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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 dam to view the sunset over the lake. From park entrance (facing the Visitor Center), go left 1/2 mile to the 2nd stop sign. Turn right, following Yargo Camp Rd. 2.2mi. to reach the boat ramp at the campgrounds. Park & meet at the boat parking near the ramp. Sunset is ~8:30PM; program concludes at dark. Bring a light! 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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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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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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How can wetlands burn? Do wildfires help or hurt environments? What makes a place fire prone? How has our relationship with fire changed over time?
Learn the fascinating story of wildfires in the Okefenokee Swamp and how fire and water continue to define our unique ecosystem. Parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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The Okefenokee is full of predators—from epic alligators and black bears to slithering snakes, soaring birds, and a few more unexpected hunters. Come discover how these remarkable inhabitants stalk, strike, and survive in the swamp. Parking fee required. 912-637-5274.
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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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International Day of Biological Diversity: We will explore how different organisms within an ecosystem support and rely on one another. Each participant will build your own "ecosystem in a jar" (moss terrarium) to take home and observe. Meet at the Park Office, and we'll go down to the Nature Center together. Call the Park Office to register. $10 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 us as we begin our illustrative walk through the seasons and nature! In this program, we will be highlighting your individual interpretation of the surrounding environment while also strengthening your passion to discover, observe, and be creative! We supply the journals, you bring the imagination! Location: Visitor Center's Arch Room Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join Georgia Master Naturalists as we explore the native flora and fauna of an Amicalola Spring. In this program, we will be diving into the identification app, iNaturalist, learning to use field guides, and other nature identification apps! Meeting location: Visitor Center Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join volunteer naturalists to learn how to use a tree ID guide book and scientific sketches to identify amazing trees at Amicalola Falls. This walk will take place at the Lodge Loop Trail, which overlooks the mountain range that surrounds the Lodge. Meet us in the lodge lobby! Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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If you don't already love Georgia's bats- you're about to! Join bat enthusiasts and Georgia master naturalists to learn what bats do for us, and what we can do for Georgia's bats. After the 30-minute presentation, take a walk using special bat-detecting gear to participate in citizen-science! Meet us in the campground picnic pavilion! Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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Join us at the playground near the Black rock overlook to unleash your inner artist and create monumental murals with sidewalk chalk!
Join in anytime from 10am - 12pm Parking fee required. 706-746-2141.
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Join us for a unique and enjoyable afternoon of plant finger painting set against the serene backdrop of the Chattahoochee River. This event invites families and nature enthusiasts alike to engage in a creative activity that connects art with the natural world. It’s an opportunity to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors together. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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Come celebrate World Turtle Day with us--a day dedicated to raising awareness about the need to protect our native turtles. Enjoy a guided hike exploring where Georgia's native turtles live, roam, and hunt, as well as a turtle encounter featuring our park's Eastern Box Turtle educational ambassador, Stumpy the Turtle. $3 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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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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Grab your pencils and join our Interpretive Ranger on an artistic journey on one of our walking trails! Take the opportunity to let your creativity flow and sketch the environment around you. $2 plus 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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Join a naturalist at 10:00AM and hike to our Turtle overlook on the Etowah River. Learn about turtles and how they were used by Native American cultures in the past. We will also have chalk available to draw our own turtles along our sidewalk General Admission: $2 - $6. 770-387-3747.
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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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Journey through the Seventeen Mile River swamp with a guide. Attendees will learn all about ephemeral watersheds and the creatures that call them home. $5 for adults, children 12 and under $3 (standard parking fee required). Meetup at picnic shelters 5 & 6. Pre-registration required at front office. $5 for Adults, Children 12 and under $3 parking fee required. 912-384-7082.
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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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Join Jack Hill State Park for some trivia fun! Learn about the iconic symbols of our nation such as the bald eagle, wild turkey, American bison, and more! After a brief lecture, visitors can participate in trivia games to win a prize! $3 plus parking fee required. 912-557-7744.
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Join the rangers for a night hike at the park to discover what our nocturnal creatures are up to when the park closes. We will hike the Lower Lake trail, learning about what wildlife thrives at night and how they adapt to the dark. Flashlights will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own. $3 plus parking fee required. 706-857-0826.
