Georgia state parks and historic sites e-news [Jan. 2014]

January 2014 E-News from Georgia State Parks
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January 2014
Join a "First Day Hike" on Jan. 1
If your New Year's resolutions involve healthy living, meeting new f riends or spending more time with f amily, gather everyone up f or a "First Day Hike." T his national movement has people across the country exploring state park trails on January 1. In Georgia, more than 40 state parks and historic sites are hosting a variety of these rangerled hikes. At Etowah and Kolomoki, you can hike up ancient Indian mounds. At Skidaway Island, you'll explore salt marsh and look f or f iddler crabs. And at Fort Mountain, you can end your trek with a chilly Black Bear Plunge into a lake. Find a "First Day Hike" near you. Can't join us on New Year's Day? Georgia's State Parks can still help you live a healthy lif estyle while also spending time with f amily and f riends. Below are ideas to get you active outdoors throughout the year:
Climb the staircases in Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge and Amicalola Falls state parks. You can even earn a t-shirt f rom our Canyon Climbers Club. Join our Muddy Spokes Club and work of f calories on several mountain bike trails, ranging f rom beginner to expert. Take a healthy hike on the Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park or the East

Side Trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park. Ride your bike on the paved path at Panola Mountain State Park. Join our Park Paddlers Club and work on your arm muscles as you explore easy wat erways .
Winter Specials on Cozy Cabins, Modern Campsites & Heated Yurts
Winter is a peacef ul time to visit Georgia's State Parks, and it can be the most beautif ul as well. With leaves of f the canopy, you can see much f urther through the f orest and appreciate majestic tree shapes. Keep an eye out f or wildlif e, such as deer f oraging or bald eagles raising chicks. Another advantage of winter getaways are the of f -season specials on accommodations. Many of Georgia's State Parks of f er discounts on cabins, yurts and campsites. Find a spot f or a romantic escape, girlf riend getaway or winter break at GeorgiaStateParks.org/specials. A f ew highlights include:
Georgia's Rice History: Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
Located on the Altamaha River near Darien, this antebellum plantation tells the story of the South's f orgotten rice empire. In the early 1800s, William Brailsf ord of Charleston carved a plantation f rom the coastal marshes. Af ter the Civil War, his f amily continued to grow rice until 1913. Later, descendants turned their estate into a dairy f arm. In 1973, the property was donated to the state to be preserved as a historic site. Today's visitors will enjoy beautif ul low-country scenery as they walk among Spanish moss and live oaks. A museum f eatures f ine silver and a brief f ilm. A guided tour allows guests to see the plantation home with f amily heirlooms, 18th and 19th century f urniture, and Cantonese china. Hof wyl-Broadf ield is a stop on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, making it an excellent spot to look f or herons, egrets and ibis. T he site is open T hursday through Saturday.

Admission is $7 f or adults and $4 f or children.
2014 "Guide to State Parks & Historic Sites" Available
Hot of f the presses! T he new "Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites" will be available in early January. You'll f ind photos and descriptions of more than 60 destinations across Georgia. Call 1-800-864-7275 and order one soon.
January 2014 Calendar of Events
Don't hibernate this winter; pile on your layers and come play in the great outdoors. Below are a f ew events scheduled f or this January. A complete list can be f ound on Geo rgiaSt at eParks .o rg/event s .
Who gives a Hoot? Owl Show Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 1 PM to 2 PM Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge - Dawsonville, GA Join Z eus, Owl Capone, Goliath and all your f avorite Amicalola Falls Feathered Friends f or a f un and educational time in the Lodge Lobby. If you have never seen our owl show you are missing out. We look f orward to showing of f f or you. $5 parking. 706-344-1500.
Basics of Photography Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA Join Randall Hollis f or a three weekend course combining classroom lectures and discussions, handouts, image presentation, f ield experiences and student work critiques to cover the basics of photography. Adults only. Limited space, pre-registration required. $75 plus $5 parking. 912882- 5256.
Constellations by Carriage Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 7 PM to 8 PM Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA Hard Labor Creek is a great place f or star-gazing. Relax on this guided carriage ride by the beach. Call to pre-register, space is limited. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Billy's Island & Okef enokee Swamp Tour Saturdays 10 AM - 12 PM Jan 4, 2014 until May 31, 2014 Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo, GA Join us f or a tour of historic Billy's Island. T his island was home to Native Americans, pioneers,

