www.GaStateParks.org/events
Below is a sample of June 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.
Hidden Gem Series – 85th Anniversary Celebration
Throughout 2016, Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites will host events that highlight secret spots few visitors notice, such as an old marble mine and a Bald Eagle nest. Visit http://gastateparks.org/HiddenGems/Events for a list of statewide Hidden Gem programs. Some are listed below.
Statewide
National Trails Day in Georgia's State Parks
June 4, 2016
Statewide at dozens of Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites
Join ranger-led hikes at most of Georgia's State Parks in celebration of this annual national event. Among those scheduled are a marsh walk at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah, Dowdell's Knob hike at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, and a Hemlock Falls hike at Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Rabun. $5 parking. Some event fees.
www.GaStateParks.org/events
1-800-864-7275
Coastal Georgia
Koastal Georgia Kayak Family Kamp
Thursday, June 2, 2016 until Sunday, June 5, 2016
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA
Join park rangers on this family-friendly paddle through the Okefenokee Swamp, along Crooked River and on Sapelo Island's Lighthouse Creek. You'll explore freshwater swamps, salt marsh and brackish rivers. Kayak gear, professional guides, campsites and meals included. Reservations required and space is limited. $649 per adult, $549 per child. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
Coastal Canines Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 4, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fort McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill, GA
Join a ranger and bring your furry friend for a hike through beautiful coastal Georgia. Hiking our Redbird Creek Trail, we will explore the natural treasures of our coastal wetlands and maritime forests. A fun nature-based scavenger hunt will be incorporated to win your dog tasty treats. Dogs must be leashed at all times (6-foot maximum). $3 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Guided Marsh Hike - National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4, 2016 9 a.m.
Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA
Enjoy a ranger-led, two-mile hike through the marsh to learn the history of Skidaway Island, marsh plants and local animals, such as fiddler crabs. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Metro Atlanta
Frogging (and Other Night Sounds) by Kayak - National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4, 2016 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join Environmental Outreach Coordinator Linda May for this nighttime symphony performed by a host of nocturnal creatures on Lake Rutledge. Frogs, crickets, and perhaps an owl may be heard on this easy paddle. Enjoy the stars after the sun goes down if the night sky is clear. Space is limited, please pre-register. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
152nd Battle of Pickett's Mill
Saturday, June 4, 2016 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site - Dallas, GA
This battle was one of the few Confederate victories. Witness artillery and musket firing demonstrations. Learn what it was like to be a soldier at this battle. See how civilians were affected by this battle. Finish the afternoon with a guided interpretive hike on the actual battlefield. $3.00 - $5.50 770-443-7850.
Day Dog Hike
Saturday, June 4, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
Bring your four-legged hiking companion and join a ranger on our 3-mile Red Trail and White Trail combo. Dogs must be leashed at all times. We'll explore areas of whitewater rapids (up to class IV) and see the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester Mill, as seen in Hunger Games movie. Two people per dog max. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Scavenger Hunt Challenge
Saturday, June 18, 2016 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville, GA
Learn about Native American life, archaeology, and nature through fun activities like The Scavenger Hunt Challenge where guests get outside to see and do things around the park. $2 - $6. 706-387-3747.
Intro to Tree Climbing
Saturday, June 18, 2016 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory program to recreational tree climbing. Participants will use rope and harness to ascend into a 200+ year old Southern Red Oak, where they can climb, swing, and scramble. Must call to register. Ages 8 and up. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Archery Camp
June 27 – July 1, 2016 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Designed with everything archery in mind, this 5-day archery camp aims to educate and engage adventurous youth. Campers (ages 10-14) will shoot basic distances inside the nature center and then move onto the lake pavilion, static range, and 3-D range. Register by June 13th. $150. 770-389-7801.
Middle & South Georgia
Archery for Beginners
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – June 4, 2016 until Oct 22, 2016
Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton, GA
Haven't shot an arrow yet? Would you like to learn and sharpen your archery skills? Either way, you'll be guided and taught by our experienced ranger. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
Dowdell's Knob Loop - National Trails Day Hike
Saturday, June 4, 2016 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA
Celebrate with the Pine Mountain Trail Association along the highest point on Pine Mountain Ridge. 4.3 moderate miles. Great views. Bring water and a snack. Dress for the weather. Geared towards ages 10 and up. Meet at Dowdell's Knob Trailhead. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Hidden Gem Nature Hike - National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
George L. Smith State Park - Twin City, GA
Walk with us through our park's hidden gem -- the 3-mile nature trail which contains an abundance of gopher tortoise habitat. Bring your camera for the chance to take a picture of Georgia's State Reptile. Suggest bringing comfortable shoes, water and bug spray. No pets allowed. $5 parking. 478-763-2759.
Tails on Trails Dog Hike
Saturday, June 4, 2016 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Indian Springs State Park - Flovilla, GA
Bring your dogs and enjoy a hike on our Overland Nature Trail. It is a 3/4 mile moderate hike. All dogs must be on a leash. Meet at the Overland Nature trail near the Springs Picnic area. $3 per dog plus $5 parking. 770-504-2277.
History Trail Geocaching
Saturday, June 4, 2016 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA
In honor of National Trails Day, we challenge visitors to complete our special History Trail GeoTour. Never geocached before? This is a great way to get started. All you need are good walking shoes and a prize/keepsake to trade when you unlock the geocache box. No GPS required. www.gastateparks.org/HistoryTrail-GeoTour $4-$6.50 478-986-5172.
