May 2014 GA State Parks & Historic Sites Events

Tired of weekends on the boat? Have some real fun at one of Georgia’s State Parks! There is some kind of fun for everyone here in Georgia, no matter how much money you have to spend. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, Georgia is a wonderland. Some people even like to visit Atlanta! During the month of May, Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will burst with activity.

Kayak tours, Memorial Day events, guided hikes, birding, swamp tours and more outdoor fun is now posted on the May calendar from Georgia’s State Parks. Grab your friends and family and start exploring.

May 2014 Calendar of Events

Pine Mountain Trail Hike

Saturday, May 3, 2014 10 AM to 2:30 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Enjoy late spring woodlands on this 5.0 mile moderate hike with PMT Association guides. Meet at the WJSP Parking Lot off Hwy 190. Geared towards ages 10 & older. Dress for the weather and bring water and a snack.
$5 parking. 706-663-4858

Dirty Spokes Mountain Bike Race

Saturday, May 3, 2014 8 AM to 6 PM
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA
These 6-hour and 9-hour races take competitors along our mountain bike trail and allow visitors to see the action first-hand.
www.dirtyspokes.com
$5 parking. 770-867-3489.

Archery Explorer Train Ride

Saturday, May 3, 2014 10 AM to 4:50 PM
Georgia Veterans State Park – SAM Shortline Platform – Cordele, GA
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you will travel from Georgia Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear to Plains, Archery and back. Explore President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm, go shopping and sample peanut butter treats.
229-276-0755.

Searching for Dragons and Damsels

Saturday, May 3, 2014 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most beautiful and beneficial insects in the bug world. They come in many sizes shapes and colors. Join a park ranger on the hunt for these tiny predators, and explore streams, lake and pond. Bring a digital camera and binoculars for the adventure. Ages 10+.
$5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3006.

Twilight Paddle

Saturday, May 3, 2014 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge on this Ranger-Guided Twilight Paddle. As we scan the sky and woods for wildlife, and watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets. A guide will interpret the role the Civilian Conservation Corps 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.

Billy’s Island & Okefenokee Swamp Tours

Saturdays 10 AM – 12 PM – May 3, 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 $5 parking. 912-637-5274.

Sapelo Island Birding Adventure

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 until Wednesday, May 7, 2014 3 PM to 4:30 PM
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
An exciting new 24-hour birding event. Travel by ferry to Sapelo Island along Georgia’s scenic coast, enjoy birding the beaches, marshes, fields and forests of this barrier island with expert birders. Stay overnight at the historic Reynolds Mansion. Registration is limited. Meals included.
Starting at $299/person for double occupancy; ferry fee ($15) is not included in registration. $5 parking. 912-485-2299.

Watermelon Express Train Ride

Thursday, May 8, 2014 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM
SAM Shortline Downtown Cordele Depot – Cordele, GA
Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter.
229-276-0755.

Twilight Time Wagon Ride

Friday, May 9, 2014 7:45 PM to 8:45 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Join park staff and volunteers on this quaint tour through the park’s history in an old-fashioned wagon. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps, visit an old blacksmith shop, and possibly see wildlife that call the park home.
Space is limited, pre-registration required.
$5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

The Arrest of Alexander Hamilton Stephens

Saturday, May 10, 2014 11 AM to 2 PM A.H.
Stephens State Park – Crawfordville, GA
On May 11, 1865 A.H. Stephens was arrested and charged with treason. Experience a live reenactment of this event. We will also be reenacting his homecoming that took place on October 27, 1865.
706-456-2602.

Mother’s Day Hike with Mother Nature

Saturday, May 10, 2014 2 PM to 5 PM
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Celebrate Mother Nature this Mother’s Day. We will hike Sitton’s Gulch to the bottom of Hemlock Falls while identifying plants, birds, and trees along the way. This is a 4-mile hike on moderate terrain. Water and trail snacks are provided. Ages 10 and up.
Advanced reservations required.
$10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.

Astronomy Day Night Time Paddle

Saturday, May 10, 2014 8 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Join us on this paddle to view the sunset, and the night time sky, as we enjoy the various constellations.
Pre-registration required, space is limited.
$15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Moonlight Mountain Hike

Saturday, May 10, 2014 7:30 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountaintop under the 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 in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Iron Pour at Lake Allatoona

Saturday, May 10, 2014 2 PM to 9 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville, GA
Come discover the art of casting metal as we pour molten iron into scratch blocks that you’ve designed. Scratch blocks sold at event.
$5 parking. 770-975-0055.

