Field Trips - Red Top Mountain State Park | Department Of Natural Resources Division

Plant Side of Life

Learn about the amazing world of plants as we dive into their basic life cycle and their role in the environment. We will go over basic anatomy and function of plant cells, leaves, and stems. We will discuss plants that can have a significant impact on our daily lives. Students will plant their own seed to take home. Please ensure you have sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, plenty of water, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.

Grades: Pre-K-3rd grade
Cost: $5/per student
Duration: 60 mins

Streaming Service

Come learn about the amazing world that lies beneath our streams as we explore the habitat and the ways that certain creatures thrive in their watery realm. We will also discuss how the presence of different organisms can indicate the health of a stream. Please make sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, water, and shoes that our appropriate for getting into the water.

Grades: 4th-7th
Cost: $10/Student
Duration: 90 mins

Aquatic’s Most Wanted

Come join us as we dive into the dark world of aquatic nuisance species. We will discuss some of the more damaging species and their ecological and economic impact. We will complete an activity that will help the students better understand the impact that these can have. Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water.

Grade: 8th-12th
Cost: $10/Student
Duration: 90 Minutes

Shots Fired!

Come to Allatoona Pass as we take a walking tour of one of the bloodiest and short-lived battles. We will discuss what led to the battle, its outcome, and see the well-preserved earthworks that were utilized during the battle. This program will feature a reenactor who will help explain the tactics used during the battle. For this program, we ask that all students and chaperones bring appropriate hiking shoes and plenty of water to drink. Bug spray is recommended, and rain cover may be necessary depending on the weather.

Grade: 5th-9th
Cost: $7/Student
Duration: 2 hrs

Ranger-Led FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: Along with the ranger-led programs, parking for buses will be included in the fee, as well as the use of a picnic shelter.

Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: Yes. If you can provide Proof that you are a Title 1 school, then you can take off $1- $2 per student, depending on your budget.

Q: How do these programs relate to what I am teaching?
A: Our programs are designed to meet the requirements for each grade according to the Georgia Standards of Excellence.

Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: Yes, we like to ask that you have at least 1 chaperone for every 10-12 kids. If the Chaperone is driving in their own vehicle, they are responsible for making sure that they have a Park Pass for their vehicle. The cost for a Park Pass is $5 per vehicle.

Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: The earlier the better, but we would like at least two weeks' notice so that we have time to prepare and make sure we have enough staff for the day of the program.

Ranger-Led Additional Information

Educators and group leaders must fill out and submit an Educational Request Form Group Contract.

Educators and group leaders will always be responsible for the behavior of their students.
Groups larger than 4 classes will need to be broken up over multiple days.
Please be on time for your scheduled program. If running late, call to let us know. We will try to keep on schedule so that you may return to school on time.
Rain dates are available. We still present the program indoors as well as outdoors in misty rain or cold weather, so please have your students dress accordingly.
If you have any questions regarding ranger-led program reservations, please call the Visitor Center at 770-975-4226.

Outreach Programs

If you can’t make the trip to the park, we will bring a little piece of the park to you. The cost is $150.00 per program for a group (maximum 30 students). Programs are 60 minutes in length. The following outreach programs are available. Please call 770-975-4226 for more information or to schedule an outreach program.

Northwest Georgia Geology

A park ranger will bring supplies, including rocks, a guidebook, a black light, a rock cycle chart, and rock hunting equipment. The ranger will discuss the rock cycle and the unique geology of Northwest Georgia. We will play a ‘rock, paper, scissors’ type game for the kids to better understand the rock cycle. The students will receive a small stone at the end of the program.

Reptile Rendezvous

A park ranger will bring out a few live reptiles found at Red Top Mountain. Students will get to learn what a reptile is, what role reptiles play in our environment, the diversity of reptiles, and what to do if you come face-to-face with a possibly venomous snake. After the program, students will get a chance to interact with real-life native Georgia snakes.

Creative Critters

A ranger will come to your school and discuss the different ways that animals have adapted to their environment. Included with the presentation is a PowerPoint that will go over various ways that animals developed to survive in their environment. This PowerPoint will focus on wildlife native to Georgia. The ranger will also bring in skulls and pelts of different species to assist in this presentation, and a live snake will be brought to the class as well. The children will have the opportunity to touch the pelts, skulls, and will be able to pet the snake.

Self-Guided Explorations

Educators and group leaders can experience Red Top Mountain on a self-guided basis. We have over 15 miles of trails throughout the park that you can use to explore the different areas of study. Parking is free for official school vehicles (school bus, van, etc.). Any personal vehicle must display a valid Park Pass. Parking fees for self-guided explorations are: