New Paddling Club Launches in Georgia’s State Parks

Hey, paddlers, start working on that j-stroke. Georgia’s State Park System has unveiled a new club just for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. The Park Paddlers Club includes six state parks with waterways ranging from tidal rivers to the celebrated Okefenokee Swamp. Members can earn a bragging-rights t-shirt by paddling all 22 miles at Crooked River, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Sweetwater Creek state parks.

To join, park visitors buy a $10 membership card at any of the six participating parks. After completing the trails and getting their card punched at each park office, members can sport a bragging-rights t-shirt.

Most participating parks are in middle or south Georgia, while Sweetwater Creek is just 14 miles west of Atlanta. At this metro park, club members will explore three miles of a scenic reservoir. The easiest paddle is less than a mile long at Magnolia Springs State Park in Jenkins County, while the most difficult is a four-mile loop on a tidal river at Crooked River State Park near St. Marys. At George L. Smith State Park near Swainsboro, paddlers can explore a pretty mill pond dotted with Spanish-moss draped trees. Visitors to Reed Bingham State Park in Adel will complete more than three miles, floating past lily pads and a bald eagle nest. Finally, at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, paddlers can look for alligators, bears and other wildlife in the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp.

While none of the water trails include rapids or are considered difficult, they all have currents that can be impacted by wind or tide. The club is a fun way for people to work on their paddling skills while also exploring Georgia’s natural beauty. Many parks feature black-water lakes that reflect the trees and sky above. All have exceptional birding and wildlife watching opportunities. At Reed Bingham State Park, many visitors come just to see birds such as eagles, limpkins, turkey vultures and black vultures. At Crooked River State Park, lucky paddlers might even see a manatee. The DNR plans to add additional trails in the future.

Other clubs offered through the Georgia State Park System’s “Get Outdoors Georgia” initiative include the Canyon Climbers Club for hikers and the Muddy Spokes Club for mountain bikers. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 770-389-7401.

Delayed Harvest Trout Streams Open Today

North Georgia offers few better ways to observe fall foliage beauty than a trip to a trout-filled delayed harvest mountain stream. With more than 4,000 miles of trout streams and three species of trout, there are simultaneous fishing and leaf-viewing opportunities closer than you think.

The five trout streams managed under delayed harvest regulations are the Toccoa River located on U.S. Forest Service land upstream of Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County (from 0.4 miles above Shallowford Bridge to 450 feet above the Sandy Bottom Canoe Access), Amicalola Creek on the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (from Steele Bridge Road downstream to Georgia Hwy. 53), Smith Creek at Unicoi State Park, the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta (Sope Creek, downstream of Johnson Ferry Road, downstream to the Hwy 41 bridge) and a portion of the Chattooga River (from Ga. Hwy. 28 upstream to the mouth of Reed Creek) on U.S. Forest Service land bordering South Carolina.

These streams are catch and release only during the delayed harvest season and also are restricted to artificial lures with one single hook from Nov. 1 - May 14.

In addition to the excellent fall fishing opportunities delayed harvest streams provide, there also are ample year-round trout fishing opportunities in a number of Georgia streams. These designated year-round streams are open to fishing throughout the year.


Where to go:

Blue Ridge Tailwater: This tailwater is actually a stretch of the Toccoa River located downstream of Blue Ridge Lake in Fannin County and in many trout fishing circles is considered both blue-ribbon trout fishing and Georgia’s best kept secret. Anglers will find good numbers of both rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional trophy-sized fish caught. Most anglers prefer to float from shoal to shoal and then get out and wade to fish. Ultralight spinning gear and small spinners, such as rooster tails and panther martins, are best bets. Anglers should keep safety in mind - high water and strong currents can occur when the dam’s turbines are on. Keep a close eye on the water level and return to boats immediately if it starts to rise.

Noontootla Creek Watershed: This watershed offers some high quality year-round fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout, with many of its tributaries offering a chance at a wild brook trout (a real plus since most other brook trout waters are closed to fishing after Oct. 31). Both Noontootla and its tributaries are managed under an artificial lure only regulation and have a 16” minimum size limit in order to “recycle” the 8”-12” trout that make up most of the population.

Dukes Creek: This stream, located on the Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area offers year-round trout fishing by reservation(706-878-3087). All fish caught here must be released immediately and anglers must only use artificial lures with barbless hooks. The stream offers a great chance at a trout over 20 inches, so bring your camera
for a quick shot before release. Best time to fish is after a rain discolors the water.

