April 2016 Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
www.GaStateParks.org/events
Below is a sample of April 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.
Hidden Gem Series
Throughout 2016, Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will host events that highlight secret spots few visitors notice, such as a moonshine truck that tumbled down a mountain. Visit http://gastateparks.org/HiddenGems/Events for a list of statewide Hidden Gem programs. Some are listed below. Events divided by region:
Coastal Georgia
Hofwyl Plein Air Affair; Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site – Brunswick, GA. Bring your plein air gear for fun and camaraderie with lots to paint in this historic setting. We offer 800-year-old moss-draped live oaks, scenic vistas across rice fields, a 150-year-old plantation house, barns, slave cabins and out buildings. $5 – $8. 912-264-7333.
Golf Tournament; Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA. This charity golf tournament is sponsored by the Friends of Laura S. Walker State Park. Proceeds will be used to maintain and improve the park and golf course. Pick up applications in the park visitor center or at the golf course. $200 per team of 4 people. $50 per player. $20 per team to play from ladies red tee box on a hole of choice or $5 per ladies tee. $5 mulligans. 912-285-6154.
Swamper’s Guide to the Galaxy; Saturday, April 2, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, April 16, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, April 23, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA. We will discuss topics that have to do with astronomy as well as observing the night sky through high powered telescopes. Stephen C. Foster State Park is one of the darkest places in the Southeast due to a lack of light pollution in the Okefenokee Swamp. Come see stargazing at its best. $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
Wormsloe’s Hidden Gem: The Great Savannah Race; Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA. From 1908 to 1911, Savannah was the site of the first Grand Prix in the United States. The 19-mile long track ran down Skidaway Road. One of the race embankments still remains on Wormsloe’s property. This program will include cruise-ins down the historic oak lined drive by local car clubs. Tours will be given down to the embankment. $4.50-$10. 912-353-3023.
Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation; Friday, April 8, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 9, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 23, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site – Brunswick, GA. Take an eerie journey back in time as we stroll through moss-laden Live Oaks and hear the stories of plantation owners and African-Americans who worked here. There will be tales of recent ghost sightings, plantation folklore and the rich but tragic history of the lowcountry rice fields. $15. 912-264-7333.
Weapons That Made America; Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA. Learn about small arms and artillery used during the Revolutionary War. Weapon firings will take place throughout the day. In this program we will trace the origins of gunpowder weapons from their earliest use, up through the Civil War. $4.50-$7.50. 912-437-4770.
Metro Atlanta
Intermediate Archery; Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA. Improve your archery skills in this class that focuses on accuracy and shooting farther distances. Students must attend three basic archery classes before attending this program. Equipment is provided. Meet at the pavilion by Alexander Lake. Ages 9 and older. Register in advance. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk at Vaughter’s Farm; Friday, April 8, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA. Bring your binoculars for this beginner-friendly bird hike. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Donations of birdseed for our Nature Center are appreciated. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Native American Tools & Torchlight Tour; Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA. Learn how to make, use and care for ancient tools and weapons. See why their uses often meant survival. Also explore the earthen mounds and visit the museum. $2-$6. Later that evening, step back in time as you enjoy our guided tour along a torch-lit path at night and explore the illuminated mounds and grounds at night. $5. 770-387-3747.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill; Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA. This mile-long guided night hike is 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 are provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Meet and pay (exact change please, $5 cash) at the Visitor’s Center. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Intro to Tree Climbing; Saturday, April 16, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA. Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory program to recreational tree climbing. Participants will use rope and harness to ascend into a 200+ year old Southern Red Oak, where they can climb, swing, and scramble. Register in advance. Ages 8 and up. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Moonlight Mountain Hike; Saturday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA. Join us for a ranger-led hike up Panola Mountain to enjoy the sunset over Atlanta. The moonlight will guide us down to a lakeside campfire where we’ll enjoy s’mores. Bring flashlights, bug spray, hiking boots and water. Ages 10 and up. Advance registration is required. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Hidden Gem Series: Secrets of the Homestead Trail; Saturday, April 23, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you may have missed it. Homestead Trail is home to, you guessed it, old homesteads. Finding these sites is tricky to the untrained eye. Join a ranger as you are guided through the forest to the sites of the homes and learn the untold story of the woods. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Morning Botanic Hike and Afternoon Barks and Rec; Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan, GA. A guided hike around the park’s spectacular granite outcrops highlights diverse plant and wildlife. Hike begins at 10 a.m. and is a one mile easy loop. At 1 p.m. we’ll teach you how to craft your dog a new toy using two old t-shirts (bring your own shirts), then we’ll go on a dog pack hike. Your dog will love you for it. Register in advance. $ 5 hike, $5 toy making, $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
Middle & South Georgia
Archery for Beginners; Saturdays April – October, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton, GA. Haven’t shot an arrow yet? Would you like to learn and sharpen your archery skills? Either way, you’ll be guided and taught by our experienced ranger. Pre-registration is encouraged. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
Wildwood Bluegrass Band; Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA. Enjoy hand-clapping and foot-stomping fun for the entire family. Dance, sing-a-long and enjoy classic bluegrass from our popular local musicians. Bench seating or bring a chair. Meet at the wooden amphitheater below the dam in the campground. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Star Light, Star Bright; Saturday, April 2, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA. Join the Columbus Coca-Cola Space Science Center staff for an evening of star talks, star maps, and night sky viewing. Bring a chair or blanket for sitting on grassy field. Meet at the baseball field across from the Liberty Bell Pool on Hwy 354. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Watermelon Express Train Ride; Saturday, April 2, 9:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.; SAM Shortline Train – Cordele, GA. Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. Ticket required. 229-276-0755.
