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Cloudland Canyon is the only state park that lies within the Cumberland Plateau, and the only one that contains caves. This 1hr presentation explains why this region is riddled with holes, and will introduce you to the fragile environment of caves and some of the fascinating creatures found in them. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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This program will introduce you to some of the most common and not so common fossils that may be found in the different rock strata of the Cumberland Plateau. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Bring your binoculars and join retired DNR raptor expert, Bob Sargent, to tune your bird watching skills and see what birds are on the park! All levels of birders will enjoy this event. Space is limited, must register in advance. $5 plus parking fee required. 478-993-3053.
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Bring your binoculars and join retired DNR raptor expert, Bob Sargent, for a guided birding walk about. All levels of birders welcome. Space is limited. Call to register. $5 plus parking fee required. 478-993-3053.
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The Seed to Plant program is designed for children ages 3-7, introducing them to the world of plants. Kids will learn about plant life and plant their own seed to take home! Don't miss this opportunity for your little one to explore nature and learn something new! $2 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Come meet some of our most elusive residents, the box turtles, and learn about their habits and amazing characteristics. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Parking fee required. 912-598-2300.
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Join us at the historic Suwannee River Sill to learn about the swamp’s most famous residents: alligators! These large, long-lived survivors from a prehistoric world are far more fascinating—and important—than they first appear. Parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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Crows are among the most intelligent and social animals on the planet. This program will give you the low-down on them and the other members of the Corvid family. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Weather you're a dandelion enthusiast or can't stand seeing them in your garden, on this hike come join our naturalist as we discuss and learn to identify native and non-native weeds! We'll meet at the boat ramp at Campgrounds #2, taking the yellow trail along the shoreline to the dam, ~1.5 miles out & back. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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Coffee, cocoa and conversation! Let's take it slow and enjoy the stroll. This will be an easy walk and talk perfect for all ages and paces! We will meet at the Interpretive Center to start our morning out right! See you there! Parking fee required. 912-287-4900.
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Come by the Interpretive Center to learn all about our ambassador garter snake. You will have the opportunity to meet and touch the snake while you learn about its behavior, habitat, and more! Parking fee required. 912-598-2300.
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Join us to enjoy the awe inspiring beauty of the stars. We are a certified Dark Sky Park with some of the best night skies in the south east.
Enjoy the majesty of the stars with the naked eye or take a gander through our telescope for a closer look. Parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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Join our volunteer naturalist in the visitor center breezeway to learn more about bird identification, including the use of the app “Merlin” to identify birds from songs and images. Please download and register the free Merlin app from Google or Apple App Store; WiFi is available in the visitor center. Binoculars aren’t required but are helpful. Parking fee required. 706-745-2628.
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Join one of our volunteer naturalists in the visitor center breezeway to learn more about nature identification & citizen science with the app “iNaturalist” to identify and record things in nature. Please download and register the free iNaturalist app from Google or Apple App Store; WiFi is available in the visitor center. Parking fee required. 706-745-2628.
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Join one of our volunteer naturalists and the ambassador box turtle “Bilbo” in the visitor center breezeway to learn more about our native box turtles, their lives, and backyard conservation steps you can take to help them. Parking fee required. 706-745-2628.
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Are you ready to explore the forest and discover the secrets of tree aging? Hiking the Wild Turkey Trail and learning to identify and age trees by their bark, leaves, and circumference will give you a fascinating glimpse into the life cycle of these majestic plants. $3 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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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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Ever wanted to see what happens after an owl consumes its prey? During this class, you will get to get a look inside your own owl pellet! Every pellet holds something different! Learn about the different types of prey owls consume and how we can help them in the wild. $10 per person parking fee required. 912-882-5256.
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The Guale Indians, who called these coastal marshes home, used a variety of plants to prepare helpful herbal "teas". Join us on a walking tour where we chat about not only the tribe's history, but the environmental impact of colonial-era humans. Enjoy a cup of spruce and yaupon, two of the most commonly imbibed teas over 300 years ago. $4.75-$8.25 912-437-4770.
