 “Leaf Watch” Helps You Find Best Fall Getaways in Georgia
Online Fall Color Travel Planner
How will this summer’s rain affect fall color? That’s the question only Mother Nature can answer. Despite the soggy summer, Georgia could still see vibrant autumn color if the rain stays away, days are sunny and warm, and nights are cool but not freezing. Whether leaves are fiery red or mellow gold this year, Georgia’s mountains will still be a popular getaway this autumn.
To help leaf peepers find the best spots to visit, Georgia’s State Parks offer an online “Leaf Watch” travel planner. Regular updates will 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. Shutterbugs are even encouraged to post their favorite shots to the Georgia State Parks Facebook page for a chance to win prizes.
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 Thomas the Tank Engine Coming to South Georgia's Sam Shortline
October 19-20 and 25-27
Tiny fans of Thomas the Tank Engine™ can ride a real train this fall when the storybook character pulls into southwest Georgia. The 2013 Day Out With Thomas offers little engineers and their families an opportunity to ride a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure as he pulls SAM Shortline Excursion Train down the track at Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele. For information and tickets, visit SamShortline.com or call 1-866-468-7630.
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“Reelin’ In The Prizes” Fishing Challenge
October 1 - December 1
Whether you’re casting for bass, trout or catfish, you could reel in more than just fish this fall. We’re giving away Bass Pro Shop gift certificates, Shakespeare fishing gear and even a Big Green Egg as part of our first fishing challenge hosted by TV personality O’Neill Williams. Simply bring your catch to the “Reeling in the Prizes” measuring signs at most Georgia State Parks. Take a photo with your catch and email it to FishingChallenge@gastateparks.org before December 1. Complete details are on GeorgiaStateParks.org/fishingchallenge. For information on fishing licenses and regulations, visit georgiawildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.
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 Great Golf Rates and Packages This Fall
Love the links? Several of Georgia’s State Parks offer championship golf at an affordable price. The scenery is great as well, since players are surrounded by lakes and forests rather than subdivisions and parking lots. This fall, Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course at Richard B. Russell State Park is offering two-day, two-night golf packages starting at $160 per person, a $30 per person discount. Other courses have similar money-saving packages. For details, visit GeorgiaGolf.com.
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October 2013 Events
Below is just a sample of
October events held in Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. Love
Halloween? Check out all our hayrides
and haunted trails. For a more complete
calendar, visit each park's webpage or GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
Hayrides and Campfires
Saturdays, October 5 - November 16, 2013
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA
Enjoy wildlife and fall colors while riding on our
tractor-pulled hay wagon, then sit around our campfire and roast marshmallows
and hot dogs while sipping hot apple cider. $5 per adult, $3 per child 4 -12.
$5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Battle of Allatoona Pass Remembered
October 5-6, 2013
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville, GA
During the 149th commemoration of this bloody battle, you
can tour the hillside and railroad cut through the pass. Walk the trails, visit
the star fort, and follow the old roads just as the soldiers did in 1864. Watch
rifle and cannon demonstrations. Event is at Allatoona Pass Battlefield, not
inside the park. 770-975-0055.
Backcountry Geology Hike
October 6, 2013, 1 PM to 4 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
Join 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.
Beginning Digital Photography Workshop
October 5, 2013, 10 AM to 4 PM
Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park - Reidsville, GA
At the end of this workshop, participants will become
capable of making sound exposure, metering, and focus area settings on their
digital SLR cameras, as well as they will learn to apply creative composition
principles. Hike in the park afterwards and practice new skills. $22-$30. $5
parking. 912-580-5308.
New Moon Kayak Tour
October 5, 2013, 7 PM to 9 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Lake Rutledge is a great place to enjoy the night sky. Join
this ranger-led tour of the lake and enjoy night sounds, star-gazing and a
relaxing time on the water. A new moon means that many stars will be visible on
the night-time paddle. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001
Brews & Bites at Skidaway
October 10 and 17, 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. http://gastateparks.givezooks.com.
912-598-2300.
Halloween Hayrides
Fridays and Saturdays, October 11-26, 2013, 7 PM to 10 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA
Take a "spooktacular" hayride through the town of
Ravenwood and listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life
around a campfire. Suitable for all ages. Reservations required. $8 plus $5
parking. 678-792-9554.
Dirty Spokes Race
October 12, 2013
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
The Dirty Spokes running race series includes four state
parks: Red Top Mountain, Unicoi, Fort Yargo and Victoria Bryant. Dates and
distances vary. http://www.dirtyspokes.com/fort-yargo-state-park-georgia/ Race fee plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Bark In The Park Dog Ramble
October 12, 2013, 1 PM to 2:30 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA
Bring your canine friend and join us for an easy forest
romp. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. You do not have to have a pet to walk
with us. Meet next to the Trading Post in the campground. $5 parking.
