Wild Georgia Events

Don Carter State Park


Friday, September 26, 2025

Moths of Georgia Campfire Program
Friday, Sep 26, 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Ever wondered if there were more moth species than butterflies, or what moths eat? Come find out at the Moths of Georgia Campfire Program! Listen to a campfire story and play educational games with our naturalist. For overnight guests in the pavilion in the RV campgrounds. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Your State Parks Day- Lakeside Cleanup
Saturday, Sep 27, 2025 9 AM to 11 AM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Come out and help us clean up the lakeside at the boat ramp by volunteering for Your State Parks Day! We are planning a Kids Fishing Rodeo in the spring of 2026 and need to clean up an area for this new event! Tasks will include trimming trees, moving cut limbs and picking up trash. Meet staff at the boat ramp. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Get to Know North Georgia Hike
Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 9 AM to 10 AM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Take a short hike with our naturalist around the Huckleberry Trail to learn some general local history as well as flora and fauna. The trail is 0.75 miles, unpaved, with a mix of walking uphill and downhill. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details
Friend or Foe Talk
Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 12 PM to 12:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Have trouble identifying poison ivy, or telling venomous snakes from non-venomous ones? Or, do you wonder how to interact with that wildlife once you know what it is? This talk outside the visitor center is for you! Learn how to ID local potential hazards and learn the safest way to interact with them. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Friday, October 3, 2025

Become a Campfire Chef: Elote!
Friday, Oct 3, 2025 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Pop in for this a-maize-ing campfire cooking program! Learn how to make elote, also known as Mexican street corn. This is part of our 2025 campfire cooking series. You will get a personalized sticker and new cooking skills for each program you come to! Please call ahead to register. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Haunts of Hall County
Friday, Oct 3, 2025 7 PM to 8 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Recommended for people ages 17+. If you dare, join us at Picnic Shelter #3 to learn about Hall County's ghosts, local legends, and history from a Gainesville native. Registration required. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Fun Fall Storytime
Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 11 AM to 12 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Your pre-k/younger elementary schooler will have an unbe-leaf-ably good time at this fall-themed story time! Listen to a story, sing a silly song, and do a craft all outside of the visitor center! $2 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Stick Horse Rodeo
Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 5 PM to 7 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Calling all Cowboys and Cowgirls! Bring your own stick horse for some down home old timey fun! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details
Nocturnal Night Hike
Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 7:15 PM to 8 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Explore the world of nocturnal animals! As the sun sets, we will test all 5 of our senses and see how they change in the dark. Meet at the Overlook Trail; no flashlights are necessary. Call 678-450-7726 to preregister or bring cash day of. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Paint The Park
Sunday, Oct 5, 2025 3 PM to 4:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
A watercolor program for adults (16+) of all artistic experience. We will be painting the scenic view from Picnic Shelter #3 that overlooks the lake. All supplies are provided. $3 per person, call the visitor's center at 678-450-7726 to register. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Friday, October 17, 2025

Become a Campfire Chef: Hot Dogs!
Friday, Oct 17, 2025 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join our rangers in making this classic camping meal! This is part of our 2025 campfire cooking series. You will get a personalized sticker and new cooking skills for each program you come to! Please call ahead to register. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, October 18, 2025

LCKC Halloween Howl 5K and Fun Run
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 8:30 AM to 11 AM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join the Lake Canoe and Kayak Club for their 1st Halloween Howl 5K and Fun Run! Visit their website for more information and to register. $30-$40 $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details
Fun Fall Storytime
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 11 AM to 12 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Your pre-k/younger elementary schooler will have an unbe-leaf-ably good time at this fall-themed story time! Listen to a story, sing a silly song, and do a craft all outside of the visitor center! $2 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Pet a Pelt!
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join us at Picnic Shelter 3 to learn about Georgia mammals! You will have the opportunity to touch and interact with a variety of furs while learning about the animals that call our state home. Pay in the visitor center beforehand, or bring cash to the event. $1 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Paint The Park
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 5 PM to 6:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
A watercolor program for adults (16+) of all artistic experience. We will be painting the scenic view from Picnic Shelter #3 that overlooks the lake. All supplies are provided. $3 per person, call the visitor's center at 678-450-7726 to register. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Haunts of Hall County
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 7 PM to 8 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Recommended for people ages 17+. If you dare, join us at Picnic Shelter #3 to learn about Hall County's ghosts, local legends, and history from a Gainesville native. Registration required. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Friday, October 24, 2025

Movie Night at the Park: Double Feature!
Friday, Oct 24, 2025 6 PM to 9 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join us outside the visitor center for a night filled with fall, family films. Snacks will be available inside starting at 6 pm, and the first movie (animated, G-rated) will begin at 6:30 pm. The second movie (live action, PG-rated) will begin at 7:30 pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Call the visitor center for more information! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Colors of the Canopy Hike
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Come look at the unbe-leaf-ably beautiful changing leaves! Meet at the Overlook Trail for a short hike to learn about why trees shed their leaves, as well as some tree ID. Then, you will participate in a leaf tracing activity to create a lovely fall memory to keep, before hiking back. Friendly for all ages, register at the visitor center. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details
Trunk or Treat
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 5 PM to 7 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
A family friendly event for ghosts and ghouls of all ages. Enjoy this Halloween themed event and receive candy from local organizations and Don Carter park rangers. Please park at the beach, a hayride will take you to the candy! Costumes encouraged. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Halloween Campsite Decoration Contest!
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Wanting to show off your love for the Halloween season? Join our campsite decoration contest! Register in the visitor center upon your check-in, judging will happen Saturday at 7:30 pm, and prizes will be awarded Sunday morning for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Please keep all decorations and themes family-friendly. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Colors of the Canopy Hike
Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025 2 PM to 3 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Come look at the unbe-leaf-ably beautiful changing leaves! Meet at the Overlook Trail for a short hike to learn about why trees shed their leaves, as well as some tree ID. Then, you will participate in a leaf tracing activity to create a lovely fall memory to keep, before hiking back. Friendly for all ages, register at the visitor center. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Friday, October 31, 2025

