Below are just some of the November 2014 events hosted by Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For a complete calendar, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. More information on accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275. Thank you for helping promote Georgia’s natural and historic resources.

Metro Atlanta

Nighttime Hayrides and Storytelling
Friday, Nov 7, 2014 until Saturday, Nov 8, 2014 7 PM to 9 PM
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA
Experience Etowah at night on a hayride and finish the evening with snacks and a fireside story. $2 – $8. 770-387-3747.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 1 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Participants must call to register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Women’s Safety Awareness
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 2 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Ladies, join us for this class on how to keep yourself safe while at home, out on the trail, or out and about down town. Great for women of all ages, so bring your mother, daughters, and friends. There will be special safety giveaways, but space is limited. Must register and pay in advance. Meet at Nature Center. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Iron Pour
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 2 PM to 7 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA
Come discover the art of casting metal as we pour molten iron into scratch blocks that you’ve designed. Scratch blocks sold at event. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

Indoor Basic Archery
Sunday, Nov 16, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Come to the nature center for indoor archery and join a certified instructor to learn the basics. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes early. Call to register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Coastal Georgia

Digging Savannah Hike
Saturday, Nov 1, 2014 3 PM
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
The three-mile hikes will be led by Armstrong Atlantic State University archaeologist Laura Seifert and starts at the Big Ferry Trailhead. 912-598-2300.

Wormsloe Lantern Tours
Saturday, Nov 8, 2014 6 PM to 8 PM
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
Ever wanted to see Wormsloe at night? Guided tours by lantern take you to the tabby ruins where you will meet Noble Jones himself. The colonial life area will be aglow with a lively village celebrating the arrival of spring. $4.50-$10.00 912-353-3023.

Autumn Encampment 2014
Friday, Nov 14, 2014 until Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 10 AM to 4 PM
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
A wide range of living history presentations will be given highlighting all the various cultures and people that inhabited our region before Georgia was established in the 1730s. A battle re-enactment will take place at 2 PM. $4.50-$7.50 912-437-4770.

Billy’s Island & Okefenokee Swamp Tour
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 10 AM
Saturday, Nov 22, 2014 10 AM
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA
Join us for a tour of historic Billy’s Island. This island was home to Native Americans, pioneers, and lumbermen for thousands of years. We will take a boat out to the island and hike the short trail, about 3/4 of a mile, and view some of the relics left from times past. $15-$20 $5 parking. 912-637-5274.

“Come and Take It!” Revolutionary War Encampment
Saturday, Nov 22, 2014 11 AM to 4 PM
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA
This American Revolution encampment commemorates Col. John McIntosh’s defiant reply to a British demand for surrender. Enjoy colonial demonstrations, musket and cannon drills, a skirmish and more. Free. 912-884-5999.

Middle & South Georgia

Americus Adventure Train Ride
Friday, Nov 7, 2014 9:30 AM to 4:50 PM
SAM Shortline Train – Cordele, GA
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you can travel from Cordele through Ga. Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear, visit Historic Downtown Americus, tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village (Admission applies. Call 229-410-7937 for reservations and group rates) and sample peanut-butter treats in Plains. Enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s South. 229-276-0755.

American Frontier Days
Saturday, Nov 8, 2014 10 AM to 5 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Meet a trapper. Talk to a soldier. Throw a tomahawk. See living skills displays from local historians. Walk through time from the mid 1700s to the late 1800s. Held on the baseball field across from the Liberty Bell Pool on Hwy 354. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Fall Hayrides
Saturday, Nov 8, 2014 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 7 PM to 9 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Hop aboard our wagon for a real hayride through the campground. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rides last about 15 minutes. Meet at the Trading Post in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Syrup Makin’ Time on the Plantation
Saturday, Nov 8, 2014 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
Have you ever sipped fresh sugar cane juice or tasted fresh cane syrup on a biscuit? Find out how in times past farmers made their own. Come experience syrup makin’ day in the country, plus craft making demonstrations throughout the farm. $4-$6.50 478-986-5172.

Geology Day
Saturday, Nov 8, 2014 11 AM to 1 PM
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA
Providence Canyon is one of the great geographic wonders of the eastern United States. Join Interpretive Ranger Trena Evans for a closeup view of this most unusual park. Pre-registration is required. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Pioneer Harvest Festival
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 10 AM to 4 PM
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA
Celebrate the history of farm life in the wiregrass region of south Georgia at the parks annual festival. The day will include demonstrations of farm life, and arts and craft show, local entertainers, and more. $1 plus $5 parking. 912-384-1581.

Annual Sugar Cane Festival
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 9 AM to 3 PM
George L. Smith State Park – Twin City, GA
Enjoy a fun day in the park with fresh cane syrup, fresh ground corn meal, live music, and a wide variety of food and crafts vendors. $1 plus $5 parking. 478-763-2759.

Civil War Living History
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 8 AM to 5 PM
High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
This event will include educational presentations on U.S. Gen. Kilpatrick’s troops, cooking demonstration, firing demonstration, and camp life of the soldiers. Free but donations accepted. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

Quilting Bee at Jarrell Plantation
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 9:30 AM to 12 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
Beginner quilters can learn about hand piecing and stitching in the big frame, and the steps of making a quilt. Also the Plantation Quilters Guild welcomes visitors to their meeting. 478-986-5172.

Heritage Day 2014: 150 Years of Camp Lawton
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014 9 AM
Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen, GA
Enjoy a living history encampment, live cannon fire, and the replica of the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley. Georgia Southern will be hosting an archaeology presentation while vendors and other presenters join in the festivities in the picnic area. $5 parking. 478-982-1660.

