March 2005

Doin' Hard Labor

Unique state park right in our backyard

Talk about an oxymoron.

Hard Labor Creek State Park is a contradiction in terms.   Its 5,800 acres in the southern part of Walton EMC's service territory is just right for relaxation and recreation, not hard work.

But Park Manager Bruce Roper and his staff do work hard to make sure visitors have a good time.   “We have more different types of facilities than any other state park in Georgia,” says Roper, a 21-year veteran.   “From golf to horseback riding, we offer a wide range of activities.”

According to Roper, one of the most unique aspects of the park is the diversity it offers.

Besides having one of the largest swimming beaches in the state park system, HLCSP also has two lakes.   Lake Brantley, a 45-acre lake, is open for bank fishing and boats with electric motors.   Lake Rutledge, at 275 acres, also allows bank fishing as well as boats with gas engines up to 10 horsepower.

Another unique feature is the park's equestrian facilities.   After a day's ride on 22 miles of trails, riders can stable their animals in one of 30 stalls and then camp for the night in the adjoining campground.

“The trails wander through different types of habitat,” says Roper.   “You'll go from pine plantation to hardwood bottoms to slightly mountainous terrain.   None of the trails are extreme and riders of average ability should do just fine.”   Riders will need to furnish their own mounts--–HLCSP doesn't rent horses.

Take a relaxing cruise in one of the park's canoes, paddleboats or johnboats.

Campers can choose from group camps that accommodate up to 120 campers to tent camping to RV hookups with electricity and water.   Shower houses are located throughout the campground and RVs have access to a dump station.

The campground is undergoing an upgrade, with new plumbing and larger capacity outlets for the upward trend in RV size.   Many of the campsites are close to the creek.

HLCSP is also unique in that it's only one of four Georgia state parks that return a profit to taxpayers.   Roper is obviously proud that the park is a fiscal contributor.

So why is the park named Hard Labor?   “I've heard a couple of different stories,” says Roper.   “One is that the creek creates a huge flood plain during rainy weather that's hard to cross.   The other is that slaves put in hard labor in the creek's bottom lands.”

“It's a bit of a mystery.   But a little mystery is nice sometimes,” concludes Roper.   “Maybe one of your readers can tell us.”

Visit Hard Labor Creek State Park's website.

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