Gorge Wall Preservation Closures Begin Fall 2026
Fort Pulaski's Gorge Wall interiors will undergo preservation work beginning September 2026. For your safety, follow signage and do not cross any barricades.
Official NPS sourceSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
Georgia Travel.
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 3:08:04 PM Eastern
Travel Alerts & Closures
CHECK BEFORE DEPARTUREMcQueen's Island Trail Closed Beginning August 3, 2026
The McQueen's Island Trail will close for a Chatham County restoration project beginning August 3, 2026.
Official NPS sourceKennesaw Mountain Dr. Closed to Private Vehicles, Limited Cycling Permitted
The road to the top of Kennesaw Mountain is now closed to private vehicles. Shuttle service to the top of the mountain is available 7 days a week for free, parking fees still apply. Cycling is now permitted to the top of the mountain in designated lane during designated hours. Cyclist Hours: Summer: 7:30–9:30 AM & 4:30–8:30 PM Winter: 7:30–9:30 AM & 4:30–6:30 PM
Official NPS sourceScam Warning - Book ferry tickets through concessioner site only
Valid ferry tickets can only be purchased through the website www.cumberlandislandferry.com. Check site carefully before purchasing. Only valid tickets will be honored.
Official NPS sourcePark Information Center - Temporarily Moved
Please Note: The Park Visitor Center at 450 Auburn Avenue is closed for renovations. For Park information visit Park Rangers at Fire Station No. 6 (39 Boulevard N.E. Atlanta, Georgia) Monday - Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitor parking GPS: 423 John Wesley Dobbs NE Atlanta Georgia. View the Park calendar for daily Ranger led tours & talks.
Official NPS sourceOngoing Road Repair on Main Road
Ongoing road work will be taking place throughout the Main Road on the island. Expect potentially heavier vehicle traffic and areas of uneven terrain. Please yield to construction traffic. Be aware of approaching traffic both in front as well as from behind.
Official NPS sourceRiver Trail periodically closed under I-16
The section of the River Trail beneath Interstate 16 is closed during bridge construction when pedestrian safety is at risk and remains open when no significant hazards are present.
Official NPS sourceList of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Many closures remain on the Trail following Hurricane Helene's devastation. This will remain true for the foreseeable future. Visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website for an up-to-date list of closures. OBSERVE ALL CLOSURES. Stay safe!
Official NPS sourceBlack Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Human-habituated bears have been frequently spotted in the McAfee Knob Area. Allowing bears access to human food or garbage causes it to lose its fear of humans. Follow all food storage regulations, use provided food lockers and never feed a bear.
Official NPS sourceBOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
Due to structural issues, the boardwalk along the river trail is closed until further notice. Access to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and river is not available due to this closure. This closure does not affect access to any of the mound sites.
Official NPS sourceThe North Shoreline is Closed
The shoreline is closed permanently for resource protection and visitor safety.
Official NPS sourceFort Pulaski Entrance Fees are Credit/Debit Only
The park is no longer accepting cash for entrance fees. Credit and debit cards are the only method of payment currently being accepted.
Official NPS sourceLatest NPS News
Browse the archiveConstruction Begins on East Brotherton Road in Chickamauga Battlefield
Beginning September 23, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will close East Brotherton Road, between Alexander's Bridge Road and Jay's Mill Road, for construction within Chickamauga Battlefield.
Official NPS sourceCumberland Island National Seashore Invites Public Input on Proposed Voluntary Land Exchange Environmental Assessment
Cumberland Island National Seashore today announced a 30-day public comment period on two voluntary proposed land exchanges.
Official NPS sourceFort Pulaski National Monument Welcomes James Crutchfield as Superintendent
The National Park Service has selected James Crutchfield as the new superintendent of Fort Pulaski National Monument.
Official NPS sourceCumberland Island National Seashore Finalizes New Comprehensive Visitor Use Management Plan
Cumberland Island National Seashore has finalized a new Visitor Use Management Plan that amends the 1984 General Management Plan and establishes clear, adaptive strategies for visitor access, recreation and resource protection to this historic and ecologically rich barrier island.
