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Come out to see our Christmas light displays every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting November 28th and ending December 24th. Tour our 10 acre event field and see displays set up by site partners, volunteers, and area businesses. There will be refreshments, a movie, and a campfire! On December 25th, it will be lights only. Parking fee required. 706-456-2602.
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If you don't already love Georgia's bats- you're about to! Join bat enthusiasts this Christmas to learn what bats do for us, and what we can do for Georgia's bats. Meet us on December 20th in the Visitor Center's Arch Room for a 30-45 minute presentation! Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join Amicalola Falls State Park this holiday season for our annual Christmas Open House event! Find Santa Alec in The Visitor Center's Arch Room and share your Christmas wishes! Then, hop over to Shelter 2 to hear some holiday tales, encounter Birds of Prey and enjoy crafts, festive treats, a Gingerbread House Competition, and much more! Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join us this Christmas season for our Christmas Open House Story Hour! Bring your friends, family, and imagination to listen to professional storytellers work their magic! Find holiday tales and festive songs this Christmas in our Group Shelter 2!
All ages welcome! Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Celebrate this holiday season with Amicalola Falls State Park and join us for our annual Christmas Open House Event! Come share your Christmas wishes with Santa Alec from 3:00pm to 6:00pm in the Visitor Center's Arch Room. Holiday crafts, festive treats, birds of prey encounters, and much more will also be available on December 20th! Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join Blue Ridge Raptors to meet several amazing Birds of Prey up close and learn how to help wild raptors! Come early to chat with raptor specialists. Find us in the Visitor Center's Arch Room! Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join Blue Ridge Raptors to hear the story of how Zeus The Great Horned Owl saved Christmas! This is a no-fee program! Bring your friends, family, and imaginations for this 20 minute story held at Shelter 2, our indoor classroom. Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Get ready for some festive fun! Join us for bingo with a special guest appearance by the one and only GRINCH! It's going to be a hilarious and exciting afternoon filled with Bingo, prizes and photos. $2 per person parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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Do you know that black bears don't hibernate? Come learn about why bears den, what happens during denning, factors that influence denning and when they emerge from their dens. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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Hike with a park naturalist through the canyon bottom to the base of Hemlock Falls. This is a four mile round trip and requires going up and down seventy-five stairs to see the falls. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Explore the geologic forces that formed the canyon and the surrounding area. This moderately strenuous hike (just under 2 miles) begins at the Main Overlook and proceeds down to Cherokee Falls. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Decorate a wooden medallion Christmas ornament during this one hour craft session. All materials are provided and there is a $5.00 fee for this program. $5 plus parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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*!Pre-registration is required at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time!*
Enjoy a fun afternoon of building your own mini terrarium while learning about the environmental cycles that will take place within it. $10.00 plus parking fee required. 912-882-5256.
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Come to the Dahlonega Gold Museum to enjoy some holiday cheer! Sip hot chocolate while you paint salt-dough Christmas ornaments and have a wonderful memory to take home with you! Museum admission required. 706-864-2257.
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Why are camouflage jokes so funny? You never see them coming! A program about how our local animals camouflage themselves in the winter, with an activity where you will get to practice your new skills! Meet at Picnic Shelter 2, call the front office to pre-register, or bring cash to the event. $1 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Ho-Ho-Who's ready to join us in the group shelter for a cozy Christmas craft? Create your own nail and string pattern on a tree cookie for an adorable, rustic holiday craft. Pre-registration is required as space is limited, and you will need a gate code. Call the visitor center to reserve your spot! Ages 16+. $20 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Join us for a night of winter magic at the group shelter. Stop by the visitor center first for snacks and the gate code. The first movie (animated, holiday-themed, PG-rated) starts at 5:30 pm. The second movie (live-action, winter-themed, PG-rated) will be at 7:30 pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Call the visitor center for more info! Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Bring holiday cheer to those less fortunate by writing cards for the local retirement homes. Stop by the card table in the park office anytime during office hours. Cards, stamp pads, and writing utensils provided. Cards will be collected and given to a local retirement home by Dec 20th. Pet pawprints welcome too! Parking fee required. 706-663-4858.
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Archery target shooting adventure for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction and equipment. Beginners welcome. Limited attendance of 12 per time slot. Groups can contact us for a special time. Pre-registration required. Meet at archery field below dam. Park at boat dock. $20 or new toy parking fee required. 706-663-4858.
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Celebrate monumental moments with us as we honor this year’s Georgia State Parks theme, Monumental Moments: America’s 250th! Take part in our on-site scavenger hunt and explore the park in a whole new way! Parking fee required. 706-663-4858.
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et into the holiday spirit with a fun and festive Pinecone
Star Ornament craft! Participants will create their own
nature-inspired ornaments using pinecones and natural
materials found in the park. During the crafting, the
Interpretive Ranger $10 plus parking fee required. 706-663-4858.
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Join us at the Highlander's House where we will discuss the history of the classic spice drink, wassail. Enjoy a warm cup of this fresh brew around the fire amid the holiday decorations as well! $4.75-$8.25 912-437-4770.
