June in Georgia’s State Parks
June in Georgia’s State Parks
CELEBRATE DAD IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Father’s Day is the perfect time to gather the family for a weekend of fun in the outdoors. Whether your dad enjoys fishing, camping, hiking and kayaking or simply hitting a few golf balls, Georgia State Parks are the perfect place to celebrate.
Just in time for the holiday, Georgia State Parks has introduced a new GreensPass which features unlimited golf at seven state park courses and a 10% discount through June 30, 2010. Discounted prices range from $630 to $900. Golf cart fees are not included. Call 1-800-434-0982 or visit www.GeorgiaGolf.com.
PLANT A TREE
Kids will be on vacation soon! Teach them about the environment by helping plant trees in Georgia’s State Parks. The Odwalla® Plant a Tree program allows people to donate up to 200,000 trees to local state parks. Go to www.odwalla.com/plantatree, click on Georgia and sign up to plant a tree for free. Odwalla® will allocate a tree to be planted in a Georgia State Park.
JUNE EVENT CALENDAR – divided by region
For an online calendar, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Tallulah Stairs Camp
Monday, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Wednesday, June 9, 16, 23 and 30, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Friday, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Join us in climbing the staircase inside this beautiful gorge. You’ll stay in shape, lose weight and get a little extra energy. Bring lots of water, comfortable shoes and shower supplies. Participants will have access to showers for cleaning up before you go to work. Register in advance. $30 for the two-month program. Free parking on Wednesdays. (706) 754-7981.
Outdoor Adventure Weekend
Saturday, June 5 through Sunday, June 6, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Celebrate the fun of the great outdoors! Bring the family for an early morning kids’ Fishing Rodeo on Saturday. Participate in trail maintenance and guided hikes to honor National Trails Day. $5 parking. (706) 265-1969.
A Day In A Miner’s Life
Saturday, June 5, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Peek back at life in the 1830s with demonstrations on gold panning, blacksmithing, shingle making, pioneer tools, candle making, folk toys, spinning, pine needle basket making and more. $3.50-$5. (706) 864-2257.
Appalachian Jam
Saturdays, June 5, 12,19, 26, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Every Saturday starting April 17 until October 9, come 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. Enjoy acoustic and old-time strings as the sounds of yesterday fill the air. (706) 864-3513.
Siege Yargo TrailBlazer Race
Saturday, June 5, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Join us for this adventure race with teams of three people. Racers will paddle, run, mountain bike and face other challenges through this scenic park. Race fee plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.
Visiting Artist Series at Unicoi
Saturdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sundays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 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, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 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.
Georgia State Park
Family Camp for All Ages
Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Make your family vacation memorable by attending fun classes and outdoor workshops with your family. Activities include canoeing, archery, wilderness survival, stream studies, and more. No age limit. Register in advance. $20 adult, $10 child five and older. $70 maximum per family. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.
Georgia Master Naturalist
Monday, June 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
In cooperation with the University of Georgia Extension Service, we will offer a nine-week training in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to our southern Blue Ridge ecoregion. Class will be held on Mondays. Registration closes May 22. $175 plus $5 daily or $50 annual ParkPass fee. (706) 878-3087.
Amphibian Monitoring Workshop
Friday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Georgia Adopt-a-Stream staff will review the natural history of amphibians, the reasons they are important, which species are found in Georgia, and lead a hike to view amphibians and learn frog calls. Co-sponsored by Georgia Adopt-a-Stream, the intent of this program is to develop “citizen scientists” to help monitor numbers and diversity of frogs and salamander species. Register by June 4. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 12, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Fishing event for kids 12 and younger. Vogel’s Wolf Creek will be stocked with plenty of trout. Prizes will be given to the lucky ticket holders; families will enjoy watching the children as they have a blast. Each adult must be accompanied with his or her child or children to register p rior to fishing. Coke refreshments will be provided. A limited amount of fishing poles will be provided (first come first serve basis). For more information please call the park. $5 parking. (706) 745-2628.
Junior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 12, 8:30 a.m.
Moccasin Creek State Park – Clarkesville
Anglers 11 and younger can try their best trout teasing tactics. Bring a rod and reel, favorite bait and sense of adventure. A limited number of fishing poles and tackle will be available. Snacks will be served and prizes awarded. $5 parking. (706) 947-3194.
Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
Saturday, June 19, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Children and their special “big person” can fish in a lake stocked with catfish, bass, and bream. Fish caught can be kept. Bring your own bait and rods. Some rods are available for loan. Call for directions to Buck Shoals. Note this is not held at Smithgall Woods. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Saturday, June 26, 9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 27, 10 p.m. – 11:30 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.
COASTAL GEORGIA
Cumberland Island Kayak Trip
Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Mary’s
A moderately strenuous 2-hour paddle and 45 minute walk to and from the beach will take visitors through the salt marsh to Cumberland Island. Paddlers will return to Crooked River by boat. Opportunities for birdwatching and beach combing while exploring the cultural and natural history. Reservations required. Fee plus $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA
Junior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 5, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
The fishing tournament will be held at beautiful Lake Liberty. Children younger than 16 are invited to compete for prizes in several categories. Members of the Metro Atlanta Hawg Hunters fishing club will be on hand to give fishing tips. Lunch will be provided. Registration is 7:30 – 8 a.m. $5 parking. (706) 456-2602.
Alligator Day
Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
See live alligators at the Kirbo Interpretive Center and take guided boat tours to view these reptiles in their natural habitat. Alligator experts and trappers will be on hand sharing their knowledge. Lake Walter F. George is a beautiful location to view wildlife and birds. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.
