Below is a sample of May 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 www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or by calling 1-800-864-7275.
Hidden Gem Series
Throughout 2016, Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will host events that highlight secret spots few visitors notice, such as a moonshine truck that tumbled down a mountain. Visit www.gastateparks.org/hiddenhems/events for a list of statewide Hidden Gem programs. Some are listed below.
Coastal Georgia
Marsh Walk with Dr. Charlie Belin
Wednesday, May 4, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
Join one of the region’s marsh ecology experts as he leads a hike into the marsh surrounding Wormsloe, providing a fascinating look into plant and animal life. Register in advance. Come prepared to get muddy. $4.50-$10. 912-353-3023.
Birding Weekend at Reynolds Mansion
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 6 – May 8
Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island – Darien, GA
Participants will travel by ferry to Sapelo Island along Georgia’s scenic coast, enjoy birding the beaches, marshes, fields and forests of this limited access barrier island with expert birders and, overnight at the historic Reynolds Mansion. $349 all inclusive. 912-485-2299.
Kayaking 101
Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA
We will learn basic strokes and techniques of kayaking. This is an all-day event with instruction in the morning, a lunch break, and then practice on the lake in the afternoon. Space is limited; registration required. $75 plus $5 parking. 912-287-4900.
Memorial Day Commemoration
Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Help us pay tribute to our fellow patriots who served our country throughout the years with a commemoration and reenactment. We’ll have cannon and musket firings, Civil War-era demonstrations, and lots of family fun. 912-727-2339.
War of Jenkins’ Ear
Saturday, May 28, until Monday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
Wormsloe will commemorate Georgia’s role in the 1739-1748 war between Britain and Spain. A brief presentation at the Visitor Center will be followed by a walking tour of the site. The program will also include military drills and black powder weapons demonstrations. $4.50 – $10. 912-353-3023.
Memorial Day at Fort Morris
Monday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA
This coastal fort will present hourly Revolutionary War soldier talks and musket and cannon demonstrations. Enjoy the beautiful vista from the earthen fort, over the Medway River and out through St. Catherine’s Sound, a view that has changed very little over hundreds of years. $3-$4.50. 912-884-5999.
Metro Atlanta
Indoor Basic Archery
Saturdays and Sundays in May, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Have you ever wanted to release your inner archer? Maybe you’re just looking for a place to hone your skills, no matter the weather. Our archery classes are a great place to brush-up on the basics or start from scratch with the guidance of a certified instructor. All equipment is provided. Ages 9 and older. Must call to register. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Spring at the Homestead
Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 1
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA
Bring the whole family to this living history event and discover what life was like for soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. Living history demonstrations include cooking, blacksmithing, woodworking, toys and games, candle-dipping, and more. See soldiers camped nearby and witness black powder weapons demonstrations, including cannons. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, May 7, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
This mile-long guided night hike is moderately difficult and goes down to the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Candle lanterns are provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Meet and pay (exact change please, $5 cash only) at the Visitor’s Center. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Archaeology and Artifact ID Day
Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA
Celebrate Archaeology Month by bringing in your artifacts to be identified by professionals. Discover what archaeologists do and how they learn from artifacts. There will be educational activities throughout the day. $2-$6. 770-387-3747.
National Kids to Parks Day “Blue Moon” Paddle
Saturday, May 21, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Join a Park Ranger on this guided night tour featuring a sky full of stars and constellations. National Kids to Parks Day is national movement engages children and families with parks, nature, and healthy outdoor recreation. What better way to spend the evening with family and friends on Lake Rutledge. Space is limited, pre-registration required. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Intro to Tree Climbing
Saturday, May 21, 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. Climbs start at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call to register. Ages 8 and older. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Moonlight Mountain Hike
Saturday, May 21, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Join us for a ranger-led hike up Panola Mountain to enjoy the sunset over Atlanta. The moonlight will guide us down to a lakeside campfire where we’ll enjoy s’mores. Bring flashlights, bug spray, hiking boots and water. Ages 10 and up. Advance registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