Rock Dam Trail Extended Hike - National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4, 2016 2 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park - Appling, GA
Celebrate National Trails Day with the naturalists for an extended hike of the Rock Dam Trail. This is a moderate to strenuous hike approximately 4 miles with two water crossings. Get a closer look at some of the backcountry at Mistletoe. Space is limited, registration required. $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
Rosie The Riveter
Saturday, June 4, 2016 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs, GA
Actress and teacher Carol Cain will portray "Rosie the Riveter". Also, enjoy living history with James Fowler as President Roosevelt reading his D-Day prayer. $10 - $14. 706-655-5870.
Music & Dancing On the Mountain
Saturday, June 11, 2016 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA
Dance, sing-a-long and enjoy classic vinyl and oldies with Randy and Darlene Dameron, our popular local musicians. Bring a chair or cushion. Cement seating. Meet at the rock amphitheater next to the office. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding for Beginners
Saturday, June 11, 2016 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA
Our class will help you develop fundamental skills such as balance, effective paddling/stroke, steering, and falling/recovery techniques. Open to adults and children 12 and older who are accompanied by an adult. Must be a swimmer. Advance registration required. $15 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 18, 2016 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens State Park - Crawfordville, GA
This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty. Anglers 55 years and older can try to win prizes in several categories, as well as win a door prize. Register between 7:30 - 7:45 a.m. at the main office and enjoy great fishing. Refreshments will be available. $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
Twilight Night Paddle
Saturday, June 18, 2016 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA
Watch wading birds and enjoy the setting sun in this peaceful, ranger-led 3-mile canoe trip to Buck Creek. This program is open to adults and children 8 years or older who are accompanied by an adult. Reservations required. $15 includes boat and gear. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Full Moon Paddle
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton, GA
Join a guided tour of Clark Hill Lake and enjoy a peaceful paddle under the bright moon, the night sky and night sounds. The program will go on if it is cloudy or light rain. Meet at bathhouse 1 to receive your life jackets. Time 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. $5.00 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
Northern Georgia
Wild Cave Tours
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in June
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA
You will get muddy and wet on a family friendly underground adventure. Our guides will educate you on cave formations, bats, and geology while you have fun climbing and crawling your way through a wild cave. Reservations required. $30-$60 plus $5 parking. 800-979-3370. www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com
Huckleberry Loop Hike - National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4, 2016 10 a.m.
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join our naturalist for a nature hike around the Huckleberry Point Loop. This easy 3/4 mile loop will take you into a beautiful wooded area while hugging the shoreline of Lake Lanier. Along the way we will point out some native plants and will be on the lookout for wildlife. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Walk Through Mining Industry
Saturday, June 4, 2016 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville, GA
The hills of northwest Georgia use to be rich with mining operations in the 1960s and 1970s. Join a ranger-led hike to the old Marble Mine and discover the history that lies in these hills. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.
New Town Creek Trail Hike - National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4, 2016 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun, GA
Check out New Town Creek, Tarvin's Pond and historic New Echota-Cherokee Capital. Wear walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring your binoculars and come along as we join millions of people around America celebrating National Trails Day. Fee includes tour of historic New Echota and the museum. $5.50-$7.00 706-624-1321.
Wilds of the West Rim Hike
Sundays 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. – June 5, 2016 until November 27, 2016
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA
Want to learn about the park's plants, wildlife, and geology and get healthy exercise in the great outdoors in the process? Take a 5-mile hike along the West Rim Loop Trail with Park Naturalist Stephanie Fischer. Bring a brown-bag lunch, water, wear shoes (not sandals), and dress for the weather. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 per person or $15 per family. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Master Naturalist Certification
Mondays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. – June 6, 2016 until July 25, 2016
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
In cooperation with the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry, an eight week training in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to our southern Blue Ridge ecoregion will be offered. Register in advance. $200 plus $5 parking. 706-878-4736.
Flat Creek Adventure
Saturday, June 11, 2016 10 a.m.
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join in celebrating National Get Outdoors Day on this 2-3 hour excursion to the one of the wildest parts of the lake. This rigorous trip will take us to Flat Creek Island, the northern-most island on Lake Lanier. Bring food and water for this trip, it takes a lot of energy. $20 with personal kayak/canoe - $30 with kayak rental. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Hike to Hemlock Falls
Saturday, June 11, 2016 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Moccasin Creek State Park - Clarkesville, GA
Join a staff led hike to Hemlock Falls, a waterfall above the park. 2.2 miles moderate hike in north Georgia mountains. Please bring water and be prepared to walk on uneven and sometimes muddy terrain. Park and meet at Hemlock Falls Trailhead. 706-947-3194.
Witch's Head Hike
Saturday, June 11, 2016 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
This guided hike will take you to the bottom of the dam to view the witch's head rock and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Bring lots of water, lunch and proper foot wear. Children must be 8 or older; no pets. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Highland Walk Adult/Junior Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 11, 2016 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA
This will be a Two-Person Scramble. The tournament requires one adult and one Junior. Ages 7 to 97 are welcome to play. $85 covers all fees, range balls, lunch and prizes. Call the Pro Shop to get signed up. $85. 706-245-6770.
Slackline 101
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
Join us for a unique opportunity to learn the basics of walking on a Slackline at the site of Karl Wallenda's 1970 crossing of the Gorge. No experience necessary, just bring a pair of comfortable shoes and your balance. Ages 12 and up. Space is limited so call ahead to reserve your spot. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Media Contact:
Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator
770-389-7284
Kim.hatcher@dnr.ga.gov
www.GaStateParks.org
