An official website of the State of Georgia.
Below is a list of upcoming events. Additional information can be found on the site’s social media pages or by contacting the site directly.
Junior Summer Send Off
7/23/2026 9:00 am - 2:15 pm
Summer’s end is right around the corner and what better way to end the summer with a 2-day junior ranger summer send off camp! Campers will enjoy archery, fishing and knot tying, a walking stick workshop, and nature hikes! Pool pass will be provided for the parents and child at the end of the camp for the rest of the afternoon. Don’t miss out on a summer of discovery, learning, and adventure! For more information or to request registration forms, contact the park at (706) 663-4858 or email fdrjuniorrangercamp@gmail.com.
Going Deep
7/23/2026 10:00am
Explore the strata of the canyon from the bottom up in this advanced look at the rocks and minerals that make up the lower part of the canyon. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Weeds Walk
7/23/2026 10am
Get ready to look at the plants beneath your feet in a whole new way! Join us at 10:00 AM at the Campground #2 boat ramp for a Weeds Walk discovery hike. We will be venturing off the pavement to explore the winding dirt nature trail, where we'll meet the fascinating, overlooked, and incredibly useful wild plants that thrive all around the park. This adventure is perfect for curious minds who enjoy exploring natural, uneven terrain, so be sure to lace up your sturdiest walking shoes and bring some water as we head out to uncover the amazing secrets of our local wild flora. FREE!
Kudzu! Kudzu! Kudzu!
7/23/2026 4pm
Unearth the fascinating story behind the vine that swallowed the South! Join us at 4:00 PM at the Interpretive Center for a kudzu discovery hike, where we will dive deep into this famous plant's incredibly complicated history in the United States. Far more than just a fast-growing roadside view, we will explore how it arrived, its role in erosion control, and the surprising variety of ways it can actually be utilized today. It is the perfect afternoon stroll for history buffs and nature lovers alike, so bring your curiosity and some walking shoes as we uncover the secrets of this green giant! FREE!
Make a Snake
7/23/2026 2:00 PM
Learn about snakes while making a fun craft to take home. $2 per person.
Junior Ranger Camp #2
7/23/2026 9AM-3PM
Join us at the Interpretive Center for a fun filled day of archery, hikes, crafts and hiking stick making! $50 per day or $125 for all three days. Ages 8-12. Sign up at the Visitor Center to secure your spot. All kids must bring their own lunches and drinks.
Early Morning Paddle
7/24/2026 9am-1pm
Meet us at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for an early morning paddle! Bring your own boat, or use one of ours! 4 wheel drive vehicles are required, as we will be driving down to Lake Tugaloo. Space is limited, so reserve your spot ASAP!
Reading Ranger
7/24/2026 4-5pm
Join us in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for a fun story and accompanying craft!
Pewter Pour
7/24/2026 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Pewter has been around for more than 3,000 years. First uses included coins, jewelry, decorative items and tableware. At the park, visitors will make their design in casting sand that will serve as a mold. We will then pour liquid metal into the mold, creating a cool custom keepsake to take home. Meet at the Patio behind the Visitors Center.
A Walk-Through Time: Vaughn Cabin
7/24/2026 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Travel back in time with one of our park rangers and see what life was really like for 19th-century pioneers! Peek inside a historic cabin, discover how and why it was built the way it was, and hear fun stories about the tough (and sometimes surprising!) challenges pioneer families faced on the frontier.
Junior Summer Send Off
7/24/2026 9:00am - 2:15pm
Summer’s end is right around the corner and what better way to end the summer with a 2-day junior ranger summer send off camp! Campers will enjoy archery, fishing and knot tying, a walking stick workshop, and nature hikes! Pool pass will be provided for the parents and child at the end of the camp for the rest of the afternoon. Don’t miss out on a summer of discovery, learning, and adventure! For more information or to request registration forms, contact the park at (706) 663-4858 or email fdrjuniorrangercamp@gmail.com.
Bear Creek Hike
7/24/2026 10:00sm
This hike goes along the Overlook Trail then down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. Be advised that the trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park!
Flashes in the Darkness
7/24/2026 10:00am
The flashing lights of fireflies are synonymous with summer nights! In this program you will find out why they glow and other fascinating facts about these unique insects.
Boxed In
7/24/2026 1:00pm
Come learn about the lives of one of our most commonly encountered turtles - the Eastern Box Turtle.
Talkin’ Trees Hike
7/24/2026 11am
Ready to look at the forest in a whole new way? Join us at 11:00 AM at the Campground #2 boat ramp for Talkin' Trees, an interactive hike focused on the wonderful world of native trees! We will wander along the trail together to learn simple, practical tips for identifying local species, while sharing fun facts about how these remarkable plants support our ecosystem and how they were used throughout history. It is a relaxed, engaging stroll perfect for nature lovers of all ages, so bring your curiosity, your questions, and your favorite walking shoes! FREE!
Games at the Old Fort
7/24/2026 4pm
Unplug and head outside for Games at the Old Fort, a morning of old-fashioned fun the whole family will love! Gathering at 4:00 PM right at the historic blockhouse, this lively program invites you to try your hand at a variety of field games from the past alongside a few unique ones of our own. It is a fantastic way for kids to burn off some energy, for parents to tap into some nostalgia, and for everyone to experience how early frontier families gathered together to play and socialize. Bring your competitive spirit and comfortable shoes for an active, playful step back in time! FREE!
Unboxing the Box Turtle
7/24/2026 10:00 AM
Come meet some of our most elusive residents, the box turtles, and learn about their habits and amazing characteristics. Meet in the Interpretive Center.
Maritime Forest Hike
7/24/2026 10:00 AM
Come learn about the unique forest ecosystem found along the coastline. Join a ranger for a discussion covering the ecosystem and the life that comprises it. Meet up at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 1.5-mile hike.
Bush Craft Basics: Creating Cordage
7/24/2026 4:00 PM
In this hands-on craft you'll learn about the natural resources people have used for generations to harness plant fibers for rope making. Participants will learn to form their very own cordage to take home. Meet at Picnic Shelter 2. $5 program fee.
Game Night with a Ranger
7/24/2026 5:00 PM
Take some time to get to know park staff and your fellow campers by playing games together! With a wide array of card and board games for all ages, there is something for everyone. For overnight guests in the pavilion in the RV campground.
Fishing 101
7/24/2026 9am
Looking to spend a Friday morning getting fishy? Join a ranger at the Area B bridge at 9am to get a beginner friendly session on what you need to know! We recommend this program for those under the age of 16 as there is no fishing license required. If you are over the age of 16 or a parent that wants to fish with your child we recommend you check out GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com to see what license might be a good fit for you! The program fee is $25 (not including any park pass or entry fees) however, you walk home with your own telescopic fishing pole and stocked tackle box! This program has limited spaces this month so be sure to call our Visitors Center to pre-register before they are filled!
Mushroom Mile
7/24/2026 2:00 PM
Come explore the diverse world of fungi! Join a ranger on a 1.0-mile hike and identify some common mushrooms. Begins at the Beach area at 2:00 PM.
Bear Talk
7/24/2026 12:00 PM
Did you know that a black bear can smell a burger grilling from 18 miles away? Come learn all about this curious critter! Get a chance to touch real bear skulls and claws! Begins at the Old Fort picnic area at 12:00 PM.
S'mores and Campfire Stories
7/24/2026 7 PM - 8 PM
Join us for an evening of s’mores and stories around the campfire. This event will be held near the campground entrance. Feel free to get comfy with your own chair or blanket!
Pinecone Bird Feeders
7/24/2026 1:00 PM
Join Jack Hill State Park for a DIY bird feeder program. Simple, quick, and easy, this program is especially perfect for young children looking to learn about Southeastern bird species.
Pinecone Bird Feeders
7/24/2026 3:00 PM
Join Jack Hill State Park for a DIY bird feeder program. Simple, quick, and easy, this program is especially perfect for young children looking to learn about Southeastern bird species.
DIY Hummingbird Feeders
7/24/2026 4:15 PM
Join Jack Hill State Park for a DIY hummingbird feeder program. Simple, quick, and easy, this program is especially perfect for young children looking to learn about Southeastern hummingbirds.
Evening Bat Hike
7/24/2026 8PM to 9:30PM
An evening hike where we'll walk to Black Rock Lake Trail and appreciate another oft misunderstood denizen of our magical mountain.
North Rim Romp
7/25/2026 9-10:30am
Come hike the North Rim Trail with a ranger! This hike is roughly a mile, and it involves hiking over uneven terrain, as well as some stairs! We will be discussing some of the park's history, as well as learning more about our park's natural resources!
Creek Crawl
7/25/2026 3-5pm
Join us for a fun afternoon of creek exploration and stream ecology! We will be meeting at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, then driving over to the Terrora trailhead! Water shoes are recommended!
Vann House Day, 2026
7/25/2026 (contact site for times)
What better way to understand the daily life of an 1800s family than to experience it for yourself? Local craftspeople will demonstrate early 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music!
Kayaking & Wildlife Tour
7/25/2026 (contact site for times)
join us at the visitor center to Explore local waterways while learning about wildlife and ecosystems from the water. Please remember to bring hydration. Kayaks & canoes are available in limited quantities for $20 per person. Guests are welcome to bring their own at no charge.
Basic Archery
7/25/2026 11:00AM-12:00PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Basic Archery
7/25/2026 1:00PM-2:00PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance.
Basic Archery
7/25/2026 2:30PM-3:30PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance.
Archery
7/25/2026 9am - 11am
Archery target shooting adventure for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction and equipment. Beginners welcome. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663- 4858. Admission: $20, with a $10 parking fee. Meet at archery field below dam. Park at boat dock.
Salamander Meander
7/25/2026 1pm - 2pm
Have you ever seen a salamander or caught a crayfish? Join Park Rangers for an investigative stream lab to discover salamanders and other cold-stream inhabitants. Wear shoes you can get wet. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission is $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Animal Fur and Felting
7/25/2026 2pm - 3pm
Come join us for a fun lesson on animal fur and create your own wet felted fur based on patterns of animals in the park. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Sittons Cave Adventure
7/25/2026 09:30am
Go on an underground adventure on this 2 hr guided tour into Sittons Cave in the bottom of the canyon. You must pre-register for this program with the park office. Limited to age 10 and older, call the office at 706-557-4050 to register.
Sittons Cave Adventure
7/25/2026 12:30pm
Go on an underground adventure on this 2 hr guided tour into Sittons Cave in the bottom of the canyon. You must pre-register for this program with the park office. Limited to age 10 and older, call the office at 706-557-4050 to register.
Tarpology 101
7/25/2026 1:00pm
learn to build a variety of simple shelters using tarps
Creek Critters
7/25/2026 10:00am
Wade in the creek to search for aquatic critters to see what lives in the canyons streams. For kids and adults 8 and up. Closed-toe shoes required.
Christmas in July: Knotty or Nice Friendship Bracelets
7/25/2026 5:00 PM
Learn to make Friendship bracelets with us! A great Christmas-in-July gift for someone special! Meet at the Park Office. $3
Christmas in July: Movie Night
7/25/2026 8:30PM
Bring your chairs and blankets to the park office to enjoy a holiday movie under the stars. Christmas in July specials: pompom snowball fight, complimentary hot chocolate, and snowflake-cutting craft station. FREE
• Fishing Jamboree
7/25/2026 9am
Come join us for an exciting and fun fishing tournament for all ages
• Nature Hut
7/25/2026 2pm
Explore the Hut and expand your knowledge on Georgia wildlife
Nature in Your Pocket: Build a Terrarium
7/25/2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Our popular crafting class returns! Join us as we assemble our own terrariums to take home. Learn about environments and ecosystems, condensation and photosynthesis along the way! Space is limited please pre-register to guarantee a seat! Cost: $15 per person to cover container, plants, and materials.
Sunset Paddle
7/25/2026 8:30PM
Join rangers for a sunset paddle around the Lower lake. Meet at the office by 8pm. Make sure to bring water and wear clothing that can get wet. $20 per person (rental included) $10 per person if bringing own kayak.
Twilight Kayak Tour
7/25/2026 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. A ranger will interpret the role the CCC made in creating this great park in the 1930s. Ages 6+.
Guided Tours of the Old Fort
7/25/2026 9am-1pm
Step back in time and explore the very roots of our local heritage with our ongoing weekly Fort Tours, held every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, rain or shine. This program offers a rare opportunity to step inside the interior of our late 18th-century blockhouse, one of the oldest historic structures in the region. You will discover the gripping history of early settlement in the frontier territory that eventually became Barrow County, and learn how the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) taking possession of the building in 1927 ultimately planted the seeds for the creation of Fort Yargo State Park decades later. Whether you are a dedicated history buff or just curious about the past, stop by this weekend to walk the same floorboards as Georgia's early settlers! FREE!
Frontier Foraging the Old Fort
7/25/2026 11am
Step back in time to discover how early Georgians fed themselves at Frontier Foraging, a morning program at the Old Fort starting at 11:00 AM that perfectly compliments our ongoing Saturday Fort Tours. Long before the enormous farm plots of later generations were cleared, early settlers relied heavily on the wilderness and small, immediate homestead plantings to survive. Together, we will look at some of the wild and cultivated foods they would have leaned on right near the house—including plants like wild figs and blueberries—and discuss the essential foraging skills required to tame the 18th-century frontier. It is a fascinating look at history through the lens of nature, making it the perfect addition to your Saturday morning at the park! FREE!
Buggin’ Out Discovery Hike
7/25/2026 8:30pm
Get ready to look closely, listen carefully, and completely bug out over the incredible nocturnal insects of Fort Yargo State Park! As the sun sets and the daytime critters go to sleep, our free, kid-friendly 'Buggin' Out' discovery hike kicks off right from the Visitor Center. We will follow the paved Wilkins Greenway Trail for an easy, fully accessible round-trip stroll of up to 2 miles, making it perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and little legs alike. Together, we'll hunt for evening fireflies, listen to the twilight insect chorus, and safely observe the fascinating bugs that wake up after dark. Just bring a flashlight, wear comfortable walking shoes, and join us at sundown for a creepy-crawly evening adventure the whole family will love! FREE!
Christmas in July: Oyster Shell Ornaments*
7/25/2026 2:00 PM
Create a unique, keepsake ornament to keep as a souvenir or give as a gift. Materials provided. $8 per person. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your space in advance. Meet at the Interpretive Center.
Morning Kayak Paddle
7/25/2026 9AM-11AM
Join our Naturalist on a guided paddle on our blackwater lake! All participants must be able to swim. $25 per person / Park pass required. Sign up at the Visitor Center to secure your spot. Space is limited. We will meet at the kayaks beside the gazebo to hit the water.
Yoga On the Beach
7/25/2026 9:00 AM
Experience a unique and relaxing yoga session on our beach, led by instructors from Find Your Center Yoga Studio. This event is BYOYM- Bring Your Own Yoga Mat! Adults of all levels of experience are welcome.
