Wild Georgia Events

Hard Labor Creek State Park


Sunday, November 16, 2025

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Engineering: The InvenTable
Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 12 PM to 1 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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Beginner Archery Class
Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 2 PM to 3 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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Friday, November 21, 2025

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 5 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. The Ranger will also answer any nature, history, or park questions you may have. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Campfire and Hot Cocoa
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 for a warm campfire and hot cocoa. A ranger will be present talking about park history, ghost stories, and fun facts about nature. Feel free to bring any nature or history questions you have to ask the ranger. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, November 22, 2025

Hammock Camping 101
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 12 PM to 1 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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Survival Skills
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 2 PM to 3:30 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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Sunday, November 23, 2025

Creature Feature of HLC
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 12 PM to 1 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, Nov 23, 2025 2 PM to 3 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, November 28, 2025

Wagon Rides and Hot Cocoa
Friday, Nov 28, 2025 12 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join in on the holiday activities. We will have the conestoga wagon decorated with lights and ornaments while taking a wagon ride through the park. Warm up with hot cocoa before the ride. Rides every 20 min across from the mini golf. $3, kids 3 years old and under don't pay. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, November 29, 2025

Wagon Rides and Hot Cocoa
Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 12 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join in on the holiday activities. We will have the conestoga wagon decorated with lights and ornaments while taking a wagon ride through the park. Warm up with hot cocoa before the ride. Rides every 20 min across from the mini golf. $3, kids 3 years old and under don't pay. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, November 30, 2025

History Hike - Follow in the Steps of the CCC
Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
This ranger-led hike will take visitors along Lake Rutledge on a portion of our Beach Trail, and then up to see one of the only Civilian Conservation Corps Camps left standing in America. Participants will learn about CCC and Hard Labor Creek history. Hike geared toward active participants 8 years old and above. Pre-registration required $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, December 6, 2025

Survival Skills
Saturday, Dec 6, 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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Friday, December 12, 2025

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Dec 12, 2025 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 5 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. The Ranger will also answer any nature, history, or park questions you may have. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Campfire and Hot Cocoa
Friday, Dec 12, 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 for a warm campfire and hot cocoa. A ranger will be present talking about park history, ghost stories, and fun facts about nature. Feel free to bring any nature or history questions you have to ask the ranger. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, December 14, 2025

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) - Holiday Dinner
Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 1 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join Friends of Hard Labor Creek at the original CCC camp for an authentic CCC dinner. Retired DNR Chief Historian Judd Smith will share stories of the Civilian Conservation Corps, its impact on Hard Labor Creek, and the lives of the Camp SP-8 CCC boys. Proceeds aid restoration of Georgia’s last standing CCC camp. Pre-registration required. $50 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Monumental Moments Event 
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Friday, December 19, 2025

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Dec 19, 2025 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 5 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. The Ranger will also answer any nature, history, or park questions you may have. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Campfire and Hot Cocoa
Friday, Dec 19, 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 for a warm campfire and hot cocoa. A ranger will be present talking about park history, ghost stories, and fun facts about nature. Feel free to bring any nature or history questions you have to ask the ranger. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, December 20, 2025

Blacksmith Demo
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 11 AM to 12 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
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. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 2 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
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 $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, December 21, 2025

Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa
Sunday, Dec 21, 2025 2 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
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 $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, December 27, 2025

Survival Skills
Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 1 PM to 2:30 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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Campfire S’mores and Stories
Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 3 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Roast marshmallows and swap stories with friends and family. Ask the ranger about the nature and history of the park, or simply enjoy the warmth of the fire. Blankets and chairs are not required, but suggested. Pre-register in advance by calling the park office. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, December 28, 2025

Toddler Fun Sunday
Sunday, Dec 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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History Hike - Follow in the Steps of the CCC
Sunday, Dec 28, 2025 3 PM to 4:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
This ranger-led hike will take visitors along Lake Rutledge on a portion of our Beach Trail, and then up to see one of the only Civilian Conservation Corps Camps left standing in America. Participants will learn about CCC and Hard Labor Creek history. Hike geared toward active participants 8 years old and above. Pre-registration required $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Thursday, January 1, 2026

ADA First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 10 AM to 12 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Kick Off the New Year with a Scenic Hike. Join us on the newly renovated Brantley Trail for a 1.5 mile, moderate hike - intended for families with a member who has a mobility disability. Six (6) Action Track Chairs (ATC) are available with the pre-registration, One (1) ATC per family. Call the park office to reserve by December 12. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Accessible Event First Day Hike Event 
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