Southern Appalachian Mushrooms

Saturday, October 4, Two sessions: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Photographer and Smithgall volunteer Debra Davis will present a lecture/slide program on Southern Appalachian mushrooms. A short walk to view mushrooms will follow. Participants will be provided a unique experience to learn about the important role of fungi in the environment, basic ID and safety. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.
 

Saturday Evening Music Concert Series

Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18 and 25, 8 p.m.

Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen

Regional musicians perform a variety of music from Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass, and Southern Gospel music. The series lasts from June through mid-November. “Pass-the-hat" donations for musicians. $3 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.
 

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

Monday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls

Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase of about 325 steps to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 700 steps. Register in advance. $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.
 

Frontier Day

Saturday, October 18, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun

Join us as the sites, sounds and smells of yesteryear return throughout the Cherokee Capital of New Echota. Demonstrations of common lifestyle skills will occur throughout the day. Get outdoors on a hike through the historic town site and on our 1-mile nature trail. $5. (706) 624-1321.
 

Fall Celebration

Saturday, October 18, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with a full day of mountain music, pioneer skill exhibits, traditional craft vendors, hayrides through the park, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.
 

Fall Hoedown

Saturday, October 18, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Vogel State Park – Blairsville

Celebrate autumn’s arrival with a 2 p.m. cakewalk, 4:30 p.m. hayrides, 5 p.m. chili and drinks for sale, 6:30 p.m. campfire and dancing, and finally at 8 p.m. a professional storyteller around a bonfire. $3 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Autumn Nights at Yargo

Friday, October 24, through Saturday, October 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park - Winder

Join the park staff for hayrides, storytelling by the campfire, children's games, and viewing the restored Old Fort by candlelight. $1 - $3, plus $3 parking. (770) 867-3489.
 

“Wails to Trails” Halloween Hike

Friday, October 24, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls

A "spirited" stroll along the Tallulah Falls Railroad bed brings visitors close to the characters who were once passengers on this historic train. Rain will cancel this event. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706) 754-7981.
 

Fall Celebration

Saturday, October 25, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Hart State Park - Hartwell

Enjoy a hayride, hot chocolate and an evening hike. Little guests can trick-or-treat at campsites. There will be a campsite-decorating contest as well. Children 12 and younger can participate in our costume contest. First place for both the campsite decorations and costume contest will receive a prize. $3 parking. (706) 376-8756.
 

Harvest Happenings

Saturday, October 25, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia

Come to this lakeside park for a hayride, campfire and storytelling. $3 parking. (706) 356-4362.