May Events Offered In Georgia’s State Parks And Historic Sites

  • Monday, April 3, 2017

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

National Kids to Parks Day

May 20

Statewide

Join families across the nation for ranger-led hikes, guided kayaking trips, geocaching, a snake program, archery classes and more in Georgia’s State Parks. Sponsored by the National Park Trust, the celebration encourages children to explore public lands.

https://www.parktrust.org/kids-to-parks-day/

Coastal Georgia

Skidaway Island Creek Life

Saturday, May 6, 2017 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA

Join a park ranger to trek along the Sandpiper and Avian loop trails. Bring your eyes and ears as you will be learning about the vast creek system that runs through the island and living organisms that inhabit them. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Sapelo Island Birding Adventure

Friday, May 12, 2017

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island - Darien, GA

Sapelo's isolated beaches are excellent for viewing shorebirds, gulls and terns. It's one of the only places in the U.S. to see the plain chachalaca. You'll also see painted buntings, nesting wood storks, bald eagles, white pelicans and possibly roseate spoonbills. Lodging and meals included. $349. 912-485-2299.

Dog and Cat Adopt-a-thon

Saturday, May 27, 2017 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Laura S. Walker State Park - Waycross, GA

Adopt a cat or dog, enjoy raffles and exhibits from local animal-associated businesses, bring your leashed pet to enjoy our nature trails and participate in a vaccine clinic. $5 parking. 912-287-4900.

Metro Atlanta

Archaeology and Artifact ID Day

Saturday, May 6, 2017 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville, GA

Celebrate Archaeology month by bringing your artifacts to be identified. $2-$6. 770-387-3747.

 

Moonlight Mountain Hike

Saturday, May 6, 2017 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Join us for a ranger-led hike up Panola Mountain to enjoy sunset over Atlanta. The moonlight will guide us down to a lakeside campfire where we'll enjoy s'mores. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Night Hike and Scorpion Hunt

Saturday, May 20, 2017 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 27, 2017 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA

We're heading into the night to learn about the things that we can't normally see. We'll hunt for scorpions by using UV lights, listen for owls and watch the stars. Meet at the Visitor Center to walk the easy/moderate 1-mile Brantley Nature Trail. Please bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

 

Reptile Day at Panola Mountain

Saturday, May 20, 2017 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

Are you in love with lizards? Silly for snakes? Meet fascinating reptiles from our own backyards and around the world, plus members of the Georgia Reptile Society and Georgia Herpetological Society. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

 

Makers' Festival

Saturday, May 20, 2017 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Red Top Mountain State Park - Acworth, GA

Enjoy making a telescope, musical instrument, silk-screening a Makers Festival t-shirt, or creating felt art and jewelry. Bring the children and play on the travelling Imagination Playground. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

 

Hooch Hike and Paddle

Saturday, May 27, 2017 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park - Newnan, GA

Get the best of both worlds -- a 5.5-mile hike up the Riverside Trail to the boat launch where we’ll break for lunch. Then, an easy paddle back down the Chattahoochee. Boats are available to rent or bring your own. Register in advance. Ages 10+. $12 with own boat; $30 boat rental. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.

Middle & South Georgia

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding for Beginners

Saturday, May 6, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Sunday, May 14, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturday, May 20, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Sunday, May 28, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA

Our class will help you develop fundamental skills such as balance, steering and recovery techniques. After class, get a free one-hour paddleboard rental. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

 

Zombie Archery

Saturday, May 6, 2017 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Magnolia Springs State Park - Millen, GA

It seems that 3D zombie targets are hanging out on the archery range. Join a park ranger and help rid the park of these zombies. All equipment is provided, ages 7 and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 478-982-1660.

 

Full Moon Night Hike

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Magnolia Springs State Park - Millen, GA

Listen and look for whippoorwills, owls, bats and other creatures of the night. Bring a flashlight, water, and good hiking shoes. This is an easy 1- to 3-mile hike. $5 plus $5 parking. 478-982-1660.

 

Moonlight Canoe Trip

Thursday, May 11, 2017 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton, GA

Join us on an easy, moonlit paddle to see Clark's Hill Lake in a whole different light. Equipment and certified instructors provided. Register in advance. $10–$15 $5 parking. 706-359-3458.

 

The Arrest of Alexander Hamilton Stephens

Saturday, May 13, 2017 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A.H. Stephens State Park - Crawfordville, GA

On May 11, 1865 Confederate Vice President A.H. Stephens was arrested and charged with treason. Experience a re-enactment and see Civil War-period performers and demonstrators. $5. 706-456-2602.

