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Welcome to Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park


Conveniently located near I-75 in middle Georgia, Indian Springs is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park is available for reservations. The name is derived from the majestic house on the property that serves as the park office and visitor center; and is on the National Historic Register. With another nod to past, the individual rooms in the center are even named after the historic hotels that once thrived in the village of Indian Springs. Idlewilde has 20,000 square feet of event space including a massive lake side porch with beautiful views of the water. With a capacity of 500 people, Idlewilde can accommodate a variety of events, from birthday parties and family reunions, to weddings and corporate retreats. Additional features include a catering kitchen and audio visual capabilities in every room.

For inquiries or to join the Idlewilde Event Center waiting list, please contact us on 470-707-8071.


  • Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
  • Available event hours: 8:00AM – 10:00PM
  • Total footprint 19,557 square feet
  • Opened September 2018

 

Trails - Panola Mountain State Park

Panola Mountain Logo

Conservation Area

Made up of the original land acquired by the state of Georgia in 1974, this side of the park is accessible at the Highway 155 entrance. Here, you will find the nature center, meeting room, gift shop, hiking trails, picnic shelters and playground. This heavily-wooded area serves to protect the ecology of the mountain and to provide educational opportunities for our visitors. Stop by for a solitary nature hike, or bring the whole family out to play and picnic!


Outcrop Trail

This trail overlooks a granite outcrop typical of many found in Georgia’s Piedmont Region. After traversing a second-growth pine-oak forest, the trail brings you to an overlook where you can see evidence of the geologic forces that created the mountain, as well as the erosion shaping its present appearance. Be sure to look to your right to see Panola Mountain itself! Along the way, you will see some of the plants and animals found in this unique ecosystem; many with special adaptations that allow them to survive on the bare rock face.

  • Length: 0.75 miles
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Surface: Natural
  • Uses: Walking
  • Accessibility: Partial

Watershed Trail

This trail skirts two branches of a small creek draining the Piedmont uplands. A watershed describes an area containing a network of streams, rivers, and the underground water table, all draining into a larger body of water.

  • Length: 1.25 miles
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Surface: Natural
  • Uses: Walking
  • Accessibility: Limited

PATH Foundation Trail

Go over the river and through the woods on the 31 mile PATH Foundation paved trail which connects Panola Mountain with Arabia Mountain, Stonecrest Mall and other stops as well! Hike, bike, or skate your way through this beautiful, tranquil trail and enjoy the stunning scenery connecting Panola’s conservation area with the Alexander Lake area. Make sure to hike out on the boardwalk that provides a picturesque overlook of the mountain.

  • Length: 7+ miles
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Surface: Paved
  • Uses: Walking and Biking
  • Accessibility: Partial

Other Information

For any questions, visit the Nature Center or call us at 770.389.7801.