No shortage of things to do at Georgia’s state parks
Feeling uninspired about things to do during the lazy, hazy days of summer? Georgia State Parks is a resource that deserves one’s full attention. Events and activities are planned almost every day at the more than 40 state parks from Cloudland Canyon and Smithgall Woods in the north to Laura S. Walker and Stephen C. Foster in the south. Hard Labor Creek, Panola Mountain, and Sweetwater Creek state parks are three of the closest to metro Atlanta.
A diversity of activities and events are scheduled for the remainder of August and the rest of year.
For more information on all Georgia State Parks events, go to gastateparks.org.
Here are some highlights:
Sunrise Yoga on the Mountain
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Start the day with an alignment-based yoga practice with registered teacher Monique French plus mountain-top views will to refresh the mind, body, and spirit. Bring a mat. Set up at the Stone Amphitheater adjacent to Park Office at 7:15 a.m. on Aug. 15. The price is $15 (cash only), with a $10 parking fee at the amphitheater sign-in. Restrooms open at 8 a.m. The park is located in Pine Mountain.
Twilight Kayak Tour
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Explore Lake Rutledge as participants scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife on Aug. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. A ranger also will talk about the creation of the park in the 1930s. Designed for those 6 and older. All minors must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. The cost is $28 per participant, $23 for those bringing their own kayak. To pre-register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/54308002423. The park is in Rutledge.
Fall Edible Plant Hike
Smithgall Woods State Park
This Aug. 22 program at Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen consists of one hour of indoor class time, before heading out on a short hike to see what can be found. Learn about the differences between edible, medicinal, and supplemental plants, and what can be foraged ethically in the Southern Blueridge region. Contact the park for more details.
Guided Hike
Black Rock Mountain State Park
This almost a mile guided hike around 17-acre Black Rock Lake takes place from 11 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22. The lake is ringed by forests of white pine and yellow poplar. The cost is $5 per person. The park is in Acworth.
Basic Archery
Panola Mountain State Park
Join a ranger to learn the basics of archery at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge from 1 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 23. All equipment is provided and no prior experience is required. Cost is $20 per person for those 8 and older. Call the Nature Center and Park Office to register at 770-389-7801 for more information. The park is in Stockbridge.
Drawn to Nature
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Draw a still life of native species with this ranger-guided drawing lesson at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 28. Spaces are limited. To register, call 770-732-2613. The cost is $15 per person. The park is in Lithia Springs.
Swamp Paddle Experience
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Paddle in 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,” said organizers. This paddle tour is at 7 p.m. on Aug. 29 and is $35 for adults and $25 for those 16 and younger. The park is in Fargo.
Fungi Hike
Skidaway Island State Park
Many mushrooms pop up on the trails at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah. This fungi hike to find and identify mushrooms is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Aug. 30. “Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera,” states the park’s website. Meet at the Big Ferry trailhead for the one- to two-mile hike. The park is in Savannah.