Trick or Treat in the Campground!
Friday, Oct 31, 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
For overnight guests looking to have a sweet Halloween, you are invited to participate in Trick or Treating in the RV Campground and Cottage loops. Set up outside of your campsite/cabin to hand out prepackaged candy/goods; children must be accompanied by an adult. Happy Halloween! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Touch-A-Truck Day
Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 11 AM to 1 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Touch, see, and talk about all kinds of trucks and other big equipment at our day-use boat ramp! A Georgia State Park Pass is required to attend and can be bought for $5.00 at the park office or kiosk. We hope to see you there! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 3 PM to 4 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Do you know how Native Americans got to Georgia, or what their different roles were in their communities? Come learn about the culture and history of the Cherokee people at Picnic Shelter 1! This educational program will include a craft. Call our visitor center to register. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Colors of the Canopy Hike
Sunday, Nov 9, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Come look at the unbe-leaf-ably beautiful changing leaves! Meet at the Overlook Trail for a short hike to learn about why trees shed their leaves, as well as some tree ID. Then, you will participate in a leaf tracing activity to create a lovely fall memory to keep, before hiking back. Friendly for all ages, register at the visitor center. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Friday, November 14, 2025

National Pickle Day Tasting
Friday, Nov 14, 2025 3 PM to 5 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
National Pickle Day is a pretty big dill! For $7 per plate, you can try an assortment of locally made pickle products. Find this dill-icious program outside the visitor center. $7 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Become a Campfire Chef: Nachos!
Friday, Nov 14, 2025 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
This is nacho average cooking program! This is part of our 2025 campfire cooking series. You will get a personalized sticker and new cooking skills for each program you come to! Please call ahead to register. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Reflections of Fall Kayaking
Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 2:30 PM to 4 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Come enjoy the fall colors from a different perspective, on our lake! This program is $20 for general admission, but $10 if you provide your own kayak. Ages 9+, spaces are limited, so call the visitor center at 678-450-7726 to reserve your spot! $20 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Friday, November 21, 2025

Become a Campfire Chef: Pizza!
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Come warm your hands and stomach by learning how to make campfire pizza with our rangers! This is part of our 2025 campfire cooking series. You will get a personalized sticker and new cooking skills for each program you come to! Meet at the visitor center. Pre-registration is REQUIRED; call the visitor at 678-450-7726 to reserve your spot. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Get to Know North Georgia Hike
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 9 AM to 10 AM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Take a short hike with our naturalist around the Huckleberry Trail to learn some general local history as well as flora and fauna. The trail is 0.75 miles, unpaved, with a mix of walking uphill and downhill. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details
Pet a Pelt!
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 12 PM to 12:45 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join us at Picnic Shelter 3 to learn about Georgia mammals! You will have the opportunity to touch and interact with a variety of furs while learning about the animals that call our state home. Pay in the visitor center beforehand, or bring cash to the event. $1 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Movie Night at the Park!
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 6 PM to 8 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join us for an animated, G-rated movie! Meet outside the visitor center, with snacks inside, starting at 6 pm, and the movie starts at 6:30 pm. Bring your own chairs/blankets. This event will happen rain or shine, as we are under a roof. Call the park for more information! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

A Thankful Storytime
Tuesday, Nov 25, 2025 2 PM to 2:45 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join our naturalist outside the visitor center to listen to a story about being thankful, sing a silly song, and do a craft! $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
View Event Details

Friday, November 28, 2025

Game Night With a Ranger!
Friday, Nov 28, 2025 5 PM to 6:30 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Take some time to get to know park staff and your fellow campers by playing games together! With a wide array of card and board games for all ages, there is something for everyone. For overnight guests in the pavilion in the RV campground. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, November 29, 2025

S'mores With Santa
Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 1 PM to 3 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Come see Santa and share a sweet treat with him around the campfire! We'll also have crafts set up for those waiting for their special turn with the big man in red. Stick around after for a stop motion Christmas classic starting at 3:30! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details
Movie at the Park!
Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join us at the group shelter for a family-friendly, stop-motion Christmas classic to bring in the holiday season! Bring your own chairs and blankets. Call the visitor center for more information! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Movie Night at the Park: Double Feature!
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 5 PM to 10 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join us for a night of winter movie magic at the group shelter. Doors open at 5 pm with the first movie (animated, holiday-themed, PG-rated) starting at 5:30 pm. The second movie (live-action, winter-themed, PG-rated) will begin at 7:30 pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Call the visitor center for more information! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Movie Night at the Park!
Saturday, Jan 3, 2026 5 PM to 7 PM
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Join us at the group shelter to watch an animated, PG-rated movie to end Winter Break! Doors open at 5 pm, and the movie will begin at 5:30 pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Call the visitor center for more information! $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Accessible Event 
View Event Details