Below is a sample of November events held in Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites.
More information on events, accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275. For a more complete calendar, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
Nighttime Hayrides and Storytelling
Nov 1, 2013 until Nov 3, 2013 7 PM – 10 PM
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA
Tour Etowah Mounds at night while on a hayride and enjoy an evening of snacks and Native American stories.
$8.00 adults, $4.00 youths
770-387-3747
Mountain Arts & Crafts Celebration
Saturday & Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM from Nov 2, 2013 until Nov 3, 2013
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Come to one of Georgia’s most beautiful State Parks to browse more than 60 booths filled with local art and crafts. Event will be held inside and around the park’s group shelter.
$5 parking
706-657-4050
Hayrides and Campfires at Cloudland
Saturdays 2 PM – 6 PM – Nov 2, 2013 until Nov 16, 2013
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Enjoy wildlife, fall colors and the beauty of the park while riding on our tractor-pulled hay wagon, then sit around the campfire and roast marshmallows and hot dogs while sipping hot apple cider. What better way to enjoy fall in the mountains?
$5 per adult, $3 per child 4 -12
$5 parking
706-657-4050
Barnard Astronomical Society Star Party
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 5 PM to 11 PM
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Solar observations will begin at 5pm at the Interpretive Center followed by larger telescopes set up at the tennis courts at 7pm to observe deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulas and constellation identification. Bring a lawn chair and red cellophane for your flashlight to protect night vision. Anyone with their own telescope is invited to bring it.
$5 parking
706-657-4050
Family Nature Quest
1st Saturday of Month 10 AM – 12 PM from Nov 2, 2013 until Dec 7, 2013
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
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
Bird Walk
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 9 AM to 10 AM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Stroll along the woodland edges to listen and look for feathered friends. Bring binoculars or share park loaners. Meet at the park office on Hwy 190.
$5 parking
706-663-4858
Creek Indian Campfire with Billy Winn
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Listen and learn about the local daily lives of the Creek Indians through the eyes of Columbus native Billy Winn, author, historian, educator and retired editor of the Columbus Ledger Enquirer. Sunset and glorious fall view provided. $5 ages 10 and up.
$5 parking
706-663-4858
Workshop for Beginning Digital Photographers
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
Join photographer Jackie DeBusk and allow her to provide technical terms in easy to understand language with lots of hands-on exercises. Participants will practice making sound exposures, metering, and focus area settings, as well as practice applying creative composition principles throughout the historic park. www.debuskphoto.com
$20
912-580-5308
Constellations by Carriage
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 7 PM to 8 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. Meet at the Park office/Trading Post. Call to pre-register, space is limited.
$5 plus $5 parking
706-557-3001
Archaeology At Camp Lawton
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013
Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen, GA
Talk with Georgia Southern University’s archaeology team about recent findings at Camp Lawton, a Confederate Prison Camp for Union POWs. Learn about the camp’s history and daily lives of the prisoners, and see some of the equipment being used to uncover artifacts. Photos of the artifacts will be available for viewing.
$5 parking
478-982-1660
Basic Archery
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 10 AM to 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Take aim and hit the bull’s eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the cart barn at Alexander’s Lake. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes early. Participants must register in advance.
$10 plus $5 parking
770-389-7801
Astronomy Night
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 6 PM to 9 PM
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA
Providence Canyon is an ideal location to view night skies because there is virtually no light pollution. Join Columbus State University as they reveal the night skies through the use of telescopes and share mythological stories about the constellations.
$5 parking
229-838-4706
Conductor’s Favorite Train Ride
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 9:45 AM to 1:45 PM
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – Georgia Vets State Park – Cordele, GA
Enjoy this ride from Ga. 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.
