Last updated: June 6, 2021
Article
Plan Like A Park Ranger for Ocmulgee Mounds
Logan Thomas- NPS Volunteer
Top 10 list for your visit!
Plan like a park ranger and use these helpful tips to have a great visit to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. A little trip planning can go a long way and improve your visit to the park! Check out Ranger Drew's top 10 list to get the most out of your visit.
Visit the park website, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, download the NPS App, or call ahead to find out our operating hours, current closures or park hazards, or events going on within the park!
The park gates, visitor center and grounds all close at 5:00pm year-round and it takes an hour or more to comfortably experience the mounds and the museum. Be sure to plan your arrival accordingly so you are not rushed for time.
The park gates, visitor center and grounds all close at 5:00pm year-round and it takes an hour or more to comfortably experience the mounds and the museum. Be sure to plan your arrival accordingly so you are not rushed for time.
Summers in middle Georgia can be HOT & HUMID and afternoon thunderstorms aren't uncommon. Check the forecast several days leading up to your visit to make sure you are best prepared!
Our park rangers suggest morning hikes before the temperature gets too high and cooling off in the visitor center with air conditioning afterwords!
Our park rangers suggest morning hikes before the temperature gets too high and cooling off in the visitor center with air conditioning afterwords!
Sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, rain jacket, umbrella...
Having all of these things with you and available will make your visit so much more enjoyable! There aren't many things worse than going on vacation and getting a sunburn and bug bites everywhere!
As they say "it's better to have and not need, than to need and not have!"
Having all of these things with you and available will make your visit so much more enjoyable! There aren't many things worse than going on vacation and getting a sunburn and bug bites everywhere!
As they say "it's better to have and not need, than to need and not have!"
We suggest lightweight and light colored clothing for your trip to the park!
Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics will help regulate your body temperature and prevent you from over-heating.
Hiking boots and sneakers may be your best shoe choice while visiting as they supply more support than most sandals.
Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics will help regulate your body temperature and prevent you from over-heating.
Hiking boots and sneakers may be your best shoe choice while visiting as they supply more support than most sandals.
Picnic tables are provided near the visitor center parking lot, behind the visitor center, and in the Funeral Mound parking lot. All of these picnic areas are "first come, first serve." Although most are under the shade of trees, some receive direct sunlight all day long.
Grills of any kind are not permitted in picnic areas.
Grills of any kind are not permitted in picnic areas.
Ocmulgee Mounds is home to an array of animals. Reptiles, birds, & mammals just to name a few!
When observing wildlife, be sure to keep a safe distance away from them. If you can extend your arm out and your thumb blocks the entire animal, you are far enough away.
Sometimes on a trail an animal may cross your path too close for your own comfort. If this happens just wait for it to pass or back away slowly, turn around and find a different trail to go down.
If picnicing, be sure to dispose of all leftover food or crumbs in the proper food storage container or in a nearby garbage can. If left out and eaten by park wildlife, they may become too reliant on human food and ignore their natural diets, and cause them to become too social with humans.
When observing wildlife, be sure to keep a safe distance away from them. If you can extend your arm out and your thumb blocks the entire animal, you are far enough away.
Sometimes on a trail an animal may cross your path too close for your own comfort. If this happens just wait for it to pass or back away slowly, turn around and find a different trail to go down.
If picnicing, be sure to dispose of all leftover food or crumbs in the proper food storage container or in a nearby garbage can. If left out and eaten by park wildlife, they may become too reliant on human food and ignore their natural diets, and cause them to become too social with humans.
Although most of our trails are wooded, some provide accessability for those using strollers and wheelchairs & bikes. Before leaving for your hike check the kiosk in front of the visitor center or talk to the park ranger at the front desk for a trail map and to find out which hike is right for you!
All of the trails here at Ocmulgee Mounds are pet-friendly, and your dog has the opportunity to become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger!
Ask the park ranger at the front desk how your furry-friend can become one today!
All pets must remain on 6-foot leash at all times and must be picked up after!
Pet waste bins are located throughout the park to dispose of waste bags.
The visitor center only allows service animals inside.
Ask the park ranger at the front desk how your furry-friend can become one today!
All pets must remain on 6-foot leash at all times and must be picked up after!
Pet waste bins are located throughout the park to dispose of waste bags.
The visitor center only allows service animals inside.
The wildlife, the river, and of course the mounds. There are boundless opportunities for photos here at Ocmulgee Mounds! Tag us on Instagram using the hashtag #OcmulgeeMounds and let others see how beautiful this National Park is!
Andersonville National Historic Site & Jimmy Carter National Historical Park are both within a 2 hour drive from us! So make your trip a multi-day affair and enjoy all of the National Parks Georgia has to offer!