New Reservation System
Last month we launched a new reservation system that offers improved navigation and interactive maps. Guests can make reservations up to 13 months in advance (to the day) by visiting GeorgiaStateParks.org or calling 1-800-864-7275.
Although summer vacation and autumn leaf watching seem far away, it’s not too early to plan ahead. Our most popular cabins and group camps book far in advance!
Check out our reservation website for:
|
Free 2013 State Park Guide Available
The "2013 Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites" is a great resource for planning a weekend getaway, spring break or summer vacation. The free booklet is filled with tips on the state’s best hiking and biking trails, top fishing spots, affordable accommodations, group destinations and more. For a free copy, call 1-800-864-7275 or stop by any Georgia State Park or Historic Site. Locations can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org/map.
|
Affordable Spring Break Fun
Vacation Options & Free Passes
Looking for a way to get the kids outdoors for a day of adventure without spending a lot of money? Remember that a library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic Site Pass at Georgia’s public libraries. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of Georgia's State Parks and State Historic Sites. There are tons of family-friendly events to enjoy, from moonlit hikes and paddles, to astronomy lessons and animal programs. For a listing of Georgia’s public libraries, go to www.georgialibraries.org.
For a week’s vacation, consider renting a cabin or yurt for your family. Cabins come with fully equipped kitchens and outdoor grills, so you can save money on meals. Yurts are like a “camping cabin,” with comfortable beds and furniture inside, and grills outside. Hot showers are a short walk away. Multiple families can even get together to rent our larger group camps with beds and showers. Once everyone is settled in, you’ll find mini-golf, nature trails, kayak rental, fishing, ranger programs, bike trails and more just outside your door. To plan a spring break vacation, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/reservations.
|
Woo Your Sweetie
With a Romantic Train Tour
Discover the romance of the rails with a trip aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train just before Valentine’s Day. Based at Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele, the train has a special trip planned for Saturday, February 9. Begin by browsing antique cars, then board the train to ride across sparkling Lake Blackshear and past scenic pecan groves. End back at the Lake Blackshear Resort for a wonderful meal. Overnight packages with breakfast buffet are available as well. SAM Shortline isn’t just for couples; the train is great for church outings, family reunions, birthday parties and other groups, too. For more information, call 1-877-GA-RAILS (427-2457) or visit www.SamShortline.com.
|
Romantic Weddings in the Parks
Planning a wedding or reception? We have beautiful indoor and outdoor venues to host your special day. A new webpage showcases the wide range of facilities available, from the stone pavilion at Indian Springs State Park to the historic buildings at Fort King George Historic Site. Check out GeorgiaStateParks.org/weddings to learn more about:
- Hotel-style lodges with banquet rooms, guest rooms and catering staff
- Outdoor spaces for tents and gazebos
- Enclosed shelters with catering kitchens
- Open-air picnic shelters with scenic views
|
Fireside Arts & Crafts Show Near Helen
February 16 at Unicoi State Park
If you enjoy quality arts and crafts, head to Unicoi State Park and Lodge for the 38th Annual Fireside Craft/Art Show on Saturday, February 16. More than 60 of the Southeast’s finest artisans will showcase their work for this mountain tradition. The indoor, juried show has a reputation for excellence and is a nice balance between fine arts and quality crafts. Admission is free and parking is just $5. Learn more at GeorgiaStateParks.org/Unicoi.
|
February 2013 Events
Divided By Region
Below are just some of the many programs happening in February. Check GeorgiaStateparks.org/events for a full calendar.
NORTH GEORGIA
Dancing Through The Decades Friday, February 1, 8, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen Join
professional dancer Carrie Elrod for a 4-week series. Each class will include a
warm up, then participants will learn steps to social dances from a specific
decade ('40s through '70s). From there, participants will learn social dances
from the time period to put together in a fun routine at the end. $7 prepaid or
$10 walk-in. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext 305.
Advanced
Land Navigation Course at Buck Shoals Saturday,
February 2, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Smithgall
Woods State Park – Helen This
six-hour course is part two in the Survival Series and will start with a
refresher on the use of the compass and maps, and the establishment of
individual pace counts. Students will then be sent to find a specific location
with a teammate. Students will operate in heavily wooded flat to hilly terrain
so should be physically fit. Register in advance. Fee plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Learn to Play the Dulcimer Saturday, February 2, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen Music
teacher Gwen Aumann will help you tune, strum, and learn easy, beginning songs
for the dulcimer. Gwen plays a number of musical instruments; from the piano to
the penny whistle, and performs with dulcimer groups. Register in advance. $35 plus $5 parking. (706)
878-3087.
Falconry Experience at Buck Shoals Sunday, February 3, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen Learn
about the art of falconry with Buster Brown, Co-Director of the Georgia
Falconry Association. A short presentation will be followed by a live hunt.
Proceeds purchase food for Smithgall’s captive hawk. Register by January 25.
$45. Kids 12 and under free. $5 parking. (706)
878-3087.