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Join us at the Highlander's House where we will discuss the history of the classic spice drink, wassail. Enjoy a warm cup of this fresh brew around the fire amid the holiday decorations as well! $4.75-$8.25 912-437-4770.
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Experience the magic of the Christmas season at the fort. Enjoy a visit with Santa, sip on hot chocolate, and create keepsakes with ornament-making and crafts. Local businesses and organizations will host fun games and activities for all ages. Let’s make the season magical together! $6-$10. 912-727-2339.
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Come make a one-of-a-kind ornament and sip hot cocoa with a ranger! We will be painting wildlife themed salt dough ornaments next to a roaring outdoor fireplace. $2 per person, 1 ornament per person, preregistration at least 1 day in advance required. All ages welcome! Begins at Shelter 7 at 1:00 PM. $2 plus parking fee required. 706-422-1932.
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Come join us every Saturday for a long, leisurely stroll on our inner-loop (yellow trail). Bring provisions, as we typically take 3-4 hours to complete this 7-mile loop hike. Pet-friendly! This hike starts & ends at the Visitor Center parking lot. Please pre-register & pay at the Visitor Center. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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At Hard Labor Creek, we have a fully functional blacksmith shop that the CCC used in the 1930's to make hinges, nails, door handles, brackets, and much more. Join the park staff to enjoy a brief history of the park, and a demonstration on how the tools in the shop worked. Parking fee required. 706-557-3001.
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Enjoy a guided wagon ride around the campground and cottages with a special guest. Santa will ride with us! Before the ride, get warm by the campfire and indulge in some hot cocoa. Rides take place every 20 minutes from the mini-golf area. $4, kids 3 years old and under don't pay parking fee required. 706-557-3001.
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Step back in time to Christmas of 1877--Come see the Mansion at West End decked in gorgeous period holiday decor, and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from reenactors in period dress. This open house on Friday and Saturday nights in December is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, live music, smores around the campfire and more! 706-878-1077.
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Bring your phone/Camera and pick up your assignment in the Park Office anytime after 9am. Return with your pics anytime before 4pm and collect a prize! Parking fee required. 478-993-3053.
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Meet at the Park Office to Hike our Historic Trail (ADA) and learn how the Mesozoic Era, the Muscogee Creek Nation, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the Allman Brothers Band, and the Flood of '94 all shaped the history of the land and water that is now High Falls State Park. Parking fee required. 478-993-3053.
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Join our naturalist at the Boat Ramp for a fun outdoors hike around McIntosh Lake to see what we can find! Feel free to bring fishing gear and nets! Parking fee required. 770-504-2277.
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Come to the Museum to learn about the snake, turtle and lizard species native to Georgia and meet our park ambassador animals Sandy and Cornbread! Parking fee required. 770-504-2277.
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Try your hand at using a pump drill or grinding corn just like the Indigenous People of Kolomoki did nearly 2000 years ago, as we explore the history, daily life, skills and tools utilized by them, as well as the natural resources still present today that helped to create this thriving community. Parking fee required. 229-724-2150.
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Try your hand at using a pump drill or grinding corn just like the Indigenous People of Kolomoki did nearly 2000 years ago, as we explore the history, daily life, skills and tools utilized by them, as well as the natural resources still present today that helped to create this thriving community. Parking fee required. 229-724-2150.
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Meet our Naturalist at the Boat Ramp Picnic Table to paint your own Kolomoki Keepsake.
All supplies provided, outside of a painting smock. Pre-Registration advised, as supplies are limited.
Program Fee can be made with exact cash at event or prepaid with credit card or cash at Visitor Center. $5 plus parking fee required. 229-724-2150.
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A guided tour of Kolomoki Mounds, as we climb Mound A and learn a little about the rich history of these sacred grounds created nearly 2000 years ago and many of the natural resources still present today.
Hike covers about .75 miles and will last about 1 hour. Closed toe shoes, water and cameras are encouraged. Parking fee required. 229-724-2150.
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Join us and learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 and up. No loose fitting clothes and long hair pulled back. Closed toed shoes is a must. Pre-register at the Visitor Center prior to the event. We will meet at the Archery Range behind the Interpretive Center. See you there! $10 plus parking fee required. 912-287-4900.
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Join us at the Interpretive Center and make a Christmas craft that can be used for years to come! We have several crafts to choose from so come join the fun! Pre-register at the Visitor Center prior to the craft. We will see you there! $5 plus parking fee required. 912-287-4900.
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Gather at Camp Lawton History Center for a ranger led hike to Camp Lawton's earthworks and breastworks along the Camp Lawton Trail. Admission to the History Center is included. Ages 3 and under are free. $5 plus parking fee required. 478-982-1660.
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Learn archery from a certified instructor with all equipment provided. Take on your Grinch name and see how many Christmas balloons you can pop. Meet at the archery range.
Ages 8 and up $10 plus parking fee required. 478-982-1660.
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The holidays are right around the corner and while Christmas was not a traditional Cherokee holiday they did celebrate it along side the missionaries in the early 19th century. This recipe comes from the Moravian journals written at Springplace Mission. Admission fee required. Admission includes Ranger led programs, entry to the grounds. $6-$8. 706-624-1321.