Junior Ranger Family Camp
7/25/2026 9:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Join Don Carter for Junior Ranger Family Camp! Adults can accompany their children for classic summer fun that is enjoyable for all ages. Learn about Georgia plants, animals, and history through hiking, games, and crafts, all while making unforgettable memories. $15 per child, $5 per adult.
Campfire Cooking: Peach Cobbler
7/25/2026 5:00 PM
Learn how to make this delicious, American dessert over the fire in front of the visitor center! $5 per person, pre-registration required.
Oh Say Can You Sing- Music Trivia
7/25/2026 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
America's 250th celebration doesn't stop after the 4th of July! Campers, celebrate with us by testing your American-themed music knowledge. There will also be snow cones to beat the heat, and prizes for winners! Meet at the pavilion in the RV campground.
Nocturnal Night Hike
7/25/2026 8:45 PM
Explore the world of nocturnal animals! As the sun sets, we will test all 5 of our senses and see how they change in the dark. Meet at the Overlook Trail; no flashlights are necessary. Pre-registration is required; call the visitor center at 678-450-7726 to reserve your spot. $3 per person.
Trail Bingo Hike
7/25/2026 2:00pm
Bingo fans of all ages, step up your bingo game by playing as we hike our half mile, flat surfaced Historic Trail (ADA). Get some exercise, spend time in nature, and win bingo prizes at the same time! Meet on the Park Office Porch. Free
Evening Paddle
7/25/2026 6 PM - 8 PM
Join us for a guided paddle around Reed Bingham’s lake for a chance to view some of our diverse animal and plant life. Spots are limited, so make sure to sign up and pay at the Visitor Center at least 30 minutes in advance. Come with clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Water is strongly recommended. $30 plus parking pass required.
Fire Tower Open House
7/25/2026 2:00-4:00 PM
Join us for a chance to enter the Fire Tower! A ranger will be present to answer your questions. Bring a flashlight! The Tower will be open from 2:00-4:00 PM.
Bear Talk
7/25/2026 12:00 PM
Did you know that a black bear can smell a burger grilling from 18 miles away? Come learn all about this curious critter! Get a chance to touch real bear skulls and claws! Begins at the Old Fort picnic area at 12:00 PM.
Bitty Beasts!
7/25/2026 10am-11:30am
Join our naturalist at the Overland Nature Trail for a hike to search for native little creatures!
Pollinator Pals!
7/25/2026 1pm - 3pm
Join our naturalist at the Museum for a fun lesson on the native butterfly species and a craft!
Paddles at the Park!
7/25/2026 5pm - 6:30pm
Join us at the Boat Ramp for an introductory Kayak session around the lake! Pre-registration required, call the park office to register. $25 per person, ages 10 and up.
S'mores Safari
7/25/2026 7:30 PM
Join Jack Hill State Park for our S'mores Safari program! Gather around the campfire as we make some s'mores and learn all about Southeastern wildlife with a hands-on twist.
Guided Hike - Tennessee Rock Trail ($5)
7/25/2026 10AM - 12 Noon
Our most popular trail, it is a 2.2 mile hike through some of our highest forests, and at some points, on clear days, scenic views of over 20 miles. $5 per person.
Hiking Stick Class
7/25/2026 1PM-2:30PM
Join our Naturalist at the Interpretive Center to create your own hiking stick! We have several woods to choose from and multiple colors of paracord for a good handgrip. You can even have your name burned into your stick! $10 per stick. Sign up at the Visitor Center prior to the event.
Archery in the Pines
7/25/2026 3PM-4PM
Join us at the Archery Range behind the Interpretive Center for archery 101! Ages 10 and up. No loose fitting clothes and long hair must be pulled back. Pre-register at the Visitor Center prior to the event to secure your spot. $10 per person/Park pass required. See you there!
Nature Journaling
7/25/2026 10:00AM
Join us as we begin our illustrative walk through the seasons and nature! In this program, we will be highlighting your individual interpretation of the surrounding environment while also strengthening your passion to discover, observe, be mindful, and be creative! We supply the journals, you bring the imagination! Where: Visitor Center Arch Room
Explore & Identify: A Nature ID Walk
7/25/2026 1:00PM
Join Georgia Master Naturalists as we explore the native flora and fauna of an Amicalola Spring. In this program, we will be diving into the identification app, iNaturalist, learning to use field guides, and other nature identification apps! Meeting location: Visitor Center
Iconic Trees of Amicalola
7/25/2026 2:30PM
Join volunteer naturalists to learn how to use a tree ID guide book and scientific sketches to identify amazing trees along the Appalachian Approach Trail. This walk will take place at the Lodge Loop Trail, which overlooks the mountain range that surrounds the Lodge. Meet us in the lodge lobby!
Bats of Georgia
7/25/2026 8:00PM
If you don't already love Georgia's bats- you're about to! Join bat enthusiasts and Georgia master naturalists to learn what bats do for us, and what we can do for Georgia's bats. After the 30-minute presentation, take a walk using special bat-detecting gear to participate in citizen-science! Meet us in the campground picnic pavilion.
Journal Journey
7/26/2026 9-10am
Join our naturalist on an artistic journey on our 1.5 mile inspiration loop trail! Take the opportunity to get creative and sketch your surroundings! Bring your own nature journal/paper, as well as writing/drawing utensils!
Solar S'mores
7/26/2026 11-12pm
Meet us at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for a fun STEM activity! We will be creating solar ovens and using them to make s’mores!
Sittons Cave Adventure
7/26/2026 09:30am
Go on an underground adventure on this 2 hr guided tour into Sittons Cave in the bottom of the canyon. You must pre-register for this program with the park office. Limited to age 10 and older, call the office at 706-557-4050 to register.
Nature Hut
7/26/2026 2pm
Explore the Hut and expand your knowledge on Georgia wildlife
Inside the Mill Ruins: Morning Mill Tour
7/26/2026 10am-11:30am
Go inside the mill ruins on this ranger led mill tour examining the history of the site. This hike is an easy 1 mile. Not stroller friendly. $5 per person call 770-732-2613 to register.
The Mycelium Mystery Tour (A Mushrooms ID Hike)
7/26/2026 9am
Step into the fascinating, hidden world beneath the canopy on The Mycelium Mystery Tour! Leaving out from the Visitor Center, we will head into the woods in search of the diverse fungal fruiting bodies currently popping up along the forest floor and tree trunks. Together, we will learn fundamental foraging skills—like how to tell a shelf-like polypore from a classic gilled agaric—and utilize modern technology to help safely and accurately identify everything we encounter, from the dangerous to the edible. Because fungal conditions are always shifting with the weather, no two walks are ever the same, making every single trip a unique treasure hunt for mushroom lovers of all experience levels! $10 (pre-register at Visitor Center)
The Social Butterflies Stroll
7/26/2026 1pm
Get ready to flutter on over for a family-friendly afternoon walk and talk dedicated to our favorite winged insects! This relaxing program takes us on a scenic, roughly 1.5-mile out-and-back journey along the completely paved Wilkins Greenway Trail, providing a smooth and fully accessible route perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and slow-paced strollers alike. Our destination is the park's vibrant pollinator and butterfly garden, where a myriad of native species can be easily sighted fluttering about right now. Along the way, we'll chat about the vital role these beautiful creatures play in our ecosystem and how you can spot them in your own backyard. FREE!
Low Tide Hike
7/26/2026 1:00 PM
Coastal Georgia experiences relatively large, regular high and low tides. Join us for a short walk and talk on the tides and hear about the forces responsible for these sweeping changes. Meet at the Sandpiper Trail for a 1-mile hike.
Dragonfly Craft & Learn
7/26/2026 2:00pm
Meet at the Program Area to make a dragonfly magnet and learn a bit about dragonflies of our area. Must register in advance $2 per craft
Mushroom Mile
7/26/2026 2:00 PM
Come explore the diverse world of fungi! Join a ranger on a 1.0-mile hike and identify some common mushrooms. Begins at the Beach area at 2:00 PM.
Big Rock Falls Hike
7/26/2026 10:00 AM
Enjoy a moderate, 0.75 mile hike alongside our cascading Big Rock Falls. Begins at the Big Rock Trailhead at 10:00 AM.
Turtle Talk
7/26/2026 1pm - 3pm
Join our naturalist at the Museum for a fun class on native turtle species, a small craft, and preservation efforts!
Monumental Meander
7/26/2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Join our naturalist at the Museum for a hike through the front of the park to observe the historic spots and learn about one of the oldest state parks in the country!
Lake Trail Nature Hike
7/26/2026 9:30AM-11AM
Join us on a guided hike through the forest and across our blackwater lake! We will meet at the Interpretive Center to hit the trail. Bug spray is recommended. Park Pass required.
Butterflies and Roses Craft
7/26/2026 2:30PM-3:30PM
Come join us at the Interpretive Center to create realistic looking roses and butterflies! Plenty of colors to choose from. Sign up at the Visitor Center prior to the craft. $5 per person/park pass required. See you there!
Salamander Secrets
7/27/2026 2:00pm
Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region.
Sunset and Full Moon Paddle
7/28/2026 (contact site for times)
Enjoy the changing colors on the lake during this ranger-guided tour. After the sun sets, experience the wonders of nature that are unique to nighttime. Spaces are limited. Geared towards ages 8 and above. For more info and to register, please click on the link below.
Jewels of the Marsh: Diamondback Terrapins
7/28/2026 10:00 AM
The diamondback terrapin is the only turtle that lives only in brackish water. It is a keystone species in the saltmarsh ecosystem. Come join us for a closer look at this precious jewel. Meet in the Interpretive Center for a 30-minute program and see our two live diamondback terrapins.
Full Buck Moon Hike
7/29/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us for a night you'll fawn over. You will hear moon lore, see some antlers and learn why this month is called the Buck Moon. This 2.5-mile guided hike is perfect for a first-time hiker. We'll take a northerly course with the rising moon in our sightlines. The trail is paved and the hike takes about an hour. Closed toe shoes are recommended.
Fossils of the Cumberland Plateau
7/29/2026 1:00pm
This program will introduce you to some of the common and not so common fossils of the Cumberland Plateau.
Holey Ground: Caves and Karst of the Cumberland Plateau
7/29/2026 10:00am
This one hour presentation explains why this region is riddled with holes, and will introduce you to the fragile environment of caves and some of the fascinating creatures found in them.
Kids Snack-tivity: Moon Phases and Constellations
7/29/2026 2PM
Come learn about moon phases and constellations (using cookies and marshmallows!). Ages 3+ welcome. Meet at the Park Office. $3
Full Moon Night Hike
7/29/2026 8:30pm
Experience the park after dark and witness a spectacular celestial display during our Full Moon Night Hike! This month, we are gathering to watch the stunning Full Buck Moon lift above the horizon. Our guided path will take us on an easy ~2.5-mile total stroll down the completely paved Wilkins Greenway Trail, ensuring a smooth and accessible route for night hikers of all ages and skills. We will wrap up our evening right on the scenic bridge behind the Visitor Center, providing the perfect, wide-open vantage point to enjoy the glowing moonlight reflecting off the water. Lace up your walking shoes, grab your family, and join us for a peaceful, moonlit evening in the park! $10 (pre-register at Visitor Center)
Paint a Passerine*
7/29/2026 2:00 PM
Fly on over to the Interpretive Center and paint a picture of one of the many perching birds that can be found at the park! Materials provided. Beginners and all ages welcome. $4 per person. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your space in advance.
Homeschool Day: High Falls of the Industrial Revolution
7/29/2026 10:00am-12:00pm
Bring school aged students to learn a bit about the Industrial Revolution and how it gave us High Falls Lake. Students must be accompanied by an adult. Optional hike on the Historic Trail (ADA) after instructional time. Space is limited, must register in advance. $1 supply fee per child.
Full Buck Moon Hike
7/29/2026 8:30pm
Join us for a rare opportunity to see the full moon from the trail. Pre-registration and payment required. Space is limited. No walk-ups allowed. $5 per hiker.
Holey Ground: Caves and Karst of the Cumberland Plateau
7/30/2026 10:00am
This one hour presentation explains why this region is riddled with holes, and will introduce you to the fragile environment of caves and some of the fascinating creatures found in them.
Boxed In
7/30/2026 1:00pm
Come learn about the lives of one of our most commonly encountered turtles - the Eastern Box Turtle.
Weeds Walk
7/30/2026 10am
Get ready to look at the plants beneath your feet in a whole new way! Join us at 10:00 AM at the Campground #2 boat ramp for a Weeds Walk discovery hike. We will be venturing off the pavement to explore the winding dirt nature trail, where we'll meet the fascinating, overlooked, and incredibly useful wild plants that thrive all around the park. This adventure is perfect for curious minds who enjoy exploring natural, uneven terrain, so be sure to lace up your sturdiest walking shoes and bring some water as we head out to uncover the amazing secrets of our local wild flora. FREE!
Kudzu! Kudzu! Kudzu!
7/30/2026 4pm
Unearth the fascinating story behind the vine that swallowed the South! Join us at 4:00 PM at the Interpretive Center for a Kudzu Discovery Hike, where we will dive deep into this famous plant's incredibly complicated history in the United States. Far more than just a fast-growing roadside view, we will explore how it arrived, its role in erosion control, and the surprising variety of ways it can actually be utilized today. It is the perfect afternoon stroll for history buffs and nature lovers alike, so bring your curiosity and some walking shoes as we uncover the secrets of this green giant! FREE!
Roving Ranger
7/30/2026 10:00 AM
A ranger will be roving the trails to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more.
Snakes of Skidaway: Meet the Rat Snake
7/30/2026 2:00 PM
Drop by the Interpretive Center to meet, touch, and learn all about one of our ambassador rat snakes.
Survival in the Okefenokee Swamp Hike
7/30/2026 10:00 AM
People have lived in the Okefenokee Swamp for 4000 years. Join a Ranger on the trail to learn what challenges people faced and how people used and harvested the resources around them to make their lives here in this mighty wetland. Meet at the Visitor Center
Campfire S'mores and More!
7/31/2026 7-8pm
Meet us at the Terrora Campground for a fun night of s'mores, campfire stories, and more!
Bear Creek Hike
7/31/2026 10:00am
This hike goes along the Overlook Trail then down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. Be advised that the trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park!
World Ranger Day Bear Creek Hike
7/31/2026 10:00am
On World Ranger Day, we honor the extraordinary courage, commitment, and sacrifice of rangers across the globe. We will be offering two hikes on this day to celebrate Rangers everywhere.
World Ranger Day - Meadowlands Hike
7/31/2026 1:00pm
On World Ranger Day, we honor the extraordinary courage, commitment, and sacrifice of rangers across the globe. We will be offering two hikes on this day to celebrate Rangers everywhere.
World Ranger Day
7/31/2026 (contact site for times)
A day full of traditional ranger activities to celebrate World Ranger Day! Come get your boots muddy and enjoy the outdoors with the rangers of Victoria Bryant State Park. Please call the office to sign up.