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The Guale Indians, who called these coastal marshes home, used a variety of plants to prepare helpful herbal "teas". Join us on a walking tour where we chat about not only the tribe's history, but the environmental impact of colonial-era humans. Enjoy a cup of spruce and yaupon, two of the most commonly imbibed teas over 300 years ago. $4.75-$8.25 912-437-4770.
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A craft-your-own nature journal program for all ages! Hosted by our park Naturalists, you'll learn to bind a custom book for your sketches of our iconic birds, bees, butterflies & wildflowers. Whether you're a young explorer or a budding Emerson, this simple craft is the perfect way to start your own field notes celebrating the wonders of nature! $10 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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A Friday night hike out to the foot of the dam to watch the sunset over the lake from a bench placed perfectly for this purpose. Park & meet at the boat ramp at Campgrounds #2 for ~1/3 mile hike along the lakeshore to reach the dam. Sunset is ~8:30PM & this 1-hour program will conclude at dark. Please pre-register by 5PM Friday. Bring a light! $5 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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Wander through the woods as tiny lights twinkle around you, guiding your way under the starry sky. Join a Ranger, as we walk along a moderate to strenuous nature trail looking for firefly species and other night creatures. If we are lucky, we may see synchronous fireflies. Event suitable for ages 8 and up. $10 plus parking fee required. 706-557-3001.
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Bird Song Mnemonics: A "Cheep" Sheet to Birding by Ear
Use catchy phrases to associate human words or sounds with the unique sound of a bird’s call. Join us on Camp Lawton History Center’s back porch for a fun time of “Name that Bird.” $2 plus parking fee required. 478-982-1660.
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Spring is finally here and it's a wonderful time to see Red Top! Join us hiking the Sweetgum Trail, on the lookout for the items on our Scavenger Hunt. Keep an eye out for butterflies, bees, ferns and frogs, just to name a few! We will explore around the lake, creeks, over the hills and through the woods in order to find as many items as we can. Parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Here at Red Top Mountain State Park, we like to teach people how to build shelters that they could use in different survival scenarios. The main objectives are staying warm, dry and comfortable. There is no way to predetermine the type of sticky situation you might find yourself in, so we like to cover different types. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Building a fire in the woods, be it for s'mores or in a survival situation, is a great skill to have! There are many methods, materials, and tools that one can use to start a fire. We'll discuss some different ways we can get a successful fire started and demonstrate a few of them for the group. Then, it's your turn to see if you can pull it off! $5 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Archery is back in full effect at Red Top! First time shooters and seasoned archers are welcome. We provide the equipment, the instruction, the safe setting, and we can help you get more of your shots in the 10 ring! We will be using compound bows with a 15-30 pound draw weight. Meet at the Green Gazebo behind the Visitors Center. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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The Okefenokee Swamp not only is home to numerous game animals and the natural resources used to hunt and capture these creatures. There is human history in this swamp spanning back over 4000 years. Join a ranger and learn how to craft effective projectiles out of the plants found here today. $5 plus parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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234 species of birds can be found in the Okefenokee. We'll talk about some of the most common, most unusual, and most striking birds you might see in the swamp. Parking fee required. 706-637-5274.
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Explore the swamp's most basic building blocks in the ecosystem! We will be looking for aquatic insects in the swamp water. We will be searching the edges of the water, from the shore with nets for macro invertebrates. Possible insects may include dragonfly nymphs, whirligig beetles, gator fleas and many others. Parking fee required. 912-637-5270.
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Make your own perfume in this workshop highlighting fragrances we can attribute to moths! Night blooming flowers can't rely on showy colors to attract their pollinators instead they invested in a strong fragrance. Each participant will leave with 5 perfume testers they've made themselves! Call 770-732-2613 to register or come in person. $15 plus parking fee required. 770-732-2613.
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Explore edible and multi use plants on this moderate 2 mile hike. Participants will never look at the forest the same way again.
While education elements are geared at older audiences children as young as 5 are welcome. Please wear close toed shoes on this hike, and bring water
Call 770-732-2613 to register, must be registered by 5 pm. $7 plus parking fee required. 770-732-2613.
