Georgia State Parks October 2011 Events

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Dahlonega Appalachian Jam

Saturday, October 8, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega

Mountain music pickers and singers flock to the Dahlonega Gold Museum for the Appalachian Jam. Tour the museum then enjoy the live entertainment in our courtyard from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a folding chair and listen or bring your instrument and join in! $3.50 – $5 (706) 864-2257.

Hayride and Campfire

Saturday, October 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2 p.m.

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 campfire. Purchase food to support the Friends of Cloudland Canyon or bring your own. Campfire experience includes storytelling and music. $3 Adult $1 Child(2-12) $5 parking. (706) 657-4050.

Saturday Evening Concert Series

Saturdays, October 8, 15, 22 and 29, 8 p.m.

Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen

Saturdays at 8 p.m., regional musicians perform a variety of music from Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass and Southern Gospel music. The program lasts through mid-November. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.

Sloppy Floyd Hangout

Saturday, October 8 through Sunday, October 9, 5 p.m. – 11 a.m.

James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville

Bring your hammock and join others for a night in trees down by the lake. Choose to build a campfire, grill out or just fish and relax. Not a fan of hammocks but want to tag along? Just bring your sleeping bag and bunk in the shelter. Water available. Call for reservations. $5 camping fee / person. $5 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Fall Celebration

Saturday, October 8, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen

Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with hands-on pioneer skills exhibits, hayrides, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. No registration required. $6 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

Monday, October 10, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 11, 7 p.m. – 10 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.

Dahlonega Gold Rush Days

Saturday, October 15 through Sunday, October 16, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega

Thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Included in the weekend event are 300 arts and craft exhibitors, a parade, children’s activities, gold panning, hog calling, buck dancing, live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and delicious food. $3.50 – $5 (706) 864-2257.

Taylor Ridge Jamboree

Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville

Nothing welcomes the fall leaf watching season more than bluegrass and barbeque in the north Georgia mountains. Enjoy live bands and good food at the foot of Taylor Ridge. Call ahead for show times or relax all day by the lakeside. $5 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Frontier Day

Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun

Cherokee artists, craftsmen and Friends of New Echota members will demonstrate early 19th century skills such as basket making, spinning, weaving, weapons, candlemaking and blacksmithing. Enjoy stories and music. Tour the historic grounds and buildings as the sights, sounds and smells of frontier life of the 1820s Cherokee Indian Nation return. $4-$6. (706) 624-1321.

Fall Hoedown

Saturday, October 15, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Vogel State Park – Blairsville

Celebrate autumn’s arrival with noon chili, hotdogs and drinks for sale, followed by a 3 p.m. cakewalk, 4 p.m. hayrides, 5 p.m. bonfire and square/line dancing, 6 p.m. trick or treats, and 7 p.m. professional storytelling. $5 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Junior ROTC Georgia State Raider Competition

Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

High school students from across Georgia will compete in several events including running, obstacle courses, and teamwork events. $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Haunted Hills Hayride

Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, October 28 through Saturday, October 29, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston

It’s a spooky time of year at Victoria Bryant State Park. Our annual Haunted Hills Hayride will be the last two weekends in October. The last ticket will be sold at 10pm each night. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 245-6270.

Mountain Bike Fundraiser: Spin for Kids

Saturday, October 22

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

Camp Twin Lakes is hosting a mountain bike fun ride at Will-A-Way (inside Fort Yargo) to raise funds for their camps for special-needs children. Register at www.spinforkids.org (404) 231-9887.

Wails to Trails

Saturday, October 22, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls

Take a .75-mile walk along the existing bed of the Tallulah Falls Railway, topped off with a hayride back to the start. It is a delightfully spooky way to meet colorful characters and events of the railway’s past. Park along Terrora Beach Drive and in the day use area. Free refreshments. Reservations required. $2-$3. (706) 754-7981.

Harvest Happenings

Saturday, October 29, 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.

