November 2012 Calendar for Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is the November 2012 calendar from 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 complete calendar, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. You can also become a fan on Facebook , follow us on Twitter and sign up for our monthly newsletter. Thank you for helping promote Georgia’s natural and historic resources!
November 2012 Events – Divided By Region
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Hayrides and Campfires
Saturday, November 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn
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.
Evening Kayak and Wildlife Watching Adventures
Friday, November 9, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Yargo Lake for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. Please arrive for registration by no later than 3:30pm. Meet at the Beach Boat Dock area. $15 includes equipment plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.
Backpacking 101
Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville
Ever wanted to go backpacking but never knew where to start? Learn what to bring, where to go and get your hands on some of the gear. $2 plus $5 parking. (706) 857-0826.
Make Your Own Basket
Saturday, November 10 and 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Fall into the rhythm of weaving with basket maker Jan Stansell of Black Mountain Crafts. Leave with a completed berry basket to keep or give away at the holidays. Advance registration required. $30 by October 26 or $35 after. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Fun at the Fort
Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Experience a picturesque and fascinating historic site within the state park, while learning about life in the late 1700’s. Fun for the whole family; tours includes various interactive activities and educational opportunities. $3 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.
Appalachian Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 22, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Enjoy living history demonstrations in the lower lodge lobby. Explore the magic of handmade folk toys, and try your hand at churning butter. Reservations required for the lodge’s very popular Thanksgiving Buffet. $5 parking. (706) 344-1505.
Festival of Tree
Friday, November 23 through Saturday, December 8, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
View the beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge. This event is sponsored by the White County Chamber of Commerce. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Full Moon Hike
Wednesday, November 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 1.5 miles and 1,099 steps. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.
COASTAL GEORGIA
Senior Ranger Program for Adults
Thursday, November 1 and 8, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
Outdoor enthusiasts 60 and older can become “Senior Rangers” through our six-week program. Classes will cover a variety of subjects, from how to identify invasive species that plague our coastal area, an overview of Georgia’s barrier islands, and bird identification. Call the park to register. $60 includes parking fee. (912) 598-2300.
Sunset Tour on Billy’s Lake
November 1 through December 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Watch the sunset, listen to owls, see bats fly overhead and observe herons coming in to roost. Once the sun goes down, see the stars come out and catch a glimpse of our neighboring planets. We’ll even look for alligator eyes to glow red. Registration Required. Weather permitting. $15 – $20 plus $5 Refuge Fee. (912) 637-5274.
Trail of Hope 5K & 10K Road Race
Saturday, November 10
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
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 or at Fleet Feet Sports Savannah. $25-$30 $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.
The Debatable Land
Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
A range of living history presentations will highlight the various cultures and peoples that inhabited our region before Georgia was established in the 1730s. A battle re-enactment will take place a 2 p.m. $3.75- $6.50 (912) 437-4770.
Nighttime Lunar Sky Watch Program
Saturday, November 17, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Astronomers and their “very serious telescopes are back for an evening up-close tour of the waxing (growing) Moon. Constellations visible might include Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries and Taurus, and near the end of the evening, Gemini and Jupiter may be seen. $3 plus $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Canoe Trip to Lewis Island
Saturday, November 17 through Sunday, November 18, 8 a.m.
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
Overnight trip to Lewis Island. Includes canoes, paddles, and life jackets. Participants are responsible for their own food and other amenities. Register in advance. $65. (912) 437-4770.
2nd Annual Sugar Cane Festival
Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
George L. Smith State Park – Twin City
Watch us grinding sugar cane and making cane syrup. There will be local food and craft vendors selling their wares. Civil War living history with cannon and musket demonstrations can be enjoyed throughout the day, along with live bluegrass music. Guests can also participate in craft making and a canoe race. Cane syrup will be for sale. $1 per person $5 parking. (478) 763-2759.
Come & Take It! – American Revolution Encampment
Saturday, November 17, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway
This American Revolution encampment commemorates Colonel John McIntosh’s defiant reply to a British demand for surrender: “Come & Take It!” Watch colonial demonstrations, musket and cannon drills, skirmish, 18th century music and more. Interpreters in historical attire will teach about colonial life. (912) 884-5999.
