For many, summer months are truly a time of excitement and discovery in Georgia state parks. School is no longer in session and yet so many kids are gaining a valuable education at our great state parks. Whether through Junior Ranger Camps, nature hikes, or outdoor adventures, kids of all ages gain great memories and a wealth of knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.

Parks of course are important to each of us but to kids, it's a safe haven for exploration and adventure. For families, it's an opportunity for outdoor recreation and untouched lands unlike anywhere else in their neighborhoods. Thanks to our trained rangers and staff, as well as our Friends chapters, our Georgia state parks are kept clean and safe for visitors of all ages.

It is that time of year when many are ready to shed the holiday pounds and get back into hape. With the help of Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, these resolutions can become reality.  Grab your Friends membership and hit the trails!  Hiking is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and give your body the exercise it craves.

If you need further incentive to hit those trails, grab your GPS and enjoy a geocaching treasure hunt.  Whether you are with the entire family, a group of friends, or hiking solo, geocaching is a great way to keep everyone engaged and it provides a great challenge for those who are ready to hunt some treasure!

Hayrides, fall festivals, and school fieldtrips are all happening this month at Georgia's state parks. Rangers are staying busy offering guided hikes, identifying various plants and animals that call their parks "home." Friends chapter and volunteers throughout the state are offering park guests more programming and exciting opportunities in support of their favorite sites.

October is a great time to explore your parks and historic sites.  Not only are the leaves changing colors but the skies are clear which makes for some great night sky viewing!  In addition, this is the time of year when monsters, ghosts, witches and ghouls all use their Friends memberships to visit the parks!

At Red Top Mountain State Parks, the Friends group transforms the Iron Hill Trail into the lost city of Ravenwood for a spooky, family-friendly hayride through the woods with story-telling, snacks and more.  For more information and to make reservations, visit www.friendsofredtop.org. 

On October 8, Mistletoe State Park hosts a Family Fall Festival with old-fashioned games, a pumpkin scavenger hunt and more.  Friends of Mistletoe will offer hayrides as well.  Click here for more details.