ATLANTA, GA – As the days become longer and the weather warmer, Georgia’s forests become alive with an array of beautiful spring blooms including trout lily, wild azaleas, foam flower, trillim, violets and many other brilliant wildflowers. Now, is the perfect time to enjoy nature’s finest color display and get the heart pumping all at the same time.

Georgia’s 45 state parks, 3 state historic parks and 15 historic sites provide outdoor enthusiasts more than 54 hiking trails to choose from for every skill level. Families with small children may enjoy a less daunting stroll on some of the scenic paved nature trails, while more experienced hikers can try out their skills on the backcountry trails of Amicalola Fall, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, F.D. Roosevelt, Fort Mountain, Providence Canyon, Unicoi and Vogel.

And, for those up to a challenge, the new Canyon Climber’s Club rewards hikers who complete the rigorous trails at four state parks including Amicalola Falls, Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge and Providence Canyon with the ultimate bragging rights t-shirt that says “I did it.” To join, hikers can stop by one of the four participating state park offices and purchase a $10 membership card or call (770) 389-7401.

While nearly every state park in Georgia features miles of beautiful trails and scenic landscape, below are some of the most popular guided wildflower hikes, which feature park naturalists and wildflower experts, as well as hiking safety tips from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. For details on all of Georgia’s state park trails and recreational offerings, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275.

2008 Spring Wildflower Hikes

• Early Spring Wildflower Hike
  Saturday, March 22, 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
  This 2.5-mile ranger-led hike will be moderately strenuous and will pass through a variety of wildflower habitats and beautiful areas. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5876.
• Half-Day Spring Color Hike
  Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
  Take this 4.5-hour tour of Panola Mountain's flowering Dogwoods, Redbuds, Painted Buckeye, and a host of other wildflowers. The highlight will be the unusual wildflowers atop the granite mountain. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801.
• Spring Wildflower Day
  Saturday, March 29, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin
  Providence Canyon rangers will guide you through this unusual park where you can glimpse many different wildflowers. $1 plus $3 parking. 229-838-6202.
• Wild About Wildflowers
  Sundays April, 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn
  Each Sunday in April join the park's naturalist in the picnic area for an easy, guided Wildflower Hike. The hikes will include flower identification, cultivation tips and good exercise. Bring water and a sack lunch. Limit 40 participants. $3 parking. 706-657-4050.
• Be A Steward For Wildflowers
  Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
  A number of rare and interesting plants live in north Georgia. Learn what you can do to ensure their survival, and then take a ramble with Botanist Jim Sullivan to discover early wildflowers in bloom. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.
• Spring Wildflower Fest
  Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, April 13
  Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
  Enjoy a wildflower identification hike and learn more about edible and medicinal plants. Join a variety of activities as we celebrate the arrival of spring at the park. $3 parking. (706) 265-1969.
• Spring Butterfly Hike
  Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
  Join a park ranger on this trip up Panola Mountain when many flowers are in bloom and butterflies like hairstreaks and zebra swallowtails abound. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
• Spring Wildflowers Around Unicoi
  Friday, April 18 – Saturday, April 19
  Unicoi State Park – Helen
  Friday evening begins with a slide show and lecture. On Saturday, there will be wildflower walks and activities that help both the novice and experienced enthusiast better appreciate the colorful and fascinating world of mountain wildflowers. Register in advance. $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
• Wildflower Walk
  Saturday, April 26, 1:30 p.m.
  Vogel State Park – Blairsville
  This guided wildflower walk through the Appalachian forest will highlight Jack-in-the pulpits, wild azaleas and many other flowering plants. $3 plus $3 parking. (706) 745-2628.
• Wildflower Fever 1
  Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
  Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
  Join nature photographer and master naturalist Debra H. Davis and her husband, Larry, to learn about the incredible beauty, diversity and folklore of Georgia's mountain spring wildflowers. Following a lecture and slide program, everyone is invited to join a short walk on the Laurel Ridge Trail. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.

Hiking Safety Tips
No one ever plans to get lost, but it does sometimes happen. Each year, Georgia’s park rangers spend numerous hours searching for hikers who did not return on time, slipped on waterfalls, got off the trail or encountered other problems. Follow these tips from the pros for a fun and safe hike.

• Avoid hiking alone if possible because the “buddy system” is safer during any type of activity. If hiking alone, pick a well traveled trail.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Stay on marked trails. As you hike, pay attention to trail blazes (paint marks on trees) and landmarks. A double blaze indicates a change in trail direction or intersection, so be sure to follow the correct trail.
• Never climb on waterfalls because wet rocks and leaves are dangerously slippery.
• Always carry quality rain gear and turn back in bad weather.
• Dress in layers and avoid cotton.
• All hikers should carry a whistle, which can be heard far away and takes less energy than yelling. Three short blasts is a sign of distress.
• Carry plenty of drinking water and never assume stream water is safe to drink.
• Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they do, be able to give details about your location.
• Don’t rely on a GPS to prevent you from getting lost. Batteries can die or the equipment can become damaged or lost.
• Invest in good hiking socks and boots such as those found at sporting goods stores.
• Wear bright colors. Don’t dress children in camouflage.