Talkin’ Trees Hike
7/31/2026 11am
Ready to look at the forest in a whole new way? Join us at 11:00 AM at the Campground #2 boat ramp for Talkin' Trees, an interactive hike focused on the wonderful world of native trees! We will wander along the trail together to learn simple, practical tips for identifying local species, while sharing fun facts about how these remarkable plants support our ecosystem and how they were used throughout history. It is a relaxed, engaging stroll perfect for nature lovers of all ages, so bring your curiosity, your questions, and your favorite walking shoes! FREE!
Shells & Scales: Meet Our Ambassador Animals
7/31/2026 4:30pm
Come face-to-face with some of the park's most fascinating residents during Shells & Scales, an interactive wildlife talk inside the Interpretive Center at 4:30 PM! This special afternoon program features our very own ambassador animals, Brazel the red-eared slider turtle and Knots the eastern kingsnake. You'll get an up-close look at them inside their enclosures while learning all about their unique adaptations, diets, and the vital roles reptiles play in our local ecosystem. It is a fun, educational experience perfect for kids and families who want to get to know our resident critters a little better! FREE!
Bee Hotels*
7/31/2026 10:00 AM
Many native bees are solitary cavity nesters. You can help attract these important pollinators to your yard and support their populations by putting up a bee hotel. Meet in the Interpretive Center to make your own with us. Materials and instruction provided. $4 per person. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your space in advance.
DIY Birdfeeder
7/31/2026 2:00 PM
Birdfeeders provide an energetic boost to the diets of local and migrating birds looking for a hearty meal. Make your own to take home while watching our birdfeeders. Please note: peanut butter is one of the main ingredients used. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $3 per person.
Sunset on the Swamp Paddle
7/31/2026 7:00 PM
Experience the majesty of the Okefenokee Swamp as it transforms over the full expanse of sunset. Watch as near perfect mirror reflections are cast on the black water surface and as dozens of wading birds fly out to their roosts for the evening! Paddle Tours are $35 for adults and $25 for 16 yr olds and under
Fantastic Frogs of the Okefenokee
7/31/2026 4:30 PM
As the largest intact wetland east of the Mississippi its easy to imagine the amazing numbers of amphibians that call this place home. Learn to tell the difference between different frog and toad calls, about their life cycles and how we can support our frog neighbors outside of the swamp!
Fire Tower Open House
7/31/2026 2:00-4:00 PM
Join us for a chance to enter the Fire Tower! A ranger will be present to answer your questions. Bring a flashlight! The Tower will be open from 2:00-4:00 PM.
Bear Talk
7/31/2026 12:00 PM
Did you know that a black bear can smell a burger grilling from 18 miles away? Come learn all about this curious critter! Get a chance to touch real bear skulls and claws! Begins at the Old Fort picnic area at 12:00 PM.
S'mores and Campfire Stories
7/31/2026 7 PM - 8 PM
Join us for an evening of s’mores and stories around the campfire. This event will be held near the campground entrance. Feel free to get comfy with your own chair or blanket!
Yoga at the Overlook
7/31/2026 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Connect more deeply with nature during a gentle, all-levels yoga session and sound bath at the overlook. Bring your mat, water, and a sense of wonder.
Night Hike with Blacklights
7/31/2026 8:30PM-9:30PM
Join our Naturalist as we walk around our park after dark! We will provide blacklights to see what animals glow in the dark. You will need to bring your own regular flashlight. This event is $5 per person and must be paid for prior to our Visitor Center closing at 5PM. Park pass required.
Shortline Stroll
8/1/2026 9-10:30am
Meet a ranger at the Terrora trailhead for a fun hike along the Shortline Trail! The hike is roughly 3 miles roundtrip and paved! We will be discussing the history of the railroad! $5 per person!
Back to School Bash
8/1/2026 3-5pm
Does the idea of going back to school have you down? Don't worry! We're ending the summer the right way with a water day! Join us at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for an afternoon of water slides, water balloons, popcorn, cornhole, and other fun activities!
Sunflowers & Selfies
8/1/2026 (contact site for times)
A much-awaited annual event, Sunflowers & Selfies, promises to deliver on a family-fun day of hayrides, games, photo ops, a photo contest, and our blooming field of sunflowers. Learn about the park, from our knowledgeable guides, as you enjoy the beauty of Smithgall on a hayride or enjoy at your own pace.
Nature in Your Pocket: Build a Terrarium
8/1/2026 2pm-3pm
Our popular crafting class returns! Join us as we assemble our own terrariums to take home. Learn about environments and ecosystems, condensation and photosynthesis along the way! Space is limited please pre-register to guarantee a seat! Cost: $15 per person to cover container, plants, and materials.
Guided Mountain Hike
8/1/2026 9:00AM-12:00PM
*Advanced Registration is recommended for this program and is limited to maximum of 25 hikers. Call 770-389-7801 to register. Walk-ups will be taken if space is available. Cost is $10/hiker (ages 10+) Wonder why Panola Mountain is a restricted area? Come on a guided hike for a close look at our unique ecology and see how outcrop plants scrape out a living in this harsh environment. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. This is a moderately strenuous hike covering over 3 miles, with significant elevation changes and uneven terrain. Ages 10 and up. Groups of 10 or more must register for a private hike. Meet at Nature Center. Reservations are nonrefundable. Participants must give at least 24 hour’s notice if they need to reschedule. Transfer credits will only be applied to a similar program. In the case of severe weather or slippery conditions, the park may deem it necessary to cancel or reschedule the hike. Park staff will notify registered participants of any change of plans prior to the event. If there are no sign-ups by the end of the day prior to the hike, the park reserves the right to cancel the program. All vehicles in a GA State Park must purchase and/or display a valid parking pass.
Archery
8/1/2026 9AM - 11AM
Archery target shooting adventure for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction and equipment. Beginners welcome. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $20, with a $10 parking fee. Meet at archery field below dam. Park at boat dock.
Insect Safari Hike
8/1/2026 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through the forest with a park ranger and observe and discuss the role of insects in the forest ecosystem. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. A minimum of two participants is required for the hike to take place. Admission: $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Monarchs and Making Paper
8/1/2026 1PM - 2:30 PM
Learn about the incredible journey of the monarch butterfly and how you can help protect its habitat. Then, get creative with a fun papermaking activity using recycled and natural materials. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Snakes of Skidaway: Meet the Rat Snake
8/1/2026 10:00 AM
Drop by the Interpretive Center to meet, touch, and learn all about one of our ambassador rat snakes.
Bug Bingo
8/1/2026 3:00 PM
Come cool off and play bug bingo in the Interpretive Center with us! Learn about some of the fascinating native insects that live on the island, have fun playing a game with your family and friends, and who knows - you may even win a prize! $2 per person.
Guided Hike - Greasy Creek Falls ($5)
8/1/2026 11AM - Noon
Meet at Black Rock Lake Trailhead for a 1.5 mile hike to Greasy Creek's sliding cascade waterfall.
Campfire and Smores
8/1/2026 6:00 PM
Join us at shelter 4 for National Campfire day to learn to build a fire and enjoy s'mores. $2 per person
Cornhole!
8/1/2026 2PM - 4PM
We'll have two sets of cornhole boards out for anyone that wants to come play in the Mellinger Center. If the turnout is sufficient, we might start a tournament, with rules and structure TBD.
Paddle with a Ranger
8/1/2026 8:00 AM
Join our Ranger for a 2 hour paddle. $40 per person, all equipment provided. Participants must meet guidelines on kayak rental agreement including kids under 15 must be in kayak with adult. RSVP By July 30, 2026
Safety First: Emergency 101
8/1/2026 11:00AM-12:00PM
Do you know what to do if you have an emergency on a trail? Being prepared for an emergency should be step one of any hiking or camping trip. Knowledge of proper emergency protocol and a fully stocked emergency kit can save lives. Join a ranger to learn proper emergency protocol and what you should have in your emergency kit. Ages 8+.
Edible and Multi Use Plant Hike
8/1/2026 1:00PM-2:30PM
Have you ever wondered what people ate before grocery stores? Or how they made baskets from pine needles? Join a ranger to learn how the plants around us have been used historically, both for food and for survival crafts. You'll learn the basics of plant identification, plant safety, and plant uses on this 1 mile hike. Ages 10 and up. Pre-registration required.
Lets Rock
8/1/2026 10:00am
Explore the geologic forces that formed the canyon. This moderately strenuous hike begins at the main overlook and proceeds down to Cherokee Falls. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center
Trees ID
8/1/2026 1:00pm
learn to identify some of the most common trees found on the canyon rim on this easy walk along the Overlook Trail
Creek Critters
8/1/2026 10:00am
program that takes you down to Daniel Creek where we will wade in the creek to search for aquatic critters. For kids and adults 8 and up. close toe shoes that can get wet is required.
Birds of Prey
8/1/2026 1:00PM
Join Blue Ridge Raptors to meet several amazing Birds of Prey up close- and learn how to help wild raptors! Come early to chat with raptor specialists and stay after for photos with a hawk or owl. Please consider making a $3 donation by registering! Location: Visitor Center's Arch Room
Sunset Stories
8/1/2026 8:00PM
Gather around the campground firepit for an evening of stories under the stars! Professional storytellers will share captivating tales of Appalachian folklore, local history, and timeless traditions. Bring a chair, a flashlight, and your imagination for this one-hour program filled with laughter and mountain magic. Program is weather permitting.
Explore the Nature Center!
8/1/2026 9 AM - Noon
Drop by the newly-renovated Nature Center any time between 9-noon to explore our displays and chat with a Naturalist.
Kids Craft-ernoon: Animal Track Adventure
8/1/2026 1:30 PM
We’ll kick things off by creating our very own animal track identification frames, then put them to the test on a track scavenger hunt around the Nature Center. Meet at the Park Office, and we'll go to the Nature Center together. Ages 5+. $4 per participant
Marble Mine Hike
8/1/2026 10AM
Meet Rangers at the park office for a moderately strenuous 1.5 mile to the Marble Mine. Learn about the park’s nature and history while exploring the Marble Mine Trail. Make sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
Firefly Hike
8/1/2026 8:30PM
Join us for a night hike along the Upper Lake trail to witness the magical glow of our fireflies and discover how you can help protect them from extinction. Meet at the office at 8:30pm. Bring water and comfortable shoes.
Walk Lightly: Track your Eco Footprint
8/1/2026 12:00 PM
Join Jack Hill State Park for an educational activity where you will learn how to track your ecological footprint! Learn about the ecological effects of your everyday activities and how you can reduce your ecological footprint.
Survival Basics
8/1/2026 1pm-2pm
Learn cool wilderness survival tips, discover essential outdoor skills, and see if you have what it takes to thrive in nature!
Snake Sunday
8/2/2026 10:30-11am
Join us in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center conference room for a talk about snakes and their diets, habitats, and behaviors! You will have the chance to meet our snake ambassadors as well! $5 per person!
Make a Cyanotype!
8/2/2026 2pm-4pm
Since the 1800s, cyanotype art has been used as a photography alternative. This indoor exercise will show you how to prep the materials as well as arrange foliage for decoration. Enjoy a spot of lemonade as the sun works its magic on your pictures! Walk-ins welcome, no need to sign up! Cyanotypes take an average of 5-10 minutes to develop in the full sun. Staff reserve the right to cancel due to inclement weather. Cost: $5.
Creature Feature
8/2/2026 2:00PM-2:30PM
Join the rangers for a free educational program to learn about native animals that call Panola Mountain home and what we can do to protect them. Program includes live animals. Meet at the Nature Center. For all ages, but recommended for children ages 5-12. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Unboxing the Box Turtle
8/2/2026 10:00 AM
Come meet some of our most elusive residents, the box turtles, and learn about their habits and amazing characteristics. Meet in the Interpretive Center.
Clay Critters
8/2/2026 2:00 PM
Join a naturalist in the Interpretive Center for a great way to cool off this summer! Make a mushroom, leaf, or animal of your choice! Materials and instruction provided. $4 per person. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your space in advance.
Paddle with a Ranger
8/2/2026 8:00 AM
Join our Ranger for a 2 hour paddle. $40 per person, all equipment provided. Participants must meet guidelines on kayak rental agreement including kids under 15 must be in kayak with adult. RSVP By July 30, 2026
Water Ecology
8/2/2026 4:00PM-5:00PM
Come beat the heat and get your feet wet! We will use dip nets to catch macro invertebrates, crayfish and fish and talk about how they indicate the health of a stream. Ages 8 and up. Please wear water shoes. Pre-register in advance by calling the park office. $5 per attendee.
Frogging (And Other Night Sounds) Paddle
8/2/2026 7:00PM-9:00PM
Join our naturalist for this nighttime symphony performed by a host of nocturnal creatures on Lake Rutledge after dark. Frogs, crickets, cicadas, and nocturnal birds may be heard on this sunset paddle. Enjoy the stars after the sun goes down if the sky is clear. Ages 8+. Please register through Eventbrite using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Bear Creek Hike
8/2/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Salamander Secrets
8/3/2026 2:00pm
Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region.
Leafy Insects
8/4/2026 10:00 AM
Crawl, walk, or fly on over to the Interpretive Center where you can create your own insect from leaves and other materials found in the natural world. We will discuss insect anatomy - body parts, wing arrangement and more! $3 per person. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your space in advance.
Backcountry Loop Hike
8/4/2026 2:00pm
Hike with a park Naturalist on the two mile Backcountry campsite loop. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
The Secret World of Owls
8/4/2026 10 AM - Noon
Investigate the unique adaptations that make these nighttime hunters so successful. Put your own listening skills to the test in an owl hearing challenge, dissect an owl pellet to uncover clues about an owl's diet, and create a baby owl craft to take home. Meet at the Park Office. Call to Register 706-245-6270. $6 per participant
Bear Creek Hike
8/5/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Lets Rock
8/5/2026 10:00am
Explore the geologic forces that formed the canyon. This moderately strenuous hike begins at the main overlook and proceeds down to Cherokee Falls. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center
Holey Ground
8/5/2026 10:00am
one hour program on caves and karst of the Cumberland Plateau
Tree ID
8/5/2026 1:00pm
learn to identify some of the most common trees found on the canyon rim on this easy walk along the Overlook Trail
Frontier Skills at the Canyon Rim
8/6/2026 10:00am
Join a Naturalist at the Interpretive Center to learn a variety of frontier skills. In the shade, practice making cordage from natural fibers, learn to craft a fire using flint and steel, and watch a demo of 'fire-cake' being cooked over hot coals the way soldiers would have prepared them during the revolutionary war
Fossils of the Cumberland Plateau
8/6/2026 10:00am
Program will introduce you to some of the most common and not so common fossils that may be found in the different rock strata of the Cumberland Plateau
Flashes in the Darkness
8/6/2026 1:00pm
In this program you will find out why fireflies flow and other fascinating facts about these unique insects.
West Rim Hike
8/6/2026 1:00pm
This Ranger led hike takes you down into the canyon and up the west side to a rocky outcrop on the west side to a rocky outcrop on the West Rim Trail. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Homeschool Workshop: Weather Wonders!
8/6/2026 9-11 AM
Join us for a hands-on exploration of the atmosphere and weather. Will include scientific demonstrations and a cloud craft. Meet at the Park Office. Call to register 706-245-6270. $5 per participant
State Park After Dark!