Official NPS sourceConstruction Begins on Part of Glenn-Viniard Road in Chickamauga Battlefield
Beginning August 12, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will close Glenn-Viniard Road, between LaFayette Road and Wilder Road, for construction within Chickamauga Battlefield. The project will provide routine road-paving maintenance to improve visitor safety and enhance the overall visitor experience. During this project, all public traffic will be prohibited on the closed portion of the road. The park anticipates completing the project by early September.
Official NPS sourceJimmy Carter National Historical Park Welcomes Karen Barry as Superintendent
The National Park Service has selected Karen Barry as the new Superintendent of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. She will begin her official role as Superintendent on August. 9.
Official NPS sourceChattahoochee River National Recreation Area Announces Reopening of Island Ford Trails
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area today announced the reopening of the Island Ford trail system following maintenance and restoration work completed as part of the park’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan.
Official NPS sourceCumberland Island National Seashore Announces 2026-2027 Hunt Season
2026 annual archery hunt opens applications on July 1
Official NPS sourceKennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Announces Battle Anniversary Weekend from June 27 to 28
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Announces Battle Anniversary Weekend from June 27 to 28
Official NPS sourceBrotherton Road Construction in Chickamauga Battlefield Resumes
Beginning May 18, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will resume road construction on Brotherton Road within Chickamauga Battlefield. During this construction, visitors should expect the closure of Brotherton Road, between LaFayette Road and Alexander’s Bridge Road. This project will not affect the official Chickamauga Battlefield tour route.
Official NPS sourceK. Lynn Berry Selected as Superintendent of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The National Park Service has selected K. Lynn Berry as the next superintendent of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Berry will begin her new role in June.
Official NPS sourceChickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Celebrates Roadway Improvement Project
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park today celebrated completion of a portion of an $8.1 million roadway reconstruction project.
Official NPS sourceSnodgrass Hill Road Construction Begins in Chickamauga Battlefield
Beginning May 4, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will close Snodgrass Hill Road for construction within Chickamauga Battlefield. The project will provide routine road-paving maintenance to improve visitor safety and enhance the overall visitor experience. The park anticipates completing the project by mid-June 2026.
Official NPS sourceDyer Road Construction in Chickamauga Battlefield Resumes
Beginning April 27, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will resume road construction on Dyer Road within Chickamauga Battlefield. The park anticipates completing the project by late May 2026.
Official NPS sourceNational Park Service Expands Qualified Volunteer Opportunities for Invasive Species Management in Two Southeastern Parks
The National Park Service is expanding opportunities for qualified volunteers and permitted participants to assist with the management and humane removal of invasive and overabundant species at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Louisiana, and Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia.
Official NPS sourceKennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park News Release
News release detailing the relocation of Old Highway 41 into Kennesaw Mountain NBP
Official NPS sourcePrescribed Fire Planned at Chickamauga Battlefield on March 5 & 6
The National Park Service will conduct a prescribed fire at Chickamauga Battlefield on March 5 and 6. The planned fire will be on approximately 850 acres north of Viniard-Alexander Road east of LaFayette Road and west of Alexander Bridge Road.
Official NPS sourceNational Park Service Invites Public to African American Heritage Festival at Fort Frederica National Monument
On Feb. 21, the National Park Service invites the public to attend the African American Heritage Festival at Fort Frederica National Monument
Official NPS sourceUpcoming NPS Events
NEXT 90 DAYSMuseum Tour
It’s more than just the artifacts! Join us for a special tour of our Visitor Center museum where our Rangers or volunteers take you on a journey through the entirety of the Civil War (with heavy focus on the Western Theater and the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain). We’ll discuss the causes, biggest battles, blunders and how the war still affects us today over 160 years later.