Bird Walk; Friday, April 8, 9 a.m. to 10 AM; F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA. Join us for a stroll along the woodland edges to listen and look for feathered friends. Bring binoculars or share park loaners. We provide a check list. Meet at the Fishing Dock on Lake Delanor in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Paws on the Falls; Saturday, April 9, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA. Grab your leash and bring your dog out to walk with some new friends on the High Falls Trail. A special surprise will be given to each dog that attends. $5 per a dog. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Antique Car Show; Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA. See car models spanning bygone eras and enjoy music, food, door prizes and stationary steam engine demonstrations. While walking the trail, you’ll also see an 1847 house, sawmill, cotton gin, sugar cane press, barn and more. Antique autos from 1979 and earlier are invited to participate. $4-$6.50 478-986-5172.
Hidden Gem: Lime Sinks; Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen, GA; Join a park ranger for an off-the-trail excursion around the park’s series of lime sinks. Learn what a lime sink is and why this part of Georgia has them. $5 parking. 478-982-1660.
Canyon Climbers Club Hike; Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA. Join our naturalists on a guided hike into canyons 4 and 5. Upon completion, stop by the Visitor Center to have your Canyon Climbers Card punched. The canyon floor can be wet at times; please wear comfortable hiking shoes/boots. $5 plus $10 for Canyon Climber Card. $5 parking. 229-838-4244.
71st Commemorative Ceremony for FDR; Tuesday, April 12, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs, GA. We will pay tribute to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the anniversary of his death at the Little White House in middle Georgia. This event includes a U.S. Marine Color Guard and guest speaker. $7-$12. 706-655-5870.
Peanut Express Train Ride; Friday, April 15, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; SAM Shortline Train – Cordele, GA. Take a tourist train ride through southern Georgia. Visit the large collection of telephones in Leslie at the Rural Telephone Museum, then travel west to Plains for delightful peanut treats. Ticket required. 229-276-0755.
Large Mouth Bass Fishing Tournament; Saturday, April 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA. High Falls Lake was rated one of the top fishing locations in America. Try to catch the big bass in this jon boat fishing tournament. Prizes will be awarded for biggest catch of the day. Registration required. Fee plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
The Springs Fling; Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla, GA. Take advantage of the spring weather to enjoy games, an inflatable obstacle course, Easter bunny photos, crafts, vendors and fun for the whole family. Bring a jug to collect our natural spring water. $5 parking. 770-504-2277.
Earth Day Full Moon Paddle; Friday, April 22, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA. Paddle a canoe or kayak on Lake Delanor with staff guides. This full moon adventure is geared towards ages 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee includes guide, lifejackets, paddles and boat. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Camp Liberty’s Fire Tower and Its Enduring Legacy; Saturday, April 23, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; A.H. Stephens State Park – Crawfordville, GA. Take a hayride through time and see firsthand the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. On the hayride we will explore the history of Camp Liberty and its fire tower. Meet at Lake Liberty in front of our park office. Please call to pre-register. $3 – $8. $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
Full Moon Night Hike at Mistletoe; Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m.; Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA. Join us for a moonlit hike where we’ll use our ears and senses of touch and smell to explore nighttime wonders. Bring a flashlight and walking shoes. Meet at the Campground Shelter. $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
5K Road Kill Run/Walk; Saturday, April 23, 7 a.m.; Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA. Time to stretch those buzzard legs! Friends of Reed Bingham State Park present the Annual 5K Road Kill Run/Walk. Register in advance. $20 – $25. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
Full Moon Paddle; Friday, April 22, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, April 23, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, April 24, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton, GA. Join a guided tour of Clark Hill Lake and enjoy a peaceful paddle under the bright moon. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
The Little Roy & Lizzy Music Festival; Thursday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton, GA. Little Roy and Lizzy return to Elijah Clark with some of the country’s best bluegrass performers. Bring your lawn chairs. Enjoy food and craft vendors. $25 – $90 plus $5 parking. 706-864-7203.
