Monday, September 30, 2013

October events at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Here's the new list of events set for this October at Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites:


October 2013 Calendar for Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
 
 
Below is a sample of October events held in Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. More information on events, accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.  For a more complete calendar, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.  You can also become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our monthly newsletter. Thank you for helping promote Georgia’s natural and historic resources!
 
 
Wild Cave Tour
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA
You will get muddy and wet on this family friendly underground adventure. Tours are offered by Georgia Girl Guides on weekends and some weekdays. Reservations required: www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. $30-$60 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.

Beginning Digital Photography Workshop
Saturday, October 5, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM          
Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park - Reidsville, GA
At the end of the workshop, participants will become capable of making sound exposure, metering, and focus area settings on their digital SLR cameras, as well as they will learn to apply creative composition principles. Hike in the park afterwards and practice new skills. $22-$30. $5 parking. 912-580-5308.

New Moon Kayak Tour
Saturday, October 5, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Lake Rutledge is a great place to enjoy the night sky. Join this ranger-led tour of the lake and enjoy night sounds, star-gazing, and a relaxing time on the water. A new moon means that many stars will be visible on the night-time paddle. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Battle of Allatoona Pass Remembered
Saturday & Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM from October 5, 2013 until October 6, 2013     
Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA
Tour the hillside and railroad cut through the pass. Walk the trails, visit the star fort, and follow the old roads just as the soldier's did in 1864. Watch rifle and cannon demonstrations. 770-975-0055.

Archery Explorer Train Ride
Saturday, October 5, 2013 9:30 AM to 5:20 PM
Sam Shortline - Cordele Train Station - Cordele, GA
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you will travel across Lake Blackshear to Plains and back. Explore President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm (Jimmy Carter National Historic Site), go shopping and sample peanut butter treats. Groups and parties welcome. 229-276-0755.

Meteor Shower Paddle - the Draconids
Monday, October 7, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM 
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
This 2-hour guided paddle will give guests an opportunity to witness the "odd" Draconid meteor shower. Unlike many meteor showers, the Draconids are more likely to be visible in the evening hours, just after nightfall. Register in advance. Meet at the Lake Rutledge boat ramp. $20 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.


Brews & Bites at Skidaway
 
October 10 and 17, 2013, 6 PM to 9 PM       
 
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
 
Brewers and chefs will discuss their process and their appreciation of local ingredients. Guests will also have a chance to learn about many exciting local and park projects. Tickets are $30 or $25 for Friends of Georgia State Parks Members. www.gastateparks.givezooks.com. 912-598-2300.
 
 
Halloween Hayrides
Fridays and Saturdays, October 11-26, 2013 7 PM to 10 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA
Take a "spooktacular" hayride through the town of Ravenwood and listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life around a campfire. Hayrides leave at 7, 7:40, 8:20 and 9 PM. Suitable for all ages. Reservations required. $8. 2 and younger free. $5 parking. 678-792-9554.

Dirty Spokes Race
Saturday, October 12, 2013         
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
The Dirty Spokes running race series includes four state parks: Red Top Mountain, Unicoi, Fort Yargo and Victoria Bryant. Dates and distances vary. Visit http://www.dirtyspokes.com/fort-yargo-state-park-georgia/ for more information and to register. Race fee plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.

Twilight Paddle
Saturday, October 12, 2013 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM          
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge on this Ranger-Guided Twilight Paddle. As we scan the sky for ospreys and maybe an eagle, and watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets.  We will discuss the role the CCC made in creating this park in the 1930s. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Annual Kolomoki Festival - 75th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park - Blakely, GA
Enjoy a day of eats, shopping, boat tours, Native American demonstrations, singing and dancing performances, music, antique tractor parade and more. Also available is the free children’s section with arts and crafts, moon walk, and blow up slide. $5 parking. 229-724-2150.

Geology Day at Providence Canyon
Saturday, October 12, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM      
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area - Lumpkin, GA
Providence Canyon is one of the great geographic wonders of the eastern United States. Join Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga. for a closeup view of this most unusual park. Pre-registration is required. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Fall Celebration
Saturday, October 12, 2013 12 PM to 4 PM      
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
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. $6 parking. 706-878-3087.



Bark In The Park Dog Ramble
 
October 12, 2013, 1 PM to 2:30 PM  
 
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA
 
Bring your canine friend and join us for an easy forest romp. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. You do not have to have a pet to walk with us. Meet next to the Trading Post in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
 
 
Haunted House
Friday, October 18, 2013 until Saturday, October 19, 2013    
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA
Trick-or-treaters, beware -- you’re in for a scare! Our haunted house and hayride are sure to be a scary trip for anyone. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Friday, October 18, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM  
Saturday, October 19, 2013 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM          
Sunday, October 20, 2013 8:15 PM to 10 PM   
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
Join in this challenging group hike as the evening arrives. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Civil War Candle Lantern Tours
Saturday, October 19, 2013 6 PM to 9 PM         
Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill, GA
Experience the fort at night as you are guided around by candlelight See how confederate soldiers spent their evenings by campfire, how they passed the cold nights, and how they performed their evening and nightly duties. Please call ahead to inquire about tour times. Adults $6.50, Seniors $6.00, Youth (6-18) $3.75, 5 & Under- Free 912.727.2339.

Full Moon Kayak Tour
Saturday, October 19, 2013 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM           
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a guided tour of Lake Rutledge, and enjoy a peaceful paddle under a bright moon. Listen for night sounds, enjoy the night sky, and learn about the history of Hard Labor Creek State Park. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

New Echota Days
Saturday, October 19, 2013 10 AM to 5 PM       
New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun, GA
The old Cherokee Capital will come alive with various living history demonstrations including arts, music, crafts, dances, blacksmith, spinning and weaving and tours of the historic grounds and buildings of old New Echota. $5.50-$7.50 706-624-1321.

Thomas the Tank Engine Live!
October 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 2013   
SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Cordele, GA
Thomas will visit the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park in southwest Georgia. You can spend a whole day with the beloved storybook engine, Sir Topham Hatt and other friends.  Fee. 1-877-427-2457.

Edible and Medicinal Plants of Fall
Saturday, October 19, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM       
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
Explore the bounty of medicinal and edible plants available in north Georgia forests and fields. The focus will be on plants that can be utilized in the field with little preparation. Advanced registration required. $35 or $30 if paid by Octoberober 4. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Fall Hoedown
Saturday, October 19, 2013 12 PM to 8 PM          
Vogel State Park - Blairsville, GA
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. trunk or treats, and 7 p.m. professional storytelling. A $3 fee will be charged per person, per hayride for 13 years and up. $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

Octoberfest
Saturday, October 26, 2013 6 PM to 9 PM          
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA
Celebrate Halloween with a haunted hayride, games for kids, and a costume contest. Food vendors will be on hand. Games 1 ticket each, hayride 3 tickets, cakewalk 1 ticket. Friends of Florence Marina will be holding the annual Silent Auction. $1 per ticket plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Moonlight Madness & Carnival
Saturday, October 26, 2013 1 PM to 10 PM       
General Coffee State Park - Nicholls, GA
The day starts with a kids carnival in the afternoon, followed by the opening of our haunted house and hayrides after dark. $1-$5 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.