Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Georgia
25

Georgia State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Georgia
Plantation Trace Region
Chehaw State Park
Oh Yell © stateparks.com
Afternoon Hike © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
CHEHAW STATE PARK
CHEHAW STATE PARK
Chehaw State Park is a nature lover's paradise, offering an extensive zoo with over 200 animals and various recreational activities. The park spans across 700 acres of pristine pine forests, wetlands and sand dunes. It features camping sites, picnic areas, biking trails as well as fishing opportunities on Lake Chehaw. Visitors can also enjoy educational programs about wildlife conservation or participate in exciting events like BMX races held at the park's nationally sanctioned track.

History of the Area
Chehaw Park, located in Albany, Georgia was established in 1937. Originally a part of the New Deal's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it aimed to provide recreational opportunities for locals.

In the late 1970s and early '80s, naturalist Jim Fowler spearheaded efforts to create an educational zoo within its boundaries. The Wild Animal Park opened in 1997 with over fifty species native to North America and Africa.

Today Chehaw continues as one of only two accredited zoos in Georgia offering camping facilities alongside animal exhibits.

Camping
- RV Campsites: Full hookups available, including water, electricity and sewer.
- Tent Camping Sites: Primitive camping with fire rings and picnic tables.
- Yurt Rentals: Comfortable yurts equipped with basic amenities.
- Group Camping Areas: Large sites for group or family events.


Location
Chehaw State Park is located near Albany, Leesburg and Sylvester

Picnicking
Chehaw State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills, shaded areas, scenic views, and nearby playgrounds for children.
Trails
- Creekside Trail: A 3.1-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the creek, suitable for all skill levels.

- River View Loop: This is a moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike with beautiful river vistas and diverse wildlife sightings.

- Piney Woods Nature Trail: An easy one mile walk through pine forests; ideal for bird watching and nature photography.

- Chehaw Challenge Course Trails (North & South): These are two separate trails each measuring about ten miles long, designed specifically for mountain biking but also open to hikers who enjoy more strenuous treks.

- Canopy Walkway Path: Less than half a mile in length this elevated boardwalk provides an immersive experience among treetops - perfect spot to observe squirrels or birds at eye level.

-Chehaw BMX Track Hiking Area : Although primarily used as a bike track it has several hiking paths around its perimeter offering unique perspectives on the park's terrain - distance varies depending upon chosen path

-Sand Dune Interpretive Trail : At just under half-a-mile this short interpretative trail takes you past remnants of ancient sand dunes providing insights into Georgia's geological history

-Wild Animal Park Walking Tour Route : While not strictly considered traditional 'trails', these walking routes within animal enclosures provide close-up encounters with various species native to Africa such as zebras or rhinos - total route approximately three miles
Birding
Chehaw offers a variety of birding options, with over 200 species spotted in the park. Birdwatchers can explore diverse habitats including wetlands, forests and open fields. The park also provides guided tours for enthusiasts to spot rare birds like Bald Eagles or Red-cockaded Woodpecker.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Pets
- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
- Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets immediately and disposing of waste properly.
- No pet is allowed to make excessive noise that disturbs other park visitors or wildlife.
- Pets are not permitted in any buildings, including restrooms, cabins, lodges and group shelters within the park premises.
- All dogs should have current rabies vaccinations; proof may be requested by Park staff.
- Aggressive behavior from pets towards people or other animals will not result in immediate expulsion from the state park.
- Pets cannot be left unattended outside overnight under any circumstances - they need to stay inside your camping unit during night hours.
- Dogs aren't allowed near swimming areas - this includes beaches as well as pool decks surrounding public pools located within Chehaw State Park boundaries.

Directions
Directions from Atlanta, Georgia to Chehaw State Park:

- Start on I-75 S/I-85 S.
- Continue onto GA 401S/US41S.
- Take exit 99 for Jimmy Carter Boulevard toward Norcross.

From Savannah, Georgia to Chehaw State Park:

- Begin by getting on I16 W from Drayton St and Gwinnett St.
- Follow US1 N and GA88W in Louisville.

For those coming from Columbus, Georgia:

- Get on US27N/U.S Hwy319N
- Drive along U.S Hwy280E/GA30 E

If you're starting your journey in Augusta:

- Head west towards Gordon Highway
- Turn right at the first cross street onto Gordon Highway
- Use any lane to turn left after McDonald's (on the right)

state route ranger badge
Georgia
25

Georgia State Parks

X