Chattahoochee River: For good trout fishing close to the metro Atlanta area, the Chattahoochee River downstream of Buford Dam offers family-friendly and close-to-home, year-round fishing for stocked rainbow and brown trout and wild brown trout. Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, this location offers good bank, wading and boating access. The river will be stocked through the fall months to keep angler catches high. Year-round harvest is legal from Buford Dam to Sope Creek. Best fishing is at low flow when the river is clear to slightly stained.

Some additional notable year-round trout streams include the Conasauga River, Tallulah River and the Chattooga River.

To download free Georgia trout stream maps and other trout fishing tips, or for additional trout fishing information, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com.

Leaf Watch 2008

In just a few weeks, Georgia’s forests will turn into a brilliant blanket of red, orange and gold, inspiring leaf peepers to pull out their cameras and lace up their hiking boots. To help track the changing leaves and plan autumn escapes Georgia State Parks will launch Leaf Watch 2008 beginning today on the Georgia State Parks website.

Whether traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and biking, or heading south for canoeing and camping, Leaf Watch 2008 will offer advice on where and when to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Visitors can read regular updates provided by park rangers, get safety tips for hiking and camping, and learn why leaves change color. Last-minute availability for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms at the state parks will be posted, in addition to a Webcam showcasing the rolling mountainside of Black Rock Mountain State Park near Dillard.

Typically, northern Georgia peaks in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. Some parks in southern Georgia put on a pretty display during late autumn, particularly those with cypress trees and tea-colored swamps.

National Hunting and Fishing Day

In celebration of the passion for the outdoors that you share Georgia Outdoors encourages you to get out and participate in one of the many activities the GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division that will be held in honor of the 2008 National Hunting and Fishing Day, this Saturday, Sept. 27.

Events that will be offered in Georgia include SEVEN Outdoor Adventure Days (activities will differ at each event - but some highlights include birdhouse building, archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, hunting dog demonstrations, exhibits and more), kids’ fishing events, a “day at the range” and much more!

In addition to these events, a free fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on that Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. On this day, residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

The U.S. Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day 37 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs. Conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia - including a complete listing of events in the state visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select “Get Involved.”

Free Admission and Parking at Georgia's State Parks This Saturday

To kick off the state’s “Get Outdoors Georgia” initiative, every one of Georgia’s 63 state parks and state historic sites will be free for every Georgian on Saturday, June 14 - just in time for Father's Day weekend. All parking fees and admission fees will be waived for a full day to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking and dozens of other activities in Georgia’s diverse and beautiful outdoors.

Dozens of events, such as fishing rodeos and guided hikes, are planned across the state, details can be found at www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Held in Trust


Georgia Outdoors: Family Getaways


Sites to Behold: The History of Georgia's State Parks

Free Fishing Day is this Saturday June 7

National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-8, began in 1979 and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers a free fishing day on Saturday, June 7, 2008. On this day, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license in order to fish. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA).

In addition to the free fishing days, there are more than 50 Kids Fishing Events (KFEs) scheduled across the state during the week to help introduce children to fishing. These events offer a healthy form of entertainment for kids and are an excellent opportunity for beginning anglers to experience the vast rewards of recreational fishing. KFEs are FREE, held statewide and have experienced volunteers on hand to help. Many events offer prizes, free lunches and other fun-filled activities - so make plans to attend a KFE today!

Today is Endangered Species Day, May 16

Celebrate endangered species success stories, including the American bald eagle, peregrine falcon, gray wolf, grizzly bear, humpback whale and many others. This will be the third consecutive year for this national celebration of America's commitment to protecting and recovering our nation's endangered species. Events are held across the country to highlight endangered species stores.

This year, Endangered Species Day will raise awareness about the threats to endangered species – including global warming - and the success stories in species recovery. It will provide an opportunity for schools, libraries, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, agencies, businesses, community organizations and conservation organizations to educate the public about the importance of protecting endangered species. It is also an opportunity to highlight the everyday actions that individuals and groups can take to help protect our nation's wildlife, fish and plants. Because 2008 has been designated as The Year of the Frog by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a special focus will be on the threats faced by declining amphibian populations.

