Georgia Parks November 2010

November 2010 Events – Divided By Region

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Hayrides and Campfires
Saturdays, November 6, 13 and 20
Sundays, November 7, 14 and 21
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn
Enjoy the wildlife, fall colors, and beauty of the park while riding on our tractor-pulled hay wagon. As the sun sets, roast your hot dogs and marshmallows by the group campfire. Purchase food to support the Friends of Cloudland Canyon or bring your own. Hayrides are scheduled every hour from 4-8 PM on Saturdays and 2-5 PM on Sundays. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $3 per adult $1 per child 2-12. $5 parking. (706) 657-4050.

Visiting Artist Series at Unicoi
Saturdays, November 6 and 13, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sundays, November 7 and 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
The program lasts each weekend from Memorial Day through mid-November. Several talented artists and craftspeople from Georgia and surrounding states will demonstrate and have samples of their work for sale. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Saturday Evening Concert Series
Saturdays, November 6 and 13, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Every Saturday from Memorial Day through mid-November. 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. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Basic Land Navigation at Buck Shoals
Saturday, November 13, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
We will discuss and learn to use a map and compass. Afterwards, we will put our skills to the test. Bring your compass if you have one; if not, we will have a supply. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Basket Making with Natural Materials
Saturday, November 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Fall into the rhythm of weaving with basket maker, Jan Stansell of Black Mountain Crafts. Leave with a completed breadbasket to keep or give away at the holidays! Register by October 29. $20 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Sunday, November 20, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Join Tallulah Rangers on a moonlit hike down into the gorge. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Appalachian Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Enjoy living history demonstrations in the Lower Lodge Lobby. Explore the magic of handmade folk toys, and try your hand at churning butter. Programs are free but reservations are required for Thanksgiving Buffet at the Lodge. (Space fills quickly!) $5 parking. (706) 344.1505.
COASTAL GEORGIA

Going Coastal Geocaching
Friday, November 12 through Saturday, November 13, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
Bring your family, friends and caching buddies for a fun-filled weekend hosted by the Georgia Geocachers Association. Come out to participate in geocaching fun, games, music, prizes and adventure. $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.

The Debatable Land Autumn Encampment
Saturday, November 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
A wide range of living history presentations will highlight various cultures and people that inhabited our region, long before Georgia was established in 1733. A battle reenactment will take place at 2 p.m. $3.50-$5. (912) 437-4770.

Trail of Hope ‘10
Saturday, November 13, 8 a.m.
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
Run a 5k through the beautiful trails of Skidaway Island State Park and help babies find their way home! Come for the race and stay for the picnic, benefiting Covenant Care Adoptions. Register online at www.active.com. $25 until Nov 10th / $30 Nov 11th till race day. $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.

“Come and Take It!” Revolutionary War Encampment
Saturday, November 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway
This American Revolution encampment commemorates Col. John McIntosh’s defiant reply to a British demand for surrender. Enjoy colonial demonstrations, musket and cannon drills, a small skirmish and more. Interpreters in historical attire will represent a variety of colonial life. (912) 884-5999.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Astronomy Night
Saturday, November 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin
Columbus State University and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center present this program that includes a slide presentation that is followed by the viewing the night skies through telescopes. Visitors may bring their own telescopes for instructions and/or viewing. Providence Canyon offers excellent night sky viewing without any light pollution. $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Taste of the Farm
Saturday, November 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
Join us for a home cooked meal featuring dishes prepared from vegetables and fruits grown in the parks heritage farm gardens. Please call park to make seating reservations. $5 plus $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.

10th Annual Cane Grinding
Saturday, November 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
George L. Smith State Park – Twin City
Come to this middle Georgia park to watch cane being ground, sample the cane juice and buy syrup to take home. Visitors can also enjoy woodstove cooking samples, touring our covered bridge/grist mill, walking hiking trails, and canoeing a lake filled with beautiful cypress trees changing into fall colors. $5 parking. (478) 763-2759.

Tribute to Veterans
Saturday, November 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Georgia Veterans State Park – Cordele
Veterans Day celebration with World War II living history, radio-controlled model airplane fly-in, and 1 p.m. ceremony with guest speaker, bagpipes and drums, and color guard. $5 parking. (229) 276-2371.

Syrup Making and Storytellin’
Saturday, November 13, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette
The traditional syrup cook off was an important fall event on middle Georgia farms and featured family and community gatherings for work and play. This program brings the event back to life with demonstrations of the sugar cane mill, syrup kettle, steam engine, wood stove cooking and story tellin’. $3.50 – $5. (478) 986-5172.

