“Reelin’ In The Prizes” Fishing Challenge
Go Leaf Watching this November
Peak fall color has finally arrived and should extend throughout early November. To help leaf peepers find the best spots to visit, Georgia’s State Parks offer an online “Leaf Watch” travel planner. Regular updates keep travelers posted on how fall color is progressing across Georgia’s Blue Ridge. The website is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events, and safe hiking tips. Even after mountain parks finally lose their leaves later this month, travelers in middle and southern Georgia will be able to enjoy autumn displays into December.
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For a refreshing twist on Thanksgiving, gather your friends and family to spend the holiday in the great outdoors. We have campsites, cabins and even yurts where you can celebrate Georgia’s beautiful scenery all week long. After a yummy Thanksgiving meal, work off the calories with a nature hike or bike ride. Golfers even enjoy free Thanksgiving Day play at Laura Walker and Gordonia-Alatamaha state park courses (after noon, with cart purchase). And if you’re entertaining family over the holidays, bring them to one of Georgia’s historic sites like Dahlonega Gold Museum or Roosevelt’s Little White House. For ideas on where to stay and what to do, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.
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Who doesn’t love a big discount, especially when it gets you a whole month of toasty campfire and s’mores? Now through February, some of Georgia’s State Parks are offering 50% off campsites for extended visits of 30 days or longer. Participating parks include Florence Marina, Kolomoki Mounds, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Seminole and Stephen C. Foster. Use promo code SnowBird50% when making your reservation.
Golfers can enjoy gorgeous weather and great discounts while hitting the links this fall. Brazell’s Creek Golf Course at Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park has a “Dollar a Hole” deal valid Monday through Thursday, now until February 28. They’ve also teamed up with The Lakes at Laura Walker State Park for cabin specials that include golf at both courses. For details, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/golfing.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has presented a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and is inviting citizens to comment through November 22. The plan may be viewed at GaStateParks.org/SCORP-1416draft and comments may be made three ways:
- online at GaStateParks.org/SCORP-1416draft
- by writing to Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, Attn. SCORP, 2600 Hwy 155, SW, Suite C, Stockbridge, GA 30281
- by calling 404-656-2770 ext 6
On select weekends in November, kayakers come from all across the country to paddle through Tallulah Gorge State Park. During these “whitewater releases,” visitors can watch the action from overlooks along the rim trails. To enjoy beautiful fall scenery and watch the kayakers, visit this park November 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 or 17.
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If you like to get a jump on holiday shopping, we have ideas for the nature lovers in your life. Consider buying an Annual ParkPass ($50) or membership to Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites ($50 and up). History buffs will appreciate annual Historic Site memberships ($15-$35), while golfers can save money with our membership cards (rates vary).
Below is just a sample of November events held in Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For a more complete calendar, visit each park's webpage and GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
Brews & Bites at Skidaway
Thursday, Nov 7, 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. Ticket price includes the parking pass. Tickets available at http://gastateparks.givezooks.com. 912-598-2300.
The Debatable Land -- Autumn Encampment
Friday, Nov 8, 2013 until Saturday, Nov 9, 2013
Fort King George Historic Site - Darien, GA
A wide range of living history presentations will highlight various cultures and people that inhabited our region, long before Georgia was established in 1733. A battle reenactment will take place at 2 p.m. $4-$7. 912-437-4770.
Americus Adventure Train Ride
Friday, Nov 8, 2013 9:30 AM to 4:50 PM
Sam Shortline Train - Cordele, GA
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you can travel across Lake Blackshear, tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and sample peanut-butter treats in Plains. Enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s South as the SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs from Cordele through Georgia Veterans State Park to Americus and Plains, then back. Groups and parties welcome. 229-276-0755.
Who gives a Hoot? Owl Show
Saturdays – Nov 9, 2013 until Nov 30, 2013
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge - Dawsonville, GA
Join Zeus, Owl Capone, Goliath and all your favorite Amicalola Falls Feathered Friends for a fun and educational time in the Lodge Lobby. If you have never seen our owl show you are missing out. We look forward to showing off for you. $5 parking. 706-344-1500.
Digital Nature Photography Basics
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 8:30 AM to 12 PM
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA
Bring your digital camera and learn, through practical in-the-field experience and classroom review, how to compose a photograph for maximum impact, employ simple techniques to overcome challenging lighting, and produce excellent photographs with any digital camera. Pre-registration required as space is limited. Adults only. $30 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
Bird Walk
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 9 AM to 10 AM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA
Stroll along the woodland edges to listen and look for feathered friends. Bring binoculars or share park loaners. Meet at the park office on Hwy 190. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Pioneer Harvest Festival
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM
General Coffee State Park - Nicholls, GA
Celebrate the history of farm life in the wiregrass region of south Georgia at the parks annual festival. The day will include demonstrations of farm life, and arts and craft show, local entertainers, and much more. $1-$2 plus $5 parking. 912-384-1581.
