June 2017 Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is a sample of June 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.
Statewide
National Trails Day in Georgia’s State Parks
June 3, 2017
Statewide at dozens of Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites
Join ranger-led hikes at most of Georgia’s State Parks in celebration of this annual national event. Programs include a tree identification hike at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, night hike at Red Top Mountain, and Dukes Creek Falls hike at Smithgall Woods. $5 parking. Some event fees.
1-800-864-7275
Coastal Georgia
Family Beach Day
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 9 AM to 12:30 PM
Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island – Darien, GA
Come explore the wonders of Sapelo Island beaches. The Naturalist will take you on a beach walk and teach about animals that call the intertidal zone their home. The program will conclude with the chance use a fish seine to catch a sample of some coastal creatures. $10. 912-485-2299.
Full Moon Paddle
Friday, June 9, 2017 8 PM to 9 PM
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA
Celebrate this day by watching the full moon rise over our black water. Limited space; pre-registration required. This is a ranger led paddle, the lake is closed to the public after sunset. $25 single; $35 tandem $5 parking. 912-287-4900.
Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
Saturday, June 10, 2017 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site – Brunswick, GA
Take an eerie journey back in time at coastal Georgia’s most haunted rice plantation. As you walk beneath centuries old Live Oaks, 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.
Kid’s Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 10, 2017 8 AM to 11 AM
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA
Celebrate National Fishing Week at the Park. Children between the ages of 3 and 12 are welcome to participate. Prizes in various categories will be awarded. Hot dogs, drinks, and live bait will be provided. All children must register at the Gazebo before fishing. We will also be doing a fish count, so weigh and identify your fish. $5 parking. 912-287-4900.
Recreation with a Ranger
Saturday, June 10, 2017 10 AM
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day by taking a short tour of our parks outdoor fitness options. Learn about the best trail loops for running or walking. Try out our Street Striders and explore other ways to get fit on the park. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Metro Atlanta
Night Hike and Scorpion Hunt
Saturday, June 17, 2017 9 PM to 10 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.
New Manchester Days
Saturday, June 17, 2017 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, June 18, 2017 10 AM to 4 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
This living history event will bring to life the New Manchester Community that prospered up to the end of the Civil War. Visit a Civil War-era encampment, take a historical tour to the New Manchester Mill, and learn about Civil War-era uniforms and firearms during black powder demonstrations and infantry drilling. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Outdoor Adventure Camp
Monday, June 19 – 23, 2017
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Tired of the same old summer camp? Looking for some adventure this summer? We have the solution! If you’re interested in bouldering, kayaking, tree climbing, paddle boarding, outdoor living skills, and more, this is the camp for you. Ages 10-14. Must register by June 5th. $150. 770-389-7801.
Hooch Hike and Paddle
Saturday, June 24, 2017 8:15 AM to 2:30 PM
Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan, GA
Get the best of both worlds at the Bend — a 5.5 mile hike up the Riverside Trail to the bend boat launch where we’ll break for lunch. Then, a short instruction session to get you on your way; a nice, easy paddle back down the Chattahoochee. Boats are available to rent or bring your own. Register in advance, space is limited. Ages 10+ $12 per person plus $30 boat rental. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
Middle & South Georgia
Stargazers Astronomy
Friday, June 2, 2017 8 PM to 10 PM
Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen, GA
Gaze at the galaxy, watch for meteors, and observe planets and the moon. We will enjoy the beautiful skies and all the stars above. We will using both our unaided eyes and new Celestron telescope. Bring a lounge chair. $5 parking. 478-982-1660.
Alligator Day
Saturday, June 3, 2017 10 AM to 3 PM
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha, GA
Join us as we discover what mysterious animals lurk under the waters of the Chattahoochee River. There will be presentations, and crafts, and you’ll even get to meet a real baby alligator. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
Geology Hike
Saturday, June 3, 2017 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA
Providence Canyon invites the public to join us as we take a hike through the canyons and learn about the geological formations and why the canyons are here! $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding for Beginners
Sunday, June 4, 2017 9:30 AM to 11 AM
High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
Our class will help you develop fundamental skills such as balance, steering, and recovery techniques. After class, soak in High Falls Lake from the view of a paddleboard with a free one-hour paddleboard rental. Open to adults and children 8 and older who are accompanied by an adult. Must be a swimmer. Please register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Outdoor Adventure Camp
June 5 – 8, 2017
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA
Kids ages 10-14 are invited to attend the park’s outdoor adventure camp and have fun while learning outdoor skills. The camp will include canoeing, archery, orienteering and more. Pre-registration for the camp is required no later than the Friday prior to camp. All registrations must be completed and paid for before the first day of camp. $45 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
Full Moon Paddle
Friday, June 9, 2017 9 PM to 10 PM
Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton, GA
Join a guided tour of Clark Hill Lake and enjoy a peaceful paddle under the bright moon. Enjoy the night sky as you star gaze and hear the different night sounds. The program will go on if it is cloudy or light rain.Life jackets and paddles provided. $10.00 – Person or $15.00 – for a canoe $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
Full Moon Lake Paddle
Friday, June 9, 2017 8 PM to 9:30 PM
George L. Smith State Park – Twin City, GA
We will paddle more than a mile out under the stars and enjoy the moonlit beauty of the lake. $17 per person if you rent our equipment, $10 per person if you bring your own. $5 parking. 478-763-2759.
