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

Georgia Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 03/31/2015 04:35 PM EDT

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April 2015

> IN THIS ISSUE: Spring getaways, Tallulah Gorge water releases and Easter egg hunts

Spring Vacation Ideas that Keep Everyone Smiling

Say “hello” to spring with a getaway to enjoy colorful wildflowers, cheerful songbirds and hungry fish. Your family can fill the days with hiking, boating, geocaching and more -- and the nights with gooey s'mores and a crackling campfire. Georgia’s State Parks offer cabins, campsites, lodge rooms and even yurts for rent. Need ideas on where to go? Rent kayaks at Hard Labor Creek, go biking at Panola Mountain or scout for migrating Painted Buntings at Skidaway Island. You’ll find dozens of spring destination ideas at GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Park Activities

Thunder Through Tallulah Gorge

For just a few days each April, more than 10 times the normal flow of water thunders through Tallulah Gorge State Park in northeast Georgia. These “whitewater releases” draw expert kayakers from all over the country, as well as spectators who gather on the rim. This year’s releases are April 4- 5, 11-12 and November 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. Rangers occasionally lead guided hikes during these events. Call 706-754-7981 for reservations. Camping is available, and nearby Black Rock Mountain State Park has both camping and cabins.

America’s Top Family Fishing & Boating Spots Sweepstakes

Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with your family. Several Georgia State Parks are included in a national contest to be named top boating and fishing locations in the U.S. You can vote for your favorite Georgia State Park and enter for a chance to win a family trip to Orlando. Pick from Tugaloo, Fort Yargo, High Falls, Georgia Veterans and Crooked River state parks.

Voting ends April 12.

Caving Trips at Cloudland Canyon

Ready to get muddy and go searching for bats? Go caving at Cloudland Canyon State Park south of Chattanooga. Georgia Girl Guides will take you on an underground adventure to learn about caves, geology, salamanders and bats. Tours are offered throughout spring and summer, and reservations are required. (Trips sell out, so make reservations far in advance.) Cloudland Canyon has some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Georgia, so many visitors stay a few days in the park’s cabins, yurts or campsites.

Upcoming Events

Easter Egg Hunts

April 3, 4 and 5

From the Glow-In-The-Dark Egg Hunt at High Falls to the Easter Blast at Skidaway Island, your little ones are sure to have a great time at our Easter celebrations. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon enjoying spring scenery and time together. Larger families may want to reserve picnic shelters for potlucks. Find an Easter egg hunt near you.

Statewide at Several State Parks

Fort Yargo Master Plan Meeting

April 7 at 5 p.m.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is asking citizens for input on Fort Yargo State Park’s master plan. This park near Winder features hiking and biking trails, a fishing lake, swimming beach and range of accommodations. To offer input on what you’d like to see in Fort Yargo’s future, make plans to attend the meeting which will be held in the park’s Camp Will-A-Way gymnasium.

Fort Yargo State Park - Winder

70th Commemorative Ceremony for FDR

April 12, 2 p.m.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s death in Warm Springs – a town which influenced many of his New Deal policies. Join us on the lawn in front of his beloved Georgia cottage. The ceremony includes guest speaker Teya Ryan, CEO and President of Georgia Public Broadcasting, and a U.S. Marine Color Guard. Visitors can also see the “unfinished portrait” the president was posing for when he suffered a fatal stroke.

Roosevelt's Little White House - Warm Springs

Discounted Weekday Rentals on Large Group Shelters

Businesses, clubs and families can save money by renting group shelters on weekdays. For example, George L. Smith State Park’s group shelter is $125 on weekends and $75 during the week – perfect for budget-minded business retreats. Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park discounts its group shelter from $150 to $95 on weekdays. Georgia’s State Parks offer a range of facilities for meetings, reunions, weddings and other gatherings.

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