Georgia State Parks Spring Events

www.georgiastateparks.org
Tight finances don’t mean you have to give up a spring break vacation. Families that plan ahead can take advantage of affordable accommodations located throughout Georgia’s 48 state parks. For about $24 per night, you can pitch a tent under the stars and toast marshmallows by a cozy campfire. All of our campgrounds have bathhouses with hot showers, and some even have laundry facilities.
Want more comforts? Fully equipped cottages with up to three bedrooms average around $100 to $140 per night, depending on park location. Save money by cooking your own meals in your private kitchen. Finally, those who prefer hotel-style accommodations can still wake up surrounded by beautiful park scenery. Lodges with restaurants can be found at Amicalola Falls, Red Top Mountain, George T. Bagby, Little Ocmulgee and Unicoi state parks. Lodge rates begin at $69.
State parks are like mini-resorts, with a wide range of amenities such as nature trails, playgrounds, fishing docks, ranger programs, disc golf and more. Keep in mind that accommodations book quickly during spring break and summer, so reservations should be made in advance. Call 1-800-864-7275 or www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/springbreak.

METRO ATLANTA

Rawhide to Leather
Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn the process of making leather with this hands-on interactive demonstration. The program will cover tools, techniques and preparations for tanning, fleshing hides, and tricks of the trade. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Introduction to Flyfishing
Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join an expert angler and learn about the art of flycasting. Poles will be provided for the class, or anglers can bring their own tackle. In case of inclement weather the class will be held indoors. Pre-registration is required. This class will be limited to 10 participants, class will be geared toward 7 years and up. Meet near the Sweetwater Creek Baitshop. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Backcountry Geology Hike
Saturday, March 13, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Geologist and Friends member John Johnston will lead a moderate three-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Explore the beautiful Jack’s Branch area and the seldom-visited rock quarry of New Manchester. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Adventure Hike
Sunday, March 14, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera! The Panola Mountain hike starts at 10am and generally lasts 3-4 hours. Rain or shine. Call to register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Hills of Iron
Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Join us for our annual celebration of the iron industry that gave Red Top Mountain its name. You can take a hayride tour of the iron mine area, pay a visit to a nearby iron furnace, and end the day by creating a piece of unique iron artwork when we smelt iron in our cupola furnace known as “Maryanne.” Fee for iron molds, plus $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.

Artifact Identification Day
Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
A professional archaeologist will be available to date and identify artifacts brought in by visitors. $3.50-$5. (770) 387-3747.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, March 20, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Let’s Go Fly A Kite
Sunday, March 21, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
With spring just around the corner, the piedmont rolling hills and grass lands will soon be alive with the sound of whooping and squealing as mom and dad get their children’s kits air born. Pleas join us for this family tradition at Panola Mountain’s Alexander Lake Recreational Area. Pleas bring kites, if you do not have one call us. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Early Spring Wildflower Hike
Sunday, March 21 and 28, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 2-mile ranger-led hike will be moderately strenuous and will pass through a variety of wildflower habitats and beautiful areas. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5876.

Mountain Bike Adventures
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join the Southern Bicycle League at the Rockdale River Trail parking area by Alexander Lakes for an off-road adventure. This ride will take you to scenic vistas, wetland complexes and pine savannah. Covers most of Panola Mountain’s property; both dirt and paved trails. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Reptile Show
Saturday, March 27, 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join “Reptile Wranglers” Ken Panse and Zack Panse with their alligator, snakes and turtles for this exciting, fascinating, and educational program. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Saturday, March 27, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia SpringsThis 1.5-mile ranger-led night hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.