Posted by admin on October 1, 2009 | 2 Comments
Events at Georgia State Parks below are borken up by region. Additional information can be had by visiting www.georgiastateparks.com
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Southern Appalachian Mushrooms
Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Learn why fungi are critically important to the survival of our ecosystem. Following a slideshow and lecture by botanical photographer Debra Davis, participants will have an opportunity to participate in a non-collecting identification foray. Register in advance. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Full Moon Canoe Outing
Saturday, October 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah Lake as the full moon reflects off the water. This ranger-led event is an exciting way to get out in the evenings and enjoy nature. Register in advance. $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.
Appalachian Jam
Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Listen to the sounds and songs of yesteryear. North Georgia’s mountain music singers and pickers will appear on the grounds of the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum every Saturday. Enjoy acoustic and old-time strings as the sounds of yesterday fill the air. (706) 864-3513.
Saturday Evening Concert Series
Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Some of the best musicians in the area perform a variety of music, from Appalachian Mountain to bluegrass to Southern gospel. “Pass-the-hat” donations plus $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Visiting Artist Series at Unicoi
Saturdays and Sundays, October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17,18, 24 and 31
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Several talented artists and craftspeople from Georgia and surrounding states will demonstrate and have samples of their work for sale. The program lasts each weekend from Memorial Day through mid-November. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Special-Needs Fishing Event
Saturday, October 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston
Enjoy this fishing event for special-needs anglers of all ages. Prizes will be given and refreshments offered. $5 parking. 706-245-6270.
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Sunday, October 4, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Hike by the light of the full moon to the park’s suspension bridge where you will learn about sensory awareness and how animals survive. Register in advance. (706) 754-7981.
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Monday, October 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Hike by the light of the full moon to the park’s suspension bridge where you will learn about sensory awareness and how animals survive. Register in advance. (706) 754-7981.
Fall Celebration at Smithgall
Saturday, October 10, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with pioneer skills exhibits, hayrides through the park, traditional craft vendors, mountain music and hands-on activities for kids. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston
Celebrate fall with animal demonstrations, refreshments, hayrides and activities for children. $5 parking. (706) 245-6270.
Historical Rock Hike
Saturday, October 17
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Travel back in time on this strenuous hike where you will learn about rock formations named in the 1800s. Register in advance. $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.
Fall Hoedown
Saturday, October 17, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Celebrate autumn’s arrival with a 2 p.m. cakewalk, 4:30 p.m. hayrides, 5 p.m. chili and drinks for sale, 6:30 p.m. campfire and dancing, and finally at 8 p.m. a professional storyteller around a bonfire. $5 parking. (706) 745-2628.
Haunted Hills Hayride
Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24, 8 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29 through Saturday, October 31, 8 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston
Take a scary hayride with live-action haunted scenes. This event is not recommend for children younger than 12 or anyone with a heart problem or pregnancy. Hosted by the Friends of Victoria Bryant State Park. $5 per person $5 parking. (706) 245-6270.
Autumn Nights at Yargo
Friday, October 23 through Saturday, October 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder
Join the park staff for hayrides, storytelling by the campfire, children’s games, and viewing the restored Old Fort by candlelight. $2 – $4, plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.
Harvest Happenings
Saturday, October 31, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia
Come to this lakeside park for a hayride, campfire and storytelling. $5 parking. (706) 356-4362.
Halloween Kiddie Carnival
Saturday, October 31, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
Children 14 and younger can join us for bobbing for apples, a beanbag pumpkin toss, greased pumpkin race, costume contest, hayrides and snacks. Hosted by the Friends of Victoria Bryant State Park. $2 plus $5 parking. (706) 245-6270.
Southern & Central Georgia
The Roosevelt Regatta
Saturday, October 3, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
F. D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was America’s sailor in the White House and he loved all things nautical. We will host a model sailboat regatta at Lake Delanor for an afternoon with model boats, living history, knot-tying, compass reading and more. Special guests include members of the Montgomery Model Boat Club. $5 parking. (706) 663-4858.
Astronomy Night
Saturday, October 10, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park –Lumpkin
Columbus State University and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center will present an evening of stargazing and slides. Visitors may bring their own telescopes, but some will be provided. The park offers excellent sky viewing without light pollution. $5 parking. (229) 838-6202.
1860s Halloween Carnival
Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Florence
Celebrate an old-fashioned Halloween with 1860s games and treats, a costume contest, haunted hayride at dark, pumpkin carving and prizes for all ages. $2 plus carnival tickets. (229) 831-2335.
Octoberfest
Saturday, October 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Florence
Celebrate Halloween with a haunted hayride, games for kids and a costume contest. $1 – $3 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.
Observatory Open House
Saturday, October 24, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Georgia State University’s Hard Labor Creek Observatory will have an open house one Saturday night a month from March to October. (706) 557-3001.
