Friday, July 29, 2016

August 2016 Events in Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites

August 2016 Events in Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites

www.GaStateParks.org/events


Below is a sample of August 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.



Metro Atlanta


Dog Day in the Park

Saturday, August 13, 2016 10 AM to 2 PM

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Bring Fido for a tail-waggin' time with Friends of Georgia DNR Search and Rescue Team, Lifeline Animal Project and others. Includes a guided dog walk, pet adoptions, canine obstacle course, K-9 demonstrations, silent auction, face painting, games for you and your pooch, and even tree climbing (for people, not pups). Leashes required. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.


Lost But Found Safe and Sound

Saturday, August 13, 2016 1 PM

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Learn simple techniques for staying safe and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors. Georgia DNR Search and Rescue Dog Team volunteer, Diane Stone, and her trusty K9 companion Keegan will be leading this interactive class. Meet at the Nature Center. Must register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.


Moonlight Mountain Hike

Saturday, August 13, 2016 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Join us for a ranger-led hike up Panola Mountain to enjoy the sunset over Atlanta. The moonlight will guide us down to a lakeside campfire where we'll enjoy s'mores. Bring flashlights, bug spray, hiking boots and water. Ages 10 and up. Space is limited. Advance registration is required. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.


Geology Hike

Saturday, August 13, 2016 10 AM to 12 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Geologist John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rocks and explaining how and when they formed. He will also explain the tectonic events that forced the rock units to be faulted and folded. There will be a visit down to the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester Mill alongside the lovely rapids of Sweetwater creek. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


Intro to Tree Climbing

Saturday, August 20, 2016 1 PM to 5 PM

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. Call to register. Ages 8 and up. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.


Creature Feature

Saturday, August 27, 2016 2 PM to 3 PM

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Can turtles leave their shells? How many types of venomous snakes live in Georgia? Are salamanders reptiles? Learn the answers to all of these questions and more as a Panola Mountain Ranger introduces you to our reptilian residents in this live animal show. Meet in the Nature Center. Register in advance. $2 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.



Middle & South Georgia


Archery for Beginners

Saturdays 10 AM - 11:30 AM – August 6, 2016 until October 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. Pre-registration is encouraged. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.


Watermelon Express Train Ride

Saturday, August 6, 2016 9:30 AM to 3:05 PM

SAM Shortline Train - Cordele, GA

Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. Ticket required. 229-276-0755.


A Walk to the Stars

Saturday, August 13, 2016 8:30 PM to 11 PM

A.H. Stephens State Park - Crawfordville, GA

The evening will start with a sensory hike, where we will learn to use all of our senses to make the night come alive. Our hike will then end at Lake Buncombe, where you will see and learn about star constellations and get a great view of the Perseid meteor shower. We will be meeting in the parking lot at Shelter #3 (also known as the BBQ pit). $4 plus $5 parking. 706-456-2602.


Twilight Night Paddle

Saturday, August 13, 2016 7:30 PM to 9 PM

Friday, August 19, 2016 7:30 PM to 9 PM

Friday, August 26, 2016 7 PM to 8:30 PM

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.


Antique Steam Engine Demonstration

Saturday, August 13, 2016 2 PM to 4 PM

Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA

Come "let off some steam" by blowing the whistle atop the Jarrell Plantation Mill Complex, a signal used to communicate between Jarrells manning different work positions throughout the mill. See our stationary steam engine in action and experience live steam that puts into motion this important provider of mechanical energy in America's past. $4-6.50 478-986-5172.


Full Moon Paddle

Thursday, August 18, 2016 8:30 PM to 10 PM

Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton, GA

Join a guided tour of Clark Hill Lake and enjoy a peaceful paddle under the bright moon. Enjoy the night sky as you star gaze and hear the different night sounds. The program will go on if it is cloudy or light rain. Meet at bathhouse 1 to receive your life jackets. $10 - $15 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.


