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Georgia State Parks

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Historic Heartland Region
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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HARD LABOR CREEK STATE PARK
HARD LABOR CREEK STATE PARK
5 Hard Labor Creek Road
Rutledge, Georgia   30663

Phone: 706-557-3001
Reservations: 800-864-7275
While this park may be best known for its golf course, The Creek, it also offers a wide range of recreational opportunities in a beautiful wooded setting. More than 24 miles of trails are available for hikers and horseback riders, and equestrians can enjoy their own camping area near stalls. A lakeside beach and bathhouse are popular with swimmers during warmer months. The park provides one of Georgia?s best golf values, along with a pro shop, driving range, rental carts and special rates for seniors and children. The park?s name is thought to come either from slaves who tilled summer fields or Native Americans who found it difficult to ford.
History of the Area
Located in Georgia, the park was established during the Great Depression by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC constructed many of its facilities between 1934 and 1941. It served as a summer camp for children from military families until it became an official state park in 1952.

The name originates from slaves who found farming along Hard Labor Creek difficult due to rocky soil conditions. Covering over five thousand acres, this area offers camping sites, golf courses and equestrian trails today.

Camping
1. Tent Camping: Hard Labor Creek State Park offers 51 tent, trailer and RV campsites with amenities like picnic tables.

2. Group Camps: The park has two group camps accommodating up to 120 people each for larger gatherings or events.

3. Pioneer Camping: For a more rustic experience, the park provides pioneer camping sites accessible only by foot or boat.

4. Yurts Rental: There are four yurt rentals available in the campground area that can accommodate five persons each comfortably.

5. Cottages Rentals: The state park also features twenty cottages which include fully equipped kitchens and screened porches overlooking lake Rutledge.

6. RV Hookups Sites: These campgrounds offer water & electricity hook-ups along with comfort stations featuring hot showers & laundry facilities.

7. Horseman's Campground: This is specifically designed for equestrians bringing their own horses; it includes horse stalls alongside basic camping provisions.




Swimming
1. Hard Labor Creek State Park offers a large, sandy beach for swimming during the summer months.
2. The park's lake is open to swimmers from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
3. Lifeguards are on duty at designated times throughout these peak periods.
4. Swimming facilities include changing rooms and restrooms near the beach area.
5. There's also an accessible ramp leading down to the water for those with mobility issues or strollers.
6. The park does not allow pets in its swimming areas due to safety concerns.


Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a 275-acre lake where guests can rent pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards during the warmer months. Private boats are also allowed on this lake but must be powered by electric motors only to maintain tranquility in the area.

Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing in two lakes, covering 275 acres. Species include bass, bream, catfish and crappie. Fishing boats are available for rent but personal watercrafts aren't allowed on the lake.

Anglers must have a valid Georgia fishing license to fish within park boundaries.


Location
Hard Labor Creek State Park is located near Covington, Loganville and Madison

Picnicking
1. Hard Labor Creek State Park offers numerous picnic spots with grills and tables.
2. There are two covered group shelters for larger picnics or events.
3. Picnic areas near the lake offer beautiful views while dining outdoors.
4. You can rent a paddle boat after your meal for added fun on Lake Rutledge.
5. The park also features several hiking trails perfect for walking off a hearty picnic lunch.


Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore 22 miles of trails, but be prepared for challenging terrains. Helmets are strongly recommended.

The Brantley Nature Trail is a moderate option suitable for most skill levels and offers scenic views throughout the ride.

For more experienced riders seeking an adrenaline rush, try out the Camp Rutledge Road Loop with its steep inclines and sharp turns.

Remember to stay on marked paths as some areas may have restricted access due to conservation efforts or safety concerns.

Please note that biking hours might vary seasonally; it's wise to check ahead before planning your trip.

Always respect other trail users including hikers and horseback riders by maintaining appropriate speeds and yielding when necessary.
Trails
1. Brantley Nature Trail: This is a 0.5-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the park's diverse flora and fauna, including hardwood forests and wetlands.

2. Lake Rutledge Campground Loop: A moderate difficulty level hiking path stretching over approximately 3 miles around beautiful Lake Rutledge with opportunities for bird watching.

3. Beaver Pond Trail: An easy to navigate .75 mile long trail which takes hikers through lush greenery leading up to an active beaver pond offering wildlife viewing experiences.

4. Mountain Bike Trails - Green Route: The easiest among all mountain bike trails in Hard Labor Creek State Park spanning about seven miles; it's perfect for beginners or those seeking a leisurely ride amidst nature.

5. Brindle Ridge Intermediate MTB Course: Spanning across six challenging yet rewarding miles, this intermediate-level course provides bikers with thrilling descents and climbs along its rugged terrain.

6. Mountain Bike Trails - Blue Route: Designed specifically for advanced riders looking forward to test their skills on steep inclines & rapid downhills spread across nine adventurous miles within the state park premises.

7. Hard Labor Creek Horseback Riding Trail System: Offering more than twenty-two extensive horse riding paths winding throughout various terrains such as dense woods, open fields & creek crossings making it ideal spot not only just for hikers but equestrians too!

8. Camp Daniel Morgan Hiking Pathway: Approximately two-miles-long pathway passing by historic structures like old mill sites providing glimpses into Georgia's past while enjoying serene natural surroundings at same time.

9. Red Root Interpretive Walking Track: It stretches nearly one mile featuring informative signage detailing local plant species found alongside track hence proving educational cum recreational experience simultaneously.

10. Lake Brantley Fishing Pier Walkway: Though primarily used by anglers, this short walk from parking lot till pier can also serve mini-hike opportunity especially during sunrise or sunset hours.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 150 species spotted, including warblers and hawks. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as forests, fields and lake areas. The park is also part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail for dedicated enthusiasts.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 11 great horse park by Indy G
park review stars; one to five Love this park and the great horse trails! Trails are moderate - not too easy not too difficult and for the most part very well marked with the exception of some reroutes. Nice, large camping spaces and horse stalls.
February 18 Quit by nice person
park review stars; one to five Close to home,beautiful,peaceful wish u could use golf cart.
October 28 by Sandra
park review stars; one to five This is a nice secluded place for lovers and family. Must bring everything u need with you. It is a drive from the big city. If u like country quiet peacefulness this is the place for u. They were doing some remolding when I was there last. I just hope that have up graded all the toilets and doors. That is the only thing I had a problem with. Other than that I was pleased.
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Nearby Hotels
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Pets
- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
- Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and disposing of waste properly.
- Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are not allowed in or around swimming areas.
- Pets should never be left unattended outside your vehicle or camping area.
- All pet noises such as barking should be controlled to avoid disturbing wildlife and other visitors.
- Aggressive behavior by pets towards humans or wildlife is strictly prohibited within the park premises.

Directions
Located 2 miles north of Rutledge. Take I-20 exit #105 into Rutledge and proceed 3 miles on Fairplay Road.

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