229-276-0755
Digging Savannah Guided Hike
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 4 PM
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
Spanning more than 5,000 years of history and prehistory, the park’s archaeology sites give us the opportunity to trace Skidaway Island’s past from Native Americans to moonshiners. AASU archaeology professor Laura Seifert will lead the hike, which starts at the Big Ferry Trail head. $10. Buy tickets at http://gastateparks.givezooks.com/
$5 parking
912-598-2300
Twilight Canoe Trip in the Okefenokee
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 6 PM
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA
Come out to take a twilight paddle on the Okefenokee Swamp. Learn some basics of canoeing from certified instructors and learn about some of the animals that lurk the swamp at night. We will be providing canoes, paddles, and PFDs. Sign up in the park office by 5:00 PM on the day of the paddle.
$10 plus $5 parking
912-637-5274
Mountain Arts & Crafts Celebration
Saturday & Sunday 10 AM – 3 PM Nov 2-3, 2013
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Come to one of Georgia’s most beautiful State Parks to browse more than 60 booths filled with local art and crafts. Event will be held inside and around the park’s group shelter.
$5 parking
706-657-4050.
Brews & Bites
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 6 PM to 9 PM
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
Brewers and chefs will discuss their process and their appreciation of local ingredients. Guests will also have a chance to learn about many exciting local and park projects. Tickets are $30 or $25 for Friends of Georgia State Parks Members. Ticket price includes the parking pass. Tickets available at http://gastateparks.givezooks.com.
912-598-2300.
The Debatable Land — Autumn Encampment
Friday, Nov 8, 2013 until Saturday, Nov 9, 2013
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
A wide range of living history presentations will highlight various cultures and people that inhabited our region, long before Georgia was established in 1733. A battle reenactment will take place at 2 p.m.
$4-$7
912-437-4770
Americus Adventure Train Ride
Friday, Nov 8, 2013 9:30 AM to 4:50 PM
Sam Shortline Train – Cordele, GA
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you can travel across Lake Blackshear, tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and sample peanut-butter treats in Plains. Enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s South as the SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs from Cordele through Georgia Veterans State Park to Americus and Plains, then back. Groups and parties welcome.
229-276-0755.
Who gives a Hoot? Owl Show
Saturdays – Nov 9, 2013 until Nov 30, 2013
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville, GA
Join Zeus, Owl Capone, Goliath and all your favorite Amicalola Falls Feathered Friends for a fun and educational time in the Lodge Lobby. If you have never seen our owl show you are missing out. We look forward to showing off for you.
$5 parking
706-344-1500
Digital Nature Photography Basics
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 8:30 AM to 12 PM
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
Bring your digital camera and learn, through practical in-the-field experience and classroom review, how to compose a photograph for maximum impact, employ simple techniques to overcome challenging lighting, and produce excellent photographs with any digital camera. Pre-registration required as space is limited. Adults only.
$30 plus $5 parking|
912-882-5256
Bird Walk
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 9 AM to 10 AM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Stroll along the woodland edges to listen and look for feathered friends. Bring binoculars or share park loaners. Meet at the park office on Hwy 190.
$5 parking
706-663-4858
Pioneer Harvest Festival
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA
Celebrate the history of farm life in the wiregrass region of south Georgia at the parks annual festival. The day will include demonstrations of farm life, and arts and craft show, local entertainers, and much more.
$1-$2 plus $5 parking
912-384-1581
Tribute to Veterans
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM
Georgia Veterans State Park – Cordele, GA
Veterans Day celebration with a radio-controlled model airplane fly-in and 1:00 pm ceremony with guest speaker, bagpipes and drums, and color guard.
$5 parking
229-276-2371
Fall Color Hike
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 10 AM to 1:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Enjoy the changing colors on a 5 mile hike on the “Green” horse trail. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and sturdy shoes.
$5 plus $5 parking
706-557-3001
Syrup Makin’ Time on the Plantation
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
Have you ever sipped fresh sugar cane juice, or tasted fresh cane syrup on a biscuit? Find out how in times past farmers made their own. Come experience syrup makin’ day in the country.
$4-$6.50
478-986-5172
Basic Archery
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 12 PM to 2 PM
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 10 AM to 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Take aim and hit the bull’s eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the cart barn at Alexander’s Lake. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes early. Participants must register in advance.