8/7/2026 8-10pm
Meet us at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for a night full of family fun! We will be making star wheels as a group! Afterwards, we will go on a solar system walk! Once our solar system walk is finished, we will use our star wheels to spot constellations in the sky! Headlamps are recommended! $5 per person.
Homeschool: Owls of Georgia with Pellet Dissection
8/7/2026 10:00AM
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step into the shoes of a biologist? Now's your chance to explore the fascinating world of owls native to Georgia. Join a naturalist-led session that will take you on an eye-opening journey through the habits, habitats, and unique traits of these mysterious birds of prey.You’ll get hands-on with a scientific activity often used by biologists: dissecting an owl pellet. Owl pellets are regurgitated masses containing bones, fur, and other parts of the owl's prey. By carefully dissecting a pellet, you’ll uncover clues about what owls eat, their hunting patterns, and the small creatures that inhabit their environment.
Bird Bingo
8/7/2026 1:00PM
Join the Naturalist for a fun and educational quiz on backyard birds and birds of prey in Georgia. Test your knowledge, compete with others, and win exciting prizes! The cost to participate is $5.00 per person. Don't miss this chance to learn and have fun!
Jewels of the Marsh: Diamondback Terrapins
8/7/2026 2:00 PM
The diamondback terrapin is the only turtle that lives only in brackish water. It is a keystone species in the saltmarsh ecosystem. Come join us for a closer look at this precious jewel. Meet in the Interpretive Center for a 30-minute program and see our two live diamondback terrapins.
Line Dancing!
8/7/2026 7PM to 8PM
Beginner level, all skill levels welcome. Meet at the Mellinger Center.
Friday Game Night
8/7/2026 6:00PM-7:00PM
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. No pre-registration required. All ages welcome.
Scorpion Night Hike
8/7/2026 8:30PM-9:30PM
We're heading into the night to learn about the things we can't normally see. We'll hunt for scorpions by using provided UV flash lights. We will meet at the park office (Trading Post) to walk along an easy/moderate 1 mile trail. Ages 6+. Pre-registration required. $5/participant.
Bear Creek Hike
8/7/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
West Rim Hike
8/7/2026 1:00pm
This Ranger led hike takes you down into the canyon and up the west side to a rocky outcrop on the west side to a rocky outcrop on the West Rim Trail. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Inspiration Loop Hike
8/8/2026 9-10:30am
Come hike the Inspiration Loop Trail with a ranger! Learn more about our local flora and fauna, as well as some of the interesting history of our park! $5 per person!
Waterfalls and Watercolors - Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest
8/8/2026 3-5pm
Calling all current Georgia high schoolers! Georgia State Parks is hosting our 3rd annual art contest for high school students this coming August-October! Join us at Tallulah Gorge State Park for an afternoon of drawing and painting, then submit your completed work for a chance to have your artwork displayed at the Georgia State Capitol in 2027! Watercolor supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring drawing utensils or other paints if watercolor isn’t your preferred medium! We will be going on a brief walk to Overlooks 2 and 3, so wear appropriate shoes!
Georgia's First Fourth
8/8/2026 (contact site for times)
Imagine living in a world where the biggest news in history takes weeks to arrive. It is August 1776, witness the world-altering words as they were first heard by Georgians and hear the raw, unfiltered stories of the men and women who lived through the uncertainty. would you remain loyal or join the Patriot cause? Programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Astronomy Night
8/8/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us for Astronomy Night hosted by the Coca Cola Space and Science Center from Columbus. There will be a brief presentation followed by an opportunity to view space from telescopes. Please bring a blanket or chair.
Astronomy Night
8/8/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us for Astronomy Night hosted by the Coca Cola Space and Science Center from Columbus. There will be a brief presentation followed by an opportunity to view space from telescopes. Please bring a blanket or chair.
Wake up with Nature: Bird ID with Merlin
8/8/2026 10:00AM
Join the Naturalist on an exciting bird hike using the Merlin ID app. Spot and check off 5 or more birds from the list during the hike, and you'll win a prize! It's a great way to enjoy nature and sharpen your bird identification skills. Cost: $5 per person.
Insect Scavenger Hunt
8/8/2026 1:00PM
Stop by the Visitor Center to rent bug magnifying glasses for free rental—just bring your ID! Then, hit the trail with the insect scavenger hunt list provided by the Visitor Center. Find 5 or more insects on the list and win a prize! The cost to participate is $3.00 per person.
Basic Archery
8/8/2026 11:00AM-12:00PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Basic Archery
8/8/2026 1:00PM-2:00PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Intermediate Archery
8/8/2026 2:30PM-3:30PM
For the archery wanting something a little more than what our basic archery class offers. We will provide all equipment. $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up in advance. All vehicles in a GA State Park must purchase and/or display a valid parking pass.
Archery
8/8/2026 9AM - 11AM
Archery target shooting adventure for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction and equipment. Beginners welcome. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $20, with a $10 parking fee. Meet at archery field below dam. Park at boat dock.
What's in a Tree?
8/8/2026 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Join a park ranger and learn about the structure of trees and how to paint them using watercolor techniques. For more details and submission information visit GaStateParks.org/ArtContest. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission is $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Animal Fur and Felting
8/8/2026 1 PM - 2:30 PM
Come join us for a fun lesson on animal fur and create your own wet-felted fur based on patterns of animals in the park. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Backyard Birding
8/8/2026 9:00 AM
Join a ranger in our bird watching area behind the Visitor Center. We will identify and discuss the native bird species that live in the park and may also be found in your own backyard. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from us.
Nature Notebooks
8/8/2026 2:00 PM
Come by the Interpretive Center and create your very own nature notebook to record observations of the sights and sounds you encounter in nature! $3 per person. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your space in advance.
Cornhole!
8/8/2026 2PM to 4PM
We'll have two sets of cornhole boards out for anyone that wants to come play in the Mellinger Center. If the turnout is sufficient, we might start a tournament, with rules and structure TBD.
Guided Hike - Black Rock Lake ($5)
8/8/2026 11AM to Noon
A 0.85 mile hike around our 17 acre lake, ringed by forests of white pine and yellow poplar.
Archery 101
8/8/2026 10:00AM-11:00AM
Want to try your hand at archery, but don’t know where to start? Here’s your chance to learn some archery skills. Soon you’ll be hitting bullseyes. Ages 10+. Space limited to 10 participants. $10/participant.
Become a Junior Mycologist: Fantastic Fungi
8/8/2026 1:00PM-2:30PM
Join a ranger in this mushroom workshop where you will learn how to ID mushrooms. The program consists of a 1-mile hike where we will look for fungi along the way test your ID skills. Ages 8+. Pre-registration required. $3/participant
Twilight Kayak Tour
8/8/2026 7:00PM-9:00PM
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. A ranger will interpret the role the CCC made in creating this great park in the 1930s. Ages 6+. $28 per participant, $23 if you bring your own kayak. Please register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Backcountry Loop Hike
8/8/2026 1:00pm
Hike with a park Naturalist on the two mile Backcountry campsite loop. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
Nature Journaling
8/8/2026 10:00AM
Join us as we begin our illustrative walk through the seasons and nature! In this program, we will be highlighting your individual interpretation of the surrounding environment while also strengthening your passion to discover, observe, be mindful, and be creative! We supply the journals, you bring the imagination! Where: Visitor Center Arch Room
Tree ID
8/8/2026 1:00pm
learn to identify some of the most common trees found on the canyon rim on this easy walk along the Overlook Trail
Explore & Identify: A Nature ID Walk
8/8/2026 1:00PM
Join Georgia Master Naturalists as we explore the native flora and fauna of an Amicalola Spring. In this program, we will be diving into the identification app, iNaturalist, learning to use field guides, and other nature identification apps! Meeting location: Visitor Center
Iconic Trees of Amicalola
8/8/2026 2:30PM
Join volunteer naturalists to learn how to use a tree ID guide book and scientific sketches to identify amazing trees along the Appalachian Approach Trail. This walk will take place at the Lodge Loop Trail, which overlooks the mountain range that surrounds the Lodge. Meet us in the lodge lobby!
Creek Critters
8/8/2026 10:00am
program that takes you down to Daniel Creek where we will wade in the creek to search for aquatic critters. For kids and adults 8 and up. close toe shoes that can get wet is required.
Bats of Georgia
8/8/2026 8:00PM
If you don't already love Georgia's bats- you're about to! Join bat enthusiasts and Georgia master naturalists to learn what bats do for us, and what we can do for Georgia's bats. After the 30-minute presentation, take a walk using special bat-detecting gear to participate in citizen-science! Meet us in the campground picnic pavilion.
Bug Bonanza
8/8/2026 9-11 AM
A hands-on celebration of the park’s smallest wildlife! Create your own Bug ID booklet, then head out on a guided bug hunt. Next, we’ll explore the fascinating lives of bees & build your own Bee Hotel. Ages 5+. Call to reserve your spot 706-245-6270. $6 per participant.
Adult Craft-ernoon: Mountain Landscape Painting
8/8/2026 2-4 PM
Learn the basics of acrylic painting, color theory, and perspective. By the end of class, you will have your own mountain landscape to take home with you. Meet at the park office. Call to register 706-245-6270. Ages 16+. $10 per participant.
Turtle Hike
8/8/2026 10AM
Join us on a hike around the Upper Lake Trail and learn about the turtles that reside in our beautiful park. Meet at the office by 10AM. be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Binoculars will be available, but if you have a pair at home, it is encouraged to bring them.
Sunset Paddle
8/8/2026 8:30PM
Join rangers for a sunset paddle around the Lower lake. Meet at the office by 8pm. Make sure to bring water and wear clothing that can get wet.
Art In The Park
8/8/2026 12:30 PM
Join Jack Hill State Park for our arts and crafts program! Total creativity and artistic freedom is the name of the game, use our wide variety of craft materials to create any work of art you would like to take home and show off!
Art In The Park
8/8/2026 3:30 PM
Join Jack Hill State Park for our arts and crafts program! Total creativity and artistic freedom is the name of the game, use our wide variety of craft materials to create any work of art you would like to take home and show off!
Drawn to Nature
8/8/2026 1pm-2pm
gRAB YOUR CREATIVITY AND BRING THE OUTDOORS TO LIFE BY DRAWING YOUR FAVORITE ANIMALS AND THE ECOSYSTEMS THEY CALL HOME.
Snake Sunday
8/9/2026 10:30-11am
Join us in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center conference room for a talk about snakes and their diets, habitats, and behaviors! You will have the chance to meet our snake ambassadors as well! $5 per person.
Creature Feature
8/9/2026 1:00PM-2:00PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Basic Archery
8/9/2026 2:30PM-3:30PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Fly like a Dragon
8/9/2026 2:00 PM
Make a coffee filter dragonfly or butterfly with a naturalist, as we discuss the mechanics of insect flight. $3 per person.
Archery 101
8/9/2026 10:00AM-11:00AM
Want to try your hand at archery, but don’t know where to start? Here’s your chance to learn some archery skills. Soon you’ll be hitting bullseyes. Ages 10+. Space limited to 10 participants. $10/participant. Please use this link to pre-register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Edible and Multi-Use Plant Hike
8/9/2026 1:00PM-2:30PM
Have you ever wondered what people ate before grocery stores? Or how they made baskets from pine needles? Join a ranger to learn how the plants around us have been used historically, both for food and for survival crafts. You'll learn the basics of plant identification, plant safety, and plant uses on this 1 mile hike. Ages 10 and up. Pre-registration required. $3/participant.
Astronomy Crafts
8/9/2026 4:00PM-5:00PM
Get ready for the Perseid Meteor Shower with an astronomy-themed craft day! Pre-registration required. Ages 6+. 5$/participant
Bear Creek Hike
8/9/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Storytime at the Park
8/10/2026 (contact site for times)
In collaboration with Henry County Libraries, join library staff for a fun-filled story time centered around the outdoors and nature! Meet at the Nature Center Classroom.
Salamander Secrets
8/10/2026 2:00pm
Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region.
Paddle Under the Perseids
8/11/2026 (contact site for times)
Join a park ranger on this kayak tour as we watch what is considered to be the year's best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. Bring a change of clothes, flashlight, bug repellent, and water. Limited spaces, 8 years and older. Registration opens on July 19.
Beaded Bugs: Dragonflies
8/11/2026 10:00 AM
Create a colorful beaded pipe cleaner dragonfly and learn all about these incredible hunters with a naturalist! Meet in the Interpretive Center. $3 per person.
West Rim Hike
8/11/2026 2:00pm
This Ranger led hike takes you down into the canyon and up the west side to a rocky outcrop on the west side to a rocky outcrop on the West Rim Trail. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Roving Ranger
8/12/2026 3:00 PM
A ranger will be roving the trails to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more.
Going Deep
8/12/2026 10:00am
Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we will drive down to the lower Sitton Gulch Trail to explore the geologic strata.
Galaxy Ornaments
8/12/2026 5:00 PM
Bring the stars alive by making a galaxy ornament with us! Note: white vinegar, food coloring, baking soda, and glitter will be used. Meet at the Park Office. Call to reserve your spot 706-245-6270. $5 per participant
Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing
8/12/2026 10:00 PM
Watch the peak of the Perseids with us! Location TBD, highly weather dependent—watch Facebook for updates. $3
Perseids Meteor Shower
8/13/2026 (contact site for times)
Night sky conditions are just right for viewing the Perseids Meteor Shower at its peak this year- we may see up to 150 meteors in an hour! Bring a blanket or comfortable chair for looking skywards. If there are cloudy skies or rain, meteors won't be visible. Please call the office the day by August 12th to sign up.
Unboxing the Box Turtle
8/13/2026 10:00 AM
Come meet some of our most elusive residents, the box turtles, and learn about their habits and amazing characteristics. Meet in the Interpretive Center.
Frontier Skills at the Canyon Rim
8/13/2026 10:00am
Join a Naturalist at the Interpretive Center to learn a variety of frontier skills. In the shade, practice making cordage from natural fibers, learn to craft a fire using flint and steel, and watch a demo of 'fire-cake' being cooked over hot coals the way soldiers would have prepared them during the revolutionary war
Backcountry Loop Hike
8/13/2026 1:00pm
Hike with a park Naturalist on the two mile Backcountry campsite loop. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
Stargazing in the Swamp
8/13/2026 9:00 PM
Our park, located remotely in the heart of the Okefenokee, provides visitors a unique chance to experience a night sky full of stars. Join a Ranger in our Visitor Center parking lot to view and learn about our constellations and brilliant stars. Bring bug spray. Program can be canceled due to extensive cloud cover and rain.
Homeschool Workshop: From Seed to Sprout
8/13/2026 9-11 AM
Learn about the parts of a plant, discover how seeds grow, and explore the basics of photosynthesis. Plant your own bean seeds in an observation frame to take home and watch sprout over time. Then, create a tree identification booklet and head out on a guided hike to identify common trees and see plant science in action. Meet at the Park Office. Call Register 706-245-6270. $6 per participant
Campfire S'mores and More!