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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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Let's bug out with a program dedicated to the macroinvertebrates that call our lake their home! Our Naturalist will be present to talk about different species, why they're important and closely examine critters in person! We will meet at the Interpretive Center for the event. Parking fee required. 912-287-4900.
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Join our Naturalist for a beautiful sunset kayak paddle on our blackwater lake!. Pre-register at the Visitor Center prior to the event. Space is limited! We will meet at the kayaks beside the gazebo to hit the water! All participants must be able to swim. We hope to see you there! $25 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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Meet the snakes found in and around Mistletoe State Park! Are you afraid on snakes? Do you know a venomous from non-venomous snake? Are snakes slimy? Learn this are more as we introduce the world of snakes to our visitors. Live snakes will be shared by Park Naturalist, enjoy a visit to the nature center and we will finish with a craft. $5 plus parking fee required. 706-541-0321.
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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.
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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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Come hike the South Rim Trail with a ranger and hunt for wildflowers! We will be meeting at the Day Use parking area. The hike is approximately one mile; bring plenty of water! $5 plus parking fee required. 706-754-7981.
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Join us at the suspension bridge along the Bill and Dusty MacKay Trail for a fun afternoon of exploring the native ecosystem of the Tallulah River with a ranger! We will be getting in the water, so wear your swimsuits! Bring lots of water, snacks, bug spray and sunscreen! Parking fee required. 706-754-7981.
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Join us at the Visitor Center for a fun hour filled with facts and hands on learning about variety of wildlife in Unicoi State Park. Get the opportunity to meet a few critters up close and personal. This is offered year-round and takes place the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Free to the public. Parking fee required. 706-878-2201.
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Join our Naturalist to shell-ebrate World Turtle Day! Meet our resident animal ambassador, Tori the Box Turtle. Explore the other animal displays in our newly renovated Nature Center. Meet at the Nature Center (parking limited, additional parking at Visitor Center right next door). Free plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Get creative with our Naturalist for World Turtle Day! Make a mosaic paper turtle to take home with you. Suitable for all ages. Meet at the Park Office, then we'll go down to the Nature Center together. Please call park office to register. $3 plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Experience the glories of sunset at Victoria Bryant. Enjoy a guided glow hike with our Naturalist along the Inner Loop Trail (2 miles, moderate difficulty). Glow sticks and flashlights will be provided. Meet at the Park Office. Please wear closed toe shoes and bring water. Call Park Office to register. $5 plus parking fee required. 706-245-6270.
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Join our park ranger on this moderate 5K / 3.1 mile trail route.
No fee required but please call the office in advance if you plan to attend. Parking fee required. 706-783-5349.
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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 us for an enchanting night filled with storytelling, smore's and celestial exploration. The highlight of the evening will be a guest appearance by renowned Astronomer Klaus Hodapp, who will bring his expertise and passion for the stars to the gathering. Parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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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 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 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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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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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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Join a ranger on a guided hike to observe and identify the seasonal wildflowers blooming alongside our lake. This is a 1.2-mile, easy hike. Begins at the Beach area at 10:00 AM. Parking fee required. 706-422-1932.
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Butterflies love Georgia's mild spring weather. Join a ranger for a 0.75-mile hike on a segment of our lake loop trail to look for basking, puddling, and fluttering butterflies! Begins at the Beach area at 12:00 PM. Parking fee required. 706-422-1932.
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We'll hike out from the Visitor Center in search of fresh fruit bodies. Learn identifying characteristics & special traits of the myriad native mushrooms, lichens, and even a few slime molds! What pushes out from the ground & stumps varies by week & weather, so every hike is a new adventure! Learn to distinguish a polypore from a gilled mushroom. $10 plus parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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Bring & friend & join our park Naturalists on this slow, leisurely stroll along the paved Wilkins Greenway Trail, ~.5 miles to reach our pollinator garden, where we'll find our most abundant moth & butterfly species thriving. This program is fully accessible, pet & stroller-friendly, & fun for all ages. Starts & ends at the Visitor Center. FREE! Parking fee required. 770-867-3489.
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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. Parking fee required. 706-557-3001.
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Join our naturalist at the Overland Nature Trail head for a hike through the creek to observe the aquatic plants and animals! Water shoes required. Parking fee required. 770-504-2277.