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Ever dreamed of hiking the Gorge Floor but worried about getting lost? We’ve got you covered! Join us for a Guided Gorge Floor Hike and explore one of Georgia’s most breathtaking landscapes with one of our fearless Rangers leading the way. No guesswork—just adventure! This hike is very technical and strenuous, but rewarding. Must RSVP! $20 plus parking fee required. 706-754-7981.
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Brush up on your artistic skills at the park! This guided painting class is open to all ages. Learn the basics of acrylic painting, color theory, and perspective. By the end of class, you will have your own mountain landscape to take home with you. We will meet at the park office. Call the Park Office to register. $10 plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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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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Come chat with Black Bear enthusiast, Gerold Hodge with Appalachian Friends of Bears, and check out some biofacts from our American Black Bears! Learn about what part they play in the environment, what they do for us, and what we can do to help them. Find us in the Lodge Lobby from 9am - 12pm! 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 and stay after for photos with a hawk or owl. Please consider making a $3 donation by registering!
Location: Visitor Center's Arch Room $3 plus parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join Ranger Erin and Naturalist Dee at the Black Rock Overlook at 6:30am for some relaxing sunrise stretching to start your weekend off right.
Bring a yoga mat or blanket if you would like! Parking fee required. 706-746-2141.
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Join Ecologist Mel and Naturalist Dee for a creek adventure as we explore the hidden world of critters living in our local streams.
Be sure to wear or bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Meet us at the Black Rock Lake trailhead by 11 AM and let’s go critter hunting!
Registration is required to attend. Space is limited. Sign up quick!! Parking fee required. 706-746-2141.
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Join us for a vibrant hike on the Wild Turkey Trail! Together, we'll explore the beauty of nature, identifying various plants and matching their colors to our swatches. Experience the thrill of discovery as we immerse ourselves in the rich palette of the outdoors. Don't miss this colorful adventure—bring your curiosity and a sense of wonder! $5 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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Cloudland Canyon is the only state park that lies within the Cumberland Plateau, and the only one that contains caves. This 1hr presentation explains why this region is riddled with holes, and will introduce you to the fragile environment of caves and some of the fascinating creatures found in them. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Enjoy a fun afternoon of building your own mini terrarium while learning about the environmental cycles that will take place within it. $10.00 per terrarium parking fee required. 912-882-5256.
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Have you ever seen an interesting plant or insect, but didn't know how to identify it? With the iNaturalist app, you can ID plants, animals, insects, and fungi in just seconds! Download the app beforehand, then learn how to use it at the visitor center, followed by a fun competition to test your new skills. $1 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Join us in front of the visitor center to listen to a picture book about ants, followed by a unique ant colony craft. Recommended for pre-k and early elementary schoolers. $1 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Did you know the average person can recognize hundreds of company logos, but fewer than 10 plants? Let's expand our botanical knowledge together with a hike around the Huckleberry Loop Trail! Our naturalist will teach you four Georgia plants and how to recognize them on your own. Each Plant ID hike will focus on new plants. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Start your day feeling amazing! This fun, alignment-based yoga practice with registered teacher Monique French plus breathtaking mountain top views will refresh your mind, body and spirit. Please bring a mat. Weather permitting. Setup at the Stone Amphitheater adjacent to Park Office at 7:15 AM. Restrooms open at 8:00 AM. $15 (cash only) at the amphitheater sign-in 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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Join us for a galactic guided night hike perfect for those who love to do some stargazing. We'll take the yellow trail out to the rocky point near the fishing area. Once there, we'll take advantage of the darkness of the new moon to observe and reflect on all the cosmos has to offer that night. Great for a first-time stargazer. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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Join our Friends member Katelyn Moore, as she shares information and fun facts about pollinators to celebrate World Bee Day (5/20/26). She will have an observation hive so you can see the bees in action and see what the buzz is about. We will be set up at the tables near the office / gazebo. There will be a craft at the end. $2 per person. Parking fee required. 478-763-2759.
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Let's hit the Falls View Trail (strenuously rated) to see what interesting native and naturalized plant life we can identify. We'll also cover basic botanical terms useful in herbalism and other hobbies. Parking fee required. 478-993-3053.