$10 plus $5 parking
770-389-7801
Iron Pour
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville, GA
See a demonstration of our iron furnace, harking back to the days of iron production in the Allatoona community. Buy a scratch block mold from the Friends of Red Top and create your own cast-iron art. Supplies are limited; molds go on sale at 2 pm behind the Park Office.
$5 parking
770-975-0055
Land Navigation at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 until Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
In this two part series students will learn basic use of the compass, features of a map and how to use a map with a compass, pacing, and application of skills learned. Participants must be able to hike up hill in a wooded area for up to two hours. Advanced registration required.
$60 for series or $55 if paid by October 15 $5 parking
706-878-3087
Astronomy in the Swamp
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 9 PM
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA
We will be discussing topics that have to do with astronomy as well as observing the night sky through some high powered telescopes. Stephen C. Foster State Park is one of the darkest places in the Southeast, due to a lack of light pollution, so come out and see stargazing at its best.
$3 plus $5 parking
912-637-5274
Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
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 Carriage Ride
Friday, Nov 15, 2013 7 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Take in the beauty of a full moon at Hard Labor Creek on a relaxing carriage ride. Meet up will be at the beach parking lot.
$5 plus $5 parking
706-557-3001
Mountain Creek Beaver Moon Hike
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Venture along the 3.2 easy miles of Mountain Creek Trail with local PMT guides. Geared towards ages 10 and up. Bring a flashlight and water. Meet at the Trading Post in the campground.
$5 parking
706-663-4858
3rd Annual Sugar Cane Festival
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013
George L. Smith State Park – Twin City, GA
We will be enjoying a fun-filled day of activities including making cane syrup from sugar cane, cornmeal and grits at the gristmill, arts and crafts, demonstrations and more. This site will be updated with activities as we get closer to the date. Contact the park office for more details. Cane syrup, cornmeal and grits will be sold on site.
$1 plus $5 parking
478-763-2759
Winter Tree ID
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Winter can be a great time to learn “Bark and Buds” of our native trees. Join a Park Ranger on this Guided walk of the Brantley Nature Trail and discover how much fun learning winter trees can be. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. Register in advance.
5 plus $5 parking
706-557-3001.
Moonlight Hike
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 8 PM to 9:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger on this guided hike under the full moon. Wear comfortable shoes, insect repellant, and bring a camera to record the journey, as we listen for insects, frogs and other nocturnal creatures. Meet at the Hard Labor Creek Trading Post.
$5 plus $5 parking
706-557-3001
Lounge under the Leonids – Meteor Shower Program
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 to Sunday, Nov 17, 2013 11 PM to 1 AM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
The Leonid meteor shower can be a spectacular viewing experience. Join us for this special night on the beach, bring a thermos of coffee, hot chocolate or cider, pack a blanket and lounge chair, and watch the sky. As we gaze for meteors, learn about some of our prominent winter constellations. Preregistration required, meet at the beach parking lot.
$5 plus $5 parking
706-557-3001
Fall Candlelight Tours
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas, GA
Confederate and Federal soldiers will recreate the night attack of the Battle of Pickett’s Mill. During guided tours at 6, 7, 8 and 9 PM, visitors will witness Brig. Gen. Hiram Granbury’s Brigade advance into the dark ravine and Capt. Thomas Key’s artillery bombardment.
Register in advance at http//friendsofgastateparks.org/pickettsmill
$8
770-443-7850
Meteors and More
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 8 PM to 10 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville, GA
Learn to appreciate the beautiful skies above. Join staff and the Atlanta Astronomy Club behind the Park Office to view the night sky. You’re welcome to bring your own telescopes.
$5 parking
770-975-0055
Train Excursion – Plains Car Show
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 12:15 PM to 5 PM
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – Georgia Vets State Park – Cordele, GA
Ride a tourist train over Lake Blackshear to the 4th Annual Plains Classic Car Show and Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. You’ll have plenty of time to explore beautiful cars and the president’s boyhood farm before the train returns to Georgia Veterans State Park. Groups and parties welcome.
