Posts Tagged ‘State Parks’

October 2015 events across the state

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.

State Parks Offer Affordable Star-Spangled Celebrations

Grilling burgers in the shade and camping under the stars are just some of the July 4th activities offered by Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites.  Want to learn about our nation’s independence?  Visit Fort Morris near Darien for their Colonial Faire and cannon firings.  How fast can you win a three-legged race?  Join the old-timey games at A.H. Stephens State Park in Crawfordville.  Whether you have just a few hours on the 4th or the extended weekend, Georgia’s State Parks make for a festive holiday destination.

Can’t get away for the whole weekend?  State parks welcome visitors to come for just the day as well.  For a $5 parking fee, guests can cool off at lakeside beaches, explore hiking trails, and even fish for their dinner – all for free. Many state parks rent stand-up paddleboards, aquacycles, bikes and kayaks for a small fee.  Some of the state’s historic forts will showcase America’s history with musket firings, military drills and displays.  Historic site admission ranges from $3.50 to $12 per person.

Park rangers encourage visitors to bring picnics, but to leave fireworks at home because sparklers and explosives are not allowed in Georgia’s state parks.  However, many parks are close to towns with their own displays planned.

Want more ideas on affordable July 4th activities?  Visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275. Cabins, yurts and campsites make great summer vacation destinations. Dozens of events are hosted throughout the year, such as guided hikes and paddles, snake shows, Civil War enactments, outdoor concerts and children’s nature crafts.  Programs are listed at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.


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July Events Across the State

Below is a selection of July 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. Thank you for helping promote Georgia’s natural and historic resources!


Coastal Georgia

Cannons Across the Marsh
Saturday, July 4, 10 AM to 4 PM
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
Join the garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings, and soldier’s life activities to honor Independence Day. Free watermelon and lemonade will be served. $4.50- $7.50 912-437-4770.

Independence Day at Fort McAllister
Saturday, July 4, 10 AM to 4 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1864. Games, food and fun for all. Living history demonstrations, cannon firings, and musket demonstrations. $5-$8 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Independence Day Colonial Faire
Saturday, July 4, 11 AM to 3 PM
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA
Celebrate the 4th with colonial games, contests of skill, colonial music, musket firings, cannon firings and activities. Prizes will be awarded to all participants. Free admission sponsored by the City of Flemington, Friends of Fort Morris and Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau. 912-884-5999.

Independence Day in Waycross
Saturday, July 4, 9 AM to 12 PM
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA
Children can participate in three-legged races, sack races, football toss, watermelon football, relay races, egg carry, and other fun games. Bring the whole family for a ranger-led hike on Big Creek Nature Trail at 9:30 a.m. Free watermelon and hot dogs will be available for children while supplies last. $5 parking. 912-287-4900.


Metro Atlanta

Full Moon Kayak Tour
Thursday, July 2, 8:30 PM to 10 PM
Friday, July 31, 8:30 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Join a guided tour of Lake Rutledge and enjoy a peaceful paddle under a bright moon. Listen for night sounds, enjoy the night sky, and learn about the history of Hard Labor Creek State Park. Register in advance. The program will proceed if it is cloudy or if there is light drizzle. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Native American Games 
Saturday, July 11, 10 AM to 4 PM
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA
Learn about games that early Native Americans played and how they have influenced modern games and sports. $2 – $6. 770-387-3747.

New Moon Kayak Tour
Friday, July 17, 8:30 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, July 18, 8:30 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
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. Meet at Beach. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

“Get Outdoors” Star Gazing Kayak Tour
Friday, July 17, 8:30 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, July 18, 8:30 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Hard Labor Creek State Park is just far enough from Atlanta to have a really dark sky – perfect for stargazers. Join this guided paddle and enjoy the stars, and night sounds on this after dark kayak tour. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.


Middle & South Georgia

Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 10 AM to 1 PM
A.H. Stephens State Park – Crawfordville, GA
Events will begin with our 10 a.m. bicycle parade. Old-time games will start in the field behind the office, at 11 a.m. include sack races, three-legged races, relays, egg and water balloon tosses, and a paddle boat race. $2 plus $5 parking. 706-456-2602.

Liberty Bell Pool Party
Saturday, July 4, 1 PM to 3 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Come splash with us! Music, food, and activities for the whole family. Play Beach Blanket Bingo and enjoy fab music from our sand and surf DJ. Fees plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 10 AM to 4 PM
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha, GA
Arts and crafts for the whole family. Pontoon boat rides offered all day. $1 – $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Ol’ Time Independence Day at Jarrell Plantation
Saturday, July 4, 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
Put on your red, white and blue, pack a picnic, and spend a day on the farm. Hear the Declaration of Independence at noon and compete in sack race, three-legged race, egg toss, and other events. Watch blacksmiths, steam engineers, quilters, and other skills of the past. $4.00-$6.50 478-986-5172.

Independence Day Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, July 4, 9 AM to 11 AM
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA
Land of the free and home of the brave, so what better to do than go fishing? Friends of Reed Bingham will host a kids fishing rodeo for kids 12 and under at the rodeo ponds. Prizes will be awarded. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Astronomy Night
Saturday, July 18, 7 PM
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA
Columbus State University and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center will present an evening of star gazing and slides. Visitors may bring their own telescopes, but some will be provided. The park offers excellent sky viewing without light pollution. $5 parking. 229-838-6202.

Gators and the Galaxy
Saturday, July 18, 8 PM to 10 PM
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA
I spy a gator. I spy a constellation. I spy a pontoon boat. Those three things together mean one thing. I night pontoon ride to see some gators and galaxies all around us. Preregistration is required. There will be two tours, 8 pm and 9 pm. Maximum of 15 people per tour. $8/adult and $5/child $5 parking. 229-896-3551.


Northern Georgia

Wild Cave Tours
Wednesdays and Saturdays in July
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
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 crawling your way through a wild cave. www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. Reservations required. $30-$60 plus $5 parking. 800-979-3370.

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Wednesday, July 1, 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Thursday, July 30, 8 PM to 10 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
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.

July 4th at Vogel
Saturday, July 4, 8 AM to 5 PM
Vogel State Park – Blairsville, GA
Celebrate July 4th at one of the nation’s oldest state parks. We will start the day with a flag raising ceremony at 8 a.m. at the Visitors Center, followed by a day of games for the whole family. There will be a bicycle parade, pedal boat races, sandcastle competition, watermelon eating contest, sack races, egg toss and greased pole climbing. $2 pedal boat race. $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

Holiday Gorge Floor Hike
Saturday, July 4, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Sunday, July 5, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Monday, July 6, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
This is a strenuous trek, include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing boulders along the side of the river to Bridal Veil Falls where you can swim. Total miles are 3.5. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Tightrope Lessons
Saturday, July 4, 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Sunday, July 5, 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Saturday, July 25, 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
A .25 mile hike will take us to the site of Karl Wallenda’s 1970 walk across the gorge on a tightrope. There we will learn about the history of the tight rope walkers at Tallulah Gorge and teach the basics of walking on a slackline. Ages 8 and up. Reservations required, limit 20 spaces $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Chief Vann House Days
Saturday, July 25, 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday, July 26, 10 AM to 4 PM
Chief Vann House Historic Site – Chatsworth, GA
Craftsmen will demonstrate 19th century weaving, basket making, quilting, spinning, rug making, blacksmithing, soap making, woodcarving, chair caning, and much more. Several activities will be set up for children including shooting a Cherokee blowgun and making their own butter. $5.50 – $6.50 706-695-2598.