July 2016 Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is a sample 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.
Hidden Gem Series – 85th Anniversary Celebration
Throughout 2016, Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will host events that highlight secret spots few visitors notice, such as an old marble mine and a Bald Eagle nest.
Night Hike
Friday, July 1, 2016
Enjoy a 2-mile hike on one of the best trails at the park. You will learn interesting facts about the geology and history of the canyon. By the end of the hike, we will be in the dark, enjoying the trail by moonlight and listening for night sounds. Ages 10 and older. Reservations Required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
Get Outdoors Georgia
July Jam Fest
Friday, Jul 1, 2016
One of North Georgia’s top bluegrass bands, 3 Bucks Shy, will be playing at the beach pavilion. Seating may be limited, so feel free to bring blankets or chairs. $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Sumter Special
Friday, Jul 1, 2016
Departing from Georgia Veterans State Park, enjoying a breath-taking view of Lake Blackshear then enjoy visiting Historic Downtown Americus as well as President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains.
4th of July Fun
Friday, Jul 1, 2016
Take a red, white and blue hike at night, decorate your anything with wheels and then fall in a parade around the campground. Be creative with homemade hippie crafts, come view the parks’ live animals, and see what you can catch with a net in the lake. $1-$4 plus $5 parking. 229-868-7474 ext. 6052.
Fourth of July at Mistletoe
Friday, Jul 1, 2016
Starting Friday with family trivia night–brush up on patriotic trivia and gather a team for family-friendly trivia. On Saturday, the Hike and Craft will be leaving from the Campground Assembly Shelter at 10am. Be sure to decorate your bicycles for our annual Bicycle and Golf Cart Parade around the campground. Line up beings at 9:30 am. $2-$5 plus $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
Beyond the Canyons Morning Hike
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Start Independence Day off on the right foot and join the naturalist for a morning hike. Explore the little-used Can’t Hardly Trail on a four-mile loop and learn about the area’s unique plants and animal species. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Bring plenty of water; wear shoes, not sandals; and dress for the warm weather. $5 per person or $15 per family. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Fledglings & Fireworks
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Join a park ranger on a Gilman Pond hayride field trip to view nesting birds and watch fireworks from Saint Marys and surround areas. Limited space, pre-registration required. Please call the park office to register. Waivers will need to be signed. $15.00 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
Cannons Across the Marsh
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Join the garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings, and soldier’s life activities in honor of Independence Day. Free watermelon and lemonade will be served. $4.50-$7.50. 912-437-4770.
Independence Day Colonial Faire
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Celebrate the 4th with colonial games, contests of skill, colonial music, musket firings, cannon firings and activities. Prizes will be awarded to all participants. Sponsored by the City of Flemington, Friends of Fort Morris and Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau. 912-884-5999.
Handicapped Accessible Get Outdoors Georgia
Fireworks on the Flint
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Celebrate America’s day with fireworks over Lake Blackshear. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-276-2371.
BBQ & Fireworks On The Lake Express
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Enjoy a July 4th BBQ dinner over beautiful Lake Blackshear then sit back for an exciting evening train ride through the Sumter County countryside. Upon our return, you’ll watch the fireworks from the train while parked on the Lake Blackshear trestle. BBQ provided by Smoakies BBQ in Cordele. 229-276-0755.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Children can participate in 3-legged races, sack races, sailboat races, cornhole, relay races, egg carry, and other fun games. Free watermelon, hot dogs, drinks and cookies will be available afterward while supplies last. $5 parking. 912-287-4900.
