Memorial Day is just a few weeks away and that means it will be time to kick off your summer.  Many people will be planning hiking trips during the Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.  Why not ask friends and family to join you for a hike at Fort Yargo State Park?  Located in Winder, Georgia, Fort Yargo State Park is a local favorite park that offers trails ranging from one half mile to seven miles around a scenic lake.

The shorter half mile nature trail is paved, wheelchair accessible, and easy.  The trail features a birding area, nature signs, and a gazebo.  Read the signs to learn about wildlife and plants in the area and watch for birds at the birding platform.  Some of the birds you might see are blue herons, Canada geese, wood thrush, and great white egrets.  This trail can be accessed near the nature center and playground in Area A (the northern entrance) of the park.

If you are up for more of a hike, the seven mile trail takes you around the 260-acre lake.  Although this is a fairly even and easy-to-moderate trail, plan for a half day to fully enjoy your hike.  Watch for wildlife.  The trail follows the shoreline and offers great wildlife viewing areas.  And one main feature you can see along the trail is a 1792 log fort.  The log fort was built by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians. There are many locations around the park to access this trail, including near the picnic and camping areas.  Be careful since the trail is open to both foot traffic and bicycles.

Getting out and enjoying nature can be easy at Fort Yargo State Park.  This is only one of many local parks in the area providing hiking trails to get outside and enjoy the warm weather.  And the trails can be easily combined with other activities that Fort Yargo has available, such as picnicking, bicycling, camping, kayaking, and fishing.