8/14/2026 7-8pm
Meet us at the Terrora Campground for a fun night of s'mores, campfire stories, and more!
Chattahoochee River Fish Stocking, Species, Pollution and Fish Kills
8/14/2026 11:00AM
Join Nick Brewer, Fisheries Technician 3 from the Wildlife Resource Division, as he shares his extensive knowledge and passion for fishing in the Chattahoochee River. $5.00 per person
Snakes of Skidaway: Meet the Rat Snake
8/14/2026 1:00 PM
Drop by the Interpretive Center to meet, touch, and learn all about one of our ambassador rat snakes.
Going on a Bear Hunt! Kid's Walk
8/14/2026 10AM to 11AM
A 0.85 mile youth centered hike around Black Rock Lake featuring the children's book Going on a Bear Hunt!
Snake Talk with Popcorn the Corn Snake
8/14/2026 2PM to 4PM
Come meet our friendly corn snake for a teach and touch session at the Visitor's Center.
Friday Game Night
8/14/2026 6:00PM-7:00PM
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. No pre-registration required. All ages welcome.
Night Sounds Walk
8/14/2026 8:30PM-9:30PM
Lake Rutledge is home to many night-time creatures that form a beautiful chorus after-hours. Join a ranger for a short 1-mile hike following the shore of the lake while listening for the sounds of night creatures such as frogs, birds, and insects. Pre-registration required. Please bring a flashlight (red light preferred). Ages 8+.
Lets Rock
8/14/2026 10:00am
Explore the geologic forces that formed the canyon. This moderately strenuous hike begins at the main overlook and proceeds down to Cherokee Falls. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center
West Rim Hike
8/14/2026 1:00pm
This Ranger led hike takes you down into the canyon and up the west side to a rocky outcrop on the west side to a rocky outcrop on the West Rim Trail. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Painting Our Parks
8/14/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
A Hike Through History
8/15/2026 9-10:30am
Come hike the 1.5 mile Inspiration Loop Trail and learn more about the history of the Tallulah Gorge! $5 per person.
Black Bears 101
8/15/2026 4-4:30pm
Join us in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for a talk about black bears and their diets, habitats, and behavior! We will also be discussing how to safely recreate in bear country!
Voices of America at Pickett's Mill Battlefield
8/15/2026 (contact site for times)
In observance of 250 years of United States history, we will feature a presentation recognizing British Americans who participated in the Battle of Pickett's Mill.
Butterflies at the Bend
8/15/2026 10:00AM
Come out to the park to learn about the beautiful butterflies of the Piedmont Region. Explore the pollinator gardens and enjoy a fun butterfly craft with the Naturalist. The cost is $5.00 per person. Join us for a colorful and educational experience!
Guided Mountain Hike
8/15/2026 9:00AM-12:00PM
*Advanced Registration is recommended for this program and is limited to maximum of 25 hikers. Call 770-389-7801 to register. Walk-ups will be taken if space is available. Cost is $10/hiker (ages 10+) Wonder why Panola Mountain is a restricted area? Come on a guided hike for a close look at our unique ecology and see how outcrop plants scrape out a living in this harsh environment. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. This is a moderately strenuous hike covering over 3 miles, with significant elevation changes and uneven terrain. Ages 10 and up. Groups of 10 or more must register for a private hike. Meet at Nature Center. Reservations are nonrefundable. Participants must give at least 24 hour’s notice if they need to reschedule. Transfer credits will only be applied to a similar program. In the case of severe weather or slippery conditions, the park may deem it necessary to cancel or reschedule the hike. Park staff will notify registered participants of any change of plans prior to the event. If there are no sign-ups by the end of the day prior to the hike, the park reserves the right to cancel the program. All vehicles in a GA State Park must purchase and/or display a valid parking pass.
Archery
8/15/2026 9AM - 11AM
Archery target shooting adventure for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction and equipment. Beginners welcome. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $20, with a $10 parking fee. Meet at archery field below dam. Park at boat dock.
Sunrise Yoga on the Mountain
8/15/2026 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Start your day feeling amazing! This fun, alignment-based yoga practice with registered teacher Monique French plus breathtaking mountain top views will refresh your mind, body and spirit. Please bring a mat. Weather permitting. Setup at the Stone Amphitheater adjacent to Park Office at 7:15 AM. $15 (cash only), with a $10 parking fee at the amphitheater sign-in. Restrooms open at 8:00 AM.
Diamondback Terrapin Hatchlings Show & Tell
8/15/2026 10:00 AM
Guest speakers from the Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue project will be sharing information about their efforts to help the population recover by relocating eggs to safer nesting boxes. Join us at the Interpretive Center for a Show & Tell to see the hatchlings and hear about this important project. Ages 6 and up may be allowed to handle the hatchlings (to avoid germ transmission, younger children will not be allowed to handle the hatchlings).
Leafy Insects
8/15/2026 2:00 PM
Crawl, walk, or fly on over to the Interpretive Center where you can create your own insect from leaves and other materials found in the natural world. We will discuss insect anatomy - body parts, wing arrangement and more! $3 per person. Meet in the Interpretive Center.
Cornhole!
8/15/2026 2PM to 4PM
We'll have two sets of cornhole boards out for anyone that wants to come play in the Mellinger Center. If the turnout is sufficient, we might start a tournament, with rules and structure TBD.
Guided Hike - Greasy Creek Falls ($5)
8/15/2026 11AM to Noon
A 1.5 mile hike to Greasy Creek Falls, a sliding cascade waterfall along a section of the James Edmonds trail. Meet at Black Rock Lake trailhead. $5 per person.
Edible and Multi-Use Plant Paddle
8/15/2026 11:00AM-12:30PM
Have you ever wondered what people ate before grocery stores? Join a ranger to learn the basics of plant identification, plant safety, and plant uses on a paddle around Lake Rutledge. Ages 10+. All minors must be in a tandem kayak with an adult. $28 per participant, $23 if you bring your own kayak.Please use this link to pre-register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Safety First: Emergency 101
8/15/2026 3:00PM-4:00PM
Do you know what to do if you have an emergency on a trail? Being prepared for an emergency should be step one of any hiking or camping trip. Join a ranger to learn proper emergency protocol and what you should have in your emergency kit. Ages 8+. Preregistration required.
Twilight Kayak Tour
8/15/2026 7:00PM-9:00PM
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. A ranger will interpret the role the CCC made in creating this great park in the 1930s. Ages 6+. All minors must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. $28 per participant, $23 if you bring your own kayak. Please use this link to pre-register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Frontier Skills at the Canyon Rim
8/15/2026 1:00pm
Join a Naturalist at the Interpretive Center to learn a variety of frontier skills. In the shade, practice making cordage from natural fibers, learn to craft a fire using flint and steel, and watch a demo of 'fire-cake' being cooked over hot coals the way soldiers would have prepared them during the revolutionary war
Creek Critters
8/15/2026 10:00am
program that takes you down to Daniel Creek where we will wade in the creek to search for aquatic critters. For kids and adults 8 and up. close toe shoes that can get wet is required.
Sunset Stories
8/15/2026 8:00PM
Gather around the campground firepit for an evening of stories under the stars! Professional storytellers will share captivating tales of Appalachian folklore, local history, and timeless traditions. Bring a chair, a flashlight, and your imagination for this one-hour program filled with laughter and mountain magic. Program is weather permitting.
Stargazing in the Swamp
8/15/2026 9:00 PM
Our park, located remotely in the heart of the Okefenokee, provides visitors a unique chance to experience a night sky full of stars. Join a Ranger in our Visitor Center parking lot to view and learn about our constellations and brilliant stars. Bring bug spray. Program can be canceled due to extensive cloud cover and rain
Sunset in the Swamp
8/15/2026 7:00 PM
Sunset on the Swamp Experience the majesty of the Okefenokee Swamp as it transforms over the full expanse of sunset. Watch as near perfect mirror reflections are cast on the black water surface and as dozens of wading birds fly out to their roosts for the evening! Paddle Tours are $35 for adults and $25 for 16 yr olds and under
Creek Crawl!
8/15/2026 10:00 AM
Join us for a hands-on exploration of Rice Creek! We'll investigate the plants and animals that call the creek home while learning about stream ecosystems and the natural processes that shape them. Be prepared to get wet! Please wear water shoes or boots and bring a towel. Meet at the Park Office. $4 per participant
Kids Craft-ernoon: Friendship Bracelets
8/15/2026 2:00 PM
Learn to make Friendship bracelets with us! A great gift for someone special. Or better yet--bring them with you to make them together! Meet at the Park Office. $3 per participant
Paint & Pop
8/15/2026 9:30AM
Join us as the park hosts an art contest and paint the park's beautiful landscapes. The contest is open to 9th-12th grades and participants will have the opportunity to submit their paintings for consideration to be displayed at the Georgia State Capitol. Everyone is welcome to the program. Only 9th-12th graders can submit their paintings.
Paint & Pop
8/15/2026 2:30PM
Join us as the park hosts an art contest and paint the park's beautiful landscapes. The contest is open to 9th-12th grades and participants will have the opportunity to submit their paintings for consideration to be displayed at the Georgia State Capitol. Everyone is welcome to the program. Only 9th-12th graders can submit their paintings.
Bat Night Hike
8/15/2026 8:30PM
Join the rangers on a night hike to the marble mine to learn about our local night creatures; bats! Discover what they eat and how they adapt to the nightlight. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. Meet in front of the park office by 8:30PM.
Painting Our Parks
8/15/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
Backyard Biodiversity
8/15/2026 1:00 PM
Join our naturalist for an educational and interactive wildlife program! Learn about a variety of common southeastern animals that you can find in your own backyard. Pelts and skins will be used to better help you identify common visual and behavioral traits.
Backyard Biodiversity
8/15/2026 3:00 PM
Join our naturalist for an educational and interactive wildlife program! Learn about a variety of common southeastern animals that you can find in your own backyard. Pelts and skins will be used to better help you identify common visual and behavioral traits.
Bushcraft Basics
8/15/2026 1pm-2pm
Get hands-on and create fun nature-inspired crafts while learning basic bushcraft and outdoor survival techniques!
Monumental Moments Scavenger Hunt
8/16/2026 8am-5pm
Grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center any time between 8am and 5pm! Bring back a completed sheet for a fun prize!
Creek Crawl
8/16/2026 10-11am
Join us for a fun morning of creek exploration and stream ecology! We will be meeting at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, then driving over to the Terrora Trailhead for a short hike to the creek! Water shoes are recommended! $5 per person!
Creature Feature
8/16/2026 2:00PM-2:30PM
Join the rangers for a free educational program to learn about native animals that call Panola Mountain home and what we can do to protect them. Program includes live animals. Meet at the Nature Center. For all ages, but recommended for children ages 5-12. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dippin’ for Dragons
8/16/2026 1:00 PM
Have you ever looked at a pond and wondered what dwells below the surface? Dip a net with us and see! Dragonfly and damselfly larvae, developing salamanders, and more… Meet up at the Big Ferry Trailhead for a short walk to the alligator ponds.
Kayaking 101
8/16/2026 6:30PM-8:30PM
Learn the basic movements of kayaking on a safe and peaceful section of Lake Rutledge. Open to visitors 8 years and older who are new to kayaking. Minors must share a tandem kayak with an adult. $28 per participant. Please pre-register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Salamander Secrets
8/16/2026 2:00pm
Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region.
Bear Creek Hike
8/16/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Colonial Doll Making
8/16/2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Join our Rangers in making cloth rag dolls and cornhusk dolls, traditional 18th-century children's toys. We'll be set up in the Fort for walk-ins! Cost: standard admission, plus $2 to craft a doll to take home.
Backcountry Loop Hike
8/17/2026 2:00pm
Hike with a park Naturalist on the two mile Backcountry campsite loop. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
Unboxing the Box Turtle
8/18/2026 10:00 AM
Come meet some of our most elusive residents, the box turtles, and learn about their habits and amazing characteristics. Meet in the Interpretive Center.
Lets Rock
8/18/2026 10:00am
Explore the geologic forces that formed the canyon. This moderately strenuous hike begins at the main overlook and proceeds down to Cherokee Falls. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center
West Rim Hike
8/18/2026 2:00pm
This Ranger led hike takes you down into the canyon and up the west side to a rocky outcrop on the west side to a rocky outcrop on the West Rim Trail. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Backcountry Loop Hike
8/19/2026 10:00am
Hike with a park Naturalist on the two mile Backcountry campsite loop. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
Bear Creek Hike
8/19/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Holey Ground
8/19/2026 10:00am
one hour program on caves and karst of the Cumberland Plateau
Homeschool at the Park: Hoooo Cooks for You?
8/20/2026 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Learn about Owl adaptations, their diet and habitats as well as methods of identification for the park's resident owls. We will dissect owl pellets, examine skulls, and look at feathers. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Roving Ranger
8/20/2026 10:00 AM
A ranger will be roving the trails to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more.
Two and a Half Centuries of Monumental Moments
8/20/2026 10:00am
History of Dade County and the surrounding area, from the first inhabitants to the creation of Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Fossils of the Cumberland Plateau
8/20/2026 1:00pm
Program will introduce you to some of the most common and not so common fossils that may be found in the different rock strata of the Cumberland Plateau
Going Deep
8/20/2026 10:00am
Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we will drive down to the lower Sitton Gulch Trail to explore the geologic strata.
Stargazing in the Swamp
8/20/2026 9:00 PM
Our park, located remotely in the heart of the Okefenokee, provides visitors a unique chance to experience a night sky full of stars. Join a Ranger in our Visitor Center parking lot to view and learn about our constellations and brilliant stars. Bring bug spray. Program can be canceled due to extensive cloud cover and rain
Homeschool Workshop: Dig into Geology!
8/20/2026 9-10:30 AM
Join us for a hands-on geology adventure! Students will explore minerals, the three rock types, and a layers of the Earth-themed craft to reinforce what we've learned. Meet at the Park Office. Call to Register 706-245-6270. $4
Early Bird Hike
8/21/2026 9-10am
Come hike to Inspiration Point with a ranger and look for birds! Learn more about some of our local species! $5 per person!
Reading Ranger
8/21/2026 3:30-4pm
Join us in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for a fun story and accompanying craft!
Bait-a-Bug Scavenger Hunt
8/21/2026 10:00 AM
Take a hike with a naturalist and check out the 'bug bait' stations we set up to see what insects show up. Check off what you find in our scavenger hunt! Meet at the Sandpiper Trailhead.
Karaoke!
8/21/2026 7PM to 9:30PM
We're going to have 4 open mics, we're open to requests, and there will be free popcorn in the Mellinger Center.
Friday Night Games
8/21/2026 6:00PM-7:00PM
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. No pre-registration required. All ages welcome.
Scorpion Night Hike
8/21/2026 8:30PM-9:30PM
We're heading into the night to learn about the things we can't normally see. We'll hunt for scorpions by using provided UV flash lights. We will meet at the park office (Trading Post) to walk along an easy/moderate 1 mile trail. Ages 6+. Pre-registration required. $5/participant.
