Off the beaten path, outdoor adventure, golf and reservoir fishing are just a few examples of Griffin and Spalding County’s family friendly fun
GRIFFIN, GEORGIA—AUGUST 2022—Located between Atlanta and Macon, just off I-75, Griffin-Spalding County, Georgia, is a hot spot for fun and exploration any time of the year. This well preserved, uncrowded destination offers unique outdoor adventures suitable for the whole family. From golf and fishing to hiking and camping, there’s a plethora of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of Griffin-Spalding. In addition to year-round options for outdoor entertainment, September brings the can’t-miss Doc Holliday Festival, a perfect add-on to outdoor adventure. Read on to learn more about where to go when it comes to experiencing the Great Outdoors in Griffin-Spalding County.
Outdoor adventure
Griffin-Spalding has endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The area is home to 27 parks, many of which include walking trails and children’s play areas. These beautiful, well-preserved parks make it easy for visitors to hit the pavement for a little exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.
Try your hand at disc golf while visiting the area. With four top rated disc golf courses to choose from, visitors will enjoy the beautiful settings these courses provide. Disc golf courses can be found at Wyomia Tyus Park, Dundee Lake Park, Orchard Hill Park and The Lakes at Green Valley.
Hit the links at Griffin Golf Course, a lovely course designed by Seaton Bailey. Originally opening in 1932, this beautiful 18-hole course features a 6,430-yard layout highlighted by rolling fairways and manicured greens, located right in the heart of Griffin. Open 8 a.m.-dusk, Monday through Sunday, Griffin Golf Course can accommodate golf tournaments, group outings and events. Griffin Golf Course, 625 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, Georgia 30224; 770-229-6615
Grab your wheels and head to Grind Skate Park, located next to the City Park Community Center, for some real excitement. Made possible through community businesses, private citizens and local officials, Grind Skate Park is open to all wheels including BMX in-line, scooters, skateboards and roller skates. Featuring a six-foot half pipe, several quarter pipes, bank to banks and various grinding rails, there’s plenty of adventure to be had! There is no fee to skate and the park is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Helmets and safety gear are strongly encouraged.
For more outdoor adventure opportunities available in Griffin-Spalding, including pickleball and clay sporting, click here. Insider’s Tip—because of Griffin-Spalding’s close proximity to I-75, it is the perfect home base for other nearby attractions including Hampton’s EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway) and more!
Get out on the water
When the weather heats up, stay cool on the water. Griffin-Spalding has two local reservoirs that are open year-round for recreational fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Drop your line and fish for bass, bream and channel catfish or paddle your way through the natural beauty of these reservoirs. The reservoirs also provide a wonderful habitat for a host of wildlife including bald eagles, Canadian geese, loons, numerous duck species, deer, wild turkeys and more. Don’t forget your binoculars.
Enjoy 1,050 acres of natural beauty at neighboring High Falls State Park. Featuring a 650-acre lake, beautiful trails and more, High Falls State Park is a great spot for hiking, boating, fishing and camping. Named for the tumbling waters of the Towaliga River, High Falls State Park is known as one of Georgia’s top fishing spots for hybrid and white bass. Boat rentals, ramps and fishing docks are available. Reservations are required for overnight camping accommodations and facilities use. High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, Georgia 30233; 478-993-3053
Save the date
Plan to visit September 9, 2023, during the Doc Holliday Festival! Griffin-Spalding is home to the Western figure John Henry “Doc” Holliday, the area’s native son. The infamous gunslinger grew up in Griffin and later returned after dental school. However, his return did not last long as he soon headed west to Texas. But Griffin is a place that likes to celebrate their own and with that in mind, each year folks come to the area from near and far to attend this great event. The annual event, held the weekend after Labor Day, is complete with reenactments, a Barbecue Champion Contest, local vendors, family entertainment and more.
Where to stay
Griffin-Spalding has a wide variety of lodging options available throughout the region. From charming historic bed and breakfasts to chain hotel brands, there are plenty of options to fit your travel needs. The area also features many VRBO and Air B&B options including some private estates with properties for rent. Whether it’s a historic loft, a bed and breakfast or a traditional hotel experience, there are plenty of lodging options to make your trip memorable.