Dahlonega’s
Mysterious Diving Bell Tuesday,
February 5, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Dahlonega
Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega In
November 2012, Dahlonega welcomed its newest historical attraction -- the
Chestatee River Diving Bell. Visitors come from across the nation to wonder at
this marvel of 19th-century underwater technology, but how many know the
mysteries surrounding the great iron bell? $3.50 - $6 (706) 864-2257.
Hemlock
Update and Winter Botany Saturday,
February 9, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Smithgall
Woods State Park – Helen A
report on the progress of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment of our Eastern
Hemlock trees will be followed by Botanist Jim Sullivan demonstrating how to
identify plants using clues available in the winter. Winter Botany will include
a short hike to identify nearby flora. Register in advance. $15. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Hike to
the Heart Saturday,
February 16, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Fort
Mountain State Park – Chatsworth Take
a romantic tractor ride up to the mountain overlook and learn about the
heart-shaped stone in the old fire tower. Wagon rides will leave every half
hour from 2:00 - 4:00 from shelter #1. Refreshments will be available for a
small fee. Register in advance. Fees. $5 parking. (706) 422-1932.
38th
Annual Fireside Craft/Art Show Saturday,
February 16 through Sunday, February 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Unicoi
State Park and Lodge - Helen Celebrate
38 years of the Fireside Craft/Art Show. More than 60 of the Southeast’s finest
artists and crafts people will be here for this Unicoi tradition. This indoor,
juried show has a reputation for excellence and is a nice balance between fine
arts and quality crafts. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Survival Preparation and Skills Course
Series Saturday, February 16, 10 a.m. – 3:30
p.m. Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen In
the third part of the Survival Series at Buck Shoals, this course will include
classroom learning and field exercises. The course will include the psychology,
planning, and equipment necessary for survival; venomous snakes, spiders, and
insects endemic to Georgia; and survival medicine. $30 - $95 by January 7. $5
parking. (706) 878-3087.
COASTAL
GEORGIA
Family Nature Quest Monthly - Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Crooked River State Park – St. Marys Want
to learn about nature as a family? Come to our “fundana” activities each month
and learn about a different topic. There will be 12 quests and at each program
the family will receive one bandana about the topic. The family that completes
the most quests will receive a bonus bandana for the entire family. Register in
advance. $10 per family $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Colonial Faire & Muster Saturday, February 9 through Sunday,
February 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah Experience
life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment,
sutlers' row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music
and dance. Food concessions will be available. Free admission. (912) 353-3023.
Wild Discovery Camp – Pre-K through 3rd
Grade Thursday, February 14 through Friday,
February 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Crooked River State Park – St. Marys Discover
the outdoors and make new friends during this two-day camp. Enjoy hands-on
learning about native animals, outdoor survival and safety skills, wild games,
hikes, scavenger hunts, and more. Grades PreK- 3rd. Remember to send your
students with lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and proper outdoor clothing.
Register in advance. $30. $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Wild Discovery Camp – 4th
through 8th Grade Monday, February 18 through Tuesday,
February 19, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Crooked River State Park – St. Marys Discover
the outdoors and make new friends during this two-day camp. Enjoy hands-on
learning about native animals, outdoor survival and safety skills, wild games,
hikes, scavenger hunts, and more. Grades 4th- 8th. Remember to send your
students with lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and proper outdoor clothing.
Pre-registration required. $30. $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
SOUTHERN &
CENTRAL GEORGIA
Exploring Georgia’s Past – Historic Wagon
Ride Tour Saturday, February 2 and 16, 4 p.m. – 6
p.m. Saturday, February 9 and 23, 1 p.m. - 3
p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge Take
a rustic wagon ride through the park, and through a slice of American History.
Learn how the Civilian Conservation Corps created this park out of Dust-Bowl
Era farm land, and made a recreation area for the public to enjoy for all time.
Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3007.
Explore Georgia’s Past – Fireside stories
of the CCC Saturday, February 2 and 16, 6 p.m. – 8
p.m. Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge Enjoy
the colorful and interesting stories of the Civilian Conservation Corps and
their work at Hard Labor Creek State Park from a seasoned, retired park ranger
with a passion for CCC history. Enjoy s'mores by the side of a campfire as you
listen to the story of Hard Labor Creek unfold. $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.
High Falls Historic Walk Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. High Falls State Park – Jackson Join
our naturalist on a 1.5-mile walk and learn about the history of the
once-prosperous town of High Falls. Hike also includes a rare chance to tour
inside the old powerhouse building, which provides great photo opportunities of
the Towaliga River. Please wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Visitor Center. $5
plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053.
Focus on Fitness Hike Saturday, February 2, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Reed Bingham State Park – Adel Join
an interpretative ranger to hike along our upland loop nature trail, which is
also our fitness trail. Stop along markers to do jumping jacks and other
fitness related activities. Please wear appropriate work out clothes, jogging
shoes and bring water. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Romantic Valentine’s Excursion across
Lake Blackshear: “Be Mine” Package Saturday, February 9 SAM Shortline Excursion Train – Cordele Celebrate
an early Valentine’s Day on this romantic train excursion across Lake
Blackshear. Begin by browsing
antique cars, then board the train to ride across the sparkling lake and past
scenic pecan groves. End at the
Lake Blackshear Resort for a wonderful meal. Overnight packages with breakfast
buffet are available. 1-877-427-2457.