Wildflowers of the Meadowlands
8/21/2026 10:00am
Take a walk with the Parks Naturalisst to see some of the summer wildflowers blooming in the Meadowlands. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
Flashes in the Darkness
8/21/2026 1:00pm
In this program you will find out why fireflies flow and other fascinating facts about these unique insects.
Tree ID
8/21/2026 1:00 AM
learn to identify some of the most common trees found on the canyon rim on this easy walk along the Overlook Trail
Beaded Pipe Cleaner Snails
8/21/2026 10:00 AM
Let’s learn about snail anatomy through crafting! Meet at the Park Office. Call to reserve your spot 706-245-6270. $3
Fall Edible Plant Hike
8/22/2026 (contact site for times)
Come to Smithgall Woods to learn all about what you can be munching on in the fall. This program consists of 1 hour of indoor class time, before we head out on a short hike to see what we can find! Learn about the difference between edible, medicinal, and supplemental plants, and what can be foraged ethically in the Southern Blueridge region.
Homeschool: Great Southeast Pollinator Census
8/22/2026 10:00AM
Come be a part of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census by conducting a pollinator count in our Pollinator Beds. Grab your census form from the Visitor Center and fill it out while observing the pollinators in the gardens, give back to the Naturalist to have logged in the GSPC website. Your participation helps support important pollinator research! Cost : $3.00
Basic Archery
8/22/2026 1:00PM-2:00PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Basic Archery
8/22/2026 2:30PM-3:30PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Archery
8/22/2026 9AM - 11AM
Archery target shooting adventure for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction and equipment. Beginners welcome. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission: $20, with a $10 parking fee. Meet at archery field below dam. Park at boat dock.
Summer Bird Hike
8/22/2026 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Join a ranger for a short nature hike as we take a gentle stroll listening for birdsong, scanning the treetops, and learning to identify common and seasonal species. We will provide binoculars. Total distance roughly 1.25 miles. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. A minimum of two participants is required for the hike to take place. Admission $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Fuel for Our Feathered Friends
8/22/2026 1PM - 2PM
Make your own pinecone bird feeder using natural materials to help support local wildlife. Pre-registration is required at least one day in advance, either at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858. Admission is $5, with a $10 parking fee.
Draw Closer to Nature
8/22/2026 11:00 AM
Have you ever wanted to draw what you see at Skidaway Island State Park? Meet in the Interpretive Center for an overview of nature sketching techniques. Then let's hit the Sandpiper Trail, find our inspiration, and draw closer to nature! Instruction and materials provided. Space is limited. Please call (912) 598-2300 to reserve your space in advance. Georgia high school students are encouraged to attend -- enter the third annual Parks and Historic Sites Division Art Contest for a chance to have your artwork featured on table-top displays at the Georgia State Capitol in 2027! Visit gastateparks.org/artcontest for more information.
Cornhole!
8/22/2026 2PM to 4PM
We'll have two sets of cornhole boards out for anyone that wants to come play in the Mellinger Center. If the turnout is sufficient, we might start a tournament, with rules and structure TBD.
Guided Hike - Black Rock Lake ($5)
8/22/2026 11AM to Noon
A 0.85 mile hike around our 17 acre Black Rock Lake, ringed by forests of white pine and yellow poplar.
Pollination Education and Pollinator Census
8/22/2026 11:00AM-1:00PM
Come to the Park Office (Trading Post) and learn about pollinators from a Park Ranger. Multiple hands-on activities and crafts will be available. Pick up a pollinator census card and learn how you can be a part of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census using the Hard Labor Creek pollinator gardens. Open program for all ages, no pre-registration required.
Wildflowers of the Meadowlands
8/22/2026 10:00am
Take a walk with the Parks Naturalisst to see some of the summer wildflowers blooming in the Meadowlands. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
Fossils of the Cumberland Plateau
8/22/2026 1:00pm
Program will introduce you to some of the most common and not so common fossils that may be found in the different rock strata of the Cumberland Plateau
Nature Journaling
8/22/2026 10:00AM
Join us as we begin our illustrative walk through the seasons and nature! In this program, we will be highlighting your individual interpretation of the surrounding environment while also strengthening your passion to discover, observe, be mindful, and be creative! We supply the journals, you bring the imagination! Where: Visitor Center Arch Room
Explore & Identify: A Nature ID Walk
8/22/2026 1:00PM
Join Georgia Master Naturalists as we explore the native flora and fauna of an Amicalola Spring. In this program, we will be diving into the identification app, iNaturalist, learning to use field guides, and other nature identification apps! Meeting location: Visitor Center
Iconic Trees of Amicalola
8/22/2026 2:30PM
Join volunteer naturalists to learn how to use a tree ID guide book and scientific sketches to identify amazing trees along the Appalachian Approach Trail. This walk will take place at the Lodge Loop Trail, which overlooks the mountain range that surrounds the Lodge. Meet us in the lodge lobby!
Bats of Georgia
8/22/2026 8:00PM
If you don't already love Georgia's bats- you're about to! Join bat enthusiasts and Georgia master naturalists to learn what bats do for us, and what we can do for Georgia's bats. After the 30-minute presentation, take a walk using special bat-detecting gear to participate in citizen-science! Meet us in the campground picnic pavilion.
Creek Critters
8/22/2026 10:00am
program that takes you down to Daniel Creek where we will wade in the creek to search for aquatic critters. For kids and adults 8 and up. close toe shoes that can get wet is required.
Nature Wind Chime Craft
8/22/2026 10:00 AM
Hear the music of the wind with your own handmade nature wind chime. We will collect some materials like sticks, then add beads and wire. Meet at the Park Office. Call to reserve your spot 706-245-6270. $10 per participant
Natural Elements Mixed Media Painting
8/22/2026 2-4 PM
Create a one-of-a-kind mixed media landscape using natural materials like river rocks, leaves, and other found elements. We'll begin by designing a unique scene with nature's textures, then bring it to life with acrylic paint, blending the natural pieces into a beautiful landscape. Meet at the park office. Call to register 706-245-6270. $10 per participant
Plant ID Hike
8/22/2026 10AM
Join the Rangers for a hike on the Lower Lake and learn how to id plants Native to Georgia and which plants are invasive. We’ll also discover how these plants pollinate and effect the ecosystem. Be sure to pack plenty of water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Meet in front of the office by 10AM.
Creatures of the Night
8/22/2026 8:30PM
Join the Rangers for a night hike at the park to discover what our nocturnal creatures are up to when the park closes. We will hike the Marble Mine trail, learning about what wildlife thrives at night and how they adapt to the dark. Flashlights will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own. Be sure to pack plenty of water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Meet in front of the office by 8:30PM.
Walking on William Bartram's Trail
8/22/2026 9:00am - 10:00am
William Bartram is one of the best known American naturalists of the 18th century. Join a ranger as we follow his footsteps and observe the nature he saw.
Basic Archery
8/23/2026 1:00PM-2:00PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Basic Archery
8/23/2026 2:30PM-3:30PM
Join our Ranger to learn the basics of archery. We will provide all equipment and no prior experience is required! $20/person (Ages 8+). Call the Nature Center & Park Office to register at 770-389-7801, as these programs typically book-up 2 weeks in advance
Buggy Suncatchers
8/23/2026 2:00 PM
Will you create a butterfly, a beetle, a ladybug, or grasshopper? You decide! Make a seasonal sun-catcher and learn about the many roles insects play in our ecosystem! Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 per person.
Salamander Secrets
8/23/2026 2:00pm
Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region.
Bear Creek Hike
8/23/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Bark Ranger Day
8/23/2026 9am - 2pm
Celebrating National Dog Day, any owner who brings their furry friend between 9am-2pm and completes a small photo scavenger hunt can be sworn in as an official Bark Ranger! Admitted visitors will earn a special FREE doggy medallion upon completion. All dogs must remain on a 6ft leash while on state property.
Snakes of Skidaway: Meet the Corn Snake
8/25/2026 10:00 AM
Drop by the Interpretive Center to meet, touch, and learn all about one of our ambassador corn snakes.
West Rim Hike
8/25/2026 2:00pm
This Ranger led hike takes you down into the canyon and up the west side to a rocky outcrop on the west side to a rocky outcrop on the West Rim Trail. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Roving Ranger
8/26/2026 3:00 PM
A ranger will be roving the trails to answer your questions about local flora, fauna, and more.
Two and a Half Centuries of Monumental Monments
8/26/2026 10:00am
History of Dade County and the surrounding area, from the first inhabitants to the creation of Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Fossils of the Cumberland Plateau
8/26/2026 1:00pm
Program will introduce you to some of the most common and not so common fossils that may be found in the different rock strata of the Cumberland Plateau
Lets Rock
8/26/2026 10:00am
Explore the geologic forces that formed the canyon. This moderately strenuous hike begins at the main overlook and proceeds down to Cherokee Falls. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center
Four-legged Friend Hike for National Dog Day!
8/26/2026 9:00 AM
Bring your furry family members and enjoy a relaxing hike through the park’s scenic Victoria's Path trail (1.25 miles, moderate). All pets must remain leashed. Meet at the Park Office. Call Park Office to register 706-245-6270. FREE
Wildflowers of the Meadowlands
8/27/2026 10:00am
Take a walk with the Parks Naturalisst to see some of the summer wildflowers blooming in the Meadowlands. All hikes meet at the Interpretive Center.
Tree ID
8/27/2026 1:00pm
learn to identify some of the most common trees found on the canyon rim on this easy walk along the Overlook Trail
Going Deep
8/27/2026 10:00am
Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we will drive down to the lower Sitton Gulch Trail to explore the geologic strata.
Homeschool Workshop: Creekside Science!
8/27/2026 9-11 AM
Join us for a hands-on exploration of Rice Creek! We'll investigate the plants and animals that call the creek home while learning about stream ecosystems and the natural processes that shape them. Students will become scientists for the day by testing the creek's water quality, measuring nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, and other indicators of stream health, then evaluating what the results tell us about the ecosystem. Be prepared to get wet! Please wear water shoes or boots and bring a towel. Call to Register 706-245-6270. $4 per participant
Campfire S'mores and More!
8/28/2026 7-8pm
Meet us at the Terrora Campground for a fun night of s'mores, campfire stories, and more!
Chattahoochee River Stocking, Species, Pollution and Fish Kills -WRD Fisheries Technician 3 - Nick Brewer
8/28/2026 11:00AM
Join Wildlife Resource Fisheries Technician Nick Brewer at the park for an informative session on river fish stocking, species, pollution, and fish kills. Enjoy a fun fish craft activity at the end. The cost is $5.00 per person. Don’t miss this educational experience!
Fly like a Dragon
8/28/2026 2:00 PM
Make a coffee filter dragonfly or butterfly with a naturalist, as we discuss the mechanics of insect flight. $3 per person.
Guided Hike - Tennessee Rock ($5)
8/28/2026 6PM to 9PM
A 2.2 mile hike up to the highest overlook on the park in time for sunset. Bring a flashlight, good shoes, and water. $5 per person.
Friday Game Night
8/28/2026 6:00PM-7:00PM
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. No pre-registration required. All ages welcome.
Night Sounds Hike
8/28/2026 8:30PM-9:30PM
Lake Rutledge is home to many night-time creatures that form a beautiful chorus after-hours. Join a ranger for a short 1-mile hike following the shore of the lake while listening for the sounds of night creatures such as frogs, birds, and insects. Pre-registration required. Please bring a flashlight (red light preferred). Ages 8+.
Bear Creek Hike
8/28/2026 10:00am
This short hike goes along the Overlook Trail down to the stream crossing on Bear Creek. The trip back up is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Flashes in the Darkness
8/28/2026 1:00pm
In this program you will find out why fireflies flow and other fascinating facts about these unique insects.
Full Moon Hike
8/28/2026 9:00 PM
See the forest under a new light! Join a Ranger at the Visitor Center to embark on a half mile hike illuminated by the full moon! This hike will follow the Jones Island Trail, conveniently located beside our campground! Dress for the weather and bring bug spray.
Kids Snack-tivity: Moon Phases and Constellations
8/28/2026 2:00 PM
Come learn about moon phases and constellations (using cookies and marshmallows!). Ages 3+ welcome. Meet at the Park Office. $3 per participant
Painting Our Parks
8/28/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
Waterfalls and Watercolors - Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest
8/29/2026 3-5pm
Calling all current Georgia high schoolers! Georgia State Parks is hosting our 3rd annual art contest for high school students this coming August-October! Join us at Tallulah Gorge State Park for an afternoon of drawing and painting, then submit your completed work for a chance to have your artwork displayed at the Georgia State Capitol in 2027! Watercolor supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring drawing utensils or other paints if watercolor isn’t your preferred medium! We will be going on a brief walk to Overlooks 2 and 3, so wear appropriate shoes!
International Bat Night Hike
8/29/2026 8:30-9:45pm
We are bats for bats here at Tallulah Gorge! Join us for a hike along the North Rim trail to look for bats and to learn more about their diets, behaviors, and habitats! $5 per person!
End of Summer Pool Splash
8/29/2026 (contact site for times)
Soak up the last rays of summer fun at the Liberty Bell Pool! Join us for a day full of laughter, sunshine, and splashing as we say farewell to summer in style. The celebration will feature lively pool games and poolside activities for the whole family, the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the summer spirit.
GLOW HIKE
8/29/2026 9:00pm
oin the Naturalist for a fun Glow Hike along the Wild Turkey Trail and Riverside Trail loop. Wear your glow items and LED lights for an exciting night of listening to nocturnal creatures, searching for animal tracks along the creeks, and identifying plants. The cost is $8.00 per person. Please bring flashlights and plenty of water.
End of Summer Pool Splash
8/29/2026 1PM - 3PM
Soak up the last rays of summer fun at the Liberty Bell Pool! Join us for a day full of laughter, sunshine, and splashing as we say farewell to summer in style. The celebration will feature lively pool games and poolside activities for the whole family, the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the summer spirit. No fee for the activities just regular pool admission. $10 Parking Fee.
Dippin’ for Dragons
8/29/2026 9:00 AM
Have you ever looked at a pond and wondered what dwells below the surface? Dip a net with us and see! Dragonfly and damselfly larvae, developing salamanders, and more… Meet up at the Big Ferry Trailhead for a short walk to the alligator ponds.
Jewels of the Marsh: Diamondback Terrapins
8/29/2026 2:00 PM
The diamondback terrapin is the only turtle that lives only in brackish water. It is a keystone species in the saltmarsh ecosystem. Come join us for a closer look at this precious jewel. Meet in the Interpretive Center for a 30-minute program and see our two live diamondback terrapins.
Cornhole!
8/29/2026 2PM to 4PM
We'll have two sets of cornhole boards out for anyone that wants to come play in the Mellinger Center. If the turnout is sufficient, we might start a tournament, with rules and structure TBD.
Yoga at the Overlook
8/29/2026 9:30AM to 10:30AM
Connect more deeply with nature during a gentle, all-levels yoga session and sound bath at the overlook. Bring your mat, water, and a sense of wonder.