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Join us at the Boat Ramp for our annual Jr Fishing Rodeo!
Enjoy a day of fishing, prizes, concessions, a raffle and more! Ages 15 and below may compete, loaner poles and bait will be available. Parking fee required. 770-504-2277.
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Join Jack Hill State Park for our Early Bird Hike! Walk along our nature boardwalk as we experience the sights and sounds of a beautiful Saturday morning. $3 plus parking fee required. 912-557-7744.
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Join our rangers for a special hike through the pine forest habitat to look for the vulnerable red-cockaded woodpecker. Learn all about how this once endangered bird is making a comeback through conservation efforts. $5.50-$8 478-986-5172.
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Join our Naturalist for a Guided Tour of Kolomoki Mounds as the sun sinks down and the moon rises up, as we learn about the rich history of these sacred grounds created nearly 2000 years ago. Closed toed shoes & flashlights advised. Binoculars & cameras welcome! Hike will last about 1 hour and will cover about ¾ of a mile. 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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Bring your dogs and join our Naturalist on a hike down our Lake Trail. This is about a 1 hour hike so bring a bottle of water. All dogs must remain on a leash. Lets celebrate our four legged friends and the joy they bring to our lives! We will meet at the Dog Park. We look forward to seeing you there! Parking fee required. 912-287-4900.
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Join us at the Interpretive Center for crafts for all ages! There are many crafts to choose from. Let your imagination run wild and create something truly original. 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 161 year old earthen fort. Along the way we will discover more about this Civil War prisoner of war camp built to hold 40,000 prisoners.
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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Use catchy phrases to associate human words or sounds with the unique sound of a bird’s call. Join us on Camp Lawton History Center’s back porch for a fun time of “Name that Bird.” $2 plus parking fee required. 478-982-1660.
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Got curious kids who love exploring the outdoors? Join us at Mistletoe State Park for a fun children’s program all about the amazing bugs living right in our backyards!
We’ll learn about different insects and get creative with a hands-on craft: Build-a-Bug ? $3 plus parking fee required. 706-541-0321.
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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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Looking to get into the sport of fishing and don't know where to begin? Then look no further! Because we at Red Top Mountain are proud to present a beginners course into this time honored tradition. We will discuss everything from equipment, bait, and where to find fish. So if you're interested in learning how to fish, Then call now! $8.00 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Many people that we see here in the park believe they have a “bad” sense of direction or will simply NEVER be able to navigate without the help of GPS. Well.. It's actually pretty simple! Determine your intended path of travel, align your north with the grid lines on the map, calculate your distance, acquire a landmark and off you go. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Here at Red Top Mountain State Park, we like to teach people how to build shelters that they could use in different survival scenarios. The main objectives are staying warm, dry and comfortable. There is no way to predetermine the type of sticky situation you might find yourself in, so we like to cover different types. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
View Event Details
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Building a fire in the woods, be it for s'mores or in a survival situation, is a great skill to have! There are many methods, materials, and tools that one can use to start a fire. We'll discuss some different ways we can get a successful fire started and demonstrate a few of them for the group. Then, it's your turn to see if you can pull it off! $5 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Archery is back in full effect at Red Top! First time shooters and seasoned archers are welcome. We provide the equipment, the instruction, the safe setting, and we can help you get more of your shots in the 10 ring! We will be using compound bows with a 15-30 pound draw weight. Meet at the Green Gazebo behind the Visitors Center. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Join a ranger in our bird watching area behind the Visitor Center. We will identify and discuss the native bird species that live in the park and may also be found in your own backyard. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from us. Parking fee required. 912-598-2300.
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Join a ranger for an easy and conversational hike. Learn a little bit about the swamp, its history, and some of the plants and animals that live here. Questions encouraged. Parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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Join us to enjoy the awe inspiring beauty of the stars. We are a certified Dark Sky Park with some of the best night skies in the south east.
Enjoy the majesty of the stars with the naked eye or take a gander through our telescope for a closer look. Parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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Bring your favorite teddy bear friend and come celebrate one of the best parts of the year at Tallulah Gorge: black bear emergence! We will learn about the yearly cycle of black bears and enjoy games, crafts, and other activities! We will be meeting at the Day Use Picnic Pavilion. Live black bears will NOT be in attendance. Parking fee required. 706-754-7981.
