Ring in the New year with www.GeorgiaStateParks.org

Ring In the New Year and Unwind this Winter
Without Breaking the Bank in Georgia’s Outdoors

Bringing in the New Year at Georgia State Parks & Lodges is a peaceful alternative for those of you seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic and crowds. With diverse recreation opportunities and comfy hotel-style lodge rooms and restaurants, families can enjoy a secluded escape to the outdoors and maybe even start a new holiday tradition.

From New Year’s Eve celebration packages and holiday buffets, to nightly winter “lodge-ical” rates starting at just $59 through February 28, 2010, Georgia’s State Park Lodges offer a cozy and wallet-friendly vacation getaway in the great outdoors. For reservations contact www.GaLodges.com or call 1-800-864-PARK (7275):

Even after the holiday cheer is long gone, those looking for a quiet escape can warm up with great rates and take advantage of smaller crowds at Georgia State Parks & Lodges all winter long.

Below is a sampling of the events planned in January 2010.

METRO ATLANTA

New Years Day Mountain Top Hike
Friday, January 1, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Start the new year at the peak seeing Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Owl Prowl
Saturday, January 2, 6 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night and offers one of the best perches for viewing Atlanta's skyline. Bring flashlights and comfortable clothing. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Introduction to Wildlife Painting
Saturday, January 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This classroom program will give participants a chance to render paintings of stuffed animals and birds. This is a hands-on workshop, and will give participants the chance to paint from a real 3-D form, with real feathers, fur, and correct proportions needed for accurate wildlife painting. Acrylic paint, paper, and brushes will be supplied. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This Historian or Ranger-led hike will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $1-$2 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, January 9, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, January 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Adventure Hike
Saturday, January 10, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola's nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola's nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera! The Panola Mountain hike starts at 10am and generally lasts 3-4 hours. Rain or shine. Call to register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, January 16, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Beginning Bee Keeping
Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Learn about basic bee keeping and how to start a hive. Berry Wright has been a professional honey producer for 45 years. Berry will discuss assembling equipment and installation of bees. A trip to the apiary will be included, weather permitting. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Dulcimer-Making Workshop
Saturday, January 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Assemble, sand and finish an all-wood Appalachian dulcimer with dulcimer maker and musician Bob Thomason. All tools and supplies are provided. No woodworking experience is required. Bob Thomason has been making and playing fine Appalachian dulcimers since 1981. Register by January 8. $85 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Native American Flute-Making Workshop
Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Make a traditional southeastern style Native American flute with award winning Cherokee artist and musician, Danny Bigay. Danny's flutes and art are displayed in museums throughout the country including the Eiteljorg and Five Civilized Tribes Museums. $150 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Dulcimer Jam
Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, January 17, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Monday, January 18, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
This beautiful folk instrument is one of the easiest to play. Join in hands-on demonstrations and you will soon be sounding like a pro! If you already have a dulcimer, bring it along for tuning and playing tips. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.


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More information on your state parks and historic sites, including accommodations like cottages, hotel-style lodges, campsites and yurts, can be found at http://www.georgiastateparks.org/ or 1-800-864-PARK (7275).