With more than 1,800 species now listed as threatened and endangered, and thousands more threatened with extinction unless they receive Endangered Species Act protections, all public education efforts are extremely valuable. Help celebrate Endangered Species Day by learning about endangered species in your area, providing habitat for wildlife in your backyard, joining Frogwatch, visiting your local zoo, aquarium or endangered species habitat.

To find Endgangered Species Day Activities in your area visit the Endangered Species Coalition website.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Georgia's Rare, Threatened and Endganged Species

National Bike-to-Work Week

May is Bike Month.

May 12-16 is Bike-to-Work Week.

May 16 is Bike-to-Work Day.

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) celebrates National Bike Month each year in May. It's a chance for people to consciously promote cycling and the many ways bicycling is such a fun and useful way to get around.

Need some ideas? Here are 50 ways to celebrate Bike Month.

Also, download this pamphlet on the How's, Why's and Simple Pleasures of the Two-Wheeled Commute.

For information about events in your area the League of American Bicyclists .



Watch Georgia Outdoors: Biking.

Record the Ribbit this Sat, May 3

FrogWatch 2008: Record the Ribbit this Saturday, May 3rd

Leap into spring with your family and friends to celebrate FrogWatch 2008: Record the Ribbit. Participate in this one-day event to raise awareness about frogs and toads. Record the Ribbit is easy, free, and perfect for people of all ages.

Prepare by listening to calls and viewing photos of local species in your area, head outside on a nature walk, and then come back to share your findings online. Make sure to take a notepad with you to jot down your observations.

Record the Ribbit is a special event of Nature QuestSM FrogWatch USA™, National Wildlife Federation’s popular citizen-science amphibian monitoring program.

Download a Record the Ribbit Data Sheet for Your Region and get hopping!

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Reptiles and Amphibians to learn more about frogs.

Wildflower Hikes

Spring is a great time to take a hike. Wildflower abound in north Georgia this time of year. Try one of these spring wildflower hikes at Georgia's State Parks

• Spring Wildflowers Around Unicoi
  Friday, April 18 – Saturday, April 19
  Unicoi State Park – Helen
  Friday evening begins with a slide show and lecture. On Saturday, there will be wildflower walks and activities that help both the novice and experienced enthusiast better appreciate the colorful and fascinating world of mountain wildflowers. Register in advance. $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

• Wildflower Walk
  Saturday, April 26, 1:30 p.m.
  Vogel State Park – Blairsville
  This guided wildflower walk through the Appalachian forest will highlight Jack-in-the pulpits, wild azaleas and many other flowering plants. $3 plus $3 parking. (706) 745-2628

• Wildflower Fever 1
  Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
  Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
  Join nature photographer and master naturalist Debra H. Davis and her husband, Larry, to learn about the incredible beauty, diversity and folklore of Georgia's mountain spring wildflowers. Following a lecture and slide program, everyone is invited to join a short walk on the Laurel Ridge Trail. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.

Youth Birding Competition

What kid doesn’t love a treasure hunt?

In this case, the "hunt" is a challenge to see who can find the most bird species. March 31st is the deadline to register for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Third Annual Youth Birding Competition, open to children in grades K-12.

The event takes place during a 24-hour period beginning at 5 p.m. May 2. Teams can search for birds anywhere in Georgia, but they must be at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield by 5 p.m. May 3 for the awards banquet.

Each team must consist of at least two children. Their adult chaperones are not allowed to help them locate or identify the birds. Registration forms, rules and instructions about the contest are available at this website.

The First Annual Youth Birding Competition was featured in tonight's Georgia Outdoors episode. Watch it at 7:30 PM on GPB-TV or online at anytime.

Georgia Out...and About

Get outdoors this weekend. Here's just some of what's happening this weekend.

Saturday, February 23, 5:30 AM: Experience sunrise at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Don’t miss the sight of light barely filtering through Spanish moss and the sound of the land coming alive with scampering wildlife, owls and other birds. Learn more.

Saturday, February 23: Hike the Moody Forest with famed author Janisse Ray. Learn more.

Saturday, February 23, 6:30 PM-9:30 PM: Owl Prowl! Enjoy an evening of storytelling, guided night hikes, songs to sing around the campfire, marshmallow roasting, nocturnal wildlife sights and sounds, and the night time beauty of the Chattahoochee River. Reservations are required, as space is limited! Learn more.

Sunday, February 24: Massee Lane Gardens Bike Ride has several miles of country roads to ride upon, near the famous Camilla Gardens in Fort Valley. Learn more.