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Wonder why Panola Mountain is a restricted area? Come on a guided hike for a close look at our unique ecology and see how outcrop plants scrape out a living in this harsh environment. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Register in advance. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-389-7801.
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Santa's sneaky elves hid ornaments throughout the park and the Park Rangers need your help to find them! Stop by the Nature Center anytime after 9AM to get your festive scavenger hunt, get hiking, and complete the riddle before 4PM to win a prize! This scavenger hunt is a self-led activity and is suitable for families of all ages. Parking fee required. 770-389-7801.
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Join the rangers at Red Top Mountain as we explore the battlefield of a lesser-known but significant battle of the American Civil War. We will discuss the events that led to the battle and have the chance to see the old forts that were used during that time. If you are interested in history, don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! $6.00 770-975-0055.
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Knowing how to read a map and accurately navigate using only a compass is THE most important survival skill. Prepare for an emergency BEFORE it happens. If this is something that you would like to know how to do, simply navigate your way to the Tennis Court by the Trading Post. This is a 2 hour program with moderately strenuous off-trail hiking. 10 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Knowing how to construct, start, and maintain a fire is a MUST HAVE survival skill! Uses include warmth, safety, cooking, signalling, and getting that mood lighting juuuuust right. Don't get left out in the cold. Come get properly educated! Meet at the Patio behind the Visitors Center. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Discover how pewter is heated and used for castings. Create your own souvenir using pre-made molds or design one from scratch. Visit the picnic tables located behind the Visitors Center. $8 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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If you ask around, you will find that most people know that on a cold and windy fall day, there are few things better than sitting in front of a roaring fire with a steaming bowl of chili! Saturdays in December, we will doing just that! We will cook our Red Top chili recipe in pairs over an open fire. Meet at the Patio behind the Visitors Center. $12 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Celebrate Christmas with a Roosevelt-family tradition by the fireside. During his lifetime, Franklin Roosevelt’s family liked to gather to listen as FDR read aloud "Twas the Night before Christmas. The reading will start at 11am, 1:00pm, and 2:30p.m. $5.00 Youth -$7.50 Adults Admissions not included or required 706-655-5870.
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Celebrate Christmas with a Roosevelt-family tradition by the fireside. During his lifetime, Franklin Roosevelt’s family liked to gather to listen as FDR read aloud "Twas the Night before Christmas. The reading will start at 11am, 1:00pm, and 2:30p.m. $5.00 Youth -$7.50 Adults Admissions not included or required 706-655-5870.
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Celebrate Christmas with a Roosevelt-family tradition by the fireside. During his lifetime, Franklin Roosevelt’s family liked to gather to listen as FDR read aloud "Twas the Night before Christmas. The reading will start at 11am, 1:00pm, and 2:30p.m. $5.00 Youth -$7.50 Adults Admissions not included or required 706-655-5870.
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Join the naturalist in the Interpretive Center to learn all about how snowflakes are formed while you make a one-of-a-kind snowflake keepsake to take home. $2 per person. $2 plus parking fee required. 912-598-2300.
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Archery Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 1 PM to 3 PM
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Hour-long slots available during the hours listed. Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on the range. Program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Please call the Visitor Center to reserve your hour in advance. $10 plus parking fee required. 912-598-2300.
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Join a Ranger for a guided paddle on the Okefenokee at sunset. Watch as the sky bursts with color and birds fly overhead to roost. Experience the silence and stillness of the swamp as night begins. $35 plus parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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Come read How the Grinch Stole Christmas with a ranger and enjoy a holiday treat! Meet on the lower level of the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. Must RSVP! $5 plus parking fee required. 706-754-7981.
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Give archery a shot or brush up on your skills! Must be able to draw 20lbs bow. Meet at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center and they will direct you where to go. Please call and register in advance space is limited $15 plus parking fee required. 706-754-7981.
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Friends of Traveler's Rest wants to welcome you to enjoy lively and festive dulcimer music and hot apple cider with teacakes made with a traditional Jarrett family recipe. This remarkable early 19th-century stagecoach inn will be decorated with handmade ornaments and greenery just as it would have been in the 1800’s. 706-356-4362.
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Join us for a movie at the day use parking lot. Bring a camp chair or blanket for extra comfort. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks! Parking fee required. 706-356-4362.
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Interested in making your own Christmas theme Painting? Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider, and Cookies. Limited to 12 people. Meet @ Park Office. $25 plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Celebrate the holiday season and break out your festive gear for a run at Watson Mill! This is not a race but an opportunity to get your heart rate up while connecting with nature and other runners.
Hot cocoa will be available for participants after the race! $2 plus parking fee required. 706-783-5349.
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Join us for a peaceful paddle on the river. Fun and easy, no experience necessary. Ranger led. Space is limited, Pre-registration required. Participants will need to sign a waiver. $15 plus parking fee required. 706-783-5349.
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Get ready for some serious holiday fun! Bundle up in your ugly sweaters and join us for a festive night hike. We will be using UV lights to look for bio-fluorescent critters. $5 plus parking fee required. 706-783-5349.
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