Wild Georgia Events

Hard Labor Creek State Park


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 4 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 4 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 - CANCELLED 11/30
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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Friday, January 2, 2026

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Jan 2, 2026 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 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, Jan 2, 2026 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, January 3, 2026

Blacksmith Demo
Saturday, Jan 3, 2026 12 PM to 1 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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History Hike - Follow in the Steps of the CCC - CANCELLED 11/30
Saturday, Jan 3, 2026 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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Sunday, January 4, 2026

Survival Skills
Sunday, Jan 4, 2026 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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Friday, January 9, 2026

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Jan 9, 2026 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 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, Jan 9, 2026 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, January 10, 2026

A Walk Through History: CCC Wagon Rides And Camp Tour
Saturday, Jan 10, 2026 12 PM to 1:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
The Civilian Conservation Corps began construction of Hard Labor Creek in 1934, and finished their work here in 1939. They left behind the camp they lived and worked in, in which some buildings still stand today. Join a ranger on this wagon ride and history walk through what remains of Georgia's only standing CCC Camp. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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History Hike - Follow in the Steps of the CCC - CANCELLED 11/30
Saturday, Jan 10, 2026 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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Friday, January 16, 2026

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Jan 16, 2026 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 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, Jan 16, 2026 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, January 17, 2026

Survival Skills
Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 11 AM to 12:30 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, January 23, 2026

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Jan 23, 2026 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 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, Jan 23, 2026 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, January 24, 2026

Blacksmith Demo
Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 12 PM to 1 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.
View Event Details
History Hike - Follow in the Steps of the CCC - CANCELLED 11/30
Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 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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Sunday, January 25, 2026

Survival Skills
Sunday, Jan 25, 2026 12 PM to 1:30 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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Toddler Fun Sunday
Sunday, Jan 25, 2026 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, January 30, 2026

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Jan 30, 2026 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 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, Jan 30, 2026 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, January 31, 2026

A Walk Through History: CCC Wagon Rides And Camp Tour
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 12 PM to 1:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
The Civilian Conservation Corps began construction of Hard Labor Creek in 1934, and finished their work here in 1939. They left behind the camp they lived and worked in, in which some buildings still stand today. Join a ranger on this wagon ride and history walk through what remains of Georgia's only standing CCC Camp. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Engineering: The InvenTable
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 3 PM to 4 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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Saturday, July 4, 2026

Star Spangled Wagon Rides
11 AM - 1:30 PM from Jul 4, 2026 until Jul 5, 2026 
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger before you fire up the grill for a trailer ride around the park. Learn fun facts about Hard Labor Creek and the history of the area while celebrating the birth of our great country! Rides depart from the mini golf area every 20 minutes. First come, first serve basis. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Monumental Moments Event 
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Sunday, July 5, 2026

Star Spangled Wagon Rides
11 AM - 1:30 PM from Jul 5, 2026 
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger before you fire up the grill for a trailer ride around the park. Learn fun facts about Hard Labor Creek and the history of the area while celebrating the birth of our great country! Rides depart from the mini golf area every 20 minutes. First come, first serve basis. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Monumental Moments Event 
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Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Paddle Under the Perseids
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 10 PM to 11 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger on this kayak tour as we watch what is considered to be the year's best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. Bring a change of clothes, flashlight, bug repellent, and water. Limited spaces, 8 years and older. Registration opens on July 19. $30 if you use your boat or $35 if you use ours. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Paddle Under the Perseids
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 10 PM to 11 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger on this kayak tour as we watch what is considered to be the year's best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. Bring water, a change of clothes or a towel, flashlight and bug repellent. Participants must be 8 years and older. Registration will open on July 19 $30 if you use your craft or $35 if you use ours. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Paddle Under the Perseids
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 to Thursday, Aug 13, 2026 11:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger on this kayak tour as we watch what is considered to be the year's best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. Bring water, a change of clothes or a towel, flashlight and bug repellent. Participants must be 8 years and older. Registration will open on July 19 $30 if you use your craft or $35 if you use ours. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Thursday, August 13, 2026

Paddle Under the Perseids
Thursday, Aug 13, 2026 10 PM to 11 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join a park ranger on this kayak tour as we watch what is considered to be the year's best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. Bring a change of clothes, flashlight, bug repellent, and water. Limited spaces, 8 years and older. Registration opens on July 19. $30 if you use your boat or $35 if you use ours. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, September 12, 2026

Survival Skills - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 12 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Shelter building, fire building, knot tying: Work independently or as a family team to build your own shelter using natural materials from the forest—such as sticks, branches, and vines. Then, learn essential skills in fire building and knot tying. All supplies are provided. Ages 8 and up. Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Hike and Paddle - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 3 PM to 5:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Enjoy a ranger led hike (1.5 hour) along our new beach trail as we walk by swamps, hardwood/pine forests and a controlled burn area. After the hike, we'll kayak (1 hour) on the lake looking for wildlife such as raptors, herons and migrating birds. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water, bug repellent and sunscreen. Registration will open August 24. $30 if you use our kayaks. $25 if you use yours $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Kayaking 101 - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 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 needs to be accompanied by an adult). Equipment provided. Limited spaces. Event open to all public, including Girl Scouts. $30 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, September 13, 2026

Beginner Archery Class - Girl Scouts Love State Parks -
Sunday, Sep 13, 2026 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. Event open to all public, including Girl Scouts. Space limited to 10 participants. Registration will open August 24. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, September 26, 2026

Your State Parks Day - Hard Labor Creek -
Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 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. Registration will open on August 26. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, October 24, 2026

Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 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. Tickets will be available Sept 23. $10 cash at the door. $10 online. $3 wagon ride cash $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 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. Tickets will be available Sept 23. $10 cash at the door. $10 online. $3 wagon ride cash $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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