All weekend, too numerous to list. Visit the website of Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sitesfor information about events such as a fly-fishing workshop, history hikes, a dulcimer making workshop and wildlife rescue!

35 Natural Wonders

Wonderful article in the AJC by Charles Seabrook. Many of these places have been featured on Georgia Outdoors. When our GPB website is back up and running at full capacity I'll come back and link these places with Georgia Outdoors episode that features them. Check back soon!

Originally printed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on 02/03/08

Bookstores are filled now with such titles as "1000 Places You Must See Before You Die" and "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die." Everywhere you turn, in fact, there are lists suggesting things you should do, see, read, taste or listen to before you die. So, I've come up with my own list — 35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die. You might have candidates of your own, but here are mine:

1. Okefenokee Swamp. World-famous wetland.

2. Marshes of Glynn. Far-as-the-eye-can-see coastal salt marshes that inspired poet Sydney Lanier to write his famous poem.

3. Cumberland Island National Seashore. Former President Jimmy Carter called it one of his most favorite places on Earth.

4. Ossabaw Island. Unspoiled barrier isle; amazing natural beauty.

5. Cabretta Beach, Sapelo Island. One of Atlantic coast's most beautiful undeveloped beaches.

6. Woody Pond, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge (McIntosh County). In spring, thousands of egrets, herons and endangered wood storks form spectacular nesting colonies.

7. Ebenezer Creek (Effingham County). National Natural Landmark; harbors 1,000 year-old bald cypress trees with huge buttresses eight to twelve feet wide.

8. Altamaha River. Lower Altamaha called "Georgia's Amazon" for the lush, jungle-like growth along its banks; river's entire 137 miles unfettered by dams.

9. Broxton Rocks Ecological Preserve (Coffee County). Rugged sandstone rock outcrop deep in South Georgia; sculpted over centuries by water into fissures and shallow ravines that are now havens for many rare plants.

10. Ohoopee Dunes State Natural Area (Emanuel County). Sometimes called "Georgia's Desert" because of its dry, sandy soil and scrubby vegetation. Biologists call it an "enchanting environment."

11. Wade Tract Preserve (Thomas County). Privately-owned 200-acre swath of old-growth long leaf pine and wire grass; one of few remaining examples of great long leaf forest that once covered Coastal Plains region.

12. Providence Canyon State Park (Stewart County). Eroded land that transformed into a place of great beauty; sometimes called Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon."

13. Doe Run Pitcher Plant Bog Natural Area (Colquitt County). Lush growths of carnivorous pitcher plants in spring.

14. Pine Mountain (Harris County). Spectacular view from Dowdell's Knob of valley below; President Franklin D. Roosevelt often came here to picnic and meditate.

15. Warm Springs (Meriwether County). Naturally warm, soothing water bubbling from Earth; FDR came here for treatment of polio.

16. Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area (Houston County). See for yourself why conservationists are intent on saving from development this place of roaming black bears and rare wildflower habitats.

17. George L. Smith State Park (Emanuel County). Bald cypresses growing in pond are magnificent in fall when they take on their orangish-bonze tints.

18. Sprewell Bluff State Park (Upson/Talbot counties). Little known gem on Flint River, which is one of South's most beautiful and interesting streams; 3-mile trail offers superb views of river and rocky cliffs.

19. Palisades unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Spectacular greenspace in midst of sprawling, bustling metro Atlanta.

20. Graves Mountain (Lincoln County). Rockhounds from all over world come here for amazing array of rocks and minerals.

21. Stone Mountain/Arabia-Davidson Mountain/Panola Mountain. Huge geological wonders that sport some of Georgia's most colorful arrays of wildlflowers in spring and fall.

22. Tallulah Gorge (Rabun County). Hard granite walls fall perpendicular to land above, forming steep cliffs.

23. Amicalola Falls State Park (Dawson County). Falls plunge 729 feet in seven cascades; highest waterfall east of Mississippi River.

24. Richard Russell Scenic Highway. 14-mile-long road is not natural, but it winds through some of the most splendid mountain scenery in the Southeast. Along the way are trailheads to waterfalls and scenic spots.

25. Cloudland Canyon (Dade County). One of Georgia's most scenic state parks; rugged geology and beautiful vistas.

26. Brasstown Bald (Chattahoochee National Forest). At 4,784 feet above sea level, it's Georgia's highest mountain; four states can be seen from top.

