Upcoming Events
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above in this introductory climb. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
ZZZ's in the Trees
Join us aloft for a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your “tree-boat,” viewing stars glimmering like diamonds in the sky. A treetop bivouac camp will be established in our secluded climbing tree for an overnight experience.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
2nd Saturday of the month until Dec 11, 2010 / 10 AM - 12 PM - The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.”
Backpacking Clinic at Panola Mountain
This over-night guided trip will take you to breathtaking vistas, pine savannahs, hardwood bottomlands and water crossings. The five-mile hike will include tracking skills, wilderness survival skills, useful plants, a night hike and hands on experience with backpacking skills for everyone.
Lost Person Prevention
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class. Register in advance. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Mountain Top Adventure Hike
2nd Sunday of Month from Jan 10, 2010 until Nov 14, 2010 / 2 PM - These guided hikes depart from Panola's nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Saturday Mountain Hike
3rd Saturday of Month until Dec 18, 2010 / 10 AM - 1:30 PM - This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops.
Let's Go Fly A Kite
Sunday, Mar 21, 2010 / 2 PM - With spring just around the corner, the piedmont rolling hills and grass lands will soon be alive with the sound of whooping and squealing as mom and dad get their children's kits air born. Pleas join us for this family tradition at Panola Mountain's Alexander Lake Recreational Area. Pleas bring kites, if you do not have one call us. Register in advance. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Mountain Bike Adventures
Join the Southern Bicycle League at the Rockdale River Trail parking area by Alexander Lakes for an off-road adventure. This ride will take you to scenic vistas, wetland complexes and pine savannah. Covers most of Panola Mountain's property; both dirt and paved trails. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Mountain Top Owl Prowl
Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night and offers one of the best perches for viewing Atlanta's skyline. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Sunday Afternoon Fly Fishing Clinic
1st Sunday of the month until Dec 5, 2010 / 2 PM - Casting is the backbone of this clinic; however, if time permits will also cover equipment, knot tying, and safety issues and other tricks of the trade. Master Instructor C. H. Brown suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Family Camping Clinic
This clinic allows the whole family to build confidence and develop an appreciation of the natural world through science education, exploration, and the classic fun of camping. Please bring your own gear. We will supply water, base camp, and outdoor programs.
Giants of the Forest -- Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 / 9 AM - 4 PM - Learn why forests are important to humans and explore efforts being made to conserve this natural resource. This is an all day hike. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Register in advance. Friends of Panola will provide snacks.
Tree Top Night Climb
Join us aloft in "Naomi Ruth," a wonderful 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Wood Carving 101
During this introductory course, learn how to carve wood by hand, shaping it into art. The course will cover types of wood, carving tools and equipment, and hands-on instruction. Participants will carve in-the-round and relief. Register in advance. $30 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Kids Fishing Festival
Saturday, May 29, 2010 / 9 AM to 2 PM - Kids 15 and younger are invited to our lake to hook a catfish or bluegill while learning about aquatic habitats, fish identification and fishing skills. Also, an archery range,fly-fishing, tree climbing, Georgia Wildlife Encounters, and other activities will be available. Bring your own bait and rods. Register in advance. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. Handicap Accessible.
Frog Slog
Tuesdays from Jun through Aug, 2010 / 6 PM - Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Meet in the Alexander Lake parking area. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking.
Twilight Hike
Thursdays in Jun through August, 2010 / 7 PM to 11:59 PM - Join a park ranger on this guided hike when the days are long, and the temperatures cool just before sunset. This is the time when wildlife is most active. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
National Trails Day Celebration
Saturday, Jun 5, 2010 / 9 AM - 3 PM - Explore the secret valley of Panola Mountain State Park. You will be guided on a 6-mile hike through wetlands to upland forest and be able to view stunning outcrops. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Register in advance.
Backyard Birding
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the America. Around 60 million people feed birds in the USA. The only outdoor hobby that is more popular is gardening, and the two combine naturally. This program is designed to introduce you to the basics of attracting our flying friends to your backyard and some general ways to view birds and identify them. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. Handicap Accessible.
FitNFun USA Camp
Monday, Jun 14, 2010 until Friday, Jun 18, 2010 / 9 AM - 4 PM - Children 10-17 explore personal growth, self awareness, life enrichment and empowerment through a holistic approach to health and well-being. Register in advance. $125 to $200 plus $5 parking. 678-401-7084 or 404-272-7418.
Blackberry Pickin'
Ride your bike on the Arabia Mountain Trail, or drive and park to historic Vaughters Farm. A park volunteer will guide participants to where the best berries are located. Bring your own container, gloves and insect repellant. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Starlight and Fireworks
Saturday, Jul 3, 2010 / 7:30 PM - Listen to whippoorwills and owls as fireworks shower Atlanta's skyline. The top of Panola Mountain is one of the best places for a quiet and colorful view of July 4th festivities. Bring flashlights, refreshments and comfortable clothing.
Fly Tying Clinic
Participants learn the art of fly tying as instructors introduce them to tools and techniques to create realistic flies. Will make one fly, possibly more if time permits. Ages 10 and older. $25 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. Handicap Accessible.
Volunteer Orientation at Panola Mountain
Share you passion with others as you advance your skills and talent. Use these orientation training as a foundation to introduce you to what you need to do to become a volunteer and enhance your volunteer experience at Panola Mountain. Meet at the nature center. Please arrive 30 minutes before this orientation. $5 parking. 770-389-7801. Handicap Accessible.
Introduction to Backpacking
This beginner's class will take place in an outdoor classroom. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
