October 2011 Calendar for Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Below is the October 2011 Calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. More information on events, including accommodations and facilities, can be found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org  or 1-800-864-7275. For an online calendar listing, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Dahlonega Appalachian Jam
Saturday, October 1, 8, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Mountain music pickers and singers flock to the Dahlonega Gold Museum for the Appalachian Jam. Tour the museum then enjoy the live entertainment in our courtyard from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a folding chair and listen or bring your instrument and join in! $3.50 – $5 (706) 864-2257.

Hiking in Helen
Saturday, October 1
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Join this fun guided hike that travels three miles from the park’s Lodge to Helen, Shuttle service is provided if hikers want to hike only one-way. Pre-registration required. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Saturday Evening Concert Series
Saturdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 8 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Saturdays at 8 p.m., regional musicians perform a variety of music from Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass and Southern Gospel music. The program lasts through mid-November. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.
Sloppy Floyd Hangout
Saturday, October 8 through Sunday, October 9, 5 p.m. – 11 a.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville
Bring your hammock and join others for a night in trees down by the lake. Choose to build a campfire, grill out or just fish and relax. Not a fan of hammocks but want to tag along? Just bring your sleeping bag and bunk in the shelter. Water available. Call for reservations. $5 camping fee / person. $5 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Fall Celebration
Saturday, October 8, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with hands-on pioneer skills exhibits, hayrides, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. No registration required. $6 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Monday, October 10, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Join Tallulah Rangers on a moonlit hike down into the gorge. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Dahlonega Gold Rush Days
Saturday, October 15 through Sunday, October 16, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Included in the weekend event are 300 arts and craft exhibitors, a parade, children’s activities, gold panning, hog calling, buck dancing, live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and delicious food. $3.50 – $5 (706) 864-2257.
Taylor Ridge Jamboree
Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville
Nothing welcomes the fall leaf watching season more than bluegrass and barbeque in the north Georgia mountains. Enjoy live bands and good food at the foot of Taylor Ridge. Call ahead for show times or relax all day by the lakeside. $5 parking. (706) 857-0826.
Frontier Day
Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun
Cherokee artists, craftsmen and Friends of New Echota members will demonstrate early 19th century skills such as basket making, spinning, weaving, weapons, candlemaking and blacksmithing. Enjoy stories and music. Tour the historic grounds and buildings as the sights, sounds and smells of frontier life of the 1820s Cherokee Indian Nation return. $4-$6. (706) 624-1321.
Fall Hoedown
Saturday, October 15, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Celebrate autumn’s arrival with noon chili, hotdogs and drinks for sale, followed by a 3 p.m. cakewalk, 4 p.m. hayrides, 5 p.m. bonfire and square/line dancing, 6 p.m. trick or treats, and 7 p.m. professional storytelling. $5 parking. (706) 745-2628.
Junior ROTC Georgia State Raider Competition
Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
High school students from across Georgia will compete in several events including running, obstacle courses, and teamwork events. $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.
Haunted Hills Hayride
Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, October 28 through Saturday, October 29, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
It’s a spooky time of year at Victoria Bryant State Park. Our annual Haunted Hills Hayride will be the last two weekends in October. The last ticket will be sold at 10pm each night. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 245-6270.
Mountain Bike Fundraiser: Spin for Kids
Saturday, October 22
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Camp Twin Lakes is hosting a mountain bike fun ride at Will-A-Way (inside Fort Yargo) to raise funds for their camps for special-needs children. Register at www.spinforkids.org (404) 231-9887.
Harvest Happenings
Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia
Come to this lakeside park for a hayride, campfire and storytelling. $5 parking. (706) 356-4362.
Gold Museum Halloween
Monday, October 31, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Kids, come just to trick-or-treat or take part in our costume contest for a chance to win prizes. After receiving your Gold Museum treats, take a trip around the historic Dahlonega Square where local merchants will also have special treats for all. (706) 864-2257.
COASTAL GEORGIA
First Saturday Fun at the Fort
Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
Fort staff and volunteers will be firing the fort’s cannon, as well as doing musket drills and conducting hands-on games for children. Activities such as a scavenger hunt, rolling hoops, tug-of-war, and exploring the sites nature trail are but a few of the various activities that families can enjoy while visiting the fort during this time. $4.00 – $6.50. (912) 437-4770.
Sunset Tour on Billy’s Lake
Saturday, October 1, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Go where few have dared to go after dark — the Okefenokee Swamp. Watch the sunset over Billy’s Lake, see the stars come out and catch a glimpse of our neighboring planets. We’ll spotlight for alligators and watch their eyes shine bright red. Weather permitting. Space is limited. $15-$20. $5 parking. (912) 637-5274.
Draconid Meteor Shower on Billy’s Lake
Friday, October 7, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Take a boat tour on Billy’s Lake during the Draconid Meteor Shower. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the reflection of falling meteors over the water and to see the night sky with almost no light pollution. You might catch a glimpse of an alligator’s bright red eye shine or hear some swamp creatures of the night. Space is limited. $15-$20, plus $5 parking. (912) 637-5274.
Fall-O-Ween Festival
Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
On Friday and Saturday night, come out for a haunted chilling trail. On Saturday come out for an afternoon of spooktacular kids crafts, a pumpkin decorating contest, hayrides, food, family fun games and trick-or-treating. Register before October 19th for trick-or-treating. $2 for hayrides. $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.
Family Fall Fest & Haunted House
Saturday, October 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross
Come join us for an evening of fun and games! Face painting, cakewalk, bingo, games and candy for the kids. Hayrides will begin at dark. Haunted house will begin at 7pm. Friends of Laura S. Walker State Park. Friends of Laura S. Walker will be offering food and beverage items for purchase. $5 parking and $2 entry fee per vehicle. (912) 287-4900.
Candle Lantern Tour of Fort McAllister
Saturday, October 22
Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill
Experience the fort by candlelight. Walk through these historic grounds and watch the soldiers going through their nightly duties and chores. Be sure to stay with your guide or you may be captured as a spy. $3.50 – $5. (912) 727-2339.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