Introduction to Fly Fishing
Saturday, June 5, 9:30 a.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Anybody can drop a worm from a pole, but there’s a real art to fly fishing. Learn types of equipment, basic flies and casting techniques. Bring a chair and fly rod if you have one. Register by 2 p.m.on June 4. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
Operation Heartfelt: Care Packages
Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
Show support for our troops overseas. With Operation Stars and Stripes, we are collecting care-package items such as playing cards, travel games, Sudoku and word search books, new or gently used CD’s and DVD’s, beef jerky, trail mix, dried fruit, and powder drink mixes in individual servings. Bring two or more items from the list and receive special admission rate. $5-$8. (706) 655-5870.
23rd Annual Rosie the Riveter and D-Day Observance
Saturday, June 5, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
During the 1940s, an unprecedented number of women responded to government encouragement to fill factory jobs left vacant by men during World War II. Join actress and teacher Carol Cain as she portrays these women collectively known as “Rosie The Riveter.” Kelly’s Zeroes will provide displays and hands-on activities. $5-$8. (706) 655-5870.
Creek Walk
Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
We’ll take a short hike to Cliatt Creek, net some creek critters, and see what we can learn about the aquatic macro-invertebrates that call the creek home. Wear comfortable shoes — preferrably ones that can get wet. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
Astronomy Night
Saturday, June 12, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park – 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.
Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 19, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Lumpkin
This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty, recently stocked with more than 2,000 catfish. Anglers 55 and older can compete for prizes in several categories. A Georgia fishing license and advance registration are required. Registration will be held from 7:30am to 8:00am. $5 parking. (706) 456-2602.
Riding Through History
Saturday, June 19
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Ages 10 & older – Come 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. For more information contact Roosevelt Stables. $45 per person $5 parking. (706) 628-7463.
Poop Scoopin’ Boogie
Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
If you like solving mysteries and want to know “Who’s Done It,” this will be a fun program for you. We’ll go over basic indentification of animal scat and take a scant walk to see if we can locate and identify fresh droppings. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
Lost in The Woods
Saturday, June 19, 7:30 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
When you pass the same tree three times, don’t despair! Our panel of experts will share tips for staying safe, avoiding panic, and finding your way home if you’re lost in the woods. Parents, there will also be tips to help kids if they find themselves separated from you at the shopping mall or theme park. Bring your camp chair. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
METRO ATLANTA
Frog Slog
Tuesdays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29, 6 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Meet in the Alexander Lake parking area. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Twilight Hike
Thursdays, June 10, 17, 24, 7 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join a park ranger on this guided hike when the days are long, and the temperatures cool just before sunset. This is the time when wildlife is most active. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
National Trails Day Celebration
Saturday, June 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Explore the secret valley of Panola Mountain State Park. You will be guided on a 6-mile hike through wetlands to upland forest and be able to view stunning outcrops. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. Friends of Panola will provide snacks and drinks for an additional cost. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Battle of Pickett’s Mill
Saturday, June 5
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas
Visitors can watch infantry demonstrations, musket firings, drill formations, and guided walks by uniformed interpreters. $2.75 – $4. (770) 443-7850.
Family Camping Clinic
Saturday, June 5 through Sunday, June 6, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic allows the whole family to build confidence and develop an appreciation of the natural world through science education, exploration, and the classic fun of camping. Please bring your own gear. We will supply water, base camp, and outdoor programs such as Search and Rescue Classes, Fly Fishing, Canoeing and other wilderness adventure programs. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $80 for a family of 5. $50 for a family of 3. $35 for a family of 2 or less. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26, 10 a.m. – 12 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 Historian or Ranger-led hike will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $2-$3 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Mountain Music Series
Saturdays, June 5, 11, 19 and 26, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Bring your instrument or just come listen. Open jam is from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., open stage is 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.and bluegrass concerts are at 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and have fu n with the whole family. $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.
Sunday Afternoon Fly Fishing Clinic
Sunday, June 6, 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.
Junior Ranger Camp
Tuesday, June 8 through Thursday, June 10
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Kids 8 thru 12 will join a Park Ranger for a three-day adventure. Learn about backyard wildlife, water safety, and Lost Prevention. See live animals. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 975-4226.
Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, June 12, 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, June 12, 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.
Tree Top Night Climb
Saturday, June 12, 7 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. Meeting at Naomi-Ruth Climbing Tree. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Geology Hike
Saturday, June 5, 12, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Geologist and “Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park” member John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. There will also be a visit inside the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Mountain Top Adventure Hike
Sunday, June 13, 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. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Junior Ranger Camp
Tuesday, June 15 through Thursday, June 17
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Are you between 8 and 12 years old? If so, come out and join us for this one of a kind program! Feel a slithering snake in your hand, hear the call of an owl, or get your feet wet in a creek hike while earning a badge as a Junior Ranger. Remember to complete your Junior Ranger Workbook. Space is limited. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 369-7801.
Road Bike Ride
Saturday, June 19, 9 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us for a 41-mile ride with a 23-mile option. We will be highlighting the Arabia Mountain Path and gently traveled country roads of Rockdale, Dekalb and Henry counties. Meet at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (404) 375-6789.
Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, June 19, 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 3-4 hours. Rain or shine. Call to register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, June 19, 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.
Junior Ranger Camp
Tuesday, June 22 through Thursday, June 24
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Park – Cartersville
Kids 8 to 12 years old are welcome for educational, hands-on activities at this Native American historic site. Register in advance. $2.50 – $5. (770) 387-3747.
Mountain Top Owl Prowl
Saturday, June 26, 8 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 and offers one of the best perches for viewing Atlanta’s skyline. Bring flashlights and comfortable clothing. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Saturday, June 26, 8 p.m. – 10 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.
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