229-276-0755
Twilight Canoe Trip
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 5 PM
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA
Come out to take a twilight paddle on the Okefenokee Swamp. Learn some basics of canoeing from certified instructors and learn about some of the animals that lurk the swamp at night. We will be providing canoes, paddles, and PFDs. Sign up in the park office by 5:00 PM on the day of the paddle.
$10 plus $5 parking
912-637-5274
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes
Friday, Nov 15, 2013 5 PM to 7 PM
Sunday, Nov 17, 2013 6 PM to 8 PM
Monday, Nov 18, 2013 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Join in this group hike as the evening arrives. Be sure to call ahead as space is limited.
$5 plus $5 parking
706-754-7981
Road Apple Trail Race
Sunday, Nov 17, 2013 10 AM to 2 PM
Watson Mill Bridge State Park – Comer, GA
This trail duathlon race is a park fundraiser hosted by the Friends of Watson Mill Bridge State Park and is open to all ages. 3 mile run, 10 mile bike race, 3 mile run. The race will be held on the equestrian trails. Registration and fees at Active.com.
$5 parking
706-783-5349
“Come and Take It!” Revolutionary War Encampment
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 11 AM to 4 PM
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA
This American Revolution encampment commemorates Col. John McIntosh’s defiant reply to a British demand for surrender. Enjoy colonial demonstrations, musket and cannon drills, a skirmish and more. Interpreters in historical attire will represent a variety of colonial life.
912-884-5999
Battle of Griswoldville Commemoration
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 10 AM to 1 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
Come to Griswoldville Battlefild to learn about the hastily planned attempt by Georgia militia to halt Union General Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864. Civil War soldier life portrayals followed by noon memorial service. Call for directions.
Free. Donations appreciated
478-986-5172.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 8 AM to 11 AM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
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
Trail of Hope 5K & 10K Road Race
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 8 AM
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
Come out to support Covenant Care Adoption Services by running the trails of Skidaway Island State Park. Children can join in on the Kids Fun Run. Register online.
$25-$35 $5 parking
912-598-2300
Make Your Own Basket
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
Make a beanpot basket with Jan Stansell of Black Mountain Crafts. Spend a day crafting a basket and go home with a completed basket to keep or give away at the holidays. All materials included. Advance registration required.
$45. $5 parking
706-878-3087
Astronomy
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 9 PM
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA
We will be discussing topics that have to do with astronomy as well as observing the night sky through some high powered telescopes. Stephen C. Foster State Park is one of the darkest places in the Southeast, due to a lack of light pollution, so come out and see stargazing at its best.
$3 plus $5 parking
912-637-5274
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Sunday, Nov 24, 2013 8 AM to 11 AM
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.
$5 parking
706-557-3001
Pioneer and Indian Lifestyles
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013
Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA
This program is for children 7-12 years old. Children will dip candles, make butter, make pioneer stew and create a pioneer toy. They will learn why wildlife and plants played an important role in Pioneer and Indian living. Pre-registration required by November 22
$20
706-541-0321
Lights Up on the Lake
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 5 PM – 10 PM – Nov 29, 2013 until Dec 29, 2013
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville, GA
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, enjoy a drive through a winter wonderland at the picnic area by the lake. Several lit scenes will grace the roadside as we welcome the coming of the holiday season. If you would rather walk, park at the office and cross the boardwalk into the festivity of lights.
$5 parking
706-857-0826.
“Walk Off That Turkey” Hike
Friday, Nov 29, 2013 10 AM to 2 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Join rangers on a strenuous hike to help shed the extra pounds you ate the day before. The hike is 3 miles and consists of rock hopping across a river, climbing boulders and logs. You need to wear proper foot wear, and bring water and a light lunch.
$5 plus $5 parking
706-754-7981
Tour of Lights on Seminole
Saturday, Nov 30 – Dec 29, 2013
Seminole State Park – Donalsonville, GA
Lights will be lit throughout the park every Thursday through Sunday evening from November 30 to December 29. These lights are being presented by local businesses and organizations. It’s free to drive through the lights, but donations are welcome.
$5 parking
229-861-3137
