March 2016 Events At Georgia’s State Parks And Historic Sites

  • Monday, February 8, 2016

Below is a sample of March events at Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For more programs, visit www.GaStateParks.org/events and the parks’ web pages.  More information on accommodations and recreation can be found atGeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275

 

Hidden Gem Series

Throughout 2016, Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will host events that highlight secret spots few visitors notice, such as a moonshine truck that tumbled down a mountain.

Visit http://gastateparks.org/HiddenGems/Events for a list of statewide Hidden Gem programs. Some are listed below.

 

Coastal Georgia

 

Scottish Heritage Days

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. from March 18, 2016 until March 20, 2016

Fort King George Historic Site - Darien, GA

All ages will enjoy this showcase of Georgia’s Scottish and colonial history, with weapon demonstrations and cannon firings, re-enactors, blacksmithing, weaving, period cooking and music, and fort tours. Friday is Student Day. A battle reenactment will be 2 p.m. Saturday. A traditional Scottish "Kirkin of the Tartans" will be 10 a.m. Sunday. $4.50-$7.50. 912-437-4770.

 

Fort McAllister's Secret Freshwater Sloughs

Saturday, March 19, 2016 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill, GA

Fantastic freshwater sloughs dot the maritime forests of Fort McAllister State Historic Park that we consider our own hidden gems. Join us for two hikes around the park to see these miniature ecosystems in action. $3 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

 

Hofwyl Plein Air Affair

Saturday, March 19, 2016 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick, GA

Bring your plein air gear for fun and camaraderie with lots to paint in this historic setting. No prizes, no judging, just good camaraderie and big fun. Paint 800 year old moss draped live oaks, scenic vistas across rice fields, a 150-year-old plantation house, barns, slave cabins and out buildings. $5 - $8. 912-264-7333.

 

Hike and Bike to Hidden Pond

Saturday, March 19, 2016 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo, GA

We will bike 2.5 miles to a trail that leads to a hidden pond. Bring your own bike and join us for $10 or rent our bike for $20. $5 parking. 912-637-5274.

 

Metro Atlanta

 

Indoor Basic Archery

Saturday, March 5, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sunday, March 6, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sunday, March 13, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Check www.GaStateParks.org for more dates.

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Have you ever wanted to release your inner archer? Maybe you're just looking for a place to hone your skills, no matter the weather? Our indoor archery classes are a great place to brush-up on the basics or start from scratch with the guidance of a certified instructor. All equipment is provided. Ages 9 and older. Must call to register. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk

Friday, March 11, 2016 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Bring your binoculars for this gentle hike through the park's Power of Flight area or to Vaughter's Farm Meadow Loop. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Call to register in advance. Donations of birdseed for our Nature Center are appreciated. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Native American Heritage Day at Etowah

Saturday, March 12, 2016 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville, GA

Etowah will be hosting a lecture on historic Creek and Cherokee cultures in Georgia. Come learn about how our modern society still carries the past on its shoulders. There will also be a genealogy lecture and workshop to help guests understand how their families have been influenced by Native Americans. $2 -$6. 770-387-3747.

 

Reptile Day at Panola Mountain

Saturday, March 12, 2016 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Are you in love with lizards? Silly for snakes? Head-over-heels for herpetofauna? Or maybe you just think they're neat. Learn about and meet fascinating reptiles from our own backyards and around the world. Meet specialists and members of the Georgia Reptile Society and Georgia Herpetological Society. $5. Kids younger than 3 are free. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Hills of Iron and Iron Pour

Saturday, March 19, 2016 11 a.m.

Red Top Mountain State Park - Acworth, GA

The iron industry was one of Georgia's first businesses long before the Civil War. Take guided wagon ride tours of the historic Iron Hill section of the park. Later that evening, watch molten iron pour from a blast furnace at 2800 degrees Fahrenheit. Scratch block molds will be for sale so you can make your own iron keepsake. (Buy early because they often sell out.) $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

 

Ranger-led Lake Paddle

Saturday, March 19, 2016 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 20, 2016 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26, 2016 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 27, 2016 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake and up Beaver Creek. This trip is for those 18 years or older who can swim or children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Register in advance. $20 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Full Moon Kayak Tour

Friday, March 25, 2016 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26, 2016 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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. The program will proceed if it is cloudy or if there is light drizzle. All participants meet at the Beach. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

 

Middle & South Georgia

 

Antique Steam Engine Demonstration

Saturday, March 5, 2016 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA

Come “let off some steam” by blowing the whistle atop the Jarrell Plantation Mill Complex, a signal used to communicate between Jarrells manning different work positions throughout the mill. See our stationary steam engine in action and experience live steam that puts into motion this important provider of mechanical energy in America's past. $4-6.50. 478-986-5172.

 

Little River Fest

Saturday, March 26, 2016 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA

The festival will include live reptile shows, canoeing and kayaking, pontoon boat tours, fishing, an imagination station for kids, food vendors, arts and crafts, and music. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

 

Northern Georgia

 

Scenic Overlook Hike

Saturday, March 12, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fort Mountain State Park - Chatsworth, GA

Take a guided tour on the 301 Mountain Bike Trail to a scenic overlook. High winds from a storm system cleared trees opening up a beautiful view of the Cohutta mountains and the western valley. Approximately 4 miles of moderate to strenuous hiking. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-422-1932.

 

Second Saturday Guided Hikes

2nd Saturday of Month 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA

Take a guided hike through the captivating scenery of Smithgall Woods. Throughout the year, hikes will rotate through the various trails located throughout Smithgall. All ages are welcome. No pets please. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

 

Wildflower Hike

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 20, 2016 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 26, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA

Take a walk through Sitton's Gulch to observe the abundance of blooming wildflowers in our limestone rich soil. Using a checklist and identification books, we will identify and record many of the species in bloom. We will hike 1 mile on a flat trail by the river. Ages 10 and up. Advanced reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking.706-913-7170.

 

Flies and Fly Water

Saturday, March 19, 2016 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA

In preparation for the upcoming spring fishing season, we will have a “how to” on fly tying, stream reading, casting and more. Come at 9:30 to hear a presentation on stream entomology (aka stream critters). $10 pre-registered by March 12, $15 after. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

 

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA

Enjoy a 1-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.

 

Night Hike at Cloudland Canyon

Friday, March 25, 2016 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA

Enjoy a 2-mile hike on one of the best trails at the park. You will learn interesting facts about the geology and history of the canyon. By the end of the hike, we will be in the dark, enjoying the trail by moonlight and listening for night sounds. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking706-913-7170.

 

Dirty Spokes Off Road Duathlon

Saturday, March 26, 2016 8:30 a.m.

Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA

Dirty Spokes Production is sponsoring a duathlon (run/bike) on the bike trails. Fee plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.

 

18th Century Market Faire

Thursday, March 31, 2016 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA

Learn about life in 1790s Georgia. See craftsmen and women demonstrate their trade, frontier camps, native warriors, children's activities and music in the 18th century. Children under 12 free. Thursday and Friday will be open free for school groups. Located at the fort. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.

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