Gold Museum Halloween

Monday, October 31, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega

Kids, come just to trick-or-treat or take part in our costume contest for a chance to win prizes. After receiving your Gold Museum treats, take a trip around the historic Dahlonega Square where local merchants will also have special treats for all. (706) 864-2257.

COASTAL GEORGIA

Senior Ranger Program

Thursday, October 6, 13, 20 and 27, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah

Become a Senior Ranger through 6 weeks of continuing education programs for anyone 60 and older. Classes will cover a variety of subjects from the history of the island, how to identify invasive species that plague the coastal area, and the majestic painted bunting. $60.00 includes parking fee $5 parking. (912 -598-2300.

Draconid Meteor Shower on Billy’s Lake

Friday, October 7, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo

Take a boat tour on Billy’s Lake during the Draconid Meteor Shower. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the reflection of falling meteors over the water and to see the night sky with almost no light pollution. You might catch a glimpse of an alligator’s bright red eye shine or hear some swamp creatures of the night. Space is limited. $15-$20, plus $5 parking. (912) 637-5274.

Guided Birding Walk and Talk

Sunday, October 9, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah

Author Joe LaFleur will provide a free audiovisual program and a guided bird walk. The introductory program will help you identify birds by sight and sound and will also review-preferred habitats where each species is likely to be encountered. The walk features hands-on identification of migrant and breeding birds in a variety of habitats. Beginners are welcome. Meet at the visitor center theater. $3.50-$6.00 (912) 353-3023.

Birdwatching with Joe LaFleur

Monday, October 10, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Crooked River State Park – St. Marys

Beginning and advanced birdwatchers learn to identify birds with Joe LaFleur in a short presentation followed by an exploratory walk in the peak of fall migration. Participants can get a close look or take wildlife photos from the bird blind or on a short walk through a variety of habitats looking for birds. $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.

Sunset Tour on Billy’s Lake

Saturday, October 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo

Go where few have dared to go after dark — the Okefenokee Swamp. Watch the sunset over Billy’s Lake, listen to owls, see bats fly overhead. watch herons coming in to roost. Once the sun goes down, see the stars come out and catch a glimpse of our neighboring planets. We’ll spotlight for alligators and watch their eyes shine bright red. Weather and water levels permitting. Space is limited. Call ahead to check water levels and to confirm departure times. $15-$20. $5 parking. (912) 637-5274.

Fall-O-Ween Festival

Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22

Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah

On Friday and Saturday night, come out for a haunted chilling trail. On Saturday come out for an afternoon of spooktacular kids crafts, a pumpkin decorating contest, hayrides, food, family fun games and trick-or-treating. Register before October 19th for trick-or-treating. $2 for hayrides. $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.

Outdoor Skills and Fall Fun Day

Saturday, October 22, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Crooked River State Park – St. Marys

Coastal fishing program, archery, air rifle, wildlife ID, hunter education, kids scavenger hunt, compass reading, native plant walk and more. Creepy nature center and hayrides from 5pm to 7pm. Haunted hayrides from 7:30 to 10pm. (older children only) $2 activities. $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.

Family Fall Fest & Haunted House

Saturday, October 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross

Come join us for an evening of fun and games! Face painting, cakewalk, bingo, games and candy for the kids. Hayrides will begin at dark. Haunted house will begin at 7pm. Friends of Laura S. Walker State Park. Friends of Laura S. Walker will be offering food and beverage items for purchase. $5 parking and $2 entry fee per vehicle. (912) 287-4900.

Candle Lantern Tour of Fort McAllister

Saturday, October 22

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. (912) 727-2339.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Night Hike

Friday, October 7, 14, 21 and 28

F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain

Join Park Staff for a hike starting with sunset and ending under the stars. Plan to discover your five senses through many activities. Please Bring Flashlight. This is an easy half-mile hike. Meet at the “No-Name Parking Lot.” Contact the park for time and more information. $5 parking. (706) 663-4858.

Festival-Eve Fun

Friday, October 7, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Mistletoe State Park – Appling

Join us for balloon animal making and a cupcake walk. 25 cents for cupcake walk. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.

