with the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, explore ecology and geology with PMSP and Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Rangers, learn about local wildlife with the Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE) and more!

More info / register ($7 + fee/tax per child): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/junior-ranger-day-2026-tickets-1984068693873

Parking fee waived with ticket.