Tugaloo Bird Walk

Saturday, May 10, 2014 9 AM to 11 AM
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia, GA
Clark Jones, president of the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society, will lead a walk that is open to birders of all skill levels. We will be walking a park trail so bring a water bottle and wear sturdy shoes.
$5 parking. 706-356-4362.

Junior Fishing Rodeo

Saturday, May 10, 2014 8:30 AM to 11 AM
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston, GA
Registration will begin at 8:30 am. We will hold the Rodeo at the back pond. It is for children ages 16 yrs. or younger. All participates must be registered or in line to register by 9:00 am to be eligible for prizes.
$5 parking. 706-245-6270.

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

Wednesday, May 14, 2014 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Enjoy a 1.5 mile hike that takes you down the stairs across, the suspension bridge and on the rim of the gorge under the full moon.
Register in advance. $5 per a person $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Full Moon Kayak Tour

Friday, May 16, 2014 8 PM to 10 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.

Full Moon Hike

Friday, May 16, 2014 8 PM to 9 PM
Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla, GA
Join us for an exceptionally dark evening hike under the new moon. Learn about nocturnal creatures and sensory awareness at night. Bring flashlight, hiking boots, water, and your sense of adventure. Meet at the Overland trailhead parking lot.
$5 plus $5 parking. 770-504-2277.

Artifact ID and Celebrate Archaeology

Saturday, May 17, 2014 10 AM to 4 PM
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA
Dr. Lloyd Schroder will be here to identify your artifacts, so bring them by. Staff from the Waring Lab will be here after noon to show how archaeologist learn things from artifacts. Park staff will host games and activities throughout the day.
$2-$6. 770-387-3747.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb

Saturday, May 17, 2014 1 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. One group will start at 1PM; another group will start at 3PM.
Participants must register in advance.
$15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals

Saturday, May 17, 2014 8 AM to 12 PM
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
Children and their special “big person” can fish in a lake stocked with catfish, bass and bream. Fish caught can be kept. Bring your own bait (no corn) and rods. This event is not at Smithgall Woods, but at Buck Shoals, a nearby unopened state park. Call for directions. Occurs every third Saturday through September.
$5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Red Line Super Sprint Triathlon

Sunday, May 18, 2014 8 AM to 12 PM
High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
Redline Super Sprint is the the ideal race for veterans and newbiews. For those new to the sport, the course’s short distances are an excellent entry point into the fun world of multisport racing. For our veterans, we picked this format for you.
$65 – $155 $5 parking. 479-993-3053.

Kayak Out to a Twilight Frog Slog

Friday, May 23, 2014 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Listen to, learn about, and see our froggy friends as we paddle out to explore a wetlands area at sunset! Wear shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Meet at the Trading Post park office 15 minutes beforehand.
$15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Constellations by Carriage

Friday, May 23, 2014 8:30 PM to 10:30 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.

Memorial Day Commemoration

Saturday, May 24, 2014 9 AM to 4 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Help us pay tribute to our fellow patriots who served our country throughout the years. Cannon and musket firings, Civil War demonstrations and family fun.
$4.50-$7.50 912-727-2339.

Star Gazing Kayak Tour

Saturday, May 24, 2014 8:30 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Hard Labor Creek State Park is just far enough from Atlanta to have a really dark sky – perfect for stargazers. Join this guided paddle and enjoy the stars, and night sounds on this after dark kayak tour.
Space is limited, pre-registration is required.
$15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Watermelon Express Train Ride

Saturday, May 24, 2014 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM
SAM Shortline Downtown Cordele Depot – Cordele, GA
Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter.
229-276-0755.

Summer Music Series — Bluegrass

Saturday, May 24, 2014 8 PM to 9:30 PM
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia, GA
The Georgia Highlanders will be at the park’s Beach Pavilion. This family friendly event is free, but the band will pass a hat for donations.
$5 parking. 706-356-4362.

War of Jenkins’ Ear

Saturday, May 24, 2014 until Monday, May 26, 2014 1 PM to 4 PM
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
Wormsloe will commemorate Georgia’s role in the 1739-1748 war between Britain and Spain. A brief presentation at the Visitor Center will be followed by a tour to the tabby ruins and then to Colonial Life for military drills, musket and cannon firings, and a reenactment.
$10 adults $9 seniors/military. 912-353-3023.

Historic Wagon Rides

Sunday, May 25, 2014 2 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Join this guided wagon ride and learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the role they played in making Hard Labor Creek State Park.
Space is limited, pre-registration required.
$5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Twilight Paddle

Sunday, May 25, 2014 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge on this Ranger-Guided Twilight Paddle. As we scan the sky and woods for wildlife, and watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets. A guide will interpret the role the CCC made in creating this great park in the 1930s. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. Register in advance.
$15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.