Spring Fling; Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA. Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with fun family activities. Kids will be able to make their own nature craft projects to take home. The Friends of General Coffee State Park will be hosting the Spring Arts and Craft Festival as part of this event. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
Northern Georgia
18th Century Market Faire; Friday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA. Interact with living historians demonstrating life in 1790s Georgia. See craftsmen and women demonstrate their trade, frontier camps, native warriors, children’s activities and music in the 18th century. Children under 12 free. Thursday and Friday will be open free for school groups. Located at the fort. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Twilight Paddle; Friday, April 1, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 2, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA. Come out to Fort Yargo to enjoy peaceful night out on Lake Marbury under the bright moon. Learn about the history of the fort while paddling with family. Pre-registration is required. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Wild Cave Tours; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in April; Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA. 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 climbing and crawling your way through a wild cave. www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. Reservations required. $30-$60 plus $5 parking. 800-979-3370.
Sunset Point: Cloudland Canyon’s Hidden Gem; Saturday, April 2, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Take a short walk with the park naturalist to Sunset Point, Cloudland Canyon State Park’s best kept secret. Enjoy expansive views of Trenton, Lookout Valley, Sand Mountain, and more while the sky turns colorful at sunset. Meet at the West Rim Access Parking Lot. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Hidden Gem: A Walk Through Mining Industry; Saturday, April 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, April 16, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville, GA. The hills of northwest Georgia use to be rich with mining operations in the 1960s and 1970s. Join a ranger led hike to the old marble mine and discover the history that lies in these hills. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.
Wildflower Hike; Monday, April 4, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA. Take a walk through Sitton’s Gulch to observe the abundance of blooming wildflowers in our limestone rich soil. Using a checklist and identification books, we will identify and record many of the species in bloom. We will hike 1 mile on a flat trail by the river. Ages 10 and up. Advanced reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
Greasy Creek Falls Guided Hike; Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Black Rock Mountain State Park – Mountain City, GA. This 3-hour guided hike will take guests through lush forest and rhododendron thickets to a remote creek and small waterfall. This is a moderate hike with some elevation gain and loss along the way. Appropriate clothing, foot wear, water and snacks are recommended. $5 parking. 706-746-2141.
Hike to Beaver Pond Overlook: Victoria Bryant’s Hidden Gem; Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston, GA. This ranger-led hike will take visitors to the very cool yet under-visited Beaver Pond observation deck. This quiet spot is a haven for wildlife and is one of the most beautiful places within the park. The hike will be 3 miles long, so bring walking shoes and plenty to drink. We will be meeting at the front gate. $5 parking. 706-245-6270.
Full Moon Lake Paddle; Friday, April 22, 8:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.; Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA. Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah’s lake as the full moon reflects off the water. This ranger-led event is an exciting way to get out in the evenings and enjoy nature. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Turtle Creek Bike Ride; Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA. Bring the whole family to ride this 1-mile beginner bike trail. The ride will be guided by a ranger stopping to look at cool things along the trail. Enjoy refreshments and games for those who do not want to ride. Meet at the Turtle Creek Trail across from the Nature Center. Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike; Saturday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; 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.
Cherokee Hidden Gems; Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.; New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun, GA. Explore the lesser known natural side of this historic site with a ranger as we walk the Pond Overlook and New Town Creek Nature Trails. Geocache activities and wildlife, including birds and wildflowers of the Ridge and Valley Province of Georgia, will be the highlight. The site is also setting up an “Imagination Playground” from noon until 4 p.m., with a collection of giant blue building blocks for kids to build and create with. Bring your kids ages 4-12 to share in this interactive, transformable environment while you relax and enjoy the view at New Echota. $5.50-$7; under 5 free. 706-624-1321.
Clicks in the Night: a Batty Experience; Saturday, April 30, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun, GA. Bats are a necessary and cool part of our ecosystem. Build your own bat habitats to strengthen their population. Call to register. $5.50-$7. $10 per Bat Habitat. 706-624-1321.
Hidden Gems of Richard B. Russell State Park; Saturday, April 30, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Richard B. Russell State Park – Elberton, GA. Our popular disc golf course and other popular park areas are home to what remains of past homesteads that visitors easily overlook. This naturalist-led hike will replay in living history how the families lived in previous centuries. An interactive demonstration garden is also planned for a site. Meet at the disc golf course parking area. $5 parking. 706-213-2045.