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk Saturday, February 9, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge 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.
Georgia Arbor Day Saturday, February 9, 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. Reed Bingham State Park – Adel We're
celebrating Georgia Arbor Day early with native tree planting, educational
programs, and tree crafts. Get in the spirit of nature and plant a tree as
thanks to our planet. $1 for craft. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
A Celebration of Independence: Our Revolutionary War Connection Saturday, February 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Robert Toombs House Historic Site –
Washington Period
costumes from 1797-1925 and a favorite authentic recipe will enhance the
visitors' experience. Dialogue taken from war records will tell of families'
ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War. The program will connect over 40
patriots to those who built, preserved and maintained the Robert Toombs House.
$1.50-$4.50 (706) 678-2276.
Year of the Snake Celebration Sunday, February 10, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Reed Bingham State Park – Adel This
year the Chinese New Year celebrates the year of the snake. Celebrate these
legless reptiles with a live snake show, snake crafts, and activities. $1 per
craft. Animal shows are supported by donations. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Home School Day Wednesday February 13 General Coffee State Park – Nicholls Open
to home school students only. February's program will focus on Georgia history
with a special focus on life in the Wiregrass region of Georgia.
Pre-registration required. $2 plus $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.
Valdosta Kennel Club Agility Trials Saturday, February 16 through Sunday,
February 17, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Reed Bingham State Park – Adel Come
for a “dog-gone good time." Bring chairs to watch as dogs and their
handlers compete in performance events to earn titles from the American Kennel
Club. Concessions will be available. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
The Dam Walk Saturday, February 16, 10 a.m. High Falls State Park – Jackson Get
up close and personal with the most predominant feature at High Falls State
Park...the dam. Walk availability is dependent on river flow. No dogs. Must be
6 or older. Please wear durable shoes. $5 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053.
Bird Bonanza and Terrific Tree Day Saturday, February 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge –
Helena Take
part in the National Great Backyard Bird Count with a guided bird walk and
making bird crafts. Celebrate Arbor Day and the CCC in Georgia by planting a
tree, taking a guided historic walk to view CCC sites and playing some Project
Learning Tree games and creating tree crafts. $1-$3 plus $5 parking. (229) 868-7474x6052.
President’s Day Weekend Guided Tours Saturday, February 16, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic
Site – Warm Springs Celebrate
Presidents Day weekend with a guided tour of Roosevelt’s Little White House.
Join Brian Roslund, Historian and President of the Friends of Roosevelt’s
Little White House for 90-minute guided tours of the Memorial Museum, Grounds
and Historic Site at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations Required. $11-$15. (706)
655-5870.
Conductor’s Favorite Train Ride Saturday, February 16 and 23, 9:45 a.m. –
1:45 p.m. SAM Shortline Excursion Train – Cordele Enjoy
this ride from Georgia 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.
1-877-427-2457.
Backyard Bird Count Saturday, February 16, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Reed Bingham State Park – Adel Bird
watchers of all ages, join us in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot
of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from
beginning bird watchers to experts. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Wild Gourmet in Winter Saturday, February 17 Mistletoe State Park – Appling What’s
cooking this winter? We’re promised a hearty raccoon barbeque with an acorn
side dish (acorn grits?) At this potluck, the only rule is that every dish must
contain at least one wild ingredient. A little nervous? Come on anyway; we’ll
teach you how to find delicious edibles all around you. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
Life as a Creek Indian Saturday, February 23, 2 p.m. High Falls State Park – Jackson High
Falls was once inhibited by the Creek Indian Nation. Learn what life was like
for the Creek Indians before the settlers in this exciting program with
stories, crafts, and games. Meet at the pool house. $5 plus $5 parking. (478)
993.3053.
Buzzard Day Saturday, February 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Reed Bingham State Park - Adel Every
year, thousands of black vultures and turkey vultures return this park for the
winter. Take a pontoon boat ride to see their amazing numbers. Celebrate with
some arts and Crafts as well as live animal shows. Animal shows are funded
through donations. Boat rides are $4. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
METRO
ATLANTA
Basic Archery Saturday, February 2, 3 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge Take
aim and hit the bull’s eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery
basics. Meet at the Archery Range. All equipment provided. If you have your own
equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive
15 minutes prior to program. Register in Advance. $10. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Backcountry Geology Hike Sunday, February 3, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia
Springs 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.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk Sunday, February 10, 8 a.m. -11 a.m. Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge 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.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill Saturday, February 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia
Springs 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.
Full Moon Night Hike Saturday, February 23, 5:30 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge Listen
to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise.
Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night.
Bring flashlights and hiking boots. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before
each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike Saturday, February 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia
Springs 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.
|