GA State Parks: Celebrate Spring with Wildflower Hikes & Earth Day Festivities

From Georgia State Parks:
Celebrate Spring with Wildflower Hikes & Earth Day Festivities

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is Thursday, April 22, and throughout the month, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites have a potpourri of exciting adventures planned. Choose from caving, rappelling, flyfishing, night hikes, moonlight paddles, wildflower hikes and more. Spring is the perfect time to get the entire family outdoors, and there's sure to be something for every interest and age level. Additionally, communities around Georgia will host events and activities to commemorate the Earth Day birthday. At www.ConserveGeorgia.org, you can find a comprehensive list of activities in all areas of the state.


APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Celebrate Earth Day at Georgia State Parks. April is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors with pleasing temperature and plenty of spring blooms. For an online calendar listing, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Native American Tools and Weapons
Saturday, April 10
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Learn how to make, use and care for Native American tools and weapons. Also explore the museum, earthen mounds, and village site. $3.50-$5.00 (770) 387-3747.

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, April 10, 24, 10 a.m. – 12 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). $2-$3 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, April 10, 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 unless a SAR activity is occurring. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, April 10, 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.

Family Camping Clinic
Saturday April 10 and Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic allows the whole family to build confidence and develop an appreciation of the natural world through science education, exploration, and the classic fun of camping. Please bring your own gear. We will supply water, base camp, and outdoor programs such as Search and Rescue Classes, Fly Fishing, Canoeing and other wilderness adventure programs. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $80 for a family of 5. $50 for a family of 3. $35 for a family of 2 or less. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Adventure Hike
Sunday, April 11, 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.

Springtime at the Homestead
Saturday, April 17 through Sunday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Step back in time to the 1860s as demonstrators present civilian and military life at the Vaughn Cabin. We will have quilting, spinning, cooking, blacksmithing, woodcarving, candle dipping, black powder and more. $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.

Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.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.

Introduction to Flyfishing
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join an expert angler and learn about the art of flycasting. Poles will be provided for the class, or anglers can bring their own tackle. In case of inclement weather the class will be held indoors. Pre-registration is required. This class will be limited to 10 participants, class will be geared toward 7 years and up. Meet near the Sweetwater Creek Baitshop. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, April 17, 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.

Giants of the Forest – Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn why forests are important to humans and explore efforts being made to conserve this natural resource. This is an all day hike. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. Friends of Panola will provide snacks and drinks for an additional cost. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Night Climb
Saturday, April 24, 6 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us aloft in "Naomi Ruth," a wonderful 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Meeting at Naomi-Ruth Climbing Tree. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Rivers Alive/Earth Day Cleanup
Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join us for Rivers Alive, Georgia's Annual Volunteer Waterway Cleanup, as we celebrate Earth Day by cleaning the post-flood banks and trails of beautiful Sweetwater Creek. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.Mountain Bike Adventures
Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join the Southern Bicycle League at the Rockdale River Trail parking area by Alexander Lakes for an off-road adventure. This ride will take you to scenic vistas, wetland complexes and pine savannah. Covers most of Panola Mountain's property; both dirt and paved trails. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Friday, April 30, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 1.5-mile ranger-led night hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.