Edible and Multi-Use Plant Hike
8/29/2026 1:00PM-2:30PM
Have you ever wondered what people ate before grocery stores? Or how they made baskets from pine needles? Join a ranger to learn how the plants around us have been used historically, both for food and for survival crafts. You'll learn the basics of plant identification, plant safety, and plant uses on this 1 mile hike. Ages 10 and up. Pre-registration required.
Water Ecology
8/29/2026 4:00PM-5:00PM
Come beat the heat and get your feet wet! We will use dip nets for catching macro invertebrates, crayfish and fish, and learn how they contribute to the health of the creek. Ages 8 and up. Please wear water shoes. Pre-register in advance by calling the park office. $5/attendee
Twilight Kayak Tour
8/29/2026 7:00PM-9:00PM
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. A ranger will interpret the role the CCC made in creating this great park in the 1930s. Ages 6+. All minors must share a tandem kayak with an adult. $28 per participant, $23 if you bring your own kayak. Please use this link to pre-register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Frontier Skills at the Canyon Rim
8/29/2026 1:00pm
Join a Naturalist at the Interpretive Center to learn a variety of frontier skills. In the shade, practice making cordage from natural fibers, learn to craft a fire using flint and steel, and watch a demo of 'fire-cake' being cooked over hot coals the way soldiers would have prepared them during the revolutionary war
Creek Critters
8/29/2026 10:00am
program that takes you down to Daniel Creek where we will wade in the creek to search for aquatic critters. For kids and adults 8 and up. close toe shoes that can get wet is required.
Sunset Stories
8/29/2026 8:00PM
Gather around the campground firepit for an evening of stories under the stars! Professional storytellers will share captivating tales of Appalachian folklore, local history, and timeless traditions. Bring a chair, a flashlight, and your imagination for this one-hour program filled with laughter and mountain magic. Program is weather permitting.
Stargazing in the Swamp
8/29/2026 9pm
Our park, located remotely in the heart of the Okefenokee, provides visitors a unique chance to experience a night sky full of stars. Join a Ranger in our Visitor Center parking lot to view and learn about our constellations and brilliant stars. Bring bug spray. Program can be canceled due to extensive cloud cover and rain
Sunset Paddle
8/29/2026 7:00 PM
Sunset on the Swamp Experience the majesty of the Okefenokee Swamp as it transforms over the full expanse of sunset. Watch as near perfect mirror reflections are cast on the black water surface and as dozens of wading birds fly out to their roosts for the evening! Paddle Tours are $35 for adults and $25 for 16 yr olds and under
Introduction to Archery
8/29/2026 10-11 AM
Participants will learn range safety, proper equipment handling, shooting techniques, and basic target skills under guided instruction. Arrive a few minutes early to pay at the Office, then meet us at the Range at 10AM. Ages 8+. Call to register: 706-245-6270. $15 per participant
Sunrise Paddle
8/29/2026 7AM
Join rangers for a sunrise paddle around the Lower lake. Meet at the office by 7:00AM. Make sure to bring water and wear clothing that can get wet.
MoonPie Hike
8/29/2026 8PM
Join us for an easy hike around the lower lake and enjoy Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise on the lower dam. Make sure to bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on and wear comfortable shoes. Meet the rangers outside the office at 8PM.
Trail BINGO
8/29/2026 10am-11am
Turn your hike into a game! Explore the Walk in the Pines Trail and see how many plants, animals, and natural treasures you can spot to complete your BINGO card!
Painting Our Parks
8/29/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
Snake Sunday
8/30/2026 10:30-11am
Join us in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center conference room for a talk about snakes and their diets, habitats, and behaviors! You will have the chance to meet our snake ambassadors as well! $5 per person!
Creature Feature
8/30/2026 2:00PM-2:30PM
Join the rangers for a free educational program to learn about native animals that call Panola Mountain home and what we can do to protect them. Program includes live animals. Meet at the Nature Center. For all ages, but recommended for children ages 5-12. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fungi Hike
8/30/2026 9:00 AM
Many mushrooms pop up on the trails at Skidaway Island State Park. Let’s see what we can find and identify together. Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera! Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for a 1-2 mile hike.
Archery 101
8/30/2026 10:00AM-11:00AM
Want to try your hand at archery, but don’t know where to start? Here’s your chance to learn some archery skills. Soon you’ll be hitting bullseyes. Ages 10+. Space limited to 10 participants. $10/participant. Please use this link to pre-register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
Become a Junior Mycologist: Fantastic Fungi
8/30/2026 1:00PM-2:30PM
Join a ranger in this mushroom workshop where you will walk a 1-mile section of trail and learn how to identify mushrooms. Ages 8+. Pre-registration required. $3/participant
Toddler Fun Sunday
8/30/2026 4:00PM-5:00PM
Are your little ones curious about the natural world? Come discover the wild world of Hard Labor Creek. Join our naturalist for a variety of nature oriented, hands-on activities. Call the park office to register. Pre-registration required. Limited to 10 toddlers, 5 years old maximum.
Kayaking 101
8/30/2026 6:30PM-8:30PM
Learn the basic movements of kayaking on a safe and peaceful section of Lake Rutledge. Open to visitors 8 years and older who are new to kayaking. Minors must share a tandem kayak with an adult. $28/participant. Please use this link to pre-register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423
West Rim Hike
8/30/2026 2:00pm
This Ranger led hike takes you down into the canyon and up the west side to a rocky outcrop on the west side to a rocky outcrop on the West Rim Trail. Meet at the Interpretive Center
Salamander Secrets
8/31/2026 2:00pm
Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region.
Voices of America at Pickett's Mill Battlefield
9/5/2026 (contact site for times)
In observance of 250 years of United States history, we will feature a presentation recognizing Hispanic Latino Americans who participated in the Battle of Pickett's Mill. There will also be an outdoor cooking demonstration featuring a traditional dish of their culture.
Laborer's Day: Crafting in the 18th Century
9/5/2026 (contact site for times)
This Labor Day weekend we celebrate the history of colonial trades and crafts folk. Featured trades include: the Rat & Tankard tavern workers, the local volunteer militia crew, and more! The Friends of the Fort will have free refreshments available to visitors inside the tavern.
Labor Day Festivities
9/5/2026 (contact site for times)
You deserve a break today! Come out to Fort McAllister for an educational and entertaining day for the whole family. Living historians will be firing muskets. Join us for Civil War games, medical displays, watermelon, and more!
Fall Seed Exchange
9/5/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us for the Wormsloe Fall Seed Exchange on Saturday, September 5, 2026. FREE seeds from Wormsloe's Heritage Garden will be given to all! Bring seeds to share and swap if you have them. But no need to bring any seeds if you don't. Talk with a naturalist between 10 AM and 4 PM in the Heritage Garden. Standard admission is required.
Labor Day Celebration
9/5/2026 (contact site for times)
Watch history come alive with spinning, blacksmithing, woodworking, and more- plus blackpowder weapon demonstrations on the hour.
Painting Our Parks
9/11/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
Girl Scout's Tallulah Tour and Tea
9/12/2026 5-6:30pm
You are cordially invited to celebrate 'Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day' with us! Enjoy an early evening stroll on our North Rim Trail while hearing stories about Tallulah Falls from the Victorian Era. After the hike, we will enjoy tea time and conversation on the back patio of the Interpretive Center! Space is limited, so call ahead! $15 per person!
Dog Splash at Liberty Bell Pool
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Unleash the fun as dogs swim and play in and around the largest spring-fed pool in Georgia. Music, activities and contests. Fenced in pool area. Off-leash ok. Located at Liberty Bell Pool off Hwy 354 No humans allowed in the pool. You can pre-pay at the office or pay correct change at the door. Bring proof of rabies vaccine.
1st Annual 5K Hamburg Hustle
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Race starts at 9 AM! All proceeds benefit Friends of Hamburg State Park. We will have commemorative T-Shirts that are included with registration fee if registered by September 1st. Registration Fee: May 31st-July 1st $20.00 Aug. 1- Sept. 1st $ $30.00 Parking Fee: $10.00
Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day: Symphony of the Forest: A Historical Journey
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Step into the past and uncover the story of Georgia's Piedmont forests, where rolling hills once echoed with the sounds of longleaf pines, oak-hickory woodlands, and the wildlife that called them home. Participants will explore how the Southeastern Forest ecosystem has transformed through time.
Girl Scouts on the Trail of Tears
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Bring your Girl Scouts out for a day of learning and adventure. Join the rangers for guided tours at 10am and 1pm. The print shop will be open giving demonstrations throughout the day and visitors can make a souvenir page of paper, 1830's style. Self-guided tour option available throughout the day also. Admission fee required. Call 706.624.1321
Girl Scouts Love State Parks: Archery 101 and Hayride
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Calling all Girl Scout Troops! Enjoy an Archery 101 class and hayride through the park. We will meet at Picnic shelter #1 and take a hayride to the archery range where we will enjoy Archery 101, followed by a hayride through the park.
Girl Scouts Love The Awesome Okefenokee Boat Tour
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Bring your Girl Scouts to experience the magic, majesty, and history of the Okefenokee Swamp. We'll take a bout tour out into the heart of the Okefenokee, seeing alligators, wading birds, and more. Then we'll stop at Billy's Island to learn about human history in the swamp.
Survival Skills - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Shelter building, fire building, knot tying: Work independently or as a family team to build your own shelter using natural materials from the forest - such as sticks, branches, and vines. Then, learn essential skills in fire building and knot tying. All supplies are provided. Ages 8 and up. Pre-registration required.
The Cotton Gin: Seeds of Invention
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Join one of our rangers on a guide tour of the site including the houses, garden and cotton gin house to learn how the cotton gin changed farming in Georgia and brought about the rise in cotton as a cash crop, new cotton farms, and enslaved labor across the state.
Hike and Paddle - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Enjoy a ranger led hike (1.5 hour) along our new beach trail as we walk by swamps, hardwood/pine forests and a controlled burn area. After the hike, we'll kayak (1 hour) on the lake looking for wildlife such as raptors, herons and migrating birds. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water, bug repellent and sunscreen. Registration will open August 24.
Kayaking 101 - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Learn the basic movements of kayaking on a safe and peaceful section of Lake Rutledge. Open to visitors 8 years and older who can swim and are new to kayaking (any minor needs to be accompanied by an adult). Equipment provided. Limited spaces. Event open to all public, including Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts Love State Parks: Archery 101 and Hayride
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Calling all Girl Scout Troops! Enjoy an Archery 101 class and hayride through the park. We will meet at Picnic shelter #1 and take a hayride to the archery range where we will enjoy Archery 101, followed by a hayride through the park.
The Cotton Gin: Seeds of Invention
9/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Join one of our rangers on a guide tour of the site including the houses, garden and cotton gin house to learn how the cotton gin changed farming in Georgia and brought about the rise in cotton as a cash crop, new cotton farms, and enslaved labor across the state.
Painting Our Parks
9/12/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
Beginner Archery Class - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
9/13/2026 (contact site for times)
Want to shoot an arrow in archery, but don't know how? Here's your chance to learn some archery skills. Soon you'll be hitting the bullseye. Program geared to participants 10 years and above. Event open to all public, including Girl Scouts. Space limited to 10 participants. Registration will open August 24.
Daisy Days: Guided Panola Mountain Hike
9/19/2026 (contact site for times)
The Yellow Daisies are blooming! Join us on a guided hike of Panola Mountain to complete the annual Daisy Days Hike Challenge. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Register in advance. Ages 10+
Tools and Skills that Built a Colony
9/19/2026 (contact site for times)
What did those first colonists do to survive when they arrived in 1733? Find out if you have what it took to build a colony and watch history come to life!
Boll Weevil Memories: The Bug that Changed History
9/19/2026 (contact site for times)
The cotton boll weevil arrived to Georgia around 1920 and destroyed cotton crops around the state. In this program learn all about the boll weevil and its affects on Georgia's economy and the efforts that eventually eradicated the bug. Program will include a tour of the cotton farm and a boll weevil activity.
Daisy Days: Guided Panola Mountain Hike
9/19/2026 (contact site for times)
The Yellow Daisies are blooming! Join us on a guided hike of Panola Mountain to complete the annual Daisy Days Hike Challenge. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Register in advance. Ages 10+
Boll Weevil Memories: The Bug that Changed History
9/19/2026 (contact site for times)
The cotton boll weevil arrived to Georgia around 1920 and destroyed cotton crops around the state. In this program learn all about the boll weevil and its affects on Georgia's economy and the efforts that eventually eradicated the bug. Program will include a tour of the cotton farm and a boll weevil activity.
Kid's Adaptive Fishing Rodeo
9/19/2026 9AM to 12 Noon
Kids 15 years and younger, adaptive equipment will be available onsite. Registration is required prior to event, with a limit of 30 participants total. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call our office for questions and to register: (706)746-2141
Paint Our Parks
9/25/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
Lake Loop Clean-Up: Your State Parks Day
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us on a statewide effort calling on our community of dedicated volunteers to join together for a morning of service and camaraderie at your favorite Georgia State Park. This year, we'll focus our efforts on litter collection around the 6-mile shoreline of Marbury Creek Reservoir. Volunteers are granted free parking. Register in advance.
Your State Parks Day
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
Meet at shelter 4 to volunteer! Help maintain the inner loop trails. Your small act makes a big difference! Bring closed toed shoes, gloves, spare tools, water, and your smiling face Call the office with any questions you might have.
Your State Parks Day
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
join us as we clean up the park.
Your State Parks Day - Hard Labor Creek -
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out and improve Hard Labor Creek by volunteering for Your State Parks Day! There will be a variety of volunteer projects to choose for all ages and skills. RSVP by emailing: friendsofhardlaborcreek@gmail.com. Registration will open on August 26.
Your State Parks Day at the Vann House
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
Free t-shirt and house tour to visitors who volunteer in a trail cleanup, fence restoration, or stick hauling. National Public Lands Day, celebrated in GA as YSPD is a celebration of working together for a common goal, an opportunity to use America's public lands for the betterment of yourself and others. Bring the family and a friend!
Your State Parks Day
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us as we celebrate Your State Parks Day, a time to give back, explore, and connect with the beauty of our natural spaces! Visitors can participate in Discovery Stations, where rangers and volunteers will guide guests through engaging activities that showcase the wonders of the forest, wildlife, and creativity inspired by nature.
Your State Parks Day
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
Calling all volunteers! Our Rangers need your help on several work projects, from cleaning the historic buildings to landscaping and gardening. Any groups such as boy scouts or girl scouts need to call and register. Admission fees will be waved for any volunteers. Call 706.624.1321 for further information or to register your group.
Ramblin' Rangers
9/26/2026 (contact site for times)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you give two Park Rangers a microphone? Join us for our very first Ramblin' Rangers, where Rangers Ashley and Ant will each talk about FDR-related topics they don't always get to discuss. The Rangers will also be leading a in-depth Q&A and try their best to answer any FDR related questions you have!
Painting Our Parks
9/26/2026 5:30 PM
Creating art is a unique way to connect to the world around you and also to who you are. Join a Ranger on one of our scenic trails and see how the Okefenokee swamp inspires you. Art supplies will be provided. Information about our 3rd Annual High School Art Contest will be available at our Visitor Center!
