January 2014 E-News from Georgia State Parks

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January 2014

Panola Mountain State Park

Join a “First Day Hike” on Jan. 1

If your New Year’s resolutions involve healthy living, meeting new friends or spending more time with family, gather everyone up for a “First Day Hike.”  This national movement has people across the country exploring state park trails on January 1.

In Georgia, more than 40 state parks and historic sites are hosting a variety of these ranger-led hikes.  At Etowah and Kolomoki, you can hike up ancient Indian mounds.  At Skidaway Island, you’ll explore salt marsh and look for fiddler crabs.  And at Fort Mountain, you can end your trek with a chilly Black Bear Plunge into a lake.  Find a “First Day Hike” near you.

Can’t join us on New Year’s Day?  Georgia’s State Parks can still help you live a healthy lifestyle while also spending time with family and friends.  Below are ideas to get you active outdoors throughout the year:

  • Climb the staircases in Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge and Amicalola Falls state parks.  You can even earn a t-shirt from our Canyon Climbers Club.
  • Join our Muddy Spokes Club and work off calories on several mountain bike trails, ranging from beginner to expert.
  • Take a healthy hike on the Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park or the East Side Trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park.
  • Ride your bike on the paved path at Panola Mountain State Park.
  • Join our Park Paddlers Club and work on your arm muscles as you explore easy waterways.


Indian Springs cabin

Winter Specials on Cozy Cabins, Modern Campsites & Heated Yurts 

Winter is a peaceful time to visit Georgia’s State Parks, and it can be the most beautiful as well.  With leaves off the canopy, you can see much further through the forest and appreciate majestic tree shapes.  Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer foraging or bald eagles raising chicks.  Another advantage of winter getaways are the off-season specials on accommodations.  Many of Georgia’s State Parks offer discounts on cabins, yurts and campsites.  Find a spot for a romantic escape, girlfriend getaway or winter break at GeorgiaStateParks.org/specials. 

A few highlights include:

 

Hofwyl-Broadfield

Georgia’s Rice History:  
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

Located on the Altamaha River near Darien, this antebellum plantation tells the story of the South’s forgotten rice empire.  In the early 1800s, William Brailsford of Charleston carved a plantation from the coastal marshes. After the Civil War, his family continued to grow rice until 1913.  Later, descendants turned their estate into a dairy farm.  In 1973, the property was donated to the state to be preserved as a historic site.

Today’s visitors will enjoy beautiful low-country scenery as they walk among Spanish moss and live oaks. A museum features fine silver and a brief film. A guided tour allows guests to see the plantation home with family heirlooms, 18th and 19th century furniture, and Cantonese china.  Hofwyl-Broadfield is a stop on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, making it an excellent spot to look for herons, egrets and ibis.  The site is open Thursday through Saturday.  Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children.

 

2014 "Guide to State Parks & Historic Sites" Available

Hot off the presses!  The new “Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” will be available in early January.  You’ll find photos and descriptions of more than 60 destinations across Georgia.  Call 1-800-864-7275 and order one soon.



January 2014 Calendar of Events

Don’t hibernate this winter; pile on your layers and come play in the great outdoors.  Below are a few events scheduled for this January.  A complete list can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.  

 

Who gives a Hoot? Owl Show

Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 1 PM to 2 PM

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.

 

Basics of Photography

Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA

Join Randall Hollis for a three weekend course combining classroom lectures and discussions, handouts, image presentation, field experiences and student work critiques to cover the basics of photography. Adults only. Limited space, pre-registration required. $75 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.

 

Constellations by Carriage

Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 7 PM to 8 PM

Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA

Hard Labor Creek is a great place for star-gazing. Relax on this guided carriage ride by the beach. Call to pre-register, space is limited. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

 

Billy's Island & Okefenokee Swamp Tour

Saturdays 10 AM - 12 PM – Jan 4, 2014 until May 31, 2014

Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo, GA

Join us for a tour of historic Billy's Island. This island was home to Native Americans, pioneers, and lumbermen for thousands of years. We will take a boat out to the island and hike the short trail, about 3/4 of a mile, and view some of the relics left from times past. $15-$20 plus $5 parking. 912-637-5274.

 

Astronomy in the Okefenokee

Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 8 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.

 

"Park Nights, City Lights" Night Hike

Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Join us for a strenuous, 3-mile night hike to the beautiful east side of the park where we will hike to the "Indian Cave" and climb the East Ridge to view the Atlanta skyline. This hike is open to anyone 16 years and older. A flashlight and sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Dogs not permitted. Meet at the visitor's center. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Candlelight Hike to the Mill

Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 6 PM to 8 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. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Indoor Basic Archery

Sunday, Jan 5, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Don't let the cold weather keep you from shooting. Come to the nature center for indoor archery and join a certified instructor to learn the basics. 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. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Winter Wonder Hike on Brantley Horse Trail

Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 10 AM to 2 PM

Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA

Join a park ranger on this winter hike on the Brantley Horse Trail. This 5 mile guided hike is the perfect winter outing and a cure for the winter blues. Take a camera to record the scenery, and a light lunch to enjoy on the way. This hike is recommended for children over 10 years old, and adults in good walking shape. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

 

Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk

Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 2 PM to 4 PM

Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA

This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

 

Full Moon Night Hike

Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 5 PM

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountaintop under the full moon. We'll head out just before sunset and enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. Bring flashlights, hiking boots and water. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Participants must register and pay in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Beginning Bee Keeping

Saturday, Jan 11, 2014

Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA

Learn about basic bee-keeping and how to start a hive. Professional honey producer Berry Wright will discuss assembling equipment and installation of bees. A trip to the apiary will be included, weather permitting. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

 

