Don Carter, other state parks hope to get Georgians moving with 'First Day Hikes'

ATLANTA - Since New Year's resolutions often include exercise, Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites are offering healthy walks in the woods Thursday. <br /> <br /> Dozens of parks - including Don Carter on Lake Lanier - have planned ranger-led hikes as part of the national "First Day Hikes" movement sponsored by America's State Parks - from easy family-friendly strolls to more challenging treks. Other state parks in northeast Georgia participating in the event are Fort Yargo in Winder, Smithgall Woods in Helen, Tallulah Gorge in Tallulah Falls, Tugaloo in Lavonia, Victoria Bryant in Royston, and Vogel in Blairsville.<br /> <br /> "Everybody, including me, eats too much during the holidays, and we want to remind them that we need to be healthy as well, so a little exercise and nature observation is helpful," Smithgall Woods Park Manager John Erbele said.<br /> <br /> Looking forward to the new year, Erbele said his park recently added the Hardman Farm as an historic site. Lamartine Hardman was Georgia's 65th Governor.<br /> <br /> "It is where the Indian Mound with the little gazebo is just below Helen, and many many Georgians know that location, they just don't know that much about it," Erbele said.<br /> <br /> A list of all hikes and detailed information about what each will offer, what time they are planned, etc., can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org/events and a map of all locations can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/map.<br /> <br /> Some hikes will focus on history, such as walks through Civil War camps or to ancient Indian mounds. Others will highlight natural wonders, such as Tallulah Gorge.

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