October 2015 News from Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites

Georgia Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 09/30/2015 04:24 PM EDT

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October 2015

> IN THIS ISSUE: Leaf Watch, Fort Mountain's Fire Tower, Autumn Events

Happy Fall, Y’all! Let’s Go Leaf Watching

Gorgeous fall color is just around the corner. Only Mother Nature knows when leaves will peak, but the most vibrant color in Georgia is usually toward the end of October or early November. To help leaf peepers find the best scenery, Georgia’s State Parks offer an online “Leaf Watch” travel planner, with top parks to visit, fall events, places to stay, and regular updates from park rangers. We make it easy to track how autumn is progressing across Georgia’s Blue Ridge. Tag #GaLeafWatch on Instagram and join our Facebook event.

Park Activities

Thomas the Tank

Tiny fans of Thomas the Tank Engine can ride a real train when the storybook character pulls into southwest Georgia. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure as he pulls SAM Shortline Excursion Train down the track. Dates are October 16, 17, 18, 24 and 25. Call 229-276-0755 for tickets.

Fire Tower Opens

Join us October 29 at 11 a.m. for a ceremony and tours to celebrate the renovation of Fort Mountain State Park’s fire tower. Built in the 1930s, the 38-foot tower allowed foresters to keep watch over the mountain. The tower still stands today, and park visitors can climb to the top for sweeping views – perfect for leaf watching.

Hiking Safety Tips

Did you know that teaching young children to “hug a tree” if they get lost can make it easier to find them? Or that everyone should carry a whistle in case they’re in trouble? Check out more tips on how to make sure everyone in your hiking party has a great time while exploring fall color.

Upcoming Events

Fall Hayrides & Campfires

Saturdays in October

Go on a fall-color hayride through the park and around a wildflower field by the pond, then join us at the campfire for s’mores and hotdogs. What better way to enjoy fall color than a trip to this gorgeous canyon? $3 - $5 plus $5 parking. 706-657-4050

Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn

Fall Celebration at Hardman Farm

October 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Enjoy the feel of an old-fashioned country fair set in the beautiful Nacoochee Valley and surrounded by the colors of the season. We’ll have hands-on pioneer skills exhibits, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, local authors and historians, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. $10 per vehicle and $20 per bus. 706-878-1077.

Hardman Farm State Historic Site - Sautee Nacoochee

Fall-O-Ween Family Fun Day & Haunted Trail

October 16 & 17

Celebrate fall with games, crafts, a hayride, and campground trick-or-treating on Saturday. On Friday and Saturday nights, tip-toe through dark shadows in the haunted woods, where zombies roam free. A Park Ranger will guide you into the graveyard beneath ancient oak trees. $2 - $5, plus $5 parking. 912-598-2300

Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah

Featured Deal

Game-Day Golf at The Creek

Love golf more than football? The Creek at Hard Labor invites you to play 18 holes with cart for just $29 on UGA football game days, after kickoff. Green fees are normally $36 to $45. Hard Labor Creek State Park is just off I-20 near Rutledge, featuring cabins, campsites, a fishing lake and great trails. Golf discount valid through November 28. 706-557-3006

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