706-663-4858.
Family Fall Fest
October 12, 2013
Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA
Welcome fall with apple bobbing', a pumpkin scavenger hunt,
face painting, children’s games, marshmallow roasting, a snake program,
storytelling, hayrides, cake walks and bingo. Chick-Fil-A will be the food
vender. $10 per vehicle plus some fees. 706-541-0321.
Twilight Paddle
October 12, 2013, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky for ospreys and
watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets. We will discuss the role the CCC made in
creating this park in the 1930s. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. Register
in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Annual Kolomoki Festival
October 12, 2013
Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park - Blakely, GA
Enjoy a day of eats, shopping, boat tours, Native American
demonstrations, singing and dancing performances, music, antique tractor parade
and more. Also available is the free children’s section with arts and crafts,
moon walk, and slide. $5 parking. 229-724-2150.
Geology Day
October 12, 2013, 11 AM to 1 PM
Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area - Lumpkin, GA
Providence Canyon is one of the great geographic wonders of
the eastern United States. Join Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University
in Thomasville for a close-up view of this most unusual park. Pre-registration
is required. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
Fall Celebration
October 12, 2013, 12 PM to 4 PM
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with hands-on pioneer
skills exhibits, hayrides, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, and apple
cider from a hand-cranked press. $6 parking. 706-878-3087.
Going Caching 2013 -- History & Mystery
October 17 - 20, 2013
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain
Join free geocaching programs throughout the park. Venture
back to 1939 and explore caches, codes and cryptics. Four fun-filled days of
events and geochaching await the boldest of adventurers. www.geocaching.com. $5
parking. 706-663-4858.
Haunted House
October 18 - 19, 2013
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA
Trick-or-treaters, beware; you’re in for a scare! Our
haunted house and hayride are sure to be a scary trip for anyone. $5 parking.
229-896-3551.
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Friday, October 18, 2013, 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, October 19, 2013, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Sunday, October 20, 2013, 8:15 PM to 10 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
Join in this challenging group hike as the evening arrives. Register
in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Candle Lantern Tours
October 19, 2013, 6 PM to 9 PM
Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill, GA
Experience the fort at night as you are guided around by
candlelight. See how Confederate soldiers spent their evenings by campfire, how
they passed the cold nights, and how they performed their evening and nightly
duties. Adults $6.50, Seniors $6, Youth (6-18) $3.75, 5 & younger are free.
912-727-2339.
Full Moon Kayak Tour
October 19, 2013, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a guided tour of Lake Rutledge, and enjoy a peaceful
paddle under a bright moon. Listen for night sounds, enjoy the night sky, and
learn about the history of Hard Labor Creek State Park. Register in advance.
$15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
New Echota Days
October 19, 2013, 10 AM to 5 PM
New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun, GA
The old Cherokee Capital will come alive with various living
history demonstrations including arts, music, crafts, dances, blacksmith,
spinning and weaving and tours of the historic grounds and buildings of old New
Echota. $5.50-$7.50 706-624-1321.
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Fall
October 19, 2013, 10 AM to 3 PM
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
Explore the bounty of medicinal and edible plants available
in north Georgia forests and fields. The focus will be on plants that can be
utilized in the field with little preparation. Advanced registration required.
$35 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Fall Hoedown
October 19, 2013, 12 PM to 8 PM
Vogel State Park - Blairsville, GA
Celebrate autumn’s arrival with noon chili, hotdogs and
drinks for sale, followed by a 3 p.m. cakewalk, 4 p.m. hayrides, 5 p.m. bonfire
and square/line dancing, 6 p.m. trunk or treats, and 7 p.m. professional
storytelling. $3 for hayrides. $5
parking. 706-745-2628.
Octoberfest
October 26, 2013, 6 PM to 9 PM
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA
Celebrate Halloween with a haunted hayride, games for kids,
and a costume contest. Food vendors will be on hand. Games 1 ticket each,
hayride 3 tickets, cakewalk 1 ticket. Friends of Florence Marina will be holding
the annual silent auction. $1 per ticket plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
Moonlight Madness & Haunted House
October 26, 2013, 1 PM to 10 PM
General Coffee State Park - Nicholls, GA
The day starts with a kids carnival in the afternoon,
followed by the opening of our haunted house and hayrides after dark. $1-$5
plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
For a more complete calendar, visit each park's webpage or GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
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