Geocaching Class
Saturday, November 13, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
There are treasurers hidden in the woods! Meet Chip Thomas for an introduction to Geocaching. If this is your first-time treasure hunt, never fear. Experienced geocachers will be there to help. If you have a GSP, bring it along; if not, come anyway to learn what it’s all about. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.

Riding Through History
Saturday, November 20, 9:30 a.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Join us for a guided tour and travel back in time on a slow paced horseback ride. We will visit the same valley that hunters and trappers considered the frontier and view the CCC Boys structures that are now left as memorials of hard times. Ages 12 and older. $45. (706) 628-7463.

Battle of Griswoldville Commemoration
Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette
Learn about the hastily planned attempt by Georgia militia to halt Union General Sherman’s March to the Sea on November 22, 1864. Civil War soldier life portrayals are followed with a noon memorial service. Donations appreciated. (478) 986-5172.

Earth Day Geology Hike
Saturday, November 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin
Join Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University from Thomasville, Georgia as he conducts a hike into the canyons so visitors will see one of the geologic wonders of the southeastern United States. Pre-registration is required due to limitations on group size. $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Junior Ranger Saturday
Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Kids can join a park ranger for a day filled with hikes, nature crafts, games, history and more. Pack a lunch and bring a friend for the outdoor adventure. Register in advance. $8 plus $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Pioneers and Indians
Tuesday, November 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Ever wonder about the lives of folks in Georgia 300 years ago? Come learn how they lived. We’ll make our own butter, candles, and pioneer toys. And we’ll even learn some Indian sign language. For kids aged 8-12. Register in advance. $20. (706) 541-0321.

METRO ATLANTA

Fall Candle Light Tours
Friday, November 5 through Saturday, November 6
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas
Confederate and Federal soldiers will recreate the night attack of the Battle of Pickett’s Mill. During guided tours at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., visitors will witness Brig. Gen. Hiram Granbury’s Brigade advance into the dark ravine and Capt. Thomas Key’s artillery bombardment. Register in advance. $10. (770) 443-7850.

Mountain Top Night Hike
Saturday, November 6, 6 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night. Bring flashlights and hiking boots. Meet at the nature center 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, November 6, 13, 20 and 27, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This hike will include going inside the ruins and seeing the lovely rapids (providing great photo opportunities). $3-$4 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Autumn Hayride
Saturday, November 6, 13, 20 and 27, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
A guided hayride through the autumn woods is just the thing to put you in the mood for the season. The ride will start at the Interpretive Center and take participants on a 2-mile ride down the White Trail to Jacks Hills. A Park Ranger or historian will interpret the different areas of the trip. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Sunday Afternoon Fly Fishing Clinic
Sunday, November 7, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Casting is the backbone of this clinic; however, if time permits will also cover equipment, knot tying, and safety issues and other tricks of the trade. Master Instructor C. H. Brown suggests wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Adventure Hike
Sundays, November 7, 14, and 21, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Introduction to Fall Birdwatching
Monday, November 8, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join a park ranger for this two-mile walk through a variety of bird habitats where you will learn about birding as well as common fall species. Preregistration is required. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Basic Birding Hike
Saturday, November 13, 8 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Bring your binoculars along for this gentle hike through the park’s Power of Flight area. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. This program is appropriate for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Pre-registration required. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Recreational Area. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, November 13, 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 unless a SAR activity is occurring. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, November 13, 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. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Introductory Painting: The Historic Mill
Saturday, November 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This class will focus on painting the historic New Manchester Mill, a five-story Civil War area textile mill along the banks of the Sweetwater Creek Rapids. All materials will be provided. Meet at the Interpretive Center where we will then walk half a mile to the Mill. Space is limited and preregistration is required. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Owl Prowl
Friday, November 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join park rangers on this nighttime excursion on the white trail, and listen and watch for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and the Screech Owl. Meet at the Interpretive Center, the hike will follow the White Trail to Jack’s Hill area and back, about 2 miles round trip. Wear comfortable clothes, dress for the weather, and bring a flash light. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera! The Panola Mountain hike starts at 10am and generally lasts 2-3 hours. Rain or shine. Meeting at the nature center. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, November 20, 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. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Backcountry Geology Hike
Saturday, November 20, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Geologist and Friends member John Johnston will lead a moderate three-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Explore the beautiful Jack’s Branch area and the seldom-visited rock quarry of New Manchester. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Saturday, November 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 1.5 mile ranger-guided night hike is moderately difficult and goes inside 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 postponed until the following night if raining. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs. Limited to 50 people; phone registration in advance required. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

More information on events, including accommodations and facilities, can be found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.  For an online calendar listing, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.

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