Official NPS sourceChurch Talk- Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
🌟 Journey Through History at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary. Embark on a meaningful interpretation within the hallowed walls of the Heritage Sanctuary, where our expert Park Ranger Historians will unravel the historical occurrences closely tied to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his family, and their enduring legacy. What to Expect: Gain insights into the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Discover significant events within the walls of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Connect with the powerful legacy left by Dr. King and his family.
Official NPS sourceMartin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home Tours
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home Tours Visitors are invited to experience the restored Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home through guided ranger-led tours offered hourly throughout the day. Tour Registration Registration is required for all Birth Home tours. Visitors must register and receive a tour ticket at the Temporary Visitor Center at Fire Station No. 6 39 Boulevard NE Atlanta . Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis until all tickets have been distributed for the day. Daily Tour Times 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Tours begin promptly at the scheduled time and last approximately 30 minutes . Tour Capacity Maximum of 15 visitors per standard tour. School group capacities may vary based on participant age and staffing requirements. Tour Gathering Location Registered visitors should report to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home Front Porch at 501 AUburn Avenue NE Atlanta, Georgia prior to their scheduled tour. Rangers will provide a brief orientation, review tour expectations and safety information, and escort visitors into the Birth Home. Accessibility Information To help visitors plan their experience, access to the second floor of the Birth Home is temporarily available by stairs only . At this time, an accessible route to the second floor is not available while additional accessibility improvements are being implemented. Visitors with mobility concerns or ADA-related accessibility needs are encouraged to speak with park staff at the Temporary Visitor Center before registering for a tour. Rangers will be happy to discuss available accommodations and alternative ways to experience the second-floor interpretation. Alternative Birth Home Experience Visitors who are unable to obtain a tour ticket—or who are unable to access all areas of the Birth Home—are encouraged to visit the Eastern National Bookstore (497 Auburn Avenue NE) , where an alternative interpretive experience is available. Visitors can: View photographs of the Birth Home interior. Explore virtual interpretive exhibits by watching a guided video tour featuring the interior rooms of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birth Home. Learn about the history and significance of the Birth Home through interpretive media. This alternative experience ensures that all visitors have an opportunity to engage with the history and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s childhood home, even when tour capacity has been reached or accessibility limitations affect their visit. Operational Note: Tour schedules may be modified due to staffing, weather, or other operational needs. Any schedule changes will be communicated through the park website and other official visitor information channels.
Official NPS sourceRanger Talk at Fort Pulaski
Why is there a fort on Cockspur Island? Who built it? How did they build it? What happened at this fort during the American Civil War? Join a National Park Service ranger or volunteer for a ranger talk inside Fort Pulaski to learn answers to questions like these! Ranger talk programs last for approximately 30 minutes and cover a range of information about Fort Pulaski's history, as well as information about the natural and cultural heritage of Cockspur Island.
Official NPS sourceRanger Talk at Fort Pulaski
Why is there a fort on Cockspur Island? Who built it? How did they build it? What happened at this fort during the American Civil War? Join a National Park Service ranger or volunteer for a ranger talk inside Fort Pulaski to learn answers to questions like these! Ranger talk programs last for approximately 30 minutes and cover a range of information about Fort Pulaski's history, as well as information about the natural and cultural heritage of Cockspur Island.
Official NPS sourceAuthor Talk: Dr. Greg Brooking
Interested in Cockspur Island's connections to Georgia's colonial history? Dr. Greg Brooking, author of From Empire to Revolution: Sir James Wright and the Price of Loyalty in Georgia will present a program exploring the American Revolution in Georgia on Friday October 9, 2026. This public program will take place in the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m. Brooking is an educator, author, and historian with over 30 years of teaching experience. Standard park entry fees apply. For more information, call the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center at 912-219-4233.
Official NPS sourceCoffee With a Ranger: Fowl Play
Join a ranger in enjoying a morning cup of coffee ( coffee provided by CNPC or bring your own) and learning about the various waterfowl and shore birds of our beloved Chattahoochee River.