Historic New Manchester History Hike

Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 1 PM to 2:30 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This historian or ranger-led hike will include going inside the ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids which provide great photo opportunities. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Hayride and S'mores

Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 5 PM to 6:30 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Join us for a tractor-pulled hayride up to Jack's Hill. We will also gather around a campfire and make s'mores. Park Rangers and local historians will be leading these programs, sharing history and stories from the park. Reservations are required. $8 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Full Moon Hike

Friday, Jan 17, 2014 5:30 PM to 7 PM

High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA

Bring your flashlight and walking shoes for this short mile hike to the falls under the first full moon of 2014. We will also discover how nocturnal creatures live in the dark woods. Meet at the Park Office. $5 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

 

Faces of War: Civil War Photography

Friday, Jan 17, 2014 1 PM

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick, GA

The Civil War was the first war where the technology of photography was used. Even though it was still in its infancy it left us with a history of the men who fought this war. This presentation will include various types of pictures and charcoal drawings for your examination. $9 adults; $8.50 seniors; $6 youth 912-264-7333.

 

Art in the Park

Friday, Jan 17, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Bring your canvas and paint, clay, camera, or oil pastels for exclusive access to the interior of the five-story New Manchester Mill. Create your own artwork while you enjoy beautiful views of the Sweetwater Creek rapids alongside the dramatic mill ruins as we enjoy the approach of fall. Reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

"Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike

Friday, Jan 17, 2014 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

This 1.5-mile hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. A flashlight and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor's Center. Register in advance. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Bird Walk

Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 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 Fishing Dock in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

 

Winter Tree ID

Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 2 PM to 3:30 PM

Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA

Winter can be a great time to learn "Bark and Buds" of our native trees. Join a Park Ranger on this Guided walk of the Brantley Nature Trail and discover how much fun learning winter trees can be. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. Register in advance. 5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

 

Indoor Basic Archery

Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Don't let the cold weather keep you from shooting. Come to the nature center for indoor archery and join a certified instructor to learn the basics. 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. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Geocaching 101

Saturday, Jan 18, 2014

Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt. Learn the basics of this fun and addicting game and then hunt for some of the park's caches. $2 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

 

"Park Nights, City Lights" Night Hike

Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Join us for a strenuous, 3 mile night hike to the beautiful east side of the park where we will hike to the "Indian Cave" and climb the East Ridge to view the Atlanta skyline. This hike is open to anyone 16 years and older. A flashlight and sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Dogs not permitted. Meet at the visitor's center. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Backcountry Geology Hike

Sunday, Jan 19, 2014 1 PM to 4 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Geologist and Friends member John Johnston will lead a moderate three-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Explore the beautiful Jack's Branch area and the seldom visited rock quarry of New Manchester. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Martin Luther King Day Hike

Monday, Jan 20, 2014 1 PM to 4:30 PM

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

Join Pine Mountain trail guides for a winter adventure along the Pine Mountain Ridge through a mixed hardwood forest to Dowdell’s Knob. There will be transportation to get hikers back to their cars. Ages 10 & up. Meet at Rocky Point Parking Lot on Hwy 190; 3.5 miles; moderate; bring water. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

 

Historic New Manchester History Hike

Monday, Jan 20, 2014 2 PM to 3:30 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This historian or ranger-led hike will include going inside the ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids which provide great photo opportunities. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Coffee and Birds

Tuesday, Jan 21, 2014 9 AM to 10 AM

Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA

Grab your binoculars and join Ranger Marcus in the (heated) Discovery Room to tally birds in the Wildlife Garden. Coffee will be provided. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

 

Weapons and Equipment of the Civil War

Thursday, Jan 23, 2014 1 PM

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick, GA

There will be a display of these items used by the soldiers of the North and South. You will actually get to hold and touch Swords, Pistols, Rifles, Cannon Balls, and Personal items used during the war. $9 adults; $8.50 seniors; $6 youth 912-264-7333.

 

Bird Walk

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 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 dock in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

 

Star Light, Star Bright

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

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

Join the Coca-Cola Space Science Center staff for an evening of star talks, star maps, and night sky viewing. Bring a chair. Meet at amphitheater next to the Park Office on Hwy 190. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

 

Photography Workshop

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 8 AM to 10 AM

High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA

Learn to use that brand new camera you got over the holidays with nature photographer Rena Johnson. Space is limited, please call park office for reservations. Meet at the Park Office. $50 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

 

Conductor's Favorite Train Ride

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 9:45 AM to 1:45 PM

SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Georgia Vets State Park - Cordele, GA

Enjoy this ride from Ga. Veterans State Park to Plains. Plains is the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. You will return to Ga. Veterans Park in time for visiting the indoor and outdoor museums. Call for tickets: 229-276-0755.

 

Dulcimer-Making Workshop

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 9 AM to 5 PM

Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA

Assemble, sand and finish an all-wood Appalachian dulcimer with dulcimer-maker and musician Bob Thomason. All tools and supplies are provided. No woodworking experience is required. Bob Thomason has been making and playing fine Appalachian dulcimers since 1981. Register by 1/11. $100 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

 

"Hands On" Snake Awareness Program

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 2 PM to 3 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Join a Park Ranger and several snakes and turtles in this educational program as we learn about reptiles of Sweetwater Creek State Park. This will be very much a "hands-on" experience as all will have an opportunity to feel and hold the snakes. Reservations recommended. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk

Sunday, Jan 26, 2014 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.

 

Night Sky Watch

Friday, Jan 31, 2014 7 PM to 9 PM

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

This moderate hike will take us to Jack's Hill where we will search the sky for wonders like planets, stars, constellations, and shooting stars (weather permitting). Binoculars are recommended. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a flashlight are required. Reservations required. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

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