Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
October 2015 Events
Below is a selection of October events at Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For more programs, visit www.GaStateParks.org/events and the parks’ web pages. More information on accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275. Our annual Leaf Watch website gives tips for viewing fall foliage in Georgia’s State Parks. Check GeorgiaStateParks.org beginning in October.
Northern Georgia
Wild Cave Tours at Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. You will get muddy and wet on a family friendly underground adventure. Our guides will educate you on cave formations, bats, and geology while you have fun getting muddy and wet climbing and crawling your way through a wild cave. www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. Reservations required. $30-$60 $5 parking. 800-979-3370.
Fall Celebration at the Hardman Farm in Sautee Nacoochee, GA: Saturday, October 10, 2015 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with hands-on pioneer skills exhibits, hayrides through the site, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. $10 per vehicle. 706-878-1077.
Second Saturday Guided Hikes at Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA: 2nd Saturday of Month 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Take a guided hike through the captivating scenery of Smithgall Woods. Guided hikes will be offered every second Saturday of the month (weather permitting). Throughout the year, hikes will rotate through the various trails located throughout Smithgall. All ages are welcome. No pets please. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Haunted Hills Hayride at Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston, GA: October 23, 24, 30 and 31, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join our annual spooktacular haunted hayrides, which are fun for all ages. Come early because ticket sales close at 10 pm. We’ll be showing a movie, have a bonfire and we will have refreshments for sale. $5/person $5 parking. 706-245-6270.
Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike at Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA: Monday, October 26, 2015 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, October 27, 2015 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a 1 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.
Coastal Georgia
History Under Our Feet at Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA: Saturday, October 10, 2015 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Local archaeologist Jessie Larson will talk about local archaeology finds, how archaeologists know where to dig, and what tools they use. This informative talk and demonstration will be great for adults and older children. $3 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Annual Candle Lantern Tour at Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA: Saturday, October 10, 2015 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. See the soldiers go about their evening duties. Stop in the barracks for hot cider and a cookie. Then prepare yourself for noise as the cannon is fired over the Ogeechee River. $5-$8. 912-727-2339.
The Haunting of Blackbeard’s Island at Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA: Saturday, October 24, 2015 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Savage Island becomes Blackbeard’s Island for the weekend as we dress like pirates. Decorate your campsite like a pirate ship or camp, and compete for prizes for the most original and most frightening campsite. Rangers will go site to site giving out candy. Come for a campfire where we will give prizes for best sites and best costumes. $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Fall Festival in Waycross at Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA: Saturday, October 24, 2015 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Children of all ages can play new games as well as old favorites to win candy. Bring the whole family because we will also have live music, bingo, hayrides, a haunted hayride, face painting, and more. There will even be some activities for toddlers. Children dressed in costume may enter our raffle prize drawing. $8 parking. 912-287-4900.
Metro Atlanta
Skills of the Past at Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA: Saturday, October 3, 2015 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the skills Native Americans had that helped them survive their everyday lives. $2 -$6. 770-387-3747.
Halloween Hayridesat Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA: October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 6 p.m. Take a spooky hayride through the haunted forest and along Lake Allatoona’s mystery-filled trails. Reservations are required and fill up quickly. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
New Moon Kayak Tour at Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA: Saturday, October 10, 2015 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 11, 2015 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lake Rutledge is a great place to enjoy the night sky. Join this ranger-led tour of the lake and enjoy night sounds, star-gazing, and a relaxing time on the water. A new moon means that many stars will be visible on the night-time paddle. The program will proceed if it is cloudy or lightly drizzling. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb at Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA: Saturday, October 17, 2015 1 p.m. Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous, unique activity. Register in advance. Ages 8 and up. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Cabin Life at Pickett’s Mill at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas, GA: Saturday, October 17, 2015 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover what life was like on a small farm during the Civil War 150 years ago. Watch people cooking over a fire. Enjoy toys and games. Experience the sights and sounds of a black powder demonstration as authentic style muzzle loading rifles and muskets are fired. $3-$5.50 770-443-7850.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill at Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA: Saturday, October 17, 2015 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately difficult and goes down to the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Candle lanterns will be provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Meet and register at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Georgia State Astronomy Observatory Open House at Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA: Saturday, October 24, 2015 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, facilities will be open for a tour and slideshow. Night sky observations start one half hour after sunset. Open house lasts all day. Large groups need reservations: 404-413-6024. 706-557-3001.