 

Archery for Beginners

Saturday, May 13, 2017 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturday, May 20, 2017 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturday, May 27, 2017 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton, GA

Haven't shot an arrow yet? Would you like to learn and sharpen your archery skills? Either way, you'll be guided and taught by our experienced ranger. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.

 

Water Festival

Saturday, May 13, 2017 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA

Discover the importance of clean water through a morning clean up on the Chattahoochee River, followed by games and exhibits. Lunch will be provided. Nearby Providence Canyon is also hosting a canyon-floor cleanup this day. $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

 

J.A.K.E.S. Day

Saturday, May 13, 2017 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

General Coffee State Park - Nicholls, GA

Youth ages 17 and younger can enjoy archery, shooting sports demos, hunting demonstrations, competitions and more. $5 parking. 912-384-7082.

 

Sock Hop

Saturday, May 13, 2017 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Indian Springs State Park - Flovilla, GA

Dust off your poodle skirts and letter sweaters. Enjoy music, dancing and refreshments at the Stone Pavilion. The Friends of Indian Springs State Park will sell dinner and Coke floats. $5 parking. 770-504-2277.

 

Summer Kick Off

Saturday, May 20, 2017 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Magnolia Springs State Park - Millen, GA

Activities include archery, bounce house, crafts, geocaching, hiking, black powder demonstrations and more. Shop vendors’ treasures, enjoy the splash pad and play games. $5 parking. 478-982-1660.

 

Sunset Hike and Paddle

Saturday, May 20, 2017 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Seminole State Park - Donalsonville, GA

Visit the beautiful, unspoiled marshes around Cummings Landing. We'll kayak/canoe 1.5 miles then go on a short hike to view the marshes from land. We'll finish off the event by taking in a beautiful Lake Seminole sunset while we paddle back to the park. $10 plus $5 parking. 229-861-3137.

 

Kids Fishing Derby

Saturday, May 27, 2017 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

General Coffee State Park - Nicholls, GA

Children ages 3–15 (accompanied by a parent or guardian) can fish in the park’s lake and win prizes. Register in advance. $1 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.

 

Family Farm Day

Saturday, May 27, 2017 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA

What was it like to live and work on a farm? Jarrell Plantation comes to life with volunteers demonstrating old-fashioned skills and chores. Enjoy blacksmithing, woodstove cooking, sewing and more. $4-$6.50 478-986-5172.

 

Memorial Day Celebration

Saturday, May 27, 2017 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 28, 2017 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, May 29, 2017 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA

Take boat tours of 45,000-acre Lake Walter F. George to look for alligators, osprey and herons, plus play family-friendly games and make kids crafts. $2-$5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Northern Georgia

Sunset Stroll to Sunset Point

Saturdays 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. – May 6, 2017 until November 25, 2017

Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA

Take a stroll with the park ranger to one of Cloudland Canyon State Park's best kept secrets. Enjoy views of Trenton, Lookout Valley, Sand Mountain and more while the sky turns colorful at sunset. Meet at the West Rim Access Parking Lot. 45-minute program. Start time varies according to time of sunset. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.

 

Full Moon Lake Paddle

Tuesday, May 9, 2017 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA

Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah Lake as the full moon reflects off the water. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

 

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 8:20 p.m. to 9:50 p.m.

Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA

Enjoy a short hike that takes you down 310 stairs to the suspension bridge and on the rim of the gorge under the full moon. No pets allowed. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

 

Mountain Arts & Craft Celebration

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from May 13, 2017 until May 14, 2017

Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA

This festival features more than 100 top-quality arts and crafts vendors showcasing pottery, painting, jewelry, wood carving, textile art, photography, rustic furniture and more. Food vendors will sell snacks and full meals. This event is a great chance to find the perfect gift for Mother's Day.

$2-$5 plus $5 parking. 706-657-4050.

 

Women's Wilderness Weekend

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA

Ladies ages 16+ join us for a ranger-led, overnight adventure with archery, hiking, primitive camping, campfire cooking, birding and paddling. Bring camping gear, water, snacks, good hiking shoes and binoculars if you have them. No pets allowed. Register in advance. $75 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

 

Summer Concert

Saturday, May 20, 2017 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia, GA

Step back to a time when front porch picking and traditional music echoed throughout the foothills of the Appalachians. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.

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