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Join Jack Hill State Park for our Jar Terrarium program! Our naturalist will show you how to make your very own self-sustaining garden in a jar. This simple and easy project is the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon. $5 plus parking fee required. 912-557-7744.
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Join our Naturalist on a guided hike down our Lake Trail! This is about a 1 1/2 hour hike so bring a bottle of water. We will meet at the Interpretive Center to hit the trail to check out all the plants and animals that call our park home! See you there! 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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Join retired DNR Program Manager and bird expert Bob Sargent for a relaxing birding adventure, ~1 mile. All birding levels are welcome! Bring binoculars, water, and wear closed toed shoes. Meet at the Alexander Lakes Dam: 4965 Flat Bridge Rd., Stockbridge, GA 30281. Please, call to register as space is limited. Parking fee required. 770-389-7801.
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Join us in the conference room at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center for a discussion about the many species of snakes that call our state home! You'll also get the chance to meet our local snakes and feel their scales! $5 plus parking fee required. 706-754-7981.
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Enjoy a relaxing 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. 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 us this Memorial Day for a silent guided waterfall hike. On the Appalachian Approach Trail, we’ll walk together in remembrance of America’s fallen heroes. This mindful experience invites participants to slow down, observe nature, and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. 1.5 miles- moderate to strenuous in difficulty Parking fee required. 706-344-1515.
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This engaging outdoor adventure invites each family member to search along the riverside for hidden flags, turning a simple stroll into an exciting treasure hunt that encourages curiosity and teamwork. The goal is simple yet rewarding: each person in your group should find one flag and turn it into the Visitor Center to collect a prize. Parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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Remembering and honoring those who have served our country is a profound act of gratitude and respect. It is through their courage, sacrifice, and dedication that the freedoms we enjoy today have been preserved. $3 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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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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Embrace your inner curiosity as we dissect and learn about the ins and outs of one of the oceans' most common animals: The Squid! $10.00 per person parking fee required. 912-882-5256.
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Join us at Picnic Shelter 2 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 parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Activities designed specifically for our little ones and their adults. This program is designed to introduce children to the recreational, educational and natural benefits of spending time outside and at our state parks. Parking fee required. 229-724-2150.
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May 25-29, 2026. Kids ages 6-12 will love exploring the marsh and maritime forest, learning outdoor skills, and enjoying games and arts & crafts activities. Every day of Junior Ranger camp is an adventure! Only 16 spaces are available, so make your plans now. Registration opens January 30, 2026. $275. 912-598-2300.
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Enjoy a relaxing 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. 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Activities designed specifically for our little ones and their adults. This program is designed to introduce children to the recreational, educational and natural benefits of spending time outside and at our state parks.
Today, kids will be combining crafting with nature. Parking fee required. 229-724-2150.
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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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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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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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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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Join Madison Traviss of House of Fig for a morning of therapeutic relaxation guided by sensory invitations. Together, we will experience a mix of leisurely strolling, intentional observation, and intermittent reflection. Walk away with the ability to take this practice of presence into daily life.
Optional BYO picnic.
Registration is required Parking fee required. 706-746-2141.
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Create your own Black Bear Watercolor masterpiece!
All supplies will be provided.
All skill levels welcome.
Meet at the Mellinger center at 2 PM Parking fee required. 706-746-2141.
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Come and embark on a nature scavenger hunt! It is a delightful way to engage with the outdoors, transforming a simple hike into an interactive exploration. It’s an experience that blends discovery, education, and a sense of accomplishment, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. $3 plus parking fee required. 770-254-7271.
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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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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. Pre-registration is required; call the visitor center to reserve your spot. $3 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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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 dam to view the sunset over the lake. From park entrance (facing the Visitor Center), go left 1/2 mile to the 2nd stop sign. Turn right, following Yargo Camp Rd. 2.2mi. to reach the boat ramp at the campgrounds. Park & meet at the boat parking near the ramp. Sunset is ~8:30PM; program concludes at dark. Bring a light! 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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Learn all about amphibians and macroinvertebrates during a 1.25 mi. hike on the Watershed Trail. We will be spending some time at Panola Creek looking for these amazing creatures, so be prepared to get muddy and wet. Ages 5+. Pre-registration is required. Call the Park Office to register. $5 plus parking fee required. 770-389-7801.
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