Wild Georgia Events

Hard Labor Creek State Park


Friday, September 19, 2025

Trivia Night
Friday, Sep 19, 2025 7 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Think you know a lot about nature? Show off your knowledge with a trivia night. Participants will be split off into teams (or families) and will compete to see what team can answer the most questions. Program held outside so please bring bug spray as a precaution. This is an all ages event. Meet at Picnic Shelter 4. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Night Sounds Hike by Lake Rutledge
Friday, Sep 19, 2025 9 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Lake Rutledge is home to many night-time creatures that form a beautiful chorus after-hours. Join a ranger for a short 1-mile hike following the shore of the lake while listening for the sounds of night creatures such as frogs, birds, and insects. Pre-registration required. Ages 8+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, September 20, 2025

101 Weekend - Archery 101
Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 11 AM to 12 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Want to shoot an arrow in archery, but don’t know how? Here’s your chance to learn some archery skills. Soon you’ll be hitting the bullseye. Program geared to participants 10 years and above. Space limited to 10 participants. Please visit the Eventbrite link to register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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101 Weekend - Hammock Camping 101
Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 1 PM to 2 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Ever wanted to hammock camp, but aren't quite sure what to do? Or maybe you have hammock camped before and just want a refresher. Join a ranger to learn the basics of camping, what to look for in a campsite, and most importantly, how to set up your hammock safely. Ages 10+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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101 Weekend - Survival Skills
Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 3 PM to 4:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Shelter building, fire building, knot tying: Work by yourself or as a family team to create your own shelter using the forest around you (surrounding sticks, branches, vines). Then, learn helpful skills about fire building and tying knots. All supplies provided. Geared toward ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Twilight Kayak Tour
Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. Watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets. We'll paddle to the spot we've found Bald Eagles mating and talk about their ecological importance. Bring water, bug spray and a change of clothes or a towel. For more info and to register, click on the link below. $20 if you use your craft, $25 if you use ours $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, September 21, 2025

101 Weekend - Kayaking 101
Sunday, Sep 21, 2025 6 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Learn the basic movements of kayaking on a safe and peaceful section of Lake Rutledge. Open to visitors 8 years and older who can swim and are new to kayaking. Any minor must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Equipment provided. Space limited to less than 8 participants. To register or for more info, please click on the link below. $25 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, September 26, 2025

Trivia Night
Friday, Sep 26, 2025 7 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Think you know a lot about nature? Show off your knowledge with a trivia night. Participants will be split off into teams (or families) and will compete to see what team can answer the most questions. Program held outside so please bring bug spray as a precaution. This is an all ages event. Meet at Picnic Shelter 4. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Scorpion Night Hike
Friday, Sep 26, 2025 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
We're heading into the night to learn about the things we can't normally see. We'll hunt for scorpions by using provided UV flash lights. We will meet at the park office (Trading Post) to walk along an easy/moderate 1 mile trail. Limited to 15 hikers. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Call the park to register by paying in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, September 27, 2025

Your State Parks Day - Hard Labor Creek -
Saturday, Sep 27, 2025 9 AM to 12 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come out and improve Hard Labor Creek by volunteering for Your State Parks Day! There will be a variety of volunteer projects to choose for all ages and skills. RSVP by emailing: friendsofhardlaborcreek@gmail.com or using the provided link. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Beginner Archery Class
Saturday, Sep 27, 2025 3 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Want to shoot an arrow in archery, but don’t know how? Here’s your chance to learn some archery skills. Soon you’ll be hitting the bullseye. Program geared to participants 10 years and above. Space limited to 10 participants. Please visit the Eventbrite link to register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, September 28, 2025

Creature Feature of HLC
Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 11 AM to 12 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Learn about the creatures that live in Hard Labor Creek and ask a naturalist any questions you have about the wildlife of the park. Program held in front of the Park Office. Program open to all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Toddler Fun Sunday
Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 1 PM to 2 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Are your little ones curious about the natural world? Come discover the wild world of Hard Labor Creek. Join our naturalist for a variety of nature oriented, hands-on activities. Call the park office to register. Pre-registration required. Limited to 10 toddlers, 5 years old maximum. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, October 3, 2025

Trivia Night
Friday, Oct 3, 2025 7 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Think you know a lot about nature? Show off your knowledge with a trivia night. Participants will be split off into teams (or families) and will compete to see what team can answer the most questions. Program held outside so please bring bug spray as a precaution. This is an all ages event. Meet at Picnic Shelter 4. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Night Sounds Hike by Lake Rutledge
Friday, Oct 3, 2025 9 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Lake Rutledge is home to many night-time creatures that form a beautiful chorus after-hours. Join a ranger for a short 1-mile hike following the shore of the lake while listening for the sounds of night creatures such as frogs, birds, and insects. Pre-registration required. Ages 8+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, October 4, 2025

Spooky Archery
Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Try your hand at spooky archery with themed targets. We will have a variety of monster targets to pick from, with some being easier for beginner archers and some being more advanced. All skill levels welcome. Participants age 10 and up. Space limited to 10 participants.Call the park office to register by paying in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Engineering: The InvenTable
Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 2 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
As part of an initiative to expand our STEM programming, HLC has acquired two new InvenTables. These tables are kid-safe engineering tables approved for ages 3+. Participants will be given templates for a craft and will use the InvenTables to complete projects and practice great STEM skills. Most materials used are recycled and repurposed. Ages 6+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Twilight Kayak Tour
Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 6 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. Watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets. We'll paddle to the spot we've found Bald Eagles mating and talk about their ecological importance. Bring water, bug spray and a change of clothes or a towel. For more info and to register, click on the link below. $20 if you use your craft, $25 if you use ours $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, October 10, 2025

