JUNE EVENTS IN GEORGIA STATE PARKS
Master Naturalist Certification
What: Eight-week training in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to the southern Blue Ridge ecoregion
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, June 6-July 25
Where: Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen
Cost: $200 plus $5 parking; register in advance
More info: 706-878-4736
Flat Creek Adventure
What: 2-3 hour excursion to Flat Creek Island; bring food and water
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11
Where: Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville
Cost: $20 with personal kayak/canoe or $30 with kayak rental; $5 parking
More info: 678-450-7726
Hike to Hemlock Falls
What: 2.2-mile staff-led hike to Hemlock Falls featuring a waterfall; bring water and be prepared to walk on uneven and sometimes muddy terrain
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 11
Where: Moccasin Creek State Park, 3655 Ga. 197, Clarkesville
Cost: $5 parking
More info: 706-947-3194
Witch’s Head Hike
What: Guided hike to bottom of the dam to view the witch’s head rock; Bring water, lunch and proper foot wear. Children must be 8 or older; no pets.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Where: Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls
Cost: $5 plus $5 parking; register in advance
More info: 706-754-7981
Slackline 101
What: Learn basics of walking on a slackline. Bring pair of comfortable shoes. For ages 12 and older.
When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 29
Where: Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls
Cost: $5 plus $5 parking; Space is limited.
More info: 706-754-7981
Georgians of all ages can lace up their boots in June to celebrate National Trails Day as park rangers say “hike with us on our birthday.”
As a way to honor our country’s largest public trail event, National Trails Day is held the first Saturday of each June. It highlights 200,000 miles of trails that crisscross America.
Programs include ranger-led hikes, kayak tours, caving, geocaching and even the kickoff of a new dog walking club. On Saturday, June 4, two state parks in Northeast Georgia will conduct hikes.
At 10 a.m. at Don Carter State Park in Gainesville, a naturalist will guide participants around the Huckleberry Point Loop. The easy three-quarters of a mile loop will take hikes into a wooded area while hugging the shoreline of Lake Lanier. Along the way the guide will point out native plants and look out for wildlife.
Cost is $5 plus $5 parking. For more information, call 678-450-7726.
At the Moccasin Creek State Park in Clarkesville, a ranger will lead a 2.2-mile hike from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, to Hemlock Falls.
Participants need to bring water and be prepared to walk on uneven and sometimes muddy terrain. Visitors should park and meet at the Hemlock Falls Trail Head.
For more information, call 706-947-3194.
To learn more about the National Trails Day, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.