Below is the June 2011 Calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. More information on events, including accommodations and facilities, can be found atwww.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275. For an online calendar listing, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge, Helen
June 2011 Events – Divided By Region
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Group Hayrides
Fridays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
Bring your group for a fun-filled, old-fashioned hayride, available every Friday from March 4 until November 25. A minimum of 15 people is required and groups must register in advance.
$5 per person. $5 parking.
(706) 245-6270
Outdoor Adventure Weekend (Natl. Trails Day)
Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 5, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Celebrate the fun of the great outdoors Bring the family for an early morning kids’ Fishing Rodeo on Saturday. Participate in trail maintenance and guided hikes to honor National Trails Day.
$5 parking
(706) 265-969
Dahlonega Appalachian Jam
Saturdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Mountain music pickers and singers flock to the Dahlonega Gold Museum for the Appalachian Jam. Tour the museum then enjoy the live entertainment in our courtyard from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a folding chair and listen or bring your instrument and join in!
$3.50 – $5
(706) 864-2257
Siege Yargo TrailBlazer Race
Saturday, June 4, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Join us for this adventure race with teams of three people. Racers will paddle, run, mountain bike and face other challenges through this scenic park.
Race fee plus $5 parking
(770) 867-3489
Georgia Master Naturalist
Mondays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
In cooperation with the University of Georgia (UGA) Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, an eight-week training in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to our southern Blue Ridge ecoregion will be offered. Register by May 20. $190 pays for the series and certification as a “Georgia Master Naturalist” through UGA.
$5 parking
(706) 878-3087
Family Camp
Monday, June 6 through Friday, June 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Make your family vacation memorable by attending Unicoi Family Camp. Spend each day attending classes or workshops while enjoying time with your family. No age limits. Pre-registration required.
$5 parking
(706) 878-2201 ext. 305
Smithgall Jr. Ranger Deer Badge Camp
Thursday, June 9 through Friday, June 10, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Activities, hikes, and games bring the Jr. Ranger activity book to life. Children 7-14 can work towards earning their Jr. Ranger Deer badge as they learn about the natural world. Register in advance.
$25 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Medicinal Plant Series: Herbs of Summer
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
In the second of this three-part series, explore summer wildflowers, trees and shrubs that are used medicinally. Participate in processing plants for fun ways to “make the medicine go down” – such as honeys, vinegars and infusions. $35 or $90 for series (see April and November classes in series).
$5 parking
(706) 878-3087
Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 11, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Wolf Creek will be stocked with plenty of trout to be tempted by anglers 12 and younger. Prizes will be given to the lucky ticket holders; families will enjoy watching the children as they have a blast. Each adult must be accompanied with their child or children to register prior to fishing. Coke refreshments will be provided. A limited amount of fishing poles will be provided.
$5 parking
(706) 745-2628
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Tuesday, June 14, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Wednesday, June 15, 9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Join Tallulah Rangers on a moonlit hike down into the gorge. Register in advance. |
$5 plus $5 parking
(706) 754-7981
Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
Saturday, June 18, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Children and their special “big person” can fish in a lake stocked with catfish, bass, and bream. Fish caught can be kept. Bring your own bait and rods. Some rods are available for loan. Call for directions to the future Buck Shoals State Park.
$5 parking
(706) 878-3087
Smithgall Jr. Ranger Fox Badge Camp
Thursday, June 23 through Friday, June 24, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Jr. Rangers, ages 7-14, can continue the challenge learning about the natural world and how to take care of it. Participants must have already earned their Deer Badge. Register in advance.
$25 plus $5 parking
(706) 878-3087
COASTAL GEORGIA
Canoe Miller Lake to Barrington Lake
Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Park – Darien
Enjoy a 9-mile trip down the Altamaha to learn about native flora and fauna. The trip will pass the historic San Savilla Bluff, site of Mary Musgrove’s Mount Venture colonial trading post. The trip will end with a walk up one of the river’s tallest sand bluffs on Barrington Lake. Reservations required.
$25
(912) 437-4770
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA
Junior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 4, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
The fishing tournament will be held at beautiful Lake Liberty. Children younger than 16 are invited to compete for prizes in several categories. Members of the Metro Atlanta Hawg Hunters fishing club will be on hand to give fishing tips. Ga. Chip will also be on hand to make identification cards for children. Lunch will be provided. Registration is 7:30 – 8 a.m.
