As flowers bloom and trees wake from their winter slumber, Gordon Countians have several options in the county to go out and enjoy the fresh air.

Salacoa Creek Park opened to visitors March 1, according to Roger Peace, the groundskeeper at the park.

The park offers something for everyone, according to Peace, including a one-and-a-half mile nature trail, a beach area, a pavilion and picnic tables, as well as a camping area and fishing area with boat rentals.

For those wishing to use the fish pond, the fee is $3 a person, $2 for students and children 10 and under are admitted for free, said Peace.

Campers can enjoy a night under the stars for $18 a night for recreational vehicles campsites with electrical outlets or $11 a night for tent campers.

Residents are free to use the park until Oct. 1 from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., seven days a week, said Peace. For more information or to make a reservation call the park at (706) 629-3490 or at (770) 773-0404. The park is located 10 miles off of Interstate 75 exit 315 Red Bud Road.

New Echota Historic Site

Gordon County residents can also head on over to the New Echota Historic Site for a day in the sun. This park offers nature trails, fishing on the Coosawatee River and a Cherokee history library.

This site offers more than an outdoor draw with its history as the first Indian newspaper office.

As evidence of a time past, history buffs and inquisitors alike can see 12 buildings, both reconstructed and original, that were around during the time of the Echota Indians. These buildings include the council house, court house, print shop and an 1805 store.

Admission to the site includes a visit to the museum, a 17 minute film on the site’s history, a three-quarter mile, self-guided tour as well as a mile and a half long walking trail on the site, according to David Gomez, site manager.

Families may also picnic on the grounds, said Gomez however, there are no picnic tables and admission must be paid.

The first of several upcoming events is the Kawoni: Cherokee Time of the Flower Moon Program which will be hosted on Saturday, April 16 from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., according to Gomez.

This program will feature a two mile bird walk around Tarvin Branch Pond and Newtown Creek Trail in the morning, followed by a wildflower and plant walk at 10:30 a.m.

There will also be a nature photography workshop offered and a star party with telescopes beginning at 8 p.m.

Those wishing to participate in the photography class must register in advance.

The site is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m .until 5 p.m., and admission into this state historic site is $4 for children over the age of six and $6 for adults.

New Echota is located one mile east of Interstate 75 exit 317 on Hwy. 225. For more information or to register call (706) 624-1321.