Attractions

State Parks

Just ask any local outdoor enthusiast or nature lover and they will tell you that Franklin County, with its choices for outdoor recreational and leisure activities, has a lot to offer visitors and residents. With two magnificent state parks, there is a wealth of wholesome fun and amusement for all ages. Near Lavonia is Tugaloo State Park, situated on a rugged peninsula that juts into beautiful Lake Hartwell. It is one of Franklin County’s premier vacation spots. Each one of Tugaloo’s cottages and campsites offers spectacular views of the water in every direction.

Hikers can explore many nature trails that wind their way through the park. Boating fans can launch their craft from one of the two available boat ramps. Water skiing and jet skiing are popular sports. The fresh waters of Lake Hartwell entice fishermen, especially those interested in catching large-mouthed bass. There is swimming off a sandy beach and a bathhouse and snack bar within easy access. Other park amenities include a tree-shaded playground for children, a miniature golf course, a volleyball court and tennis courts, bike riding, canoe rentals and picnic shelters. Periodically scheduled musical performances provide pleasant interludes.

A challenging annual park event is the Tugaloo Triathlon held in September. Participants compete in an Olympic-style course that includes a 1.5-kilometer swim in Lake Hartwell, a 42-kilometer bike tour of Lavonia and parts of Franklin and Hart counties and a 10 kilometer run up and down the hills of Tugaloo State Park.

Tugaloo Park’s day-use area serves as the transition spot for the more than 300 participants and spectators who are involved. Triathlon participants come from all over the Southeast, with some from as far away as New York and Minnesota. The race is sponsored by Tri-Atlanta (an Atlanta triathlon association), Tugaloo State Park and a number of corporate sponsors. The event often coincides with the Lavonia Fall Festival and benefits the Franklin County Recreation Department.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Georgia’s Upper Piedmont is Victoria Bryant State Park. The park, which borders the town of Franklin Springs, is located just three miles west of Royston on Ga. Hwy 327. Its historical significance can be traced back to a time when Cherokee and Creek Indians hunted in the hills and valleys of the area. A cooling, natural rock slide that delights visitors in the summertime enhances the large picturesque creek that flows through the park.

Bryant Park has facilities ranging from picnic sites and a swimming pool to a challenging 18-hole golf course. The campgrounds, with 25 campsites, allow plenty of space for privacy and ample room for RVs. The stream that flows through the park provides the perfect setting for an after-picnic stroll. Hikers can either follow the short nature trail or the longer perimeter trail that winds through hardwoods.

An annual event every Memorial Day weekend is the Catfish Rodeo for junior and senior fisherman. This is a unique event in the area and a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to practice their fishing skills in a friendly competition with their favorite senior partner.

The strong interest in recreational pursuits reflects the Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ vote to fund a recreation department and allow the hiring of three full time employees in addition to many volunteers workers. Included in the county’s master recreation plan is the development of a multipurpose recreation facility in Carnesville. Phase I of the recreation plan, which includes a park facility, has been completed. Phase II is underway and will include a gym and classrooms. This facility will offer a broad spectrum of programs for groups ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens.

These include athletic programs, camps, special events and classes that use local schools as well as state and private facilities for their instructional venues. Currently, more than 2,000 people are involved in recreation department programs.

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