and lumbermen f or thousands of years. We will take a boat out to the island and hike the short trail, about 3/4 of a mile, and view some of the relics lef t f rom times past. $15-$20 plus $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
Astronomy in the Okef enokee Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 8 PM Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo, GA We will be discussing topics that have to do with astronomy as well as observing the night sky through some high powered telescopes. Stephen C. Foster State Park is one of the darkest places in the Southeast, due to a lack of light pollution, so come out and see stargazing at its best. $3 plus $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
"Park Nights, City Lights" Night Hike Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA Join us f or a strenuous, 3-mile night hike to the beautif ul east side of the park where we will hike to the "Indian Cave" and climb the East Ridge to view the Atlanta skyline. T his hike is open to anyone 16 years and older. A f lashlight and sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Dogs not permitted. Meet at the visitor's center. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 6 PM to 8 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA T his mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately dif f icult and goes inside the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester. Candle lanterns will be provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Space is limited and is on a f irst-come f irst-serve basis. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Indoor Basic Archery Sunday, Jan 5, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA Don't let the cold weather keep you f rom shooting. Come to the nature center f or indoor archery and join a certif ied instructor to learn the basics. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes early. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Winter Wonder Hike on Brantley Horse Trail Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 10 AM to 2 PM Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA

Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA Join a park ranger on this winter hike on the Brantley Horse Trail. T his 5 mile guided hike is the perf ect winter outing and a cure f or the winter blues. Take a camera to record the scenery, and a light lunch to enjoy on the way. T his hike is recommended f or children over 10 years old, and adults in good walking shape. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 2 PM to 4 PM Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA T his f ield trip is designed f or anyone interested in learning more about birds, habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the Park Of f ice/Trading Post. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Full Moon Night Hike Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 5 PM Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA Join us f or an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountaintop under the f ull moon. We'll head out just bef ore sunset and enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. Bring f lashlights, hiking boots and water. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes bef ore each program. Participants must register and pay in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Beginning Bee Keeping Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA Learn about basic bee-keeping and how to start a hive. Prof essional honey producer Berry Wright will discuss assembling equipment and installation of bees. A trip to the apiary will be included, weather permitting. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Historic New Manchester History Hike Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 1 PM to 2:30 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA T his mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead to the f ive story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and f ocus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. T his historian or ranger-led hike will include going inside the ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids which provide great photo opportunities. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Hayride and S'mores Saturday, Jan 11, 2014 5 PM to 6:30 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA

Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA Join us f or a tractor-pulled hayride up to Jack's Hill. We will also gather around a campf ire and make s'mores. Park Rangers and local historians will be leading these programs, sharing history and stories f rom the park. Reservations are required. $8 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Full Moon Hike Friday, Jan 17, 2014 5:30 PM to 7 PM High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA Bring your f lashlight and walking shoes f or this short mile hike to the f alls under the f irst f ull moon of 2014. We will also discover how nocturnal creatures live in the dark woods. Meet at the Park Of f ice. $5 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Faces of War: Civil War Photography Friday, Jan 17, 2014 1 PM Hof wyl-Broadf ield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick, GA T he Civil War was the f irst war where the technology of photography was used. Even though it was still in its inf ancy it lef t us with a history of the men who f ought this war. T his presentation will include various types of pictures and charcoal drawings f or your examination. $9 adults; $8.50 seniors; $6 youth 912-264-7333.
Art in the Park Friday, Jan 17, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA Bring your canvas and paint, clay, camera, or oil pastels f or exclusive access to the interior of the f ive-story New Manchester Mill. Create your own artwork while you enjoy beautif ul views of the Sweetwater Creek rapids alongside the dramatic mill ruins as we enjoy the approach of f all. Reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
"Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike Friday, Jan 17, 2014 6:30 PM to 8 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA T his 1.5-mile hike is moderately dif f icult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and f ollows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. A f lashlight and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor's Center. Register in advance. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Bird Walk Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 9 AM to 10 AM F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA

