Below is a sample of June 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 at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.
Scavenger Hunt Challenge
Saturday, June 18, 2016 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA
Learn about Native American life, archaeology, and nature through fun activities like The Scavenger Hunt Challenge where guests get outside to see and do things around the park. $2 – $6. 706-387-3747.
Intro to Tree Climbing
Saturday, June 18, 2016 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory program to recreational tree climbing. Participants will use rope and harness to ascend into a 200+ year old Southern Red Oak, where they can climb, swing, and scramble. Must call to register. Ages 8 and up. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Archery Camp
June 27 – July 1, 2016 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Designed with everything archery in mind, this 5-day archery camp aims to educate and engage adventurous youth. Campers (ages 10-14) will shoot basic distances inside the nature center and then move onto the lake pavilion, static range, and 3-D range. Register by June 13. $150. 770-389-7801.
Archery for Beginners
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – June 4, 2016 until Oct 22, 2016
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.
Music & Dancing On the Mountain
Saturday, June 11, 2016 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Dance, sing-a-long and enjoy classic vinyl and oldies with Randy and Darlene Dameron, our popular local musicians. Bring a chair or cushion. Cement seating. Meet at the rock amphitheater next to the office. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding for Beginners
Saturday, June 11, 2016 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
Our class will help you develop fundamental skills such as balance, effective paddling/stroke, steering, and falling/recovery techniques. Open to adults and children 12 and older who are accompanied by an adult. Must be a swimmer. Advance registration required. $15 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 18, 2016 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens State Park – Crawfordville, GA
This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty. Anglers 55 years and older can try to win prizes in several categories, as well as win a door prize. Register between 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. at the main office and enjoy great fishing. Refreshments will be available. $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
Twilight Night Paddle
Saturday, June 18, 2016 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
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 8 years or older who are accompanied by an adult. Reservations required. $15 includes boat and gear. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Full Moon Paddle
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton, GA
Join a guided tour of Clark Hill Lake and enjoy a peaceful paddle under the bright moon, the night sky and night sounds. The program will go on if it is cloudy or light rain. Meet at bathhouse 1 to receive your life jackets. Time 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. $5.00 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
Wild Cave Tours
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in June
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
You will get muddy and wet on a family friendly underground adventure. Our guides will educate you on cave formations, bats, and geology while you have fun climbing and crawling your way through a wild cave. Reservations required. $30-$60 plus $5 parking. 800-979-3370. www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com
Wilds of the West Rim Hike
Sundays 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – June 5, 2016 until November 27, 2016
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Want to learn about the park’s plants, wildlife, and geology and get healthy exercise in the great outdoors in the process? Take a 5-mile hike along the West Rim Loop Trail with Park Naturalist Stephanie Fischer. Bring a brown-bag lunch, water, wear shoes (not sandals), and dress for the weather. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 per person or $15 per family. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Master Naturalist Certification
Mondays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – June 6, 2016 until July 25, 2016
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
In cooperation with the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry, an eight-week training in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to our southern Blue Ridge ecoregion will be offered. Register in advance. $200 plus $5 parking. 706-878-4736.
Flat Creek Adventure
Saturday, June 11, 2016 10 a.m.
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Join in celebrating National Get Outdoors Day on this 2-3 hour excursion to the one of the wildest parts of the lake. This rigorous trip will take us to Flat Creek Island, the northern-most island on Lake Lanier. Bring food and water for this trip, it takes a lot of energy. $20 with personal kayak/canoe – $30 with kayak rental. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Hike to Hemlock Falls
Saturday, June 11, 2016 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Moccasin Creek State Park – Clarkesville, GA
Join a staff led hike to Hemlock Falls, a waterfall above the park. 2.2 miles moderate hike in north Georgia mountains. Please bring water and be prepared to walk on uneven and sometimes muddy terrain. Park and meet at Hemlock Falls Trailhead. 706-947-3194.
Witch’s Head Hike
Saturday, June 11, 2016 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
This guided hike will take you to the bottom of the dam to view the witch’s head rock and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Bring lots of water, lunch and proper foot wear. Children must be 8 or older; no pets. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Highland Walk Adult/Junior Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 11, 2016 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston, GA
This will be a two-person Scramble. The tournament requires one adult and one Junior. Ages 7 to 97 are welcome to play. $85 covers all fees, range balls, lunch and prizes. Call the Pro Shop to get signed up. $85. 706-245-6770.
Slackline 101
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
A unique opportunity to learn the basics of walking on a Slackline at the site of Karl Wallenda’s 1970 crossing of the Gorge. No experience necessary, just bring a pair of comfortable shoes and your balance. Ages 12 and up. Space is limited so call ahead to reserve your spot. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
