A. H. Stephens Historic Park

Alexander Hamilton Stephens played a pivotal role in creating the Confederate States of America. He served as a U.S. representative, senator and state governor of Georgia. As vice president, he also became president of the Confederacy for a few days while Jefferson Davis traveled to Montgomery, Alabama after being elected provisional president. In 1865, he attempted to negotiate a peaceful end to the Civil War. Today, his home and the surrounding 1,700+ acres are a state historical site and state park.

A. H. Stephens Historic Park is a great place to visit and can be easily accessed from I-20. While it's close to the interstate, it is surrounded by gorgeous forests. This amazing Georgia state park is also home to two fishing lakes, 25 RV/tent campsites, 18 equestrian campsites and miles of multi-use trails.

Probably the biggest draw for visitors to the park is Stephens's home, Liberty Hall. A. H. Stephens home sits atop a hill on the middle of the park. The home is complete with furnishings from the time, including some of the original medicine bottles used by the chronically ill Stephens. It is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday from 9 to 5. Tours cost just $4 for adults and $2.75 for kids and is well worth the price.

Adjacent to Liberty Hall is a small gift shop and museum housing some of Georgia's finest displays of Civil War artifacts. Uniforms, documents and weapons of the time are displayed for all to see. History buffs will love this part of the park!

Horse lovers find A. H. Stephens Historic Park to be the perfect place to ride and camp. Over 12 miles of equestrian trails and a separate campground allows horseback riders a chance to see some of north Georgia's beautiful forests, lakes and streams. The newly built campsite has 18 sites and costs $15 a night.

Three miles of hiking trails lets those without a horse explore the forests. The trail is ADA accessible, so even those with a disability can enjoy the sounds and sites of nature.

Two lakes at A. H. Stephens Historic Park are the perfect place to throw in a line and catch your dinner. Rent a paddle boat from the visitor's center and peddle you and your partner around the big 18 acre lake. A fishing tackle loaner program allows guests to fish even when they don't own a pole.

For more information on directions to the park, hours of operation and fees, visit the official Georgia state park website here.