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Learn how to identify over 20 native trees, shrubs, and other plants in Unicoi State Park and their importance to the ecosystem around us. $10 plus parking fee required. 706-878-2201.
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Come experience your first cast! Our Naturalist will be teaching the ins and outs of fishing. First-timers will earn a Monumental Moment Stamp. Bring your own bait and rods if you have them (we will have a few rods to lend). Meet at the Park Office and we will walk to Pond 1 as a group. Call the Park Office to register. Free plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Come learn the basics of Hiking with our Naturalist! We will discuss simple navigating with map/compass, and put it to use on a hike along Victoria's Path (1 mile, moderate intensity). First-timers will earn a Monumental Moment Stamp. Meet at the Park Office. Please wear closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle. Call the park office to register. Free plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Join our Naturalist for Birdwatching! We will identify birds by sight and sound, and report our findings using Merlin Bird ID app (download and sign up before arriving for best experience; app NOT required to participate). Bring your own binoculars. Suitable for all ages. Accessible event. Meet at the Park Office. Free plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the river while the sun sets. Fun and easy, no experience necessary. Ranger led. Space is limited, Pre-registration required. Participants will need to sign a waiver. If there is inclement weather, the program will need to be cancelled and those registered will receive a full refund. $15 plus parking fee required. 706-783-5349.
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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 and stay after for photos with a hawk or owl. Please consider making a $3 donation by registering!
Location: Visitor Center's Arch Room $3 plus parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Attention trail running enthusiasts! Join one of our park rangers for a five-mile run along the Overlook Trail to the Back Country camping loop and back to the Interpretive Center. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Explore the geologic strata of the canyon from the bottom up in this advanced look at the rocks and minerals that make up the lower part of the canyon. Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we'll drive to the lower Sitton Gulch Trailhead. This is a moderate 2-mile hike. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region. We will bring to light their secretive lives with interesting facts and tales about these special creatures. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Enjoy a relaxing morning as you go on a birding adventure with one of our interpretive rangers.
This class will teach you the basics of birding as we hike and explore around Crooked River. Meeting at the Nature Center. Parking fee required. 912-882-5256.
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Come meet and learn about the various reptiles and amphibians that call our Nature Center home. Then afterwards, participate in a fun craft to take home your very own (wooden) reptile! $5.00 per person parking fee required. 912-882-5256.
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William Bartram is one of the best known American naturalists of the 18th century. Join a ranger as we follow his footsteps along the Altamaha environs. Make birding and other observations in a nature journal given to those who participate! $4.75-$8.25 912-437-4770.
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Start your day with a leisurely stroll around our lake loop trail. Join a ranger for this easy, 1.2-mile hike. Begins at the Beach area at 9:00 AM. Parking fee required. 706-422-1932.
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Branch out your knowledge! Learn the basics of tree identification in this introduction to the hobby of dendrology. This public program will teach you to confidently identify the most common trees & shrubs in our park by their leaves, flowers, & bark. This guided interactive hike led by our park naturalists is fully accessible & fun for all ages. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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Join our Friends member Katelyn Moore, as she shares information and fun facts about pollinators to celebrate World Bee Day (5/20/26). She will have an observation hive so you can see the bees in action and see what the buzz is about. We will be set up at the tables near the office / gazebo. There will be a craft at the end. $2 per person. Parking fee required. 478-763-2759.
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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 parking fee required. 706-557-3001.
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Fungi exist everywhere around us, and in all shapes and sizes. Join a ranger in this mushroom workshop where you will learn about the different parts of a mushroom, how to ID mushrooms, and common mushrooms you may find in Hard Labor Creek. The program consists of a 1-mile hike where we will look for fungi along the way test your ID skills. $3 plus parking fee required. 706-557-3001.
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You know this is your Naturalist's specialty. Meet at the Tranquility Trailhead Parking to see if there are any fungal finds out on this moderately rated trail Parking fee required. 478-993-3053.
