Wild Georgia Events

Hard Labor Creek State Park


Sunday, November 2, 2025

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Engineering: The InvenTable
Sunday, Nov 2, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
As part of an initiative to expand our STEM programming, HLC has acquired two new InvenTables. These tables are kid-safe engineering tables approved for ages 3+. Participants will be given templates for a craft and will use the InvenTables to complete projects and practice great STEM skills. Most materials used are recycled and repurposed. Ages 6+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Lets Get Crafty
Sunday, Nov 2, 2025 2 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Flex your creativity with this fun craft day. We will be doing hands on crafts and education. This program will be held outdoors so bring closed toed shoes, bug spray, and water. Pre-registration required. Ages 6+. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, November 7, 2025

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Nov 7, 2025 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. The Ranger will also answer any nature, history, or park questions you may have. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Campfire and Hot Cocoa
Friday, Nov 7, 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 for a warm campfire and hot cocoa. A ranger will be present talking about park history, ghost stories, and fun facts about nature. Feel free to bring any nature or history questions you have to ask the ranger. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, November 8, 2025

A Walk Through History: CCC Wagon Rides And Camp Tour
Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 12 PM to 1:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
The Civilian Conservation Corps began construction of Hard Labor Creek in 1934, and finished their work here in 1939. They left behind the camp they lived and worked in, in which some buildings still stand today. Join a ranger on this wagon ride and history walk through what remains of Georgia's only standing CCC Camp. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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History Hike - Follow in the Steps of the CCC
Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 3 PM to 4:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
This ranger-led hike will take visitors along Lake Rutledge on a portion of our Beach Trail, and then up to see one of the only Civilian Conservation Corps Camps left standing in America. Participants will learn about CCC and Hard Labor Creek history. Hike geared toward active participants 8 years old and above. Pre-registration required $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, November 9, 2025

Hammock Camping 101
Sunday, Nov 9, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Ever wanted to hammock camp, but aren't quite sure what to do? Or maybe you have hammock camped before and just want a refresher. Join a ranger to learn the basics of camping, what to look for in a campsite, and most importantly, how to set up your hammock safely. Ages 10+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Survival Skills
Sunday, Nov 9, 2025 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Shelter building, fire building, knot tying: Work by yourself or as a family team to create your own shelter using the forest around you (surrounding sticks, branches, vines). Then, learn helpful skills about fire building and tying knots. All supplies provided. Geared toward ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Thursday, November 13, 2025

"I Wonder Who Lives In That Tree" Book Activity Day with Author Scott Bryan
Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 1 PM to 2 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Scott Bryan is a local author who wrote the book "I Wonder Who Lives In That Tree" with his daughter after hiking the Appalachian Trail. The book is illustrated by his daughter, Emma Bryan. Join the authors of this book and a park ranger for a toddler activity day including a book story time, a short habitat walk, and an animal track game. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, November 14, 2025

Friday Fun Game Night
Friday, Nov 14, 2025 5 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 to enjoy some Friday Fun with a variety of different activities available each week. Activities include 2-4 player games, crafts, and trivia with a Ranger. The Ranger will also answer any nature, history, or park questions you may have. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Campfire and Hot Cocoa
Friday, Nov 14, 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come down to Picnic Shelter 4 for a warm campfire and hot cocoa. A ranger will be present talking about park history, ghost stories, and fun facts about nature. Feel free to bring any nature or history questions you have to ask the ranger. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, November 15, 2025

Volunteer Workday
Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 9 AM to 12 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Come out and help improve our wonderful park by joining our Volunteer Workday. This workday, we will be working to restore one of the only Civilian Conservation Corps Camps left standing in America. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact friendsofhardlaborcreek@gmail.com. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Edible and Multi-Use Plant Hike
Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Have you ever wondered what people ate before grocery stores? Or how they made baskets from pine needles? Join a ranger to learn how the plants around us have been used historically, both for food and for survival crafts. You'll learn the basics of plant identification, plant safety, and plant uses on this 1 mile hike. Ages 10 and up. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, November 16, 2025

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Engineering: The InvenTable
Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
As part of an initiative to expand our STEM programming, HLC has acquired two new InvenTables. These tables are kid-safe engineering tables approved for ages 3+. Participants will be given templates for a craft and will use the InvenTables to complete projects and practice great STEM skills. Most materials used are recycled and repurposed. Ages 6+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Beginner Archery Class
Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 2 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Want to shoot an arrow in archery, but don’t know how? Here’s your chance to learn some archery skills. Soon you’ll be hitting the bullseye. Program geared to participants 10 years and above. Space limited to 10 participants. Please visit the Eventbrite link to register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, November 21, 2025

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

Hammock Camping 101
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Ever wanted to hammock camp, but aren't quite sure what to do? Or maybe you have hammock camped before and just want a refresher. Join a ranger to learn the basics of camping, what to look for in a campsite, and most importantly, how to set up your hammock safely. Ages 10+. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Survival Skills
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Shelter building, fire building, knot tying: Work by yourself or as a family team to create your own shelter using the forest around you (surrounding sticks, branches, vines). Then, learn helpful skills about fire building and tying knots. All supplies provided. Geared toward ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, November 23, 2025

Creature Feature of HLC
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 12 PM to 1 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Learn about the creatures that live in Hard Labor Creek and ask a naturalist any questions you have about the wildlife of the park. Program held in front of the Park Office. Program open to all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Toddler Fun Sunday
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 2 PM to 3 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Are your little ones curious about the natural world? Come discover the wild world of Hard Labor Creek. Join our naturalist for a variety of nature oriented, hands-on activities. Call the park office to register. Pre-registration required. Limited to 10 toddlers, 5 years old maximum. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, November 28, 2025

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

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

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

Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa
Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 2 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Enjoy a guided wagon ride around the campground and cottages with a special guest. Santa will ride with us! Before the ride, get warm by the campfire and indulge in some hot cocoa. Rides take place every 20 minutes from the mini-golf area. $4, kids 3 years old and under don't pay $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Friday, December 12, 2025

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

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

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

Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 2 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Enjoy a guided wagon ride around the campground and cottages with a special guest. Santa will ride with us! Before the ride, get warm by the campfire and indulge in some hot cocoa. Rides take place every 20 minutes from the mini-golf area. $4, kids 3 years old and under don't pay $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Sunday, December 21, 2025

Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa
Sunday, Dec 21, 2025 2 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Enjoy a guided wagon ride around the campground and cottages with a special guest. Santa will ride with us! Before the ride, get warm by the campfire and indulge in some hot cocoa. Rides take place every 20 minutes from the mini-golf area. $4, kids 3 years old and under don't pay $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Saturday, December 27, 2025

Survival Skills
Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Shelter building, fire building, knot tying: Work by yourself or as a family team to create your own shelter using the forest around you (surrounding sticks, branches, vines). Then, learn helpful skills about fire building and tying knots. All supplies provided. Geared toward ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Campfire S’mores and Stories
Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 3 PM to 4 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Roast marshmallows and swap stories with friends and family. Ask the ranger about the nature and history of the park, or simply enjoy the warmth of the fire. Blankets and chairs are not required, but suggested. Pre-register in advance by calling the park office. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Thursday, January 1, 2026

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