“Haunted Labor Creek” Night of Tricks and Treats at Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA: Saturday, October 31, 2015 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Join park staff and campers for a fun filled evening trick or treating throughout our campground. Camp with us and take part decorating your campsite for our trick or treaters. Prize given for best decorated campsite. Campfire and s’mores, tricks and treats. Join us on the spookiest of nights! $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Middle & South Georgia
Geology Day at Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA: Saturday, October 3, 2015 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interpretive Ranger Trena Evans will lead visitors into the canyons and back in time to discover the geological history of the canyons. The floors of the canyons are often wet and muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and your camera. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
2nd Annual Little White House Fall Craft Festival at Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs, GA: Saturday, October 3, 2015 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, 2015 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate the first days of autumn with us. We are seeking vendors who want to showcase and sell their arts, crafts, jams, jellies, woodwork and pottery in our 2nd Annual Festival. $50 booth fee for the weekend. Call or email for application and guidelines. 706-655-5870.
Watermelon Express Train Ride at SAM Shortline Downtown Cordele Depot – Cordele, GA: Saturday, October 3, 2015 9:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. and Saturday, October 31, 2015 9:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. 229-276-0755.
Music & Dancing On the Mountain at F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA: Saturday, October 10, 2015 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your family and friends for an outing on the mountain. Dance, sing-a-long, and enjoy classic vinyl and oldies with our popular local musicians. Bring a chair or cushion. Cement seating. Meet at the rock amphitheater next to the park office. Resident overnight park guests $3 per person ages 4 & up; $5 all other guests 4 & up. Pay at the office. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Sock Hop at Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla, GA: Saturday, October 10, 2015 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dust off your poodle skirts and letter sweaters and join in the Sock Hop! Enjoy music, dancing, and refreshments at the Stone Pavilion. $2 plus $5 parking. 770-504-2277.
Family Fall Fest at Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA: Saturday, October 10, 2015 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Welcome fall with our 17th annual Fall Festival featuring a pumpkin scavenger hunt, face painting, children’s games, marshmallow roasting, hayrides, cake walk, a reptile program, and more. $10 per vehicle plus some fees. 706-541-0321.
Day Out With Thomas at Georgia Veterans State Park – SAM Shortline Platform – Cordele, GA: October 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thomas will visit the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park in southwest Georgia. You can spend a whole day with the beloved storybook engine, Sir Topham Hatt and other friends.
Moonlight Madness at General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA: Saturday, October 24, 2015 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Kick off your Halloween activities with a kids carnival from 1-4 pm. The parks annual haunted house will begin at 6 pm and run until 10 pm. Try something new this year with our first ever haunted hiking trail! Trail will open at dark and close at 10 pm. Ghost story hayrides will be offered 6 pm – 10 pm for folks who don’t want to be scared too much $1-$7 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
A Haunted Evening at A.H. Stephens State Park – Crawfordville, GA: Saturday, October 31, 2015 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Join park staff and Friends of A.H. Stephens for a fun evening of ghouling events. Activities include a haunted hayride, treats, movie on the lawn, Wii Dance, Campfire, Costume Contest, and a Campsite decorating contest for both RV and Equestrian Campers. $1 -$3 plus $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
Octoberfest at Florence Marina State Park – Omaha, GA: Saturday, October 31, 2015 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrate Halloween with a haunted hayride, games for kids, and a costume contest. Food vendors will be on hand. Games 1 ticket each, hayride 3 tickets, cakewalk 1 ticket. Friends of Florence Marina will be holding the annual Silent Auction. $1 per ticket plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
