October Festivities & Events
Get ready for a spooktacular season as Georgia's State Parks welcome the cooler weather and changing tree colors this fall. Whether it's leaf-watching, hayrides, haunted trails, or Halloween happenings, there's a frightfully fun activity for all to enjoy!
- Leaf Watch
Georgia’s mountains turn to a vibrant red and gold blanket every October as the leaves change. Peak color is usually mid to late October at the highest elevations, moving into early November at lower elevations. Some of the best parks to visit to see beautiful colors are Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, Smithgall Woods State Park, and Tallulah Gorge. Discover all of Georgia's Leaf Watch Hidden Gems.
If you get to visit any of these beautiful parks, make sure you take pictures and share them with us on social media using the #GALeafwatch!
2. Fall Hiking Adventures
Embrace the refreshing autumn air and natural beauty with a stroll through Georgia's State Parks. In October, there's a spectrum of exciting fall hiking activities to engage everyone for a fun-filled experience. A few of these exciting events are:
Voices Of The Past- Lantern Tour- Join a guided lantern tour during this special after-dark opening. Your guide will share stories of history and mystery as you walk through the historic buildings lit with candlelight.
Location: Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA
Morning Mill Tour- Now's your chance to peer into the New Manchester Mill Ruins. These ruins were burnt down in 1864 during the American Civil War and sparked a fascinating mystery. Learn about the complex history of this site on this ranger led history hike.
Location: Sweetwater Creek State Park -Lithia Springs, GA
Halloween Glow Hike - Take a guided glow-in-the dark Halloween hike through the magical Flat Rock area. A night of spooky adventure and nature!
Location: Chattahoochee Bend State Park- Newnan, GA
3. Halloween Happenings
The spooky season has arrived. It's the perfect time for ghosts and goblins to come out and play, to explore the mysterious and thrilling events at Georgia State Parks. From haunted trails to ghostly campfire stories, there's no shortage of fun and excitement during this spine-chilling season. Dare to be scared?
Haunted Trail: The Outbreak- Step into the story with “Infection at the Park”, an immersive event where mystery and suspense come to life. A strange infection has spread through the park’s wildlife—and now, it’s affecting people, twisting them into something not entirely human. Their unsettling stares and strange hunger hint at something far darker. Uncover the source of this eerie, rabies-like outbreak before it’s too late.
Location: Ft. McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill, GA
A Haunted Evening at Victoria Bryant—Come out and enjoy a spooky evening in the park! There will be a hayride, haunted trail, campsite decorating contest, costume contest, trick-or-treating, a Halloween movie, campfire, and concessions.
Location: Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA
Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek - Visit a Spooky Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Walk through Camp Daniel Morgan on a trail filled with scenes of your Halloween scary favorites. Event suitable for ages six and above.Location:
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Explore all the spooky Halloween events happening this month, click here
Be sure to use your Friends membership during your park adventures this month! Not a member yet? Join today and start enjoying savings and special benefits at Georgia State Parks.