Riding Through History

Saturday, October 8 and 29, 9:45 a.m. – 11:15 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 10 and older. $45. (706) 628-7463.

Haunted Tales

Saturday, October 8, 15 and 29, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Seminole State Park – Donalsonville

Join us in the campground at the shelter for ghastly tales. Bring your s’more-making materials and a flashlight. Also on the 29th, we will meet at the picnic shelter and walk down to the boardwalk. $5 parking. (229) 861-3137.

Kolomoki Festival

Saturday, October 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park – Blakely

Enjoy a day of eats, shopping and entertainment. The park comes alive with vendors for food and arts and crafts. Entertainment consists of a parade of antique tractors, singing, dancing, and demonstrations. $5 parking. (229) 724-2150.

October Outdoors at the Bend

Saturday, October 8, 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan

Join us for a day of fun, including games, cakewalks and animal presentations. $1 – $6 $5 parking. (770) 254-7271.

Family Fall Festival

Saturday, October 8

Mistletoe State Park – Appling

Enjoy a pumpkin scavenger hunt, nature hike, apple bobbing, marshmallow roasting, old-fashioned games, making cornhusk dolls, music, and storytelling. Friends of Mistletoe will offer $2 hayrides. $10 per vehicle includes parking. Free to overnight guests. (706) 541-0321.

Geology Day

Saturday, October 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin

Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga. will lead visitors into the canyons and back in time to discover the geological history of the canyons. The floors of the canyons are often wet and muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and your camera. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Fall Family Fun

Saturday, October 8, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Reed Bingham State Park – Adel

Celebrate fall’s arrival with face painting, games, scarecrow dress up contests, cakewalks and more. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Murder Mystery Weekend

Friday, October 14 through Saturday, October 15

Mistletoe State Park – Appling

After dinner on Friday, we’ll plan an early Saturday morning trek across a short isthmus to an offshore peninsula, where we’ll enjoy a camp-cooked breakfast on the beach. But murder is on the menu, and it’ll be up to our guests to figure out “whodunit.” $49. Register before October 7. $5 parking. (706) 868-0120.

Grindin’ Some Corn

Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

George L. Smith State Park – Twin City

We will be grinding corn into cornmeal at our historic water powered gristmill the way it was done in the 1800’s. Fresh cornmeal will be for sale. $3.50 per bag $5 parking. (478) 763-2759.

Amphibian Monitoring Workshop

Saturday, October 15, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen

Want to learn about Georgia’s rich diversity of amphibians and how these creatures can serve as indicators of healthy habitats? Join us for an informative night and you will learn how you can help monitor frog and salamander populations right here at Magnolia Spring! $1 plus $5 parking. (478) 982.1660.

Haunted House

Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, October 28 through Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Reed Bingham State Park – Adel

Trick-or-treaters, beware! We will be having a bonfire with ghost stories at the beach as well as our well known haunted house Friday and Saturday night. Be prepared for spooky fun! $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Evening Hayride Through the Park

Friday, October 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Seminole State Park – Donalsonville

Enjoy a hayride through beautiful Seminole State Park, guests of all ages meet at the shelter in the campground. $2 Per Person; guests under 2 years old Free, all guests ages 14 under must have adult supervision. $5 parking. (229) 861-3137.

Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride

Saturday, October 22, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Seminole State Park – Donalsonville

Kids and adults can enjoy a haunted hayride, fun-filled games and costume contest for ages 12 and younger. Costume contest will begin at 6:30 pm. Games will be from 6-8pm. Hayrides will begin at complete darkness. All kids age 15 and under must be have adult supervision. Hayrides $1 for 6 and younger, and $2 for age 7 and up. $5 parking. (229) 861-3137.

Octoberfest

Saturday, October 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Florence Marina State Park – Omaha

Celebrate Halloween with a haunted hayride, games for kids, boat hayride and a costume contest. Food vendors will be on hand. Games 1 ticket each, boat ride 4 tickets, hayride 3 tickets, cakewalk 1 ticket. $1 per ticket. $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Haunted Hayride

Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville

Join park staff and Friends of A.H. Stephens for a fun evening of ghouling events. Activities include a haunted hayride, treats, murder mystery storytelling, campsite decorating contest for campers, and a possible appearance by the Headless Horseman. $1.00 to $2.00 per person $5 parking. (706) 456-2602.