Where's Noble Bones? A Bone-Chilling Scavenger Hunt
10/3/2026 (contact site for times)
Come join us for a spooky scavenger hunt each Saturday in October. Spend time outdoors with friends and family, and enjoy the beautiful natural and cultural resources available at Wormsloe.
Films From The Archives
10/3/2026 (contact site for times)
Guest with have the unique opportunity to view three short films dating from 1964 to 2004. Before each film there will be discussion on the background of the making of the each film. Showing 11:00 and 1:00
47th Annual Candle Lantern Tour
10/3/2026 (contact site for times)
The fort comes alive by the warm glow of candlelight. Follow your guide through the grounds and witness dramatic camp scenes, musket and cannon firings, the clang of the blacksmith's forge, and the harsh realities of Civil War–era medical care. Venture into eerie bunkers and peek inside the barracks where the Fort's Major once lived.
Where's Noble Bones? A Bone-Chilling Scavenger Hunt
10/3/2026 (contact site for times)
Come join us for a spooky scavenger hunt each Saturday in October. Spend time outdoors with friends and family, and enjoy the beautiful natural and cultural resources available at Wormsloe.
Homeschool Day, Archaeology
10/8/2026 (contact site for times)
See authentic artifacts, discover artifacts in our dig-boxes, craft, and learn about the science of archaeology.
4th Annual Fall Car Show at Victoria Bryant
10/10/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out to our 4th Annual Fall Car Show. The Friends of Victoria Bryant will be selling concessions, there will be a raffle drawing, door prizes, 60's and 70's music playing and a parade of cars through the campground at the end. Registration starts at 8:30am at Picnic Shelter #5. We will announce the car show winners at 12:15 PM.
Archaeology Day at the Vann House
10/10/2026 (contact site for times)
Take part in Archaeology themed activities at the Vann House. Learn about artifacts in our dig-boxes, learn more about ancient pottery by creating your own, see real stone tools being crafted (knapped) see the tools of an archaeologist from KSU, see actual artifacts from the Vann House excavations, talk to archaeologists, and more.
Mini Junior Ranger Camp
10/17/2026 (contact site for times)
For children ages 6 to 12. We will learn about lake critters, trees, birds, animal tracks and more on your way to earning a super-cool Jr. Ranger badge.
Who was George L Smith II
10/17/2026 (contact site for times)
Make plans to meet our Ranger at the Emanuel County Farm & Home Museum on Museum Rd, Swainsboro. The museum has a room filled with memorabilia and photos of George L. Smith II, which our Park is named after. The museum has an event scheduled this day also, more details later. THIS IS AN OFF SITE EVENT.
Voices of America at Pickett's Mill Battlefield
10/17/2026 (contact site for times)
In observance of 250 years of United States history, we will feature a presentation recognizing German Americans who participated in the Battle of Pickett's Mill. There will also be an outdoor cooking demonstration featuring a traditional dish of their culture.
Victoria Bryant's Leaf watch hayride
10/17/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out and enjoy a leaf watch hayride throughout the park. You will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall and you'll be able to take some great fall photos. The hayride will start at the park office.
Halloween Haunted Hike
10/17/2026 (contact site for times)
It's time to get your Spooky on! Come to Smithgall Woods for our annual Haunted Hike! Take a spooky hayride up to our Martins Mine trail, where we will go through the haunted history of North Georgia's Gold Rush.
Fort McAllister Haunted Trail
10/17/2026 (contact site for times)
Fort McAllister's Annual Haunted Trail. If you're a braver soul, save the date! This year's theme is soon to come! Price: TBD
Victoria Bryant's Leaf watch hayride
10/17/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out and enjoy a leaf watch hayride throughout the park. You will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall and you'll be able to take some great fall photos. The hayride will start at the park office.
A Haunted Evening at Victoria Bryant 2026 Weekend #1
10/23/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out and enjoy a spooky evening on the park! We will have a hayride, haunted trail, campsite decorating contest, costume contest, trick or treating, a Halloween movie, a campfire, and concessions. Friday night will be a non-spooky hayride for the little kids and Saturday will be the spooky night on the hayride.
Lantern Lane: Fall Fun Trail
10/24/2026 6:30pm-8:30pm
Join us for a night of fall family fun on the farm with a lantern lit treat trail, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, crafts, and not so spooky stories for all ages.
Annual Fala Day
10/24/2026 (contact site for times)
Scottish Terrier Society of Greater Atlanta will present a fun-filled day of activities celebrating Fala. Activities include a parade and a variety of contests. Dogs not allowed on Historic Site except during the parade.
Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek
10/24/2026 (contact site for times)
Come visit our Spooky Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Walk through Camp Daniel Morgan on a trail filled with scenes of your Halloween scary favorites. Ages 6 and above. There will be wagon rides available (1:30pm - 4:30pm) for those who don't want to be spooked on the haunted village. Tickets will be available Sept 23.
Halloween Festival
10/24/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us for our annual Halloween Festival at Florence Marina! Events include: 5:30-8:00 Campground Trick or Treat 6:00 Pet Costume Contest 6:15 Group Costume Contest 6:30 Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winner announced 6:45 Campsite Decorating Contest Announced Also join us for the haunted hayride, games, and raffles at the Clubhouse.
The Haunting of Savage Island
10/24/2026 (contact site for times)
All campers are invited to join the fun by decorating their campsites and dressing up in costumes. Park rangers will be on the lookout for the most creative displays and will host a costume contest with prizes! Want to hand out candy? Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a 'Pumpkin Paper' for your campsite so families know you're a treat stop.
Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek
10/24/2026 (contact site for times)
Come visit our Spooky Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Walk through Camp Daniel Morgan on a trail filled with scenes of your Halloween scary favorites. Ages 6 and above. There will be wagon rides available (1:30pm - 4:30pm) for those who don't want to be spooked on the haunted village. Tickets will be available Sept 23.
Echoes on the Altamaha: Candle Lantern Tour
10/24/2026 (contact site for times)
The moon is out, the lanterns are lit! For one night only, the past comes alive to tell you their tales. This year we focus on the history surrounding the 250th anniversary of the USA. Our candle lantern tour gives you the chance to speak with those daring folk who left their mark on the Georgia colony.
A Haunted Evening at Victoria Bryant 2026 Weekend #2
10/30/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out and enjoy a spooky evening on the park! We will have a hayride, haunted trail, campsite decorating contest, costume contest, trick or treating, a Halloween movie, a campfire, and concessions. Friday night will be a non-spooky hayride for the little kids and Saturday will be the spooky night on the hayride.
Halloween Cookie Contest
10/31/2026 (contact site for times)
Bring your homemade cookies to the pavilion by the Trading Post by 3 PM and Judging will take place at 4 PM. Prizes for adults and youth 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Please bring your cookies on a wrapped paper plate. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required at the Park Office or by calling 706-663-4858.
Halloween In the Park: Trick-or-Treating
10/31/2026 (contact site for times)
Trick or Treat around the campground! Start at the Trading Post for a scavenger hunt while you trick or treat to earn some extra goodies. Areas 1, 2, 3, & 5 are included in trick-or-treating. No cottages have treats. Campers who bring candy to give out can add it to the stations when they register (optional).
Halloween In The Park: Campsite Decorating Contest
10/31/2026 (contact site for times)
Judging 5 PM Show us your G-rated, creative side at your campsite. Make us believe you love Halloween and Fall. No gore. Leave no trace décor. Winners awarded at the site by 7:30 PM.
Trunk or Treat
10/31/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out and decorate your vehicle for Halloween and hand out candy to Boys and Ghouls as they walk from car to car. There will be hayrides and other activities as well! Prizes will be awarded to best costumes, best pet costume, and best vehicle decoration. If you decorate your vehicle and hand out candy the parking fee will be waived
Family Adventure Camp
11/7/2026 (contact site for times)
A event for family's to spend time together by hiking, campfire building, hayride, archery, and more. You can stay overnight in pioneer camping or come for the day. Please Call Park Office for more information. Registration limited to 40 people.
Syrup Makin' Time - 37th Annual Event
11/7/2026 (contact site for times)
Experience sugar cane syrup making the old-fashioned way as we cook cane juice in the original kettles and press sugar cane on the steam powered press. We will also have live bluegrass music, spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, and woodstove cooking and a Civil War encampment commemorating the arrival of General Sherman's federal troops.
Founder's Day: Thanksgiving in Warm Springs
11/7/2026 (contact site for times)
In 1939, FDR spoke to the nation from Georgia Hall on Thanksgiving. We are going to replay the original radio broadcast after a digital presentation on the history of Thanksgiving at Warm Springs in the theater wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving. Presentation 11:00 am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm.
Veterans Day Family Fun Day
11/11/2026 (contact site for times)
Pack a picnic and join us in Roosevelt's Little White House picnic area for a free day of family friendly games and activities.
Autumn Encampment 2026
11/13/2026 (contact site for times)
Our annual Colonial military reenactment is open to all those interested in the harsh, yet adventurous, lives of soldiers and sailors. Only on Saturday at 2pm: a black powder battle demonstration! Military history of the 18th century includes reenacting from Highlanders, British armies, Royal navies, and foreign campaigns!
Voices of America at Pickett's Mill Battlefield
11/14/2026 (contact site for times)
In observance of 250 years of United States history, we will feature a presentation recognizing Indigenous Americans who participated in the Battle of Pickett's Mill. There will also be an outdoor cooking demonstration featuring a traditional dish of their culture.
Annual Sugar Cane Festival
11/21/2026 (contact site for times)
More details coming soon, but mark your calendar to save the date!
Come and Take It!' Encampment and Wreath Ceremony
11/21/2026 (contact site for times)
The event honors Colonel John McIntosh's bold reply to a British demand for surrender: 'Come & Take It!' Experience living history with colonial demonstrations, musket and cannon drills, 18th-century music, and a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Turkey Trot Scavenger Hunt
11/27/2026 (contact site for times)
Gather your friends and family and come visit Wormsloe on Black Friday to participate in our annual Turkey Trot Scavenger Hunt. To get started, check in at the museum for a trail map and clues. Run, walk, or trot the 3-mile Battery Trail. When you finish, return to the museum to claim your prize (while supplies last).
Gobble Wobble
11/27/2026 (contact site for times)
Did you happen to Gobble until you Wobbled this Thanksgiving? Here is your chance to walk off a bit of those Turkey and stuffing gains! Join our Naturalist on a guided hike from the visitor's center to our primitive cabin, and learn some fun facts about the park along the way!
Christmas tree lighting at the park
11/27/2026 (contact site for times)
Come out and join us as we light up the front pond and Christmas tree. There will be caroling, Hot chocolate, Cookies, and even an appearance by Santa!
Christmas Traditions Tour
12/3/2026 (contact site for times)
Take a guided tour of the two historic farm houses decorated for the season and learn about the history of Christmas traditions, from tree decorating and celebrations to cards, gifts and carols, and see how they changed between the 1800s and early 1900s.
1721: Life of a Sailor
12/4/2026 9:00am - 5:00pm
The Fort has been commandeered by bands of marauders, buccaneers, sailors, scouts, and pirates! This three-day festival will showcase the true history of those free spirits living during the Golden Age of Sail. Reenactors will display black powder arms and ammunition, cooking and medicine, historical crafts, and more! Pyracy.com & crews return this December after a successful invasion!
1721: Life of a Sailor
12/5/2026 9:00am - 5:00pm
The Fort has been commandeered by bands of marauders, buccaneers, sailors, scouts, and pirates! This three-day festival will showcase the true history of those free spirits living during the Golden Age of Sail. Reenactors will display black powder arms and ammunition, cooking and medicine, historical crafts, and more! Pyracy.com & crews return this December after a successful invasion!
Remembering Pearl Harbor
12/5/2026 (contact site for times)
FDR portrayer James Fowler will recite the 'Day of Infamy' speech declaring that a state of war exists sending the United States into WWII. Kelly's Zeroes a historical reenacting organization will be displaying items and uniforms that were used during World War Il. Performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Christmas At The Gorge
12/5/2026 (contact site for times)
Come and celebrate the Season, make crafts, enjoy Christmas music, Meet Santa, have a snack and go on a hay ride here at the park.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
12/5/2026 (contact site for times)
FDR portrayer James Fowler will recite the 'Day of Infamy' speech declaring that a state of war exists sending the United States into WWII. Kelly's Zeroes a historical reenacting organization will be displaying items and uniforms that were used during World War Il. Performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Christmas Comes to Victoria Bryant
12/5/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us for an evening full of Christmas cheer! Bring the little ones out to see Santa and have their picture taken, a fun Christmas craft, sweet treats, hot chocolate, Christmas lights, campsite decorating contest, campfire, a Christmas movie, and a Christmas light hayride around the park!
1721: Life of a Sailor
12/6/2026 9:00am - 5:00pm
The Fort has been commandeered by bands of marauders, buccaneers, sailors, scouts, and pirates! This three-day festival will showcase the true history of those free spirits living during the Golden Age of Sail. Reenactors will display black powder arms and ammunition, cooking and medicine, historical crafts, and more! Pyracy.com & crews return this December after a successful invasion!
Candlelight Tours
12/11/2026 (contact site for times)
Tour the Vann's historic Cherokee home decorated with freshly cut greenery and lit by hundreds of candles, akin to an early 19th-century Moravian Christmas. Live music, cider and cookies add to the festivities. Arrive by 8p.m. to best enjoy the event, admission is paid at the door. Candles will be extinguished at 9p.m.
162nd Winter Muster Reenactment
12/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Experience the dramatic reenactment of Georgia's final Civil War battle, marking the end of Sherman's March to the Sea. The battle begins Saturday, December 12, at 4:40 PM (arrive by 4:00). On Friday, December 11, explore soldiers' encampments and glimpse camp life leading up to the fight.
Festive Hike
12/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Come on a guided hike to Smithgall Wood's Chunanee Falls Trail this Holiday season! Learn about the origins or our favorite Christmas traditions and how they're still practiced and celebrated today.
Sunset Candy Cane Hunt
12/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Join us at sunset to hunt candy canes, afterwards enjoy a holiday movie, s'mores, and hot chocolate. Please call the office to sign up. Meet at the picnic shelter in the Day Use Area.
Christmas on the Farm
12/12/2026 (contact site for times)
Come see the farm all lit up in its holiday finery. Enjoy some good music and traditional holiday storytelling'! Get some tasty treats while you're here!
A Homeschool Christmas Tale
12/18/2026 (contact site for times)
Bring your homeschool family to tour the house decorated in the manner of a 19th century Moravian Christmas. Learn how the missionaries taught their Cherokee pupils to celebrate Christmas and their activities, and we'll do some as well. We'll enjoy Cherokee Christmas stories next to the fire as well.
Voices of America at Pickett's Mill Battlefield
12/20/2026 (contact site for times)
In observance of 250 years of United States history, we will feature a presentation recognizing India Americans who participated in the Battle of Pickett's Mill. There will also be an outdoor cooking demonstration featuring a traditional dish of their culture.