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Join our Naturalist for a guided hike on our Big Creek Trail and enter the fascinating habitat of our gopher tortoise! This hike is to bring awareness to all the efforts to protect this amazing reptile! Sign up at the Visitor Center prior to the hike. We will meet at the Visitor Center to hit the trail. See you there! Parking fee required. 912-287-4900.
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Come join us on Iron Hill trail, as we explore the unique geology of Red Top Mountain. We discuss the park's geological history and the the different rocks and minerals found throughout the area. We will also go over why Red Top Mountain was a popular area for mining. Let's rock n' roll! Free plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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We are heading into the trails at night to hunt for scorpions and enjoy the sounds of the park after dark. Meet us at the Visitor Center with water and closed-toed shoes. Wear weather-appropriate walking clothes. We'll be walking approximately 1 mile of easy/moderate trail. We will provide black lights for the Hike. $6 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Meet up with a ranger for a guided hike along our coastal salt marshes, take in the sights and sounds of island scenery, and learn about this important ecosystem. The trails are near the water and can be muddy in some spots, so please wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Sandpiper Trail behind the Visitor Center for this one-mile hike. Parking fee required. 912-598-2300.
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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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Hike with a park Naturalist on the two-mile Backcountry Campsites loop. This is an easy hike. Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we'll drive to the Backcountry Camping Trailhead. Duration Approx, 1.5 hours Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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This peculiar looking creature has spread through two continents and is now found in nearly two dozen US states. Get the low-down on this interesting and unusual animal and learn why they are so bad at crossing roads. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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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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Learn the difference between salamanders and lizards in this program highlighting five species of the Appalachian region. We will bring to light their secretive lives with interesting facts and tales about these special creatures. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Building a fire in the woods, be it for s'mores or in a survival situation, is a great skill to have! There are many methods, materials, and tools that one can use to start a fire. We'll discuss some different ways we can get a successful fire started and demonstrate a few of them for the group. Then, it's your turn to see if you can pull it off! $5 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Many people that we see here in the park believe they have a “bad” sense of direction or will simply NEVER be able to navigate without the help of GPS. Well.. It's actually pretty simple! Determine your intended path of travel, align your north with the grid lines on the map, calculate your distance, acquire a landmark and off you go. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Archery is back in full effect at Red Top! First time shooters and seasoned archers are welcome. We provide the equipment, the instruction, the safe setting, and we can help you get more of your shots in the 10 ring! We will be using compound bows with a 15-30 pound draw weight. Meet at the Green Gazebo behind the Visitors Center. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Birdfeeders provide an energetic boost to the diets of local and migrating birds looking for a hearty meal. Make your own to take home while watching our birdfeeders. Please note: peanut butter is one of the main ingredients used. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $3 plus parking fee required. 912-598-2300.
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Cloudland Canyon is the only state park that lies within the Cumberland Plateau, and the only one that contains caves. This 1hr presentation explains why this region is riddled with holes, and will introduce you to the fragile environment of caves and some of the fascinating creatures found in them. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Hike with a park Naturalist on the two-mile Backcountry Campsites loop. This is an easy hike. Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we'll drive to the Backcountry Camping Trailhead. Duration Approx, 1.5 hours Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Come join us on Iron Hill trail, as we explore the unique geology of Red Top Mountain. We discuss the park's geological history and the the different rocks and minerals found throughout the area. We will also go over why Red Top Mountain was a popular area for mining. Let's rock n' roll! Free plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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The Seed to Plant program is designed for children ages 3-7, introducing them to the world of plants. Kids will learn about plant life and plant their own seed to take home! Don't miss this opportunity for your little one to explore nature and learn something new! $2 plus parking fee required. 770-975-0055.
