Welcome to F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Georgia’s largest state park, spanning over 9,000 acres of stunning natural beauty and rich history. This magnificent park is named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, who sought solace and healing in the nearby warm springs during his battle with polio.
The park sits along the southernmost ridge of the Pine Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views and a myriad of outdoor activities. Its history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program initiated by Roosevelt during the Great Depression. The CCC left an indelible mark on the park, constructing many of its iconic structures, including the stone swimming pool and the Roosevelt Lodge, which still stand today.
One of the park’s most cherished locations is Dowdell’s Knob, a favorite picnic spot of President Roosevelt. Perched at 1,395 feet, it offers panoramic views of the valley below. Here, Roosevelt would often bring polio patients, sharing moments of reflection and hope amidst the serene landscape. In 2007, a bronze statue of the president was unveiled at Dowdell’s Knob, commemorating his profound connection to this place.
The park’s history stretches further back to the time of the Creek Nation, who inhabited these lands before they were ceded to Georgia in the early 19th century. The area later became a settlement named Kings Gap, but it eventually vanished by the 20th century, leaving behind only traces of its past.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park is not just a place of natural beauty but also a testament to resilience and recovery. Its trails, stretching over 23 miles, weave through lush forests, guiding visitors through a landscape teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Whether you’re hiking the Pine Mountain Trail or fishing in one of the park’s stocked lakes, each step echoes stories of the past and the enduring spirit of those who walked before.
As you explore the park, remember its historical significance and the legacy of a president who found strength and inspiration in these hills. F.D. Roosevelt State Park is a place where history and nature converge, inviting you to be part of its ongoing story.