Kayak our A-Maze-ing Marshes
Monday, November 19, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Join us for this three-hour paddle. Start off with a maze of marsh grass then open into scenic views. Look for wildlife and enjoy the unique and fun perspective of kayaking coastal waters. Reservations required. $35-$95 $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Kayak Trip
Friday, November 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Explore this unique and important marsh ecosystem. Work off your Thanksgiving meal and bring leftovers for a sandbar picnic during this three-hour marsh kayak adventure. No experience necessary. Gear provided. Reservations Required. $35-$85 $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Thank Goodness for the Moon!
Friday, November 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Meet at the cul-de-sac near the Trading Post where we’ll have high powered telescopes set-up, focused on the moon. You’ll be able to see the craters in the moon, which were created by meteorites and learn fun facts about the moon. Registration Required. Weather Permitting. $5 Refuge Parking. $3. (912) 637-5274.
“It’s a Hoot” Night Hike
Saturday, November 24, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Come explore the nocturnal world by the light of the moon. Learn about night creatures, meet our resident flying squirrels, and practice hooting for owls. Challenge your night vision with pirate tricks and more cool tests that put you in touch with your wild side. $3 ages 3 and older. $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA
Syrup Makin’ Time on the Plantation
Saturday, November 3, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette
Ever chewed fresh sugar cane, sipped cane juice, or poured cane syrup on a biscuit? Experience sugarcane harvest and syrup cook-off the way it was done every fall on the farm. Also see folk life demonstrations. $4-$6.50 (478) 986-5172.
Nautical Program
Saturday, November 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
One of President Roosevelt’s hobbies was sailing. Activities will be on hand to share FDR’s love of sailing. There will be the opportunity to make a boat out of recycle materials, learn the history and workings of a sextant, and participate in a rain gutter race and much more. $8-$12. (706) 655-5870.
Pioneer Living
Tuesday, November 6, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
This program is for children 7-12 years old. Children will dip candles, make butter, and create a pioneer toy. They will learn why wildlife and plants played an important role in Pioneer living. Pre-registration required by November 5. $20. (706) 541-0321.
Presidents and Patriots Park-to-Park Bike Ride
Friday, November 9 through Sunday, November 11
Georgia Veterans State Park – Cordele
This 3-day bike ride travels from Florence Marina State Park to Georgia Veterans State Park, SAM Shortline Excursion Train, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and Andersonville National Historic Site and Cemetery. The registration fee includes camping, entertainment, some food and activities. $35-$55. $5 parking. (229) 276-2371.
Americus Adventure Train Ride
Friday, November 9, 9:30 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – Cordele
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 Georgia Veterans State Park to Americus and Plains, then back. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.
Astronomy Night
Saturday, November 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin
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.
Pioneer Harvest Festival
Saturday, November 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
The Heritage Farm will come to life as volunteers demonstrate the skills of farm life from the 1800s. This festival includes crafters, musicians and dancers. $1-$2 plus $5 parking. (912) 384-1581.
Veterans Day Program Honoring Crew and Survivor of 1953 Plane Crash
Saturday, November 10, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Honor plane crash survivor Mr. Schmidt at Dowdell Knob. The crash involved a USAF B-25, which took off from Eglin AFB on October 1, 1953 with six on board. Two USAF men and one 19 year old Navy seaman were just passengers. There was only one survivor. There will be a short walk to the site. $5 parking. (706) 663-4858.
Tribute to Veterans
Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Georgia Veterans State Park – Cordele
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.
4.8-mile Cross Country Race
Saturday, November 10, 9 a.m.
Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen
Compete in a 4.8-mile race through this pretty park, then stay for a tribute to America’s military. Prizes will be awarded by age. Sponsored by Millen Milers and Friends of Magnolia. Register on www.active.com and www.millenmilersandmore.com. Questions: jimjoyce34@bellsouth.net Race fee plus $5 parking. (478) 982-4881.
Girl Scout SWAPS Workshop
Saturday, November 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Girl Scouts are invited to participate in our very first SWAPS (significant whatchamacallits affectionately pinned somewhere) workshop. Girls of all ages will be making a collection of their very own SWAPS for camps, meetings and other events. Please bring lunch. Register by October 28. ReedBinghamEvents@gmail.com $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Providence, Presidents & Patriots Train Ride
Saturday, November 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – Cordele
Join us for this terrific ride to spend 2 1/2 hours in Plains. There will be bikers from the Providence, Presidents and Patriots Bike Ride plus a fabulous car show. The Vintage Vocals will be on board SAM Shortline to entertain you with all their beautiful tunes. Only Premium seats in our Americus car and seats in our Hawkins car are now available. HURRY, very limited seating. NO coupons or discounts allowed on this special. 1-877-427-2457.
