Events Schedule for Georgia State Parks ~ August 2015

Events Schedule for Georgia State Parks in Northern Georgia

Full Moon Paddling Tour

• Saturday, August 29, 2015 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA

Enjoy paddling at night along the beautiful Lake Lanier under the light of a full moon. Experience the wonders of nature that are unique to nighttime and create a memory that you will never forget. Bring your own kayak/canoe or rent here, limited rentals available, so register in advance. All ages welcome.

Meet at the boat ramp. $15 with personal kayak/canoe. $25 with rental. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

• Saturday, August 1, 2015 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Sunday, August 30, 2015 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA

Enjoy a one-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 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals

• 3rd Saturday of Month
• 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. from August 15, 2015 until Sep 20, 2015
• 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 and rods. This event is not at Smithgall Woods, but at Buck Shoals, a nearby unopened state park. Call for directions. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Full Moon Paddle

• Saturday, August 29, 2015 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA

Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah lake as the full moon reflects off the water. This ranger-led event is an exciting way to get out in the evenings and enjoy nature.

Space is limited, so register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Events Schedule for Georgia State Parks in Coastal Georgia

Georgia’s First Fourth

• Saturday, August 8, 2015 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA

Hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence as it was read in the town of Savannah in August of 1776. Participate in the debate to declare independence or to remain loyal to the king.

See musket firings and more. $4.50 – $10. 912-353-3023.

Sights and Sounds of the Sawmills

• Saturday, August 15, 2015 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA

Enjoy a guided tour of the Fort, but with a new focus. This walking tour will guide you through the land as it was during the Sawmill industry of the 19th Century. Learn about how Darien played a role in this huge industry.

Cost is regular admission. Tours lasts approximately 30 minutes. $4.50 – $7.50 912-437-4770.

Events Schedule for Georgia State Parks in Metro Atlanta

Indoor Basic Archery

• Saturday, August 1, 2015 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday, August 15, 2015 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA

Have you ever wanted to release your inner archer? Our indoor archery classes will help you brush-up on the basics or start from scratch with the guidance of a certified instructor.

All equipment is provided. Ages 9 and up. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Intermediate Archery

• Sunday, August 2, 2015 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, August 16, 2015 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA

Improve your archery skills in this class that focuses on accuracy and shooting farther distances. Students must attend three basic archery classes before attending this program.

Equipment is provided. Ages 9 and up. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Perseids “Shooting Star” Party

• Thursday, August 13, 2015 to Friday, August 14, 2015 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
• Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA

Join us on the beach for the peak night (and morning) of the Perseid Meteor Shower. On this night, a ranger will keep the beach open until the early hours of the morning, and participants can lie down to enjoy the show. Bring a blanket and snacks.

Pre-registration is required. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Paddle Under the Perseids – Meteor Kayak Tour

• Friday, August 14, 2015 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, August 22, 2015 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA

Join a park ranger as we watch what is considered by many to be the year’s best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. This year a new moon promises dark skies for viewing.

Free for cabin and camping guests. $20 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Civil War Soldier’s Life

• Saturday, August 15, 2015 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas, GA

Learn about the life of the common soldier who fought in Georgia. A historian dressed as a soldier will display the items soldiers carried while marching and fighting in north Georgia in 1864.

$3-$5.50 770-443-7850.

Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk

• Friday, August 28, 2015 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA

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.

Donations of bird seed for the park bird feeder are welcome. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Stand Up Paddleboard Tour

• Saturday, August 1, 2015 2 p.m.
• Thursday, August 6, 2015 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 13, 2015 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 25, 2015 6:30 p.m.
• Sweetwater Creek State Park — Lithia Springs, GA

Join instructors on the George H. Sparks Reservoir for an afternoon of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). This program is intended for anyone 16 and over who can swim and is interested in SUP, and will include an introduction to the sport as well as a recreational tour. Includes board, PFD, and paddle Meet at the Bait Shop.

Limited to 10. $25 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

Events Schedule for Georgia State Parks in Middle & South Georgia

Twilight Night Paddle

• Saturday, August 1, 2015 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, August 8, 2015 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA

Watch wading birds and enjoy the setting sun in this peaceful, three-mile canoe trip to Buck Creek. This program is open to adults and children 8 years or older who are accompanied by an adult.

Reservations required. $15 includes boat and gear. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

Watermelon Express Train Ride

• Saturday, August 8, 2015 9:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
• Friday, August 14, 2015 9:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
• Saturday, August 22, 2015 9:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
• SAM Shortline Train – 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.

Presidential Flyer Train Ride

• Saturday, August 15, 2015 10 a.m. to 4:25 p.m.
• SAM Shortline Train  – 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.

Canoeing 101: Intro to Paddling

• Sunday, August 16, 2015 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA

Learn the basics of paddling and put your skills to the test. Open to adults and children 8 and older who are accompanied by an adult. Reservations required.

Must be a swimmer. $10 includes canoe, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

Bark In The Park Dog Luau

• Saturday, August 29, 2015 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA

Join us for music, dog dancing, slushies and fun. Join our best summer costume contest and best trick competition as we celebrate our canine companions.

$3 correct change entry fee per dog per event. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites Information

• For more events at Georgia’s State Parks, visit www.GaStateParks.org/events.
• Call 800-864-7275 for information.
• “Like” Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites’ Facebook Page