Halloween Campsite Decorating Contest

Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville

Come camping for the weekend and decorate you campsite for Halloween. Judging will be from 7 pm to 9 pm by park guests. Win a prize and bragging rights for next year. $5 parking. (706) 456-2602.

Moonlight Madness

Saturday, October 29, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

General Coffee State Park – Nicholls

A haunted house hayrides will be offered from 7-10pm. $1-3 per activity. $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.

METRO ATLANTA

Twilight Paddle

Friday, October 7, 14 and 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake at sunset. This trip is for adults (18 and older) who can swim and have some experience canoeing or kayaking. $15 includes canoe or kayak, paddle and PFD. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Sweetwater Creek by Kayak

Saturday, October 8, 15, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

Join us for a beautiful two-hour paddle through a lovely and peaceful stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. This outing is for adults who can swim and have some kayaking or canoeing experience. Kayak, PFD, and paddle included. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike

Saturday, October 8, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This 1.5-mile 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. A flashlight and sturdy shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Register in advance. $6 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Lost Person Prevention

Saturday, October 8, 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, October 8, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

The clinic covers casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the Fish of Fish. Instructors suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Panola Mountain Night Hike

Saturday, October 8, 6:30 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountain top under the watchful eye of the full moon. We’ll head out just before sunset and enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. Bring flashlights, hiking boots and water. Meet at the nature center 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Introduction to Backpacking

Saturday, October 8, 3 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

This beginner’s class will take place in an outdoor classroom. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Geology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

Learn how the southern Appalachian Mountains were formed and how these events still have an effect on the land and people. The first half of the class will be indoors discussing geologic events. The second half of the class will be a moderate 2-mile hike. Class fee includes map. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Hunter Safety Education Class (CD ROM Class)

Tuesday, October 11, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Spring

Resident and non-resident hunters born after Jan. 1, 1961 must successfully complete this class prior to purchasing a hunting license. You must register for this class at www.georgiawildlife.com or call 770-389-7275 or 1-800-864-7275. This hunter education class is taught by Dept. of Nat. Resources Law Enforcement Division, and volunteer instructors. The class will meet at the Sweetwater Creek Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 1-800-864-7275.

Halloween Hayrides

Friday, October 14, 15, 21 and 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville

Take a “spooktacular” hayride through the town of Ravenwood and listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life around a campfire. Suitable for all ages. Space is limited and reservations are required. Hayrides leave at 7, 7:40, 8:20 and 9 pm. $8, 2 and under free. $5 parking. (770) 975-7533.

Introduction to Wilderness Survival

Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This covers basic and some advanced survival techniques. Good for all ages. Learn to build a fire, make an emergency shelter, navigation, how to pack a daypack, and first-aid kit for survival. Please bring a sack lunch. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Saturday Mountain Hike

Saturday, October 15, 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

Backcountry Geology Hike

Sunday, October 16, 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.

Wilderness Survival School

Saturday, October 22 through Sunday, October 23

Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville

Learn to survive in the wilderness. The Southeast School of Survival has joined up with Red Top Mountain State Park to bring Wilderness Survival Training each month. Shelter, fire, food, water, survival first aid, signaling, and rescue are only a sample of what the Southeast School of Survival will bring to you during each course. To register, visit www.SoutheastSchoolofSurvival.com $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.

What is Geocahing?

Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Want to join the Geocaching bandwagon but don’t know where to start? Join a Geochaching expert at the nature center. Bring your own GPS. Don’t have a GPS yet … come anyway. You will have an opportunity to find caches in place for this class only! Join the activities at Local Food Local Fun Day for free! (770) 389-7801.

Atlanta Audubon Society Intro to Birdwatching Hike

Saturday, October 22, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, the important habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society, which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the park’s Interpretive Center. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.