Howloween Spooktacular 2
Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – Helena
Win many prizes at the creepy carnival, take a walk on the boogeyman boardwalk, and ride the scary haunted hayride. Carnival tickets 4 for $1 and $1 hayrides. $5 parking. (229) 868-7474.
Family Fall Festival
Saturday, October 24, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Enjoy a pumpkin scavenger hunt, nature hike, apple bobbing, marshmallow roasting, old-fashioned games, making cornhusk doll and grape vine wreaths, music, and storytelling. Friends of Mistletoe will offer $2 hayrides. $10 per vehicle includes parking fee. Free to overnight guests. (706) 541-0321.
Stamp Collecting For Kids
Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
October is National Stamp Collecting Month and FDR was America’s stamp-collecting president. Hands-on activities for children are offered throughout the day. $4-$8. (706) 655-5870.
Fall Festival
Saturday, October 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Seminole State Park –Donalsonville
Kids can enjoy a haunted hayride, fun-filled games and costume contest for ages 12 and younger. Hayrides $1-$2, plus $5 parking. (229) 861-3137.
Moonlight Madness
Saturday, October 31, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
General Coffee State Park - Nicholls
Enjoy after-dark activities such as glow-in-the-dark volleyball and scavenger hunts, a haunted hayride, carnival games and more. Wear white so you can glow in the dark too! Bring a flashlight and chair. Sponsored by the City of Douglas Coffee County Recreation Department and the park’s Friends. $5 parking. (912) 383-7332.
Howloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 31, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – Helena
Watch scary Halloween movies, meet live snakes, and make halloween crafts. $5 parking. (229) 868-7474.
Halloween Festival
Saturday, October 31
George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge – Fort Gaines
Celebrate with hayrides to the Haunted House, carnival games, campfire ghost stories, a costume contest and treats for the kids. $1 plus $5 parking. (229) 768-2571.
COASTAL GEORGIA
Halloween at Creepy Crooked River
Saturday, October 24, 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Walk through the halls of the haunted nature center, then take a haunted hayride if you dare. All ages welcome. Kids must be accompanied by a parent on the hayride. $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Candle Lantern Tour of Fort McAllister
Saturday, October 24, 7 p.m.
Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill
Experience the fort by candlelight. Walk through these historic grounds and watch the soldiers going through their nightly duties and chores. Be sure to stay with your guide or you may be captured as a spy. $3.50 – $5. $5 parking. (912) 727-2339.
Fall-O-Ween Festival
Saturday, October 24
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
Come out for an afternoon of crazy kids crafts, a pumpkin decorating contest, and family fun games. That evening join in a costume parade, hayrides, trick-or-treating, and a chilling haunted trail. Register before October 20 for trick-or-treating. $1 hayrides and $2 haunted trail. $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.
metro atlanta
Torch Light Tour of the Ancient City
Saturday, October 3, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Step back into ancient times as you walk along a torch-lit path and illuminated mounds. The 3/4-mile tour includes walking 134 steps to the top of 67-feet-high Mound A, the temple mound of the Etowah chief. $2.50-$5. (770) 387-3747.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, October 3, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
The Battle of Allatoona Pass
Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Walk the trails, visit the Star Fort earthworks, and follow the old Tennessee Road just as the soldiers did in 1864. Explore daily life in the tent city, and see rifle and cannon demonstrations. This event is located near the park at Allatoona Pass Battlefield. $5 parking. (770) 975-4226.
“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Sunday, October 4, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 1.5-mile guided hike is moderately difficult and visits the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. The hike will continue if it is overcast but will be cancelled if raining. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs please. $1-$2 plus $3 parking. (770) 732-5876.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $7 – $10 $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park- Stockbridge
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Basic Fly Tying Clinic
Saturday, October 10, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park- Stockbridge
Learn the art of fly tying as instructors introduce you to tools, techniques and tricks of the trade to create realistic flies. Participants will make one fly and possibly more if time permits. Ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Beyond the Basics: Fly Tying Clinic
Saturday, October 10, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park- Stockbridge
Having learned the art of basic fly tying, now we move beyond the basics. Instructors introduce you to more advanced techniques and tricks of the trade. Participants will make one or more flies such as deer hair flies, or even a hummingbird if time permits. $35 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Halloween Hayrides
Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Take a “spooktacular” hayride and then listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life around a campfire. Suitable for all ages. Reservations required. $5 parking. (770) 975-4226.
Nocturnal Treetop Excursion
Saturday, October 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us aloft in “Naomi Ruth,” a wonderful 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Wood Carving 101
Saturday, October 24, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
During this introductory course, learn how to carve wood by hand, shaping it into art. The course will cover types of wood, carving tools and equipment, and hands-on instruction. Participants will carve in-the-round and relief. A 1 1/2 hour workshop will be offered after the clinic. Register in advance. $45 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Tags:coastal state parks, concerts, events in northern georgia state parks, family festivals, fishing, georgia state parks, halloween festivities, hiking, kid friendly events
Filed Under: Concert, Family Events, Festivals, Parks, State Parks
