January 2012 Calendar for
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Below is the January 2012 Calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. More information on events, including accommodations and facilities, can be found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.
For an online calendar listing, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/
January 2012 Events –
Divided By Region
NORTHERN GEORGIA
New Year’s Day Hike
Sunday, January 1, 10:30 a.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Start 2012 off with a brisk walk full of winter views to the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Meet at the West Ridge Falls Access Trailhead, 0.6 of a mile roundtrip. $5 parking. (706) 265-1969.
First Day Hike at Cloudland Canyon
Sunday, January 1, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn
Did you make a resolution to be healthier and happier in 2012? Then join G3 Outfitters on a guided hike to Cherokee and Hemlock Falls. This naturalist-led hike will take you by unique geology of the canyon. Start your new year with a new hike! $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 913-7170.
“First Day” New Year Hike
Sunday, January 1, 1 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Start off the New Year by going for a hike. Join us on a moderate 3.5 mile excursion along the lake. Bring water and snacks. $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.
“The First Day” Hike
Sunday, January 1, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
What a great way to start the New Year – Go for a Hike! Join a ranger on a moderate 3.5-mile hike along the rim and through the woods. Bring water and snacks. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.
First Day Hike
Sunday, January 1, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Hike with Smithgall’s Manager and Interpretive Ranger to the beautiful Smithgall cottage facility where hot cider will be waiting. Let the First Hike be your first step toward good health, then continue through the year with progressively longer hikes. “A Walk in the Park” brochure offers guidance for hike distance and difficulty. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Gold Museum After Dark – Jennie Wimmer; Money Laundering Pioneer
Tuesday, January 17, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site - Dahlonega
Much has been written about the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848, thereby precipitating the California Gold Rush. Little is known about the one person present who was able to recognize the shiny rock. To prove it was the real thing, Jennie Wimmer boiled the nugget in her soap kettle. The rest of that story is history, but who was the mysterious "Mrs. Wimmer"? Historian Anne Amerson will attempt to answer that question. $3.50 - $5 (706) 864-2257.
Beginning Bee Keeping
Saturday, January 21, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Learn about basic bee keeping and how to start a hive. The first hour will provide information bee behavior, pollination, bee life cycle, a brief history of bee-keeping, and conservation issues. Berry Wright will show how equipment is assembled, how to install bees, and resource information. There will be an optional trip to the apiary at 12:30. $10 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
COASTAL GEORGIA
First Day Hike
Sunday, January 1, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Greet 2012 with a 1½ hour naturalist-led hike along the “Ever Living" Trail. Route includes a birding platform and mudflats of Crooked River at low tide. Winter birds, native plants and native animals such as the gopher tortoise, Indian shell middens and marsh ecology will be discussed. Meet at the Sempervirens Trailhead. Pedometers available. $1 plus $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Hike with a Ranger
Sunday, January 1, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross
Hike with a Ranger on Big Creek Nature Trail to start the New Year off right by getting fit. Hike starts at 10:00 a.m. and finishes by 11:30 a.m.. Meet at the park office by 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. $5 parking. (912 -287-4900.
First Day Hike on the Trembling Earth Nature Trail in the Okefenokee
Sunday, January 1, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Take a guided hike on the Trembling Earth Nature Trail. See some of the effects from the Honey Priarie Fire. Learn why fire is a vital process of the unique Okefenokee ecosystem. As you hike, learn about the plants and animals found in the beautiful Okefenokee Swamp. This is an easy 3/4 mile trail. $2 plus $5 parking. (912) 637-5274.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA
First Day Hike on the Pine Mountain Trail
Sunday, January 1, 1:15 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Join members of the Pine Mountain Trail Association for a 3.4-mile Overlook Loop hike on New Year's Day. Meet at the Country Store Parking Lot and explore Gardens Overlook Crossing and the Chestnut Oak Trail. The PMTA will provide a shuttle at the Gardens Overlook for those who prefer a shorter 1.4-mile hike. (706) 663-4858.
“First Day Hike” with the Park Naturalist
Sunday, January 1, 1 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Start off the New Year with a guided hike down our trails. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring water. Meet at the trail head. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
METRO ATLANTA
New Years Day Hike
Sunday, January 1, 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Hike to the top of Panola Mountain to make a fresh start on the New Year. Join a park ranger on a journey by writing out, then burning, last years burdens. Hike to the top of the mountain picturing all the great things you will accomplish in 2012. We will finish around a campfire sharing hot chocolate and our plans for the New Year. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Hike with the Park Manager through a Vanishing Habitat
Sunday, January 1, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join the Park Manager for this walk that takes visitors to a seldom seen area of the park, where a trace of the globally imperiled Mountain Longleaf Pine habitat has survived. We will discuss the trees that share this habitat, plans to restore areas of this habitat, and take in some beautiful vistas from the ridge tops of this incredible area. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
First Friday Mountain Hike
Friday, January 6, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water for a 3-mile ranger-led hike to the top of Panola Mountain. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before hike departs. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, January 14, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
The clinic covers casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the Fish of Fish. Instructors suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, January 14, 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. Meet at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Observe the Sun
Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Take a closer look at the Earth's closest star. Participants will observe the sun in white-light and H-alpha telescopes which are specially built for this purpose and are safe for eyes. Learn other facts about the sun and the solar system. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Atlanta Audubon Society Intro to Bird Watching Hike
Saturday, January 14, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, the important habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society, which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the park's Interpretive Center. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Basic Archery
Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Take aim and hit the bull’s eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the Archery Range. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. $10. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Panola Unlimited
Saturday, January 28, 9 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Wear your hiking boots, pack a lunch and bring plenty of water for a rigorous half-day, ranger-led hike through Panola's rugged conservation area. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before hike departs. Ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Candle Light Hike to the Mill
Saturday, January 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately difficult 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. Space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis. Meet and register at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
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