Battle of Griswoldville 150th Anniversary Commemoration
Saturday, Nov 22, 2014 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Griswoldville Battlefield near Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
Learn about the hastily planned attempt by Georgia militia to halt Union General Sherman’s March to the Sea in November 1864. Civil War soldier life portrayals and Union and Confederate encampments followed with a noon memorial service and battlefield tours. Donations appreciated to help preserve this historic site. 478-986-5172.

Geology Day
Saturday, Nov 22, 2014 11 AM to 1 PM
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA
Providence Canyon is one of the great geographic wonders of the eastern United States. Join Interpretive Ranger Trena Evans for a close-up view of this most unusual park. Pre-registration is required. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Astronomy Night
Saturday, Nov 22, 2014 6 PM to 9 PM
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA Providence Canyon is an ideal location to view night skies because there is virtually no light pollution. Join Columbus State University as they reveal the night skies through the use of telescopes and share mythological stories about the constellations. $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Pioneer and Indian Lifestyles
Tuesday, Nov 25, 2014 9:30 AM to 2 PM
Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA
This program is for children 7-12 years old. Children will dip candles, make butter, make pioneer stew and create a pioneer toy. They will learn why wildlife and plants played an important role in Pioneer and Indian living. Pre-registration required by November 22. $20. 706-541-0321.

Thanksgiving Throwdown
Saturday, Nov 29, 2014 11 AM to 7 PM
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA
Its football and turkey season the best time of year. However, we all need that break from sitting down and watching football eventually. Whether you need a break all day to come out for our hike, animal program, and campfire, or just want to come out for a few hours. $1 s’more plus $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Northern Georgia

2nd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, Nov 1, 2014 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 9 AM to 5 PM
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Enjoy gorgeous fall scenery while browsing handmade crafts and food vendors from all over the U.S. The event will be held at the group shelter. Benefits Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park. $10 per car; $5 with annual ParkPass. 706-657-4050.

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Thursday, Nov 6, 2014 6 PM to 8 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Enjoy a 1.5 mile hike that takes you down the stairs across, the suspension bridge and on the rim of the gorge under the full moon. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

“Green” Bee Keeping
Saturday, Nov 22, 2014 9 AM to 11 AM
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
In this introduction to sustainable practices in hobby bee keeping, guests will learn about pathogen and disease identification, organic treatments, how to help hives overwinter, swarming behavior, creating a bee-friendly yard, and non-toxic pest and disease control. Taught by entomologist and bee-keeper Amanda Rose Newton. $20 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Walk Off The Turkey
Friday, Nov 28, 2014 10:30 AM to 3 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Take a guided hike through the gorge floor to work off those extra pounds you acquired over Thanksgiving. This hike is strenuous and involves climbing over and under rocks and logs, jumping from rock to rock, and possibly getting your feet wet. Participants must be 10 or older. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Put away your wallet and pull out your work gloves. Visitors to Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will not pay for parking or admission on Saturday, September 28 as part of the statewide “Your State Parks Day.” Sponsored by the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, with support from REI, the celebration highlights the importance of volunteerism and the many ways that recreation enriches communities. Parking is normally $5 at state parks, and admission ranges from $2.50 to $10 at state historic sites.

“We are sponsoring the annual ‘Your State Parks Day’ to remind Georgians that these parks and historic sites belong to them,” said Andy Fleming, executive director of the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. “Parks enrich communities and give us safe places for outdoor recreation. Our historic sites help educate school children in a way that can’t be done in a classroom. So during this event, we hope Georgians will visit sites closest to their homes or even join in on service projects.”

The statewide event includes numerous volunteer projects and family-friendly programs. Seminole State Park in southwest Georgia will be clearing debris in preparation for a campground expansion, General Coffee State Park near Douglas will host wiffle ball games, and Panola Mountain State Park near Atlanta will hold a river cleanup. State park golf courses will host tournaments that day. Additionally, volunteers will go home with a discount coupon for future accommodations. A complete list of events and volunteer projects can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/parks-day.

Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Georgia’s state parks and historic sites in many ways. Some members raise funds for specific projects, others lead programs such as bird walks, and some help with maintenance. Many support the organization simply by purchasing annual memberships or making donations.

“Most state park systems across the country are seeking ways to operate with limited funds and rising costs,” said Fleming. “Our organization addresses that need and helps park supporters find ways they can help as well.”

Georgia is known for its exceptional state park system. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, boating, geocaching, picnicking, golf and numerous other activities. Historically significant places such as Jarrell Plantation tell the story of Georgia’s rich past. Cabins, campgrounds, yurts and lodges let visitors spend short getaways and longer vacations within the parks, putting hiking trails and fishing lakes right outside their door. Reservations can be made online at GeorgiaStateParks.org/reservations and by calling 1-800-864-7275. There’s is also a Facebook event provided by the Georgia State Parks Facebook page that you can add to your calendar.

“Over a decade of challenging state budgets has greatly limited our ability to address maintenance and repair needs, as well as our ability to improve current amenities,” said State Parks Director Becky Kelley. “Our Friends and volunteer supporters are critical to helping keep Georgia’s State Parks attractive and safe for our patrons. We appreciate their sponsoring this event so that we can welcome every citizen to visit for free on September 28.”

Free parking and admission during “Your State Parks Day” is available to all Georgia residents and visitors. Participating locations can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org, and includes Black Rock Mountain, Crooked River, Sweetwater Creek, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Reed Bingham, Etowah Indian Mounds, Indian Springs and dozens of other destinations. Because Stone Mountain, Jekyll Island and Lake Lanier are not operated by the Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks Division, they are not included in the free day. The day-long celebration is also in honor of National Public Lands Day and is a Georgia SHAPE Initiative.