October & Halloween Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is a sample of October 2017 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.
Fall Festival
Friday, Oct 6, 2017 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton, GA
Fall Fest kick off begins Friday night with a family friendly movie. Saturday at 10 am archery with scarecrows and pumpkins. Starting at 4 pm Fall Fest activities include a pumpkin patch, mini-golf, hayrides, apple bobbing, bouncy house, ring the scarecrows and more. The weekend will end with bingo Sunday evening. $1 – $5. $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
Owl Prowl
Friday, Oct 6, 2017 7 PM to 9 PM
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha, GA
If you missed your chance to go on an owl “hunt” with us in February, here is your opportunity to join us again as we look for these mysterious creatures of the night. Take a ranger lead night hike and discover the various species found at the park, the different calls they make, and more! $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
Friday, Oct 6, 2017 6:30 PM to 8 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.
Family Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct 7, 2017 3 PM to 9 PM
Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA
This Fall come to Mistletoe to enjoy hayrides, crafts, hikes, games, story telling and lots more family fun. We will have programs and events all afternoon. $10 per vehicle includes parking. 706-541-0321.
Edible Plant Hike
Sunday, Oct 8, 2017 1 PM to 2 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Learn helpful tricks to identifying edible wild plants in Georgia. Enjoy a hike around 3 miles with our park naturalist. We will be also looking at plants that have medicinal properties, are used for tea, seasoning, and ones that are poisonous. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
20th Annual Haunted Halloween Hayrides
Friday, Oct 13, 2017 7 PM to 9 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA
Join us on this special anniversary for a spooky ride through the forests of Ravenwood. Hayrides are followed by storytelling and snacks. Tours start at 7:00 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 8:20 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Reservations are required at FriendsofRedTop.org. Tickets go on sale September 15 and will sell out quickly. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Candle Lantern Tour
Saturday, Oct 14, 2017 7 PM to 9 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Join us for our annual candlelight guided tours! Come see soldiers go about their evening duties and experience what life was like for those living on the Georgia coast during the Civil War. You’ll get to stop by our lovely barracks house for some sweet treats before being treated to an exclusive night-time firing of our cannon! $5-$9. 912-727-2339.
Emory Jones Book Signing
2nd Saturday of Month 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM from Oct 14, 2017 until Dec 9, 2017
Hardman Farm Historic Site – Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Emory Jones, author of “Distant Voices: The Story of the Nacoochee Valley Indian Mound,” will read excerpts from his new book “The Valley Where They Danced.” This post-WWI historical novel features scenes from Hardman Farm. Hear excerpts prior to the tour and then bring back questions for Mr. Jones afterward. 706-878-1077.
Fall Colors Mountain Hike
Sunday, Oct 15, 2017 9 AM to 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Enjoy the beautiful, slow changing colors of the fall leaves as you hike up Panola Mountain. But the beauty doesn’t end where the trees stop. The tip of Panola blooms yellow with Confederate Daisies. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for this moderate to strenuous hike. Call Nature Center to register. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Leaf Watch Sunset Hike to the West Overlook
Friday, Oct 20, 2017 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA
Fall is beautiful at Fort Mountain. Experience the beauty of sunset over the landscape of fall colors. Register at the Visitor Center. Space is limited. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-422-1932.
20th Annual Haunted Halloween Hayrides
Friday, Oct 20, 2017 7 PM to 9 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA
Join us on this special anniversary for a spooky ride through the forests of Ravenwood. Hayrides are followed by storytelling and snacks. Tours start at 7:00 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 8:20 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Reservations are required at FriendsofRedTop.org. Tickets go on sale September 15 and will sell out quickly. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Chattahoochee Mountain Music Festival
Saturday, Oct 21, 2017 10 AM to 6 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Join the Friends of Don Carter SP for an afternoon in the park with live traditional mountain music, arts, crafts, vendors, and good food. This will be Don Carter State Park’s fourth annual Chattahoochee Mountain Music Festival. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Halloween Glow Light Paddle
Saturday, Oct 21, 2017 7:30 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
On this spooky night, decorate your kayak/canoe with glowing items (bracelets, glow sticks) or anything that lights up the night. A ranger will guide you on the water under the cover of darkness. Open to anyone who can swim. kids must be 8 + and with an adult. Meet at boat ramp, bring water, flashlight, and water shoes. Registration required. $15 with personal kayak/canoe, $25 solo rental, $40 tandem rental. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Sunset Bat Hike
Friday 6:50 PM – 8 PM – Oct 27, 2017
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Spread your wings and take a trip with us, as our rangers will be ready to be your guide into the wild world of bats. Join our rangers as we watch our flying friends take off over the setting sun! Includes a short half-mile walk over our beautiful marshes and winding creeks. Guests will meet our rangers at the park office and museum. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Haunted Hollow Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
Friday, Oct 27, 2017 8 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Come and enjoy our spooky miniature golf course, once again, in a different light — meaning at night. The park will be keeping the mini-golf course open late and provide glow-in-the-dark accessories; the course itself will have markers to assist players in navigating each hole. $5 plus $5 parking.
Halloween Party
Saturday, Oct 28, 2017 6 PM to 9 PM
Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA
We will play bowling Halloween style! There will be Halloween themed treats for anyone that comes. Campers will compete, for a prize, to see who can decorate their campsite the scariest. There will also be haunted hayrides throughout the night! Meet at the campground! $2 hayride $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
Trunk-O-Treat for Halloween
Saturday, Oct 28, 2017 2 PM to 4 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Looking for a safer way to celebrate Halloween? Join us for the 4th annual Panola State Park’s Trunk-O-Treat. Boys and ghouls can collect candy going car to car instead of door to door and play on the playground. There will be games, face painting, tree climbing and contests. Will you have the creepiest trunk? Call to register your car. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