Twilight Kayak Tour
Friday, Oct 10, 2025 6 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. Watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets. We'll paddle to the spot we've found Bald Eagles mating and talk about their ecological importance. Bring water, bug spray and a change of clothes or a towel. For more info and to register, click on the link below. $20 if you use your craft, $25 if you use ours $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Scorpion Night Hike
Friday, Oct 10, 2025 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
We're heading into the night to learn about the things we can't normally see. We'll hunt for scorpions by using provided UV flash lights. We will meet at the park office (Trading Post) to walk along an easy/moderate 1 mile trail. Limited to 15 hikers. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Call the park to register by paying in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, October 11, 2025

Painting in the Park
Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 10 AM to 11 AM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come out and paint Hard Labor Creek State Park. This program is for beginners to painting or someone with experience who wants to paint with a group. This program is being offered in part with our statewide art contest. This contest is designed for high schoolers in the state of Georgia. More information can be found at GaStateParks.org/ArtContest. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, October 12, 2025

Spooky Archery
Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 2 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Try your hand at spooky archery with themed targets. We will have a variety of monster targets to pick from, with some being easier for beginner archers and some being more advanced. All skill levels welcome. Participants age 10 and up. Space limited to 10 participants.Call the park office to register by paying in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Engineering: The InvenTable
Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 4 PM to 5 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
As part of an initiative to expand our STEM programming, HLC has acquired two new InvenTables. These tables are kid-safe engineering tables approved for ages 3+. Participants will be given templates for a craft and will use the InvenTables to complete projects and practice great STEM skills. Most materials used are recycled and repurposed. Ages 6+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, October 17, 2025

Night Sounds Hike by Lake Rutledge
Friday, Oct 17, 2025 9 PM to 10 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Lake Rutledge is home to many night-time creatures that form a beautiful chorus after-hours. Join a ranger for a short 1-mile hike following the shore of the lake while listening for the sounds of night creatures such as frogs, birds, and insects. Pre-registration required. Ages 8+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, October 18, 2025

Spooky Archery
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Try your hand at spooky archery with themed targets. We will have a variety of monster targets to pick from, with some being easier for beginner archers and some being more advanced. All skill levels welcome. Participants age 10 and up. Space limited to 10 participants.Call the park office to register by paying in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
View Event Details
Twilight Kayak Tour
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 6 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Explore Lake Rutledge as we scan the sky and woods looking for wildlife. Watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets. We'll paddle to the spot we've found Bald Eagles mating and talk about their ecological importance. Bring water, bug spray and a change of clothes or a towel. For more info and to register, click on the link below. $20 if you use your craft, $25 if you use ours $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, October 19, 2025

Toddler Fun Sunday
Sunday, Oct 19, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Are your little ones curious about the natural world? Come discover the wild world of Hard Labor Creek. Join our naturalist for a variety of nature oriented, hands-on activities. Call the park office to register. Pre-registration required. Limited to 10 toddlers, 5 years old maximum. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, October 24, 2025

Haunted Hollow Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
Friday, Oct 24, 2025 7 PM to 9 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come and enjoy our spooky miniature golf course, once again, in a different light — meaning at night. The park will be keeping the mini-golf course open late and provide glow-in-the-dark accessories; the course itself will have markers to assist players in navigating each hole. Wear clothing for the weather. Bring cash, flashlight and water. $5 cash only $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, October 25, 2025

Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come visit our Spooky Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Walk through Camp Daniel Morgan on a trail filled with scenes of your Halloween scary favorites. Ages 6 and above. There will be wagon rides available (1:30pm - 4:30pm) for those who don't want to be spooked on the haunted village. To buy tickets, use the link below. $10 cash at the door. $8 online. $3 wagon ride cash $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come visit our Spooky Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Walk through Camp Daniel Morgan on a trail filled with scenes of your Halloween scary favorites. Ages 6 and above. There will be wagon rides available (1:30pm - 4:30pm) for those who don't want to be spooked on the haunted village. To buy tickets, use the link below. $10 cash at the door. $8 online. $3 wagon ride cash $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Haunted Hollow Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 7 PM to 9 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come and enjoy our spooky miniature golf course, once again, in a different light — meaning at night. The park will be keeping the mini-golf course open late and provide glow-in-the-dark accessories; the course itself will have markers to assist players in navigating each hole. Wear clothing for the weather. Bring cash, flashlight and water. $5 cash only $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, October 26, 2025

Spooky Archery
Sunday, Oct 26, 2025 1 PM to 2 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Try your hand at spooky archery with themed targets. We will have a variety of monster targets to pick from, with some being easier for beginner archers and some being more advanced. All skill levels welcome. Participants age 10 and up. Space limited to 10 participants.Call the park office to register by paying in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, October 31, 2025

Trick or Treat, RV Contest, And Wagon Rides
Friday, Oct 31, 2025 4 PM to 8:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come camp with us on the spookiest of nights! Kids will collect candy from RV to RV. Campers are encouraged to decorate their sites and compete for the prize of most festive set up. Tour around the park on our decorated conestoga wagon. At night, play put putt on our glow in the dark mini golf. Wagon Rides $3 per person, Glow Mini Golf: $5 per person, cash only $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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