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Join us at the historic Suwannee River Sill to learn about the swamp’s most famous residents: alligators! These large, long-lived survivors from a prehistoric world are far more fascinating—and important—than they first appear. Parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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Buzz on over to the park to celebrate World Bee Day! We will learn about the role bees play in our environment and build a bee house to take home with you! Meet at the park office, then we'll go down to the Nature Center together. Please call the park office to register. Suitable for all ages! $5 plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Explore the geologic strata of the canyon from the bottom up in this advanced look at the rocks and minerals that make up the lower part of the canyon. Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we'll drive to the lower Sitton Gulch Trailhead. This is a moderate 2-mile hike. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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This program will introduce you to some of the most common and not so common fossils that may be found in the different rock strata of the Cumberland Plateau. Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Hike with a park Naturalist on the two-mile Backcountry Campsites loop. This is an easy hike. Meet at the Interpretive Center, then we'll drive to the Backcountry Camping Trailhead. Duration Approx, 1.5 hours Parking fee required. 706-657-4050.
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Weather you're a dandelion enthusiast or can't stand seeing them in your garden, on this hike come join our naturalist as we discuss and learn to identify native and non-native weeds! We'll meet at the boat ramp at Campgrounds #2, taking the yellow trail along the shoreline to the dam, ~1.5 miles out & back. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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The Interpretive Center is open for a rare opportunity to meet our ambassador animals! We'll also share our collection of local taxidermy, bones, furs & pelts from around the state. Meet our Naturalists & discuss park history, ecology & conservation. This program is fully accessible & appropriate for all ages. Pre-register at Visitor Center by 5pm. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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Join our volunteer naturalist in the visitor center breezeway to learn more about bird identification, including the use of the app “Merlin” to identify birds from songs and images. Please download and register the free Merlin app from Google or Apple App Store; WiFi is available in the visitor center. Binoculars aren’t required but are helpful. Parking fee required. 706-745-2628.
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Join one of our volunteer naturalists in the visitor center breezeway to learn more about nature identification & citizen science with the app “iNaturalist” to identify and record things in nature. Please download and register the free iNaturalist app from Google or Apple App Store; WiFi is available in the visitor center. Parking fee required. 706-745-2628.
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Join one of our volunteer naturalists and the ambassador box turtle “Bilbo” in the visitor center breezeway to learn more about our native box turtles, their lives, and backyard conservation steps you can take to help them. Parking fee required. 706-745-2628.
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Embark on an exciting outdoor adventure as we hike to the scenic Wild Turkey Creek, a perfect natural setting to discover and study the fascinating anatomy of crawdads. This hands-on experience invites curious minds to engage directly with nature, offering both educational insight and the thrill of exploration. $3 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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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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This three-and-a-half-hour drop-off camp is the perfect way for children ages 4-12 to make new friends and learn about the fort’s history. Junior Rangers should come in clothes that are ready to get messy. Drop off at the Visitor Center at 6 pm and pick up at the Visitor Center at 9 pm. Pre-registration required. $35. 912-727-2339.
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Start your day with a leisurely stroll around our lake loop trail. Join a ranger for this easy, 1.2-mile hike. Begins at the Beach area at 9:00 AM. Parking fee required. 706-422-1932.
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A craft-your-own nature journal program for all ages! Hosted by our park Naturalists, you'll learn to bind a custom book for your sketches of our iconic birds, bees, butterflies & wildflowers. Whether you're a young explorer or a budding Emerson, this simple craft is the perfect way to start your own field notes celebrating the wonders of nature! $10 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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A Friday night hike out to the foot of the dam to watch the sunset over the lake from a bench placed perfectly for this purpose. Park & meet at the boat ramp at Campgrounds #2 for ~1/3 mile hike along the lakeshore to reach the dam. Sunset is ~8:30PM & this 1-hour program will conclude at dark. Please pre-register by 5PM Friday. Bring a light! $5 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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Wander through the woods as tiny lights twinkle around you, guiding your way under the starry sky. Join a Ranger, as we walk along a moderate to strenuous nature trail looking for firefly species and other night creatures. If we are lucky, we may see synchronous fireflies. Event suitable for ages 8 and up. $10 plus parking fee required. 706-557-3001.
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Join our Naturalist on a guided hike down our Lake Trail where we will hike to our boardwalk that crosses our black water lake! Bring your own flashlight! We will also explore using black lights to see what plants or animals glow in the dark. Pre-register at the Visitor Center by 5:00PM. We will meet at the Interpretive Center to hit the trail! $5 plus parking fee required. 912-287-4900.
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