Georgia State Parks August Events Calendar

By Staff

Posted 11:19AM on Wednesday 9th July 2014 ( 9 years ago )

Events are listed by region. Coastal Georgia Astronomy Saturday, August 2, 9 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 9 p.m. Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo We will be observing the night sky through 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. Full Moon Stargazers Party Friday, August 8, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fort McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill With the moon to light up the night, this will be the perfect opportunity to see the stars shining brightly above us. An astronomy professor will be here to help you discover the starry sky. $7 per Individual $5 parking. 912-727-2339. Labor Day Festival Saturday, August 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fort McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill You deserve a little R&R for all your hard work, so gather the family up, kick back and enjoy yourselves at our Labor Day Festival. $5 parking plus $4.50-$7.50 musuem admission. 912-727-2339. Metro Atlanta Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb Saturday, August 2, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 3 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Participants must register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. Full Moon Kayak Tours Friday, August 8, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge 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. There will be "Super Moons during the months of July, August and September. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. Moonlight Mountain Hike Saturday, August 9, 7:30 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge 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 and pay in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. Summer's For The Birds Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville Join us on a bird walk to see if you can identify any birds we see or hear. $2 - $6. 770-387-3747. Paddle Under the Perseids - Meteor Kayak Tour Monday, August 18, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge Join a park ranger on this kayak tour of Lake Rutledge as we watch the night sky for the Perseids Meteor Shower. This is considered by many to be the year's best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. Will meet at the Lake Rutledge boat ramp. Register in advance. $20 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. New Moon Kayak Tour Saturday, August 23, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge Lake Rutledge is a great place to enjoy the night sky. Join this ranger-led tour of the lake and enjoy night sounds, star-gazing, and a relaxing time on the water. A new moon means that many stars will be visible on the night-time paddle. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk Saturday, August 30, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge 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. Middle & South Georgia Twlight Night Paddle Saturday, August 2, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. High Falls State Park - Jackson Watch wading birds and enjoy the setting sun in this peaceful, ranger-led 3 mile canoe trip to Buck Creek. This program is open to adults and children 6 years or older who are accompanied by an adult. Reservations required. $15 includes gear. $5 parking. 478-993-3053. Leslie Local Train Ride Thursday, August 7, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Cordele The Leslie Local takes you from the heart of Downtown Cordele's railroad district through Georgia Veterans State Park and over beautiful Lake Blackshear. After a short ride through the Sumter County countryside, we deboard in the small town of Leslie, home of the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum. 229-276-0755. Dowdell's Knob Hike Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain Meet up with Pine Mountain Trail Association guides and loop the highest section of the park. Geared towards ages 10 and older. Bring water and a snack. Dress for the weather. Meet at Dowdell's Knob Parking Lot off Hwy 190. $5 parking. 706-663-4858. Archery Explorer Train Ride Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Georgia Veterans State Park - SAM Shortline Platform - Cordele 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. Watermelon Express Train Ride Saturday, August 23, 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Cordele, GA Enjoy this ride from our Excursion Train to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. 229-276-0755. Labor Day on The Lake Saturday, August 30 until Monday, September 1 Florence Marina State Park - Omaha Our family celebration includes games, nature programs and crafts. Educational boat tours throughout the day. $1 - $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706. A Labor-less Day Saturday, August 30 until Monday, September 1 Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge - Helena This day is all about play, not work. Come and relax at the park with a picnic or a swim. Challenge your family or friends to a mini-golf game, make some fun crafts, meet a live critter and take a stroll through the woods at night. $1-$5 plus $5 parking. 229-868-7474 ext. 6052. Northern Georgia First-Visit Tour 1st Saturday of Month 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen Learn more about the park on a tour of the Visitor Center area and a van tour. See the covered bridge, the famous Dukes Creek, and our renowned cottages. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. Night Time Astronomy with the Atlanta Astronomy Club Saturday, August 2, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia Join the Atlanta Astronomy Club at picnic shelter #5 to view the night sky through telescopes. $5 parking. 706-356-4362. Summer Music Series Saturday, August 9, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia Bob Thomason, master dulcimer musician and storyteller, will be at the park's Beach Pavilion. Bring the kids and enjoy an evening by the lake. $5 parking. 706-356-4362. Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike Sunday, August 10, 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls 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 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981. Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals Saturday, August 16, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen 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.

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