3rd Annual Roosevelt Regatta
Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was America’s sailor in the White House and he loved all things nautical. We will host a model sailboat regatta at Lake Delanor for an afternoon with model boats, living history, knot-tying, compass reading and more. $5 parking. (706) 663-4858.
Stamp Collecting For Kids
Saturday, October 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
With October being National Stamp Collecting Month and since FDR was America’s stamp-collecting president, we thought it only natural to provide some hands-on activities to introduce children to the fun of stamp collecting. $5-$8. (706) 655-5870.
Memorial Plaque Dedication
Saturday, October 1, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
The dedication of a plaque celebrating the 100th Masonic Birthday of President FDR will be conducted by Most Worshipful Brother B. Palmer Mills, Grand Master and the other Grand Lodge Officers following a parade in Warm Springs. (706) 655-5870.
Meet David Roosevelt
Saturday, October 1, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
David Roosevelt, grandson of Franklin D. Roosevelt, will sign copies of his book “Grandmere, A Personal History of Eleanor Roosevelt.” It’s filled with personal stories that show Eleanor as she really was: passionate, vulnerable, courageous, and determined to live her private life. $4-$6. (706) 655-5870.
Kolomoki Festival
Saturday, October 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park – Blakely
Enjoy a day of eats, shopping and entertainment. The park comes alive with vendors for food and arts and crafts. Entertainment consists of a parade of antique tractors, singing, dancing, and demonstrations. $5 parking. (229) 724-2150.
October Outdoors at the Bend
Saturday, October 8, 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan
Join us for a day of fun, including games, cakewalks and animal presentations. $1 – $6 $5 parking. (770) 254-7271.
Family Fall Festival
Saturday, October 8
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Enjoy a pumpkin scavenger hunt, nature hike, apple bobbing, marshmallow roasting, old-fashioned games, making cornhusk dolls, music, and storytelling. Friends of Mistletoe will offer $2 hayrides. $10 per vehicle includes parking. Free to overnight guests. (706) 541-0321.
Geology Day
Saturday, October 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin
Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga. will lead visitors into the canyons and back in time to discover the geological history of the canyons. The floors of the canyons are often wet and muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and your camera. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.
Fall Family Fun
Saturday, October 8, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Celebrate fall’s arrival with face painting, games, scarecrow dress up contests, cakewalks and more. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Murder Mystery Weekend
Friday, October 14 through Saturday, October 15
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
After dinner on Friday, we’ll plan an early Saturday morning trek across a short isthmus to an offshore peninsula, where we’ll enjoy a camp-cooked breakfast on the beach. But murder is on the menu, and it’ll be up to our guests to figure out “whodunit.” $49. Register before October 7. $5 parking. (706) 868-0120.
Amphibian Monitoring Workshop
Saturday, October 15, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Magnolia Springs State Park – Millen
Want to learn about Georgia’s rich diversity of amphibians and how these creatures can serve as indicators of healthy habitats? Join us for an informative night and you will learn how you can help monitor frog and salamander populations right here at Magnolia Spring! $1 plus $5 parking. (478) 982.1660.
Haunted House
Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, October 28 through Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Trick-or-treaters, beware! We will be having a bonfire with ghost stories at the beach as well as our well known haunted house Friday and Saturday night. Be prepared for spooky fun! $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Evening Hayride Through the Park
Friday, October 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Seminole State Park – Donalsonville
Enjoy a hayride through beautiful Seminole State Park, guests of all ages meet at the shelter in the campground. $2 Per Person; guests under 2 years old Free, all guests ages 14 under must have adult supervision. $5 parking. (229) 861-3137.
Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride
Saturday, October 22, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Seminole State Park – Donalsonville
Kids and adults can enjoy a haunted hayride, fun-filled games and costume contest for ages 12 and younger. Costume contest will begin at 6:30 pm. Games will be from 6-8pm. Hayrides will begin at complete darkness. All kids age 15 and under must be have adult supervision. Hayrides $1 for 6 and younger, and $2 for age 7 and up. $5 parking. (229) 861-3137.
Octoberfest
Saturday, October 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
Celebrate Halloween with a haunted hayride, games for kids, boat hayride and a costume contest. Food vendors will be on hand. Games 1 ticket each, boat ride 4 tickets, hayride 3 tickets, cakewalk 1 ticket. $1 per ticket. $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.
Moonlight Madness
Saturday, October 29, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
A haunted house hayrides will be offered from 7-10pm. $1-3 per activity. $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.
METRO ATLANTA