F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA Stroll along the woodland edges to listen and look f or f eathered f riends. Bring binoculars or share park loaners. Meet at the Fishing Dock in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Winter Tree ID Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 2 PM to 3:30 PM Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA Winter can be a great time to learn "Bark and Buds" of our native trees. Join a Park Ranger on this Guided walk of the Brantley Nature Trail and discover how much f un learning winter trees can be. Meet at the Park Of f ice/Trading Post. Register in advance. 5 plus $5 parking. 706-5573001.
Indoor Basic Archery Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA Don't let the cold weather keep you f rom shooting. Come to the nature center f or indoor archery and join a certif ied instructor to learn the basics. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes early. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Geocaching 101 Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt. Learn the basics of this f un and addicting game and then hunt f or some of the park's caches. $2 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
"Park Nights, City Lights" Night Hike Saturday, Jan 18, 2014 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA Join us f or a strenuous, 3 mile night hike to the beautif ul east side of the park where we will hike to the "Indian Cave" and climb the East Ridge to view the Atlanta skyline. T his hike is open to anyone 16 years and older. A f lashlight and sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Dogs not permitted. Meet at the visitor's center. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Backcountry Geology Hike Sunday, Jan 19, 2014 1 PM to 4 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA Geologist and Friends member John Johnston will lead a moderate three-mile hike identif ying

rock types and explaining how they f ormed. Explore the beautif ul Jack's Branch area and the seldom visited rock quarry of New Manchester. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770- 732- 5871.
Martin Luther King Day Hike Monday, Jan 20, 2014 1 PM to 4:30 PM F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA Join Pine Mountain trail guides f or a winter adventure along the Pine Mountain Ridge through a mixed hardwood f orest to Dowdell's Knob. T here will be transportation to get hikers back to their cars. Ages 10 & up. Meet at Rocky Point Parking Lot on Hwy 190; 3.5 miles; moderate; bring water. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Historic New Manchester History Hike Monday, Jan 20, 2014 2 PM to 3:30 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA T his mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead to the f ive story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and f ocus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. T his historian or ranger-led hike will include going inside the ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids which provide great photo opportunities. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Cof f ee and Birds Tuesday, Jan 21, 2014 9 AM to 10 AM Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA Grab your binoculars and join Ranger Marcus in the (heated) Discovery Room to tally birds in the Wildlif e Garden. Cof f ee will be provided. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Weapons and Equipment of the Civil War T hursday, Jan 23, 2014 1 PM Hof wyl-Broadf ield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick, GA T here will be a display of these items used by the soldiers of the North and South. You will actually get to hold and touch Swords, Pistols, Rif les, Cannon Balls, and Personal items used during the war. $9 adults; $8.50 seniors; $6 youth 912-264-7333.
Bird Walk Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 9 AM to 10 AM F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA Stroll along the woodland edges to listen and look f or f eathered f riends. Bring binoculars or share park loaners. Meet at the dock in the campground. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Star Light, Star Bright Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA Join the Coca-Cola Space Science Center staf f f or an evening of star talks, star maps, and night sky viewing. Bring a chair. Meet at amphitheater next to the Park Of f ice on Hwy 190. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Photography Workshop Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 8 AM to 10 AM High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA Learn to use that brand new camera you got over the holidays with nature photographer Rena Johnson. Space is limited, please call park of f ice f or reservations. Meet at the Park Of f ice. $50 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Conductor's Favorite Train Ride Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 9:45 AM to 1:45 PM SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Georgia Vets State Park - Cordele, GA Enjoy this ride f rom Ga. Veterans State Park to Plains. Plains is the small Georgia town made f amous by President Jimmy Carter. You will return to Ga. Veterans Park in time f or visiting the indoor and outdoor museums. Call f or tickets: 229-276-0755.
Dulcimer-Making Workshop Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 9 AM to 5 PM Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA Assemble, sand and f inish an all-wood Appalachian dulcimer with dulcimer-maker and musician Bob T homason. All tools and supplies are provided. No woodworking experience is required. Bob T homason has been making and playing f ine Appalachian dulcimers since 1981. Register by 1/11. $100 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
"Hands On" Snake Awareness Program Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 2 PM to 3 PM Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA Join a Park Ranger and several snakes and turtles in this educational program as we learn about reptiles of Sweetwater Creek State Park. T his will be very much a "hands-on" experience as all will have an opportunity to f eel and hold the snakes. Reservations recommended. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Sunday, Jan 26, 2014 8 AM to 11 AM
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Bring your binoculars f or this gentle hike through the park's Power of Flight area. Basic identif ication techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good f or all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Meet at the Alexander Lake Area. Register in advance. Donations of birdseed are appreciated. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Night Sky Watch
Friday, Jan 31, 2014 7 PM to 9 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
T his moderate hike will take us to Jack's Hill where we will search the sky f or wonders like planets, stars, constellations, and shooting stars (weather permitting). Binoculars are recommended. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a f lashlight are required. Reservations required. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.