$5 parking
(706) 456-2602
Alligator Day
Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
See live alligators at the Kirbo Interpretive Center and take guided boat tours to view these reptiles in their natural habitat. Alligator experts and trappers will be on hand, sharing their knowledge. Lake Walter F. George is a beautiful location to view wildlife and birds.
$5 plus $5 parking
(229) 838-4706
Geology Day
Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin
Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga. will lead visitors into the canyons and back in time to discover the geological history of the canyons. The floors of the canyons are often wet and muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and your camera. Register in advance.
$5 plus $5 parking
(229) 838-4706
Tribute to Rosie the Riveter and D-Day Commemoration
Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
FDR portrayer will deliver the 1944 D-Day prayer, Betty the Homemaker will provide living history and Carol Cain will portray Rosie the Riveter. Kellys Zeroes will display equipment used by soldiers during WWII.
$5-$8
(706) 655-5870
Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 18, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
This awesome tournament will be held at Lake Liberty, recently stocked with more than 2,500 catfish. Anglers 55 and older can compete for great prizes in several categories. A hot lunch will be available. Registration will be held from 7:30am to 8:00am at the park office.
$5 parking
(706) 456-2602
METRO ATLANTA
National Trails Day Celebration
Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Explore the secret valley of Panola Mountain State Park. You will be guided on a hike through wetlands to upland forest and be able to view stunning outcrops. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Meet at the nature center 30 minutes before program begins. Register in advance.
$10 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Introduction to Backpacking
Saturday, June 4, 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This beginner’s class will take place in an outdoor classroom. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. Meet at the nature center 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance.
$7 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Sunday Afternoon Fly Fishing
Sunday, June 5, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Casting is the backbone of this clinic; however, if time permits will also cover equipment, knot tying, and safety issues and other tricks of the trade. Master Instructor C. H. Brown suggests wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance.
$15 or $12 with own gear.
$5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Sunday Mountain Hike
Sundays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains why it’s protected and what we can do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera. Register in advance.
$7 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Frog Slog
Thursdays, June 9, 16, 23 and 30, 6 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Meet in the Alexander Lake parking area. Register in advance.
$7 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Day of Discovery at Etowah
Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Archaeologist Adam King will speak at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dr. King is an authority on early cultures and authored “ETOWAH: The Political History of a Chiefdom Capital,” His presentations always bring new information about Etowah and the surrounding area.
$3.50 – $5.00 plus tax
(770) 387-3747
Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class unless a SAR activity is occurring. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance.
$5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Basic Fly Fishing
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance.
$15 or $12 with own gear.
$5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Panola Mountain Night Hike
Saturday, June 11, 8 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountain top under the watchful eye of the full moon. We’ll head out just before sunset and enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. Bring flashlights, hiking boots and water. Meet at the nature center 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance.
$7 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Geology Hike
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Geologist and “Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park” member John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. There will also be a visit inside the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. $5 plus $5 parking
(770) 732-5871
Exploring Your Native American Ancestry
Saturday, June 18, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun
Genealogy experts will present a program on records crucial to ancestry research associated with Cherokee Indians. Cost includes workshop and 2 p.m. guided tour of New Echota Historic Site. Register in advance. Hosted by the Georgia Trail of Tears Association and Friends of New Echota.
$20
(706) 624-1321
Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera! The Panola Mountain hike starts at 10am and generally lasts 2-3 hours. Rain or shine. Meeting at the nature center.
$7 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, June 18, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Meeting at Naomi-Ruth Climbing Tree. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance.
$15 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Skins and Skulls Wildlife ID Class
Saturday, June 18, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Want to learn how to identify wildlife like a professional tracker? This class will teach beginners interested in the outdoors how to identify wildlife like the experts. This indoor class will be held in the Interpretive Center.
$5 plus $5 parking
(770) 732-5871
Basic Canoe Clinic
Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join a certified park ranger and learn how to safely use a canoe. Enjoy a nice paddle on scenic Alexander Lake. Register in advance.
$20 plus $5 parking
(770) 389-7801
Interesting events! Too bad we missed the Tree Top Excursions. The family would have loved it.