Battle of Allatoona Pass
Saturday, October 1 through Sunday, October 2
Allatoona Pass Battlefield – Emerson
Tour the hillside and railroad cut through historic Allatoona Pass. Walk the trails, visit the star fort earthworks, and follow the old Tennessee Road just as Civil War soldiers did in 1864. Explore daily life in the tent city, and see rifle and cannon firing demonstrations. (Located near Red Top Mountain State Park. (770) 975-0055.
Wild Edibles
Saturday, October 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Learn the basics of identifying, collecting and preparing edible wild plants. Learn about poisonous plants to avoid. This class will cover medicinal uses as well. There will be a light hike involved, so wear comfortable shoes and insect repellent. Bring a sack lunch. This program is recommended for ages 6 and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Sunday Fly Fishing Clinic
Sunday October 2, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Casting is the backbone of this clinic; however, safety issues and other tricks of the trade will also be covered. Wear 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, October 8, 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. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m. – 11 p.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.
Panola Mountain Night Hike
Saturday, October 8, 6:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountain top under the watchful eye of the full 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 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Introduction to Backpacking
Saturday, October 8, 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This beginner’s class will take place in an outdoor classroom. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Geology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Learn how the southern Appalachian Mountains were formed and how these events still have an effect on the land and people. The first half of the class will be indoors discussing geologic events. The second half of the class will be a moderate 2-mile hike. Class fee includes map. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Hunter Safety Education Class (CD ROM Class)
Tuesday, October 11, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Spring
Resident and non-resident hunters born after Jan. 1, 1961 must successfully complete this class prior to purchasing a hunting license. You must register for this class at www.georgiawildlife.com or call 770-389-7275 or 1-800-864-7275. This hunter education class is taught by Dept. of Nat. Resources Law Enforcement Division, and volunteer instructors. The class will meet at the Sweetwater Creek Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 1-800-864-7275.

Introduction to Wilderness Survival
Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This covers basic and some advanced survival techniques. Good for all ages. Learn to build a fire, make an emergency shelter, navigation, how to pack a daypack, and first-aid kit for survival. Please bring a sack lunch. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
 Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, October 15, 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 2-3 hours. Rain or shine. Meeting at the nature center. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801

Backcountry Geology Hike
Sunday, October 16, 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.

Wilderness Survival School
Saturday, October 22 through Sunday, October 23
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Learn to survive in the wilderness. The Southeast School of Survival has joined up with Red Top Mountain State Park to bring Wilderness Survival Training each month. Shelter, fire, food, water, survival first aid, signaling, and rescue are only a sample of what the Southeast School of Survival will bring to you during each course. To register, visit www.SoutheastSchoolofSurvival.com $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.

Atlanta Audubon Society Intro to Birdwatching Hike
Saturday, October 22, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, the important habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society, which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the park’s Interpretive Center. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.