 Spend Spring Break in the Great Outdoors
Affordable & Close to Home
We guarantee you won’t hear “I’m bored” while your kids are kayaking through a salt marsh or hiking along a waterfall. Georgia’s State Parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and accommodations to make this spring break one to remember.
Choose from funky yurts (like a cross between a cabin and tent), cozy cottages and modern campgrounds, then fill your days with fishing, geocaching, nature walks, ranger programs, mini-golf, canoe rental and more. Accommodations book quickly during spring break and summer, so reservations should be made in advance. Call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStatePark.org. (Tip: High Falls State Park is offering 25% off yurts on weekdays in March.)
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Spring Birding Walks -- From Beginner to Expert
 If songbirds put a spring in your step, join our birding experts for an uplifting walk in the woods. You don’t have to be an expert birder; just bring your passion for these beautiful creatures. A selection of March birding events is listed below, and a complete list is on GaStateParks.org. Photographers wanting to capture that perfect pose can visit the bird blind at Crooked River State Park near St. Marys or the birding room at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah. (Tip: This spring, lucky visitors might see our nation’s most colorful migratory, the Painted Bunting.)
Close Encounters of the Bird Kind, Saturdays, 1 – 2 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge - Dawsonville, GA
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk, Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Morning Bird Watches, Monday, March 3, 8 a.m. and Sunday, March 23, 8 a.m.
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA
Backyard Birding, Sunday, March 9, 8:30 a.m.
High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk, Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
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 Plan Your Dream Wedding
Congratulations to all the couples who became engaged this past Valentine’s Day! If you’re planning a wedding, we can help make your special day a beautiful – and affordable -- affair to remember. Georgia’s State Parks have a variety of venues for your wedding, reception or portrait sitting. Many offer budget-friendly packages for both indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for an intimate ceremony or a large celebration. Plus, our network of planning partners can help make your dream wedding a reality and alleviate any stresses.
Need a few ideas to get you started? Indian Springs State Park features a historic stone pavilion where you can dance the night away. Crooked River State Park offers a wedding arbor beside its beautiful winding river. General Coffee State Park has an outdoor amphitheater next to a pretty lake. Discover your perfect location at GaStateParks.org/weddings.
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 All Aboard the SAM Shortline Train
Climb aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train in Cordele to discover the “real” Georgia. Riding in air-conditioned vintage cars, you’ll enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s South. The train stops in small towns with interesting attractions, including President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm, Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and a fascinating telephone museum. (Tip: Make sure your camera is ready when crossing Lake Blackshear at Georgia Veterans State Park. You might see alligators below.) Buy tickets at www.SamShortline.com or by calling 229-276-0755.
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2014 Park Guide Available
Order our “Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” and take an armchair tour of the Peach State. You’ll find photos and descriptions of more than 60 destinations across Georgia. Call 1-800-864-7275 to order your free copy or view on GeorgiaStateParks.org. (Tip: Keep one in your glovebox for when you’re passing brown directional signs on highways.)
March 2014 Events
Below are just a few programs to keep you having fun in the great outdoors. For a complete calendar, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
Okefenokee Swamp Tours
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. – March 1, 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. $15-$20 $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
Basics of Photography
Saturday, March 8, 2014 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA
Join Randall Hollis for a three weekend course combining classroom discussions, image presentation, field experiences and student work critiques to cover the basics of photography. Adults only. Register in advance. $75 per person $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
The Magnificent Marsh Kayak Trip
Saturday, March 15, 2014 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA
This low-tide, four mile loop paddle is great for beginners. Reservation required. $35 for single kayak, $45 for tandem kayak. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
Georgia's Native American Heritage
Saturday, March 15, 2014 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville, GA
We will spend the day examining how people and cultures from the past have helped create today's world. $2.00-$6.00. 770-387-3747.
Hills of Iron – Iron Pour at Lake Allatoona
Saturday, March 15, 2014 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA
Discover the park's iron-mining history by touring an iron mine with a park ranger, visiting our blacksmith, etching a scratch block, and watching an iron pour. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Flies and Fly Water
Saturday, March 15, 2014 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
In preparation for the upcoming spring fishing season, we will have a show and tell, helpful hints, and “how to” on fly tying, stream reading, casting and more. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Full Moon Hike
Sunday, March 16, 2014 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Indian Springs State Park - Flovilla, GA
Learn about nocturnal creatures and sensory awareness at night. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-504-2277.
Ranger-led Lake Paddle
Sunday, March 16, 2014 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake and up Beaver Creek. Register in advance. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Scottish Heritage Days
Friday, Saturday & Sunday March 21, 2014 until March 23, 2014
Fort King George Historic Site - Darien, GA
A variety of living history demonstrations devoted to Scottish and colonial culture will be featured. A battle re-enactment will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday. $4-$7.50 912-437-4770.
Owl Prowl and Night Sounds Hike
Saturday, March 22, 2014 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Listen to the music of frogs and crickets as we search for the elusive owl on the Beaver Pond Nature Trail. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Fort Yargo Colonial Market Faire
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. from March 28, 2014 until March 30, 2014
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
During this 18th century living-history event, tradesmen and artisans will demonstrate crafts and knowledge of the time. Enjoy frontier frybread and kettlecorn. $5. Children under 12 free. $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Wildflower Hike
Saturday, March 29, 2014 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA
Take a walk through Sitton's Gulch to observe the abundance of blooming wildflowers in our limestone rich soil. Reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
Colonial Wormsloe Lantern Tours
Saturday, March 29, 2014 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site - Savannah, GA
Guided tours by lantern take you to the oldest tabby ruins in Savannah. The colonial life area will be aglow with a lively village celebrating the arrival of spring. 912-353-3023.
See more events at GaStateParks.org/events.
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