Second Sundays on the Farm
Sunday, November 11, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
The Heritage Farm will feature demonstrations of late 1800s farm life on the second Sunday of every month. A different demonstration will take place every month. $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.
Southwest Georgia Arrow
Friday, November 16, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train! – All Aboard! – Cordele
Dedicated in Memory of Jean Burnette This Dedication will be November 16 in Cordele Jean Burnette was a dedicated member of the Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority since 2000. She was very instrumental in the SAM Shortline train originating in Cordele. We dedicate this excursion to her lasting memory. 1-877-427-2457.
Battle of Griswoldville Commemoration
Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette
Learn about the hastily planned attempt by Georgia militia to halt Union General Sherman’s March to the Sea on November 22, 1864. Civil War soldier life portrayals followed by noon memorial service. Call for directions. Free. Donations appreciated. (478) 986-5172.
Archery Explorer Train Ride
Saturday, November 17, 9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – Cordele
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you will travel across Lake Blackshear to Plains and back. Explore President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm (Jimmy Carter National Historic Site), go shopping and sample peanut butter treats. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.
Indian & Pioneer Living
Tuesday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Children 8-12 will step back in time as they experience how pioneer and Indian children lived. They will learn the signs of nature on a hike and how important wildlife and plants were to everyday living. Children will make their own butter, pioneer toys and candles. Register by Nov. 19. $20. (706) 541-0321.
Special Excursion – Plains Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 24, 1 p.m. – 9:20 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – Cordele
Take a tourist train across southern Georgia. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.
Moonlight Hike
Friday, November 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
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.
Rudolph’s Favorite
Friday, November 30, 6:30 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – Cordele
Enjoy a relaxing ride from Georgia Veterans State Park into Cordele. Vendors will be awaiting your arrival to show you all the exciting things for Christmas. Games, music and reading of The Polar Express await younger ones. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.
METRO ATLANTA
Nighttime Hayrides & Native American Storytelling
Friday, November 2 through Saturday, November 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Tours and programs will be offered during the day. Hayrides are offered at 7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 PM. Conclude your evening with refreshments and Native American storytelling by Gary Greene. Reservations required. Please arrive 20-30 minutes before your tour time. Cash & check only, please. $5.00 (4 and under free) (770) 387-3747.
“Snakes Alive!” Awareness Program
Saturday, November 3, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join herpetologist Aly Lecznar for this fascinating hour with several live snakes where we will learn about the natural history of snakes, understand their senses and behavior, identify venomous snakes of Georgia, and become familiar with some native snakes. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Hayride and S’mores
Saturday, November 3, 10 and 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join us for a tractor-pulled hayride up to Jack’s Hill. We will also gather around a campfire and make s’mores. Park Rangers and local historians will be leading these programs, sharing history and stories from the park. Reservations are required. $8 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Iron Pour
Saturday, November 10
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Watch a demonstration of our iron furnace, harking back to the days of iron production in the Allatoona mining community. Buy a scratch block and create your own piece of cast iron art. Our 1850s dogtrot cabin will also be open so come inside and warm up by the fire. $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, November 10, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
The clinic covers casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the Fish of Fish. Instructors suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, November 10, 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 unless a SAR activity is occurring. Meet at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Reptile Day at Panola Mountain
Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Did you know Hognose Snakes will “play dead” when they’re afraid? Learn about and meet fascinating reptiles and amphibians from our own backyards and even around the world. Meet specialists and members of the Georgia Reptile Society and Georgia Herpetological Society. $3 donation appreciated. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Fall Candlelight Tours
Saturday, November 10, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas
Confederate and Federal soldiers will recreate the night attack of the Battle of Pickett’s Mill. During guided tours at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 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. $8. (770) 443-7850.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Sunday, November 11, 8 a.m. – 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.
Backcountry Geology Hike
Saturday, November 17, 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.
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
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.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, November 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
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. 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.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, November 17, 1 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. One group will start at 1PM; another group will start at 3PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, November 24, 4:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night. Bring flashlights and hiking boots. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Wednesday, November 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 1.5-mile 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. A flashlight and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Register in advance. $6 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Moonlight Hike
Friday, November 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
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.