27. Rabun Bald (Chattahoochee National Forest). Rivals Brasstown Bald in elevation and spectacular views.

28. The Pocket, Pigeon Mountain. (Walker County). Lush growths of colorful spring and fall wildflowers in a beautiful setting.

29. Rocktown, Pigeon Mountain. Stunning, house-size boulders make it a rival of its famous cousin, Rock City near Chattanooga.

30. McLemore Cove (Walker County). One of Southeast's most picturesque mountain valleys.

31. Chattooga River (along Georgia-South Carolina border). Untamed and unimpeded; wild and rugged.

32. Sosebee Cove (Chattahoochee National Forest). High elevation, north-facing cove forest; rich diversity of shade tolerant trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

33. Cooper Creek Scenic Area (Chattahoochee National Forest). Harbors large hemlocks and white pines, some with bases as big as four feet in diameter.

34. Raven Cliffs Falls (Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area). Splendid waterfalls; trail to them almost equally stunning.

35. Anna Ruby Falls (Unicoi State Park, White County). A must-see for visitors.

Georgia Out...and about...Georgia Marshes

Keely's picks for great outdoors adventures-- Marsh style.

Fort Morris Historic Site - Midway, GA
Come & Take It! -- American Revolution Encampment
Saturday, November 17; 11:00 AM -4:00 PM
This American Revolution encampment commemorates Colonel John McIntosh's defiant reply to a British demand for surrender: "Come & Take It!" Watch colonial demonstrations, musket and cannon drills, skirmish and more. Interpreters in historical attire will teach about colonial life. $1.50-$3. 912-884-5999.

Fort Pulaski National Monument
Saturday, November 17; 8:30 AM- 12 Noon
Guided Bicycle Tour of the Fort as well as surrounding areas. Park Rangers and employees from Chatham County Parks and Recreation, Oatland Island, and volunteers will lead a bicycle tour of the Rails-to-Trails, Battery Park on Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument, surrounding dike system, and the lighthouse trail. This tour will interpret natural and cultural resources, and allow participants to exercise as well.

Frederica National Monument
Visit the "Bloody Marsh Unit" of Fort Federica. The English and Spanish forces fought in an encounter later known as the "Battle of Bloody Marsh". The origin of the name came from the marsh supposedly running red with the blood of Spaniards. However, official Spanish records indicate that only seven grenadiers died during this battle. Due to the efforts of Lt. Patrick Sutherland of the (old) 42nd Regiment of Foot and the Highlanders from Darien, the battle was a British victory, ending the Spanish claim to Georgia.

Plus one suggestion for land lovers...

Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Youth Basic Flyfishing Clinic
Saturday, November 17; 10:00 am -11:30 am
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Our local instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required for parents joining the group. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801.

Georgia Out...and About

Fall temperatures are here!! So get out there and try these Suwanee River and fall season inspired adventures:

Okefenokee Nature Photography Workshop at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. A hand's on workshop at one of the nations renown refuges with local nature photographer John Reed.

Paddle the Suwannee River. Very little of the Suwannee River is actually in the state of it's birth-- Georgia. But there is enough of it for a good weekend paddle. Put in at Stephen C Foster State Park in Georgia, stop off at the Suwannee River Visitors Center in Fargo and take out at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park not too far over the state line in Florida. Trip: +/- 20 miles.

Georgia State Park Leaf Watch. Visit this site to find out which state parks are in the best fall color. Looks like this weekend the higher elevation parks are your best bets: Black Rock State Park and Fort Mountain State Park.

Georgia Out and About: Nature Photography

The weather is supposed to clear up this weekend. 69 degrees and partly cloudy. Just about perfect, in my opinion. So get out there and try these Nature Photography and Halloween inspired adventures:

Halloween Hikes at Chattahoochee Nature Center. Experience the mystery of guided night hikes as you walk through the lighted nature center trails and meet friendly forest creatures with a tale to tell.

Burts Pumpkin Patch. A great place to bring the family and the camera. And while you're in that neck of the woods pop over to Amicalola Falls State Park. Hike the falls and use the camera. But don't forget to look all around you for that special shot. The falls is not the only subject in the park. Catch a shot of the turning leaves, a damp mushroom or a sneaky salamander.

Hop aboard Thomas the Tank Engine. The classic storybook engine is set to roll into the Sam Shortline Excursion Train depot in Cordele this weekend. While you're there stick around for sunset at Lake Blackshear. One of the best I've ever seen.