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

February E-News from Georgia State Parks
content.govdelivery.com /accounts/GADNR/bulletins/a299ee
February 2014
Valentine's Romance in Georgia's State Parks
Sweethearts planning a memorable Valentine's Day will f ind plenty of romance in Georgia's State Parks. From winter wonderland hikes to picnics under the stars, and f rom secluded cabins to cracking f ires, our state parks have a variety of ways to surprise your honey. At Panola Mountain State Park near Atlanta, couples can picnic as they enjoy a f ull moon over the skyline. Red Top Mountain State Park near Cartersville invites star-crossed lovers to stroll the Iron Hill Trail, watching sunset over Lake Allatoona. For a historic twist on romance, Fort Mountain State Park will host a hike to "heart rock," where couples will hear a love story f rom the Great Depression. For a complete list of Valentine's Day events, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. With Valentine's Day f alling on a Friday, this year's holiday will be a popular weekend f or overnight getaways. Most f ully equipped cabins have f ireplaces and beautif ul views of lakes,

f orests and mountains. "Glamping" yurts have toasty heaters inside and cozy campf ires outside. Modern campsites f eature perf ect spots f or toasting marshmallows. Of f -season discounts can be f ound on GeorgiaStateParks.org or by calling 1-800-864-7275.
Spectacular Spring Break Solutions
Georgia's State Parks make Spring Break planning easy! Parents will f ind a variety of accommodations at all prices, with unlimited recreation right outside their door. Challenge your f amily to a mini-golf competition, paddle across a sunlit lake, and make s'mores over a campf ire. Kids will love the f reedom of exploring nature, and parents will love never hearing "I'm bored!" Online reservations are available f or campsites, yurts, cabins or lodge rooms. All state park campgrounds have hot showers, and most have laundry f acilities. Yurts are a perf ect solution f or f amilies who want the comf ort of a cabin with the f un of camping. Our cozy cottages have f ully equipped kitchens and beautif ul views, while our lodges f eature onsite restaurants. Once settled in, your f amily can enjoy hiking, f ishing, biking, kayak rental, golf , geocaching, ranger programs and numerous other activities. Plan your Spring Break getaway now by visiting GeorgiaStateParks.org.
2014 Park Guide Available
Hot of f the presses! T he new "Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites" is now available. You'll f ind photos and descriptions of more than 60 destinations across Georgia. Call 1-800864-7275 to order your f ree copy or view on GeorgiaStateParks.org.
Winter Discounts on Yurts, Cabins & Campsites
If snuggling by the f ire and a peacef ul walk in the woods sounds like the perf ect escape, we have the perf ect destination. Many Georgia State Parks of f er winter discounts on

accommodations, ranging f rom f unky yurts to lakef ront cabins. A f ew parks occasionally waive the two-night minimum f or last-minute getaways. For the latest specials, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and you'll get insider tips on discounts as well.
Annual ParkPasses Save You Money
If you visit any of Georgia's State Parks more than 10 times in a year, you can save money by purchasing an Annual ParkPass. Pass holders are exempt f rom paying the daily $5 parking f ee, and their purchase helps maintain park f acilities. Annual ParkPasses are available f or $50 f rom any park of f ice. Seniors 62 or older save 50 percent, and military discounts are available as well.
February 2014 Calendar of Events
Don't hibernate during winter; layer up and come play in the great outdoors! Below are just a f ew events scheduled f or this month. A complete list can be f ound on GeorgiaStateParks.org/events -- including several Valentine's Day programs.
Indoor Archery Classes Saturdays and Sundays in February 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 older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Winter Wagon Rides Saturdays in February Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA Explore Hard Labor Creek's rich Civilian Conservation Corps history by wagon ride. T his trip will take participants through the park and stop at areas of historic importance. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Okef enokee Swamp Tours Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. February 1 until May 31 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 $5 parking. 912- 637- 5274.

Historic New Manchester History Hikes Saturdays, 1 p.m. 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.
Colonial Faire and Muster Saturday & Sunday, February 8 - 9 Wormsloe Historic Site - Savannah, GA Experience lif e in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, Sutler's Row, craf t demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available. Free admission. 912-353-3023.
Hemlock Update and Winter Botany Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA A report on the progress of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment of our Eastern Hemlock trees will be f ollowed by Botanist Jim Sullivan demonstrating how to identif y plants using clues available in the winter. Winter Botany will include a short hike to identif y nearby f lora. Register in advance. $15 af ter. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Valentine's Under Venus Stargazing Party Friday, February 14, 7 p.m. Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill, GA Invite your Valentine f or a night beneath the moon and stars as we learn and solve the secrets of space with Ms. Mullenax, Prof essor of Astronomy and Physics at AASU. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner to eat under the stars. Alcohol is prohibited. $7 per person $5 parking. 912-7272339.
Couples Twilight Night Hike Friday, February 14, 5:30 p.m. High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA Enjoy a romantic night under the f ull moon light with a stroll to the f alls. Learn the history of the f alls and some cool f acts of the nocturnal creatures that call High Falls home. Meet at the Park Of f ice. $5 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

T hrills in the Hills Half -Marathon and Marathon Saturday, February 22, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA T his half marathon and marathon will be an of f -road course f ollowing the park's scenic mountain bike trails. To register, go to www.dirtyspokes.com. $5 parking. 770-867-3489. Conductor's Favorite Train Ride Saturday, February 22, 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Cordele, GA Enjoy this ride f rom Georgia Veterans State Park to Plains. Plains is the small Georgia town made f amous by President Jimmy Carter . You will return to the park in time f or visiting the indoor and outdoor museums. Fees vary. www.SamShortline.com. 229-276-0755.
View all events at GeorgiaStateParks.org/events