Get Outdoors Georgia
Fourth of July at Mistletoe
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Starting Friday with family trivia night–brush up on patriotic trivia and gather a team for family-friendly trivia. On Saturday, the Hike and Craft will be leaving from the Campground Assembly Shelter at 10am. Be sure to decorate your bicycles for our annual Bicycle and Golf Cart Parade around the campground. Line up beings at 9:30 am. $2-$5 plus $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
Indoor Basic Archery
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Have you ever wanted to release your inner archer? Maybe you’re just looking for a place to hone your skills, no matter the weather. Our indoor archery classes are a great place to brush-up on the basics or start from scratch with the guidance of a certified instructor. All equipment is provided! Ages 9 and up. Must call to register. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Handicapped Accessible
4th of July Fireworks Hike
Monday, Jul 4, 2016
Slow down this July 4th, and join a ranger for a leisurely stroll to the top of Panola Mountain. As the sun sets we will enjoy a panoramic view of Stone Mountain and Atlanta’s Independence Day Celebrations from a distance. Bring water, bug spray, and a flashlight for the walk back down the mountain to a waiting campfire and s’mores. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Peanut Express
Friday, Jul 15, 2016
Visit the large collection of telephones in Leslie at the Rural Telephone Museum (Train ticket includes FREE admission to the museum). Then travel west to Plains for some delightful peanut treats. 229-276-0755.
Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
Friday, Jul 15, 2016
Take an eerie journey back in time at Coastal Georgia’s most haunted rice plantation. As you walk beneath centuries old Live Oak trees, explore the out-buildings on the plantation and a lantern tour of the main house you will hear tales of recent ghostly encounters, plantation folklore and the rich but tragic history of the Low County rice fields. $15. 912-264-7333.
Stars of Red Top (Star Gazing) & Iced Lemonade
Fridays, Jul 15, 2016 until Jul 22, 2016
Join us on Friday evenings to observe the stars above us. Binoculars on hand or bring your own equipment. We will learn about well-known constellations and celestial events. Meet at the Visitor Center by 8:45 p.m. New location at Picnic area 2-3. Located beside Bethany Bridge. New time is – 9:00 p.m. Bring a red lens flashlight. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Get Outdoors Georgia
Twilight Lake Paddle
Friday, Jul 15, 2016
Join us for a peaceful, ranger-led outing as we watch for wading birds and raptors and enjoy the setting sun. This program is open to adults who can swim and children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. You may choose a canoe or kayak for this trip. Reservations required. Meet at the Bait Shop. $20 includes gear. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Get Outdoors Georgia
“Bark in the Park” Dog Hike
Friday, Jul 15, 2016
Walk the beautiful trails of the park with your four-legged companion. We will enjoy a guided hike by a park ranger alongside the rapids of Sweetwater Creek and view the New Manchester Mill from the recent movie “Hunger Games: Mockingjay.” Reservations required. Meet outside the Visitor’s Center. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
flashlight. Pay at office and bring receipt or pay onsite correct change. $2 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Stars of Red Top (Star Gazing) & Iced Lemonade
Fridays, Jul 22, 2016
Join us on Friday evenings to observe the stars above us. Binoculars on hand or bring your own equipment. We will learn about well-known constellations and celestial events. Meet at the Visitor Center by 8:45 p.m. New location at Picnic area 2-3. Located beside Bethany Bridge. New time is – 9:00 p.m. Bring a red lens flashlight. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Get Outdoors Georgia
Watermelon Express Train Ride
Friday, Jul 22, 2016
Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. 229-276-0755.
Twilight Kayak Paddle
Friday, Jul 22, 2016
Kayak the beautiful Okefenokee Swamp with one of our rangers at sunset. Learn about the ecology, history, and wildlife that inhabits this mysterious land. $15-$10 $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
Mountain Music Series
Saturdays, Jul 30, 2016
Enjoy our free “Mountain Music” concerts every Saturday night May 21 to July 30. A different band each week will play for an hour or more. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and meet at the Vaughan log cabin located behind the park office. Bucket donations are appreciated! $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Handicapped Accessible
Watermelon Express Train Ride
Saturday, Jul 30, 2016
Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. 229-276-0755.
Sweetwater Creek by Kayak
Saturday, Jul 30, 2016
Join us for a beautiful two-hour paddle through a peaceful stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. There is a short hike to view the mill ruins and whitewater rapids. This outing is for adults (18 yrs. and older) who can swim and those 12 yrs. to 17 yrs. who can swim and are w/adult. Kayak, PFD, and paddle included. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Summer Concert Series – Yonah Pickers Dulcimer Group
Saturday, Jul 30, 2016
Come to the Beach Pavillion for the 3rd installment of our Summer Concert Series with the Yonah Pickers. Step back to a time where the romantic, sound of Dulcimers rang throughout the Foothills of the Appalachians and to a time where folk traditions
