September 2017 Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is a sample of September 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.
Wild Cave Tours
Wednesday, Sep 6, 2017 10 AM to 12 PM
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Explore the wild caves of Northwest Georgia with G3 Adventures! Our guides will educate you on cave formations, bats, and geology while you have fun getting muddy and wet climbing and crawling your way through a wild cave. Please visit www.G3adventures.com for a full schedule and to make a reservation (required). $30-$60 $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
Full Moon Paddle
Wednesday, Sep 6, 2017 8 PM to 9:30 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Enjoy a relaxing paddle on Lake Lanier as the full moon reflects off the water. Space is limited, so call to register in advance. No pets; kids must be 8 or older. Meet at the boat ramp. Bring a flash light, bug repellent, quick drying pants, and water. $15 with personal kayak $25 solo rental, $40 tandem rental $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
“Almost-Full Moon” Night Paddle
Thursday, Sep 7, 2017 8 PM to 9:30 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
Join us for an evening of enchantment as we paddle the lake at night under the light of the moon. Limited to 12 people who can swim and are 18 yrs. or older. A flashlight is required. Call for reservations. $25 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Dinner in 1793
Friday, Sep 8, 2017 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA
Step back in time to 1793 and enjoy an old fashioned dinner in historic Fort Yargo. Guests will be greeted by reenactors and learn about the early days of living in North Georgia. Additionally each guest will be served a hot meal prepared in the same manner as they would 224 years ago. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Lovebug Festival
Saturday, Sep 9, 2017 10 AM to 2 PM
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA
Explore the wonderful world of insects at the park’s fourth annual Lovebug Festival. Activities will include edible bug programs, kids insect-related crafts, pollinator programs and much more. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
Emory Jones Book Signing
2nd Saturday of Month 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM from Sep 9, 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.
Fishing at the Lake (Silver in the Park – ages 50+)
Thursday, Sep 14, 2017 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Silver in the Park are outdoor programs that seek to enhance a lively aging community. Come to fish from the pier or the shore. No experience necessary. Fishing poles and bait provided. Fishing license required. Meet at the boat ramp parking 15 min before the program starts. Pre-registration required. Wear light clothes, sunscreen, and bring water. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
ZZZ’s in the Trees: Canopy Camping
Friday, Sep 15, 2017 6 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Join us for a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your “tree-boat,” viewing stars through shimmering branches. A treetop camp will be established in our secluded climbing tree for an overnight experience. Participants should bring dinner, breakfast and a sleeping bag. Non-climbers allowed to camp. Register in advance, space is very limited! $90 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Swamper’s Guide to the Galaxy
Friday, Sep 15, 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.
Georgia’s Spirit of Appalachia Food, Wine and Art Festival
Saturday, Sep 16, 2017 10 AM to 5 PM
Hardman Farm Historic Site – Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Tents will be arrayed across the field and musicians will be on stage while festival goers taste delectable dishes made from Georgia products, sample north Georgia’s finest wines, and shop the booths of regional artists. 706-865-5356.
Twisted Ankle 5k and 10 mile Trail Race
Saturday, Sep 16, 2017 9 AM to 2 PM
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville, GA
The 2017 Twisted Ankle Trail Race offers every trail runner a great race to remember. If you are new to trail running try out the 5K (3.1miles). For those who want to test their grit, run the 10 mile race up to Becky’s Bluff. 5k – $25 10 mi – $40 $5 parking. 706-857-0826.
Sunset Stroll to Sunset Point
Saturdays 5 PM – 9 PM – Sep 23, 2017 until Nov 25, 2017
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.
Whale Tail Paddle Adventure
Saturday, Sep 23, 2017 9 AM to 1 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Join us for a 2–3 hr scenic excursion to discover the northern Lake Lanier waters. This moderate to rigorous trip will go to Whale Tail Point, the park’s largest peninsula. Bring food and water; it takes a lot of energy. 4 single kayaks, 4 tandem kayaks, and 5 canoes available for rent. Pre-registration required. Meet at the boat ramp. $20 with personal kayak/canoe. $30 solo kayak rental, $50 tandem rental $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
River Clean Up — Your State Parks Day
Saturday, Sep 30, 2017 10 AM to 12 PM
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
Join our river cleanup with Rivers Alive and the Cooperative Extension Office. We will clean along the water way and remove trash from fishing areas. Please wear clothing that can get dirty. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. 912-882-5256.
Solar Astronomy
Saturday, Sep 30, 2017 10 AM to 2 PM
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
View and explore our closest star, the sun. Learn what the interior and surface of stars are like and what powers them. Look through specialized solar viewing scopes for safe viewing. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
