August 2017 Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is a sample of August 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.
Sunset Hike
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017 – 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Join us for a ranger-led hike to our highest point in the park to watch the sun set over Tallulah Gorge. Bring water for this moderate, 1 mile hike. Space is limited so call ahead to reserve your spot. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Orienteering 101 or Knots So Fast
Saturdays, 2 PM – 3 PM – Aug. 5, 2017 until Sept. 16, 2017
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
The orienteering program occurs on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month and introduces you to map and compass reading – never get lost in the woods again! The Tie the Knot program occurs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month and will teach you basic knots for use when camping. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Wildflower Hike
Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 – 9 AM to 10 AM
Moccasin Creek State Park – Clarkesville, GA
Through woodlands, across fields and alongside rushing waters, this hour long one mile trail offers our visitors a kaleidoscope of colors and a close range view of mountain flora. A great camera-op too. 706-947-3194.
Swamper’s Guide to the Galaxy
Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 – 9 PM to 9:30 PM
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA
Watch for meteors, planets, observe the moon or take in all the stars above as we gaze upon a truly dark sky from deep within the Okefenokee. We will use both our unaided eyes and telescopes while we stargaze. 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. $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
Water Wonders
Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 – 4 PM to 5 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Take a net to dip in and see what inhabitants live in our lakes. Look for fish, frogs and lots of insects. We provide the nets, viewing scopes, and lots of interesting discoveries. Children must be accompanied by adults. Meet next to the Boathouse on Lake Delanor in the campground. Correct change only, or pay at the park office and bring receipt. $2 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Georgia Veterans Memorial Triathlon
Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 – 8 AM to 5 PM
Georgia Veterans State Park & Resort – Cordele, GA
Racers can participate in a triathlon, a half-mile swim in Lake Blackshear, a 13.6 mile bike race and a 3.1 mile run, or a duathlon, which drops the half-mile swim. $5 parking. 229-273-1668.
Night Hike and Scorpion Hunt
Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 – 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
We’re heading into the night to learn about the things that we can’t normally see. We’ll hunt for scorpions by using UV lights, listen for owls, and watch the stars. You’ll be meeting at the Trading Post (Visitor Center) to walk the easy/moderate 1 mile Brantley Nature Trail. Please bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Kids Fishing at Buck Shoals
3rd Saturday of Month (Aug. 19, 2017) – 8 AM – 12 PM
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
Bring your family to a fun, free Kids Fishing Event at Buck Shoals WMA. Kids can bring their special big person to help them catch and keep fish according to fishing limits. Free. 706-878-4736.
Super Spectacular Sharktooth Island Solar Paddle
Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 2:30 – PM to 4:30 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
We will paddle to Shark Tooth Island to enjoy the day with hot dogs and cold drinks while watching the solar eclipse. This is the first total solar eclipse visible in America in nearly 40 years. From our location, roughly 94% of the sun will be obscured. $75 per person. Space is limited. Call for reservations. $75 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Movies under the Stars
Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 – 8:40 PM to 10 PM
High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
Bring a blanket and some popcorn to watch family films at the park on an outdoor inflatable screen. Movies will start at dark. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Intro to Tree Climbing
Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 – 1 PM to 4 PM
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. Climbs start at 1 PM and 3 PM. Call Nature Center to register. Ages 8 and up. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Canoe Battleship
Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 – 1 PM
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA
Pick your team, grab a boat, and be the last team floating in another epic battle at the beach! Teams of up to three are allowed. Each team is given a shield, bucket, and paddle with which they must sink all other competitors. Participants must be 15 or older and all minors need a parent present. Registration is required. $10 plus $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike
Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017 – 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
This hike follows Sweetwater Creek down to the historic five-story Civil War era New Manchester mill with a Park Ranger. The mill, as see in the “Hunger Games: Mockingjay” film, is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV+) of Sweetwater Creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down to the mill and back. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
