Land gained by the 1825 Treaty of Indian Springs contained an area of several springs which served as a public park. Now considered the oldest park in America, the area officially became a State Forest Park in 1927 and later became one of two founding units of Georgia's State Parks in 1931.
   Important springs to the early 19th century Creek Indians, today's state park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and camping. Even though the park is relatively small in acreage, its features include Sandy Creek, a waterfall, swimming and boating areas in Lake McIntosh, a small museum, cottages, and 15 miles of hiking and biking trails.
   Nearby, the Dauset Trails Nature Center was developed in the 80s primarily as a rehabilitation center for injured animals. Today a half mile trail winds through a wooded area and around a small lake where animals are on display. Exhibits include orphaned birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, geese and farm animals. This nature center creates a great learning experience for youngsters.
   Near the entrance to the park it's still common to see visitors coming to fill their containers with spring water. Collected for its medicinal qualities, the main spring was covered with a stone spring house in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park's museum highlights the CCC period and its history, as well as the area's resort era and the Native American Creek Indians.

     Area Map