Petsmart Bark Camp I

Saturday, August 20, 2016 10 AM to 3 PM

F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA

Splash in the lake, play games, discover sights and sounds on the trail. Learn obedience, nutrition, and grooming tips. Must pre-register and pre-pay. Bring a picnic lunch, drink, towel, folding chair and written proof of current shots. Humans are asked to bring pet food for local pet pantry. Meet at the Small Group Camp near the stables. $20 per dog plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.


Stand-Up Paddleboarding for Beginners

Saturday, August 20, 2016 10 AM to 11 AM

High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA

Try your hand at this growing sport. 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.



Northern Georgia


Slackline 101

Wednesday, August 3, 2016 3 PM to 5 PM

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 3 PM to 5 PM

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.


Hear it on the Mountain: Nearly Normal String Band

Saturday, August 6, 2016 8 PM to 9 PM

Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA

Come picnic or relax on the grass and listen to the Atlanta-based Nearly Normal String Band as they perform traditional acoustic music in the bluegrass, folk, blues, and Appalachian mountain traditions. Program takes place adjacent to the Interpretive Center in the Main Day-Use Area of the park. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.


Night Hike

Friday, August 12, 2016 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA

Enjoy a 2-mile hike on one of the best trails at the park. You will learn interesting facts about the geology and history of the canyon. By the end of the hike, we will be in the dark, enjoying the trail by moonlight and listening for night sounds. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.


Emory Jones Book Signing

2nd Saturday of Month 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM from August 13, 2016 until Dec 10, 2016

Hardman Farm Historic Site - Sautee Nacoochee, GA

Emory Jones, author of "Distant Voices: The Story of the Nacoochee Valley Indian Mound," will read excerpts from his new book "The Valley Where They Danced." This pre-WWI historical novel features scenes from Hardman Farm. Hear excerpts prior to the tour and then bring back questions for Mr. Jones afterward. Book Signing included with price of tour. Books are available on site. 706-878-1077.


Full Moon Lake Paddle

Friday, August 19, 2016 9:15 PM to 11:15 PM

Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA

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. Space is limited, so register in advance. No pets; kids must be 8 or older. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.


Night Time Astronomy

Saturday, August 20, 2016 6 PM to 9 PM

Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia, GA

Join the Atlanta Astronomy Club at picnic shelter #5 to view the night sky through telescopes. Members of the club will be on hand to assist. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.


Family Paddle

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 1 PM to 3 PM

Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA

Join us for a relaxing family paddle around Tallulah Lake. Kids age 2 and up are welcome, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited so call to reserve your spot. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.


Forgotten History: Hidden Gems of Richard B. Russell State Park

Saturday, August 27, 2016 10 PM to 11 PM

Richard B. Russell State Park - Elberton, GA

Our popular disc golf course and other park areas are home to what remains of past sites and homesteads that visitors easily overlook. This naturalist-led hike will replay in living history how the families lived in previous centuries. Meet at the disc golf course parking area. $5 parking. 706-213-2045.


Witch's Head Hike

Sunday, August 28, 2016 11 AM to 1 PM

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.



Coastal Georgia


Civil War Olympics

Saturday, August 6, 2016 10 AM to 3 PM

Fort McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill, GA

Just like the athletes who show their strength and agility in games of skill, soldiers of the Civil War needed to be strong and agile. Join us for our first Civil War Olympics where kids can test their skills against formidable Confederate opponents. $8 per adult, $5 per youth. 912-727-2339.


Sights and Sounds of the Sawmills

Saturday, August 13, 2016 10 AM to 3 PM

Fort King George Historic Site - Darien, GA

From the earliest days of the humble tidal powered sawmill, to the later industrial scale steam operated sawmills, this very site was utilized for centuries to process Yellow Pine, as well as Cypress, from the Altamaha River. $4.50 - $7.50 912-437-4770.




Kim Hatcher, TMP

Public Affairs Coordinator

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

2600 Hwy. 155, Stockbridge, GA 30281

770-389-7284

kim.hatcher@dnr.ga.gov