Intro to Kayaking
Saturday, June 10, 2017 11 AM
Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla, GA
Join a park ranger for a kayaking class. Learn about the parts of a kayak, how to safely move around on the water, and what to look out for before and during your kayak adventure. Meet at the boat ramp. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-504-2277.
Zombie Archery – Get Outdoors Day
Saturday, June 10, 2017 1 PM to 3 PM
Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen, GA
It seems that 3D zombie targets are hanging out on the archery range. Join a park ranger and help rid the park of these zombies. All equipment is provided, ages 7 and up. Sign up at the Visitor Center or give us a call to save your spot. Limited to 21 participants. $10 plus $5 parking. 478-982-1660.
Rosie The Riveter Honoring the Women of WWII
Saturday, June 10, 2017 10 AM to 2:30 PM
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs, GA
Join actress Carol Cain as she portrays Rosie the Riveter in three performances. Rosie represents the American women who worked in factories during World War II producing munitions, planes, tanks and war supplies. Special exhibits by Kellys Zeroes, a WWII reenactment group. Performances at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. $9-$14. 706-655-5870.
Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 17, 2017 8 AM to 11 AM
A.H. Stephens State Park – Crawfordville, GA
Anglers 55 years and older can try to win prizes in several categories, as well as win a door prize. Refreshments will be available. $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
Father’s Day Paddle
Saturday, June 17, 2017 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Seminole State Park – Donalsonville, GA
Spend quality time with Dad this Father’s Day and join us for a leisurely kayak trip, suitable for all skill levels. This trek will travel north to Fish Pond Drain, one of the lesser traveled areas of the lake. Kayaks/canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Event space is limited. Open to everyone 6 and up who can swim. $10 plus $5 parking. 229-861-3137.
The Return of Canoe Battleship
Saturday, June 24, 2017 1 PM to 3 PM
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA
Soak in the start of summer with the first canoe battleship tournament of the year. Teams of up to three are allowed. Each team is given a shield, bucket,and paddle with which they must sink all other competitors. Last boat still afloat is the winner. Participants must be 15 or older and all minors need a parent present. Registration is required. $10 plus $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
Northern Georgia
Sunset Stroll to Sunset Point
Saturdays through November, 5 PM
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Take a stroll with the park ranger to one of Cloudland Canyon State Park’s best kept secrets. Enjoy views of Trenton, Lookout Valley, Sand Mountain, and more while the sky turns colorful at sunset. Meet at the West Rim Access Parking Lot. 45-minute program. Start time varies according to time of sunset. Inquire for specific time at visitor center. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Bilingual Family Hike
Saturday, June 3, 2017 3:30 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Join our bilingual naturalist for a hike along a wooded area of the park. Learn interesting facts about native plants and wildlife explained in both English and Spanish. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, and bring water. Call to register in advance. Meet at the boat ramp. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Anna Ruby Day Camp
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 10 AM to 4 PM
Hardman Farm Historic Site – Sautee Nacoochee, GA
What was life like for a well-to-do girl in the 1870s? In this one day camp, 6-10 year old girls will play period games, make period hairstyles, try on period clothes, take a short hike to Crescent Hill Church, and have an English tea. Registration forms can be sent by e-mail (leigh.vinson@dnr.ga.gov) or picked up at the site’s Visitor Center. $30. 706-878-1077.
Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Thursday, June 8, 2017 8:10 PM to 9:40 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Enjoy a short hike that takes you down 310 stairs to the suspension bridge and on the rim of the gorge under the full moon. No pets allowed. Call to register. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Hike to Hemlock Falls
Saturday, June 17, 2017 9 AM to 11 AM
Moccasin Creek State Park – Clarkesville, GA
The hike is a little over 2 miles and follows a scenic mountain stream and several small waterfalls. Meet and park at Hemlock Falls Trail head, all ages welcome. 706-947-3194.