Fall Color Hike
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 10 AM to 1:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Enjoy the changing colors on a 5 mile hike on the "Green" horse trail. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and sturdy shoes. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Syrup Makin' Time on the Plantation
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA
Have you ever sipped fresh sugar cane juice, or tasted fresh cane syrup on a biscuit? Find out how in times past farmers made their own. Come experience syrup makin' day in the country. $4-$6.50 478-986-5172.
Basic Archery
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 12 PM to 2 PM
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 10 AM to 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Take aim and hit the bull's eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the cart barn at Alexander's Lake. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes early. Participants must register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Iron Pour
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013
Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA
See a demonstration of our iron furnace, harking back to the days of iron production in the Allatoona community. Buy a scratch block mold from the Friends of Red Top and create your own cast-iron art. Supplies are limited; molds go on sale at 2 pm behind the Park Office. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
This mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester. Candle lanterns will be provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis. Meet and register at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Mountain Creek Beaver Moon Hike
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA
Venture along the 3.2 easy miles of Mountain Creek Trail with local PMT guides. Geared towards ages 10 and up. Bring a flashlight and water. Meet at the Trading Post in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
3rd Annual Sugar Cane Festival
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013
George L. Smith State Park - Twin City, GA
We will be enjoying a fun-filled day of activities including making cane syrup from sugar cane, cornmeal and grits at the gristmill, arts and crafts, demonstrations and more. This site will be updated with activities as we get closer to the date. Contact the park office for more details. Cane syrup, cornmeal and grits will be sold on site. $1 plus $5 parking. 478-763-2759.
Moonlight Hike
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 8 PM to 9:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger on this guided hike under the full moon. Wear comfortable shoes, insect repellant, and bring a camera to record the journey, as we listen for insects, frogs and other nocturnal creatures. Meet at the Hard Labor Creek Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Fall Candlelight Tours
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013
Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site - Dallas, GA
Confederate and Federal soldiers will recreate the night attack of the Battle of Pickett's Mill. During guided tours at 6, 7, 8 and 9 PM, visitors will witness Brig. Gen. Hiram Granbury's Brigade advance into the dark ravine and Capt. Thomas Key's artillery bombardment. Register in advance at http//friendsofgastateparks.org/pickettsmill $8. 770-443-7850.
Meteors and More
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 8 PM to 10 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA
Learn to appreciate the beautiful skies above. Join staff and the Atlanta Astronomy Club behind the Park Office to view the night sky. You're welcome to bring your own telescopes. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes
Friday, Nov 15, 2013 5 PM to 7 PM
Sunday, Nov 17, 2013 6 PM to 8 PM
Monday, Nov 18, 2013 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
Join in this group hike as the evening arrives. Be sure to call ahead as space is limited. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
"Come and Take It!" Revolutionary War Encampment
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 11 AM to 4 PM
Fort Morris Historic Site - Midway, GA
This American Revolution encampment commemorates Col. John McIntosh's defiant reply to a British demand for surrender. Enjoy colonial demonstrations, musket and cannon drills, a skirmish and more. Interpreters in historical attire will represent a variety of colonial life. 912-884-5999.
Battle of Griswoldville Commemoration
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 10 AM to 1 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA
Come to Griswoldville Battlefild to learn about the hastily planned attempt by Georgia militia to halt Union General Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864. Civil War soldier life portrayals followed by noon memorial service. Call for directions. Free. Donations appreciated. 478-986-5172.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 8 AM to 11 AM
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Bring your binoculars for this gentle hike through the park's Power of Flight area. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Meet at the Alexander Lake Area. Register in advance. Donations of birdseed are appreciated. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Astronomy
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 9 PM
Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo, GA
We will be discussing topics that have to do with astronomy as well as observing the night sky through some high powered telescopes. Stephen C. Foster State Park is one of the darkest places in the Southeast, due to a lack of light pollution, so come out and see stargazing at its best. $3 plus $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
Pioneer and Indian Lifestyles
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013
Mistletoe State Park - Appling, GA
This program is for children 7-12 years old. Children will dip candles, make butter, make pioneer stew and create a pioneer toy. They will learn why wildlife and plants played an important role in Pioneer and Indian living. Pre-registration required by November 22 $20. 706-541-0321.
"Walk Off That Turkey" Hike
Friday, Nov 29, 2013 10 AM to 2 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
Join rangers on a strenuous hike to help shed the extra pounds you ate the day before. The hike is 3 miles and consists of rock hopping across a river, climbing boulders and logs. You need to wear proper foot wear, and bring water and a light lunch. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
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