Official NPS sourceBadge Up, Pup B.A.R.K. Ranger Program
Bring your pup out to the park to get sworn in as a B.A.R.K. Ranger! D emonstrate responsible practices in the park to a park ranger and earn your furry friend a B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate. To earn a keychain, make sure you bring a way to post your new B.A.R.K Ranger on social media! Make sure to bring your dog's leash and waste bags!
Official NPS sourceTwilight Bat Walk
Join the National Park Service for a walk through the park as the setting sun meets the cool dark that welcomes bat s out of their homes. Come learn about bat behaviors from pup to grown-up , what challenges they face, and what we can do to help the m . During our walk, we will identify what bat s are present around us in real-time and keep our eyes out for spotting them ! Make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, closed-toed shoes, and weather appropriate clothing.
Official NPS sourceCritters of the Night
Bring your own marshmallows and come sit around a campfire with a ranger. We will talk about the nocturnal critters that roam the park in the dark and go on a brief guided night-hike afterwards. Fun for the whole family !
Official NPS sourceMusket Demonstrations at Fort Pulaski
Musket demonstrations are a great way to learn about the weapons that were used to attack and defend historic Fort Pulaski during the American Civil War. These programs are free, but standard park entry fees apply. Cannon demonstrations at Fort Pulaski are subject to change based on weather and staff availability.
Official NPS sourceCreate Your Own Zine Night: Write Out 2026
In celebration of Write Out 2026, a partnership of the National Park Service and the National Writing Project, learn how to make a nature-inspired zine and create your own!
Official NPS sourceNational Parks & Federal Sites
12 DESTINATIONSNational Historic Trail
Trail Of Tears
Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat in 1838-1839.
Alabama · Arkansas · Georgia · Illinois · Kentucky · Missouri · North Carolina · Oklahoma · TennesseeNational Scenic Trail
Appalachian
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
Connecticut · Georgia · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Tennessee · Vermont · Virginia · West VirginiaNational Historic Site
Andersonville
Nearly 13,000 men died on these grounds, a site that became infamous even before the Civil War ended. Their burial grounds became Andersonville National Cemetery, where veterans continue to be buried today. This place, where tens of thousands suffered captivity so others could be free, is also home to the National Prisoner of War Museum and serves as a memorial to all American prisoners of war.
GeorgiaNational Recreation Area
Chattahoochee River
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon. Get Outdoors and experience your Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as you have never done before.
GeorgiaNational Military Park
Chickamauga & Chattanooga
In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga - a gateway to the Confederacy. The Confederates were victorious at nearby Chickamauga in September. However, renewed fighting in Chattanooga that November provided Union troops victory and control of the city. After the fighting, a Confederate soldier ominously wrote, "This...is the death-knell of the Confederacy."
Georgia · TennesseeNational Seashore
Cumberland Island
St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.
GeorgiaNational Monument
Fort Frederica
War was imminent as James Oglethorpe established Fort Frederica in 1736, to help protect the British colonies from the Spanish in Florida. Fort Frederica illustrates the story of the War of Jenkins Ear (1739-1748) and how its British defenders fought off the Spanish Army. Today, archeology has uncovered the story of the 1,000 people that once lived here.
GeorgiaNational Monument
Fort Pulaski
For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these forts. Using rifled cannons, the U.S. Army compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.
GeorgiaNational Historical Park
Jimmy Carter
Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia revolves around farming, church, and school, which had a large influence in molding the character and shaping the political policies of the 39th President of the United States.
GeorgiaNational Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Although most famous as a Civil War battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain has a much richer story.
GeorgiaNational Historical Park
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Welcome to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District where a young boy grows up in a time of segregation. He was moved by destiny to lead the modern civil rights movement. This was Martin Luther King, Jr. Explore his roots, walk in his footsteps, visit the home of his birth, and where he played as a child. Hear his voice in the church where he changed the world.
GeorgiaNational Historical Park
Ocmulgee Mounds
Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site, where many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. American Indians first came here during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and people constructed mounds for their elite, which remain here today.
GeorgiaDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory
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