Georgia's State Parks and historic sites offer all kinds of family and outdoor fun in October 2007:

Fall Friday Hikes
Fridays, October 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2 - 4 p.m.
mithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen Van rides to hiking trails make it easy to enjoy hikes in the conservation area. Enjoy a leisurely pace and stops at points of interest on these guided hikes through fall foliage. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Southern Appalachian Mushrooms
Saturday, October 6, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 2 - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 2 - 4:30 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen Join an educational lecture and slide program on the role of fungi in the environment, basic ID techniques and safety. A guided hike will follow the lecture. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Women's Backpacking Weekend
Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls Participate in ranger-led activities including outdoor cooking, learning about edible and medicinal plants, and hiking four miles to the campsite. Bring you own backpacking gear, but meals are included.  Register by October 1. Event begins at 10 a.m. on the October 13 and ends at noon on the 14. $40 plus $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Quilting Bee Fundraiser
Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
Quilting demonstrators will show their beautiful works of art, and pieces will be put together for a "Unicoi quilt" donated by Friends of Unicoi to be raffled at the White County Relay for Life 2008. $3 parking. (800) 573-9659 ext. 305.

Fall Celebration
Saturday, October 20, 10 a.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 20, 2 - 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, 6:30 p.m. campfire and dancing, and finally at 8 p.m. a professional storyteller around a bonfire. $3 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Thursday, October 25, 6 - 8 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon.
This strenuous hike consists of about 700 steps, and pets are not allowed. Hike will be cancelled if it is raining but not if it cloudy.  Register in advance. $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.

"Wails To Trails" Haunted Hike
Friday, October 26, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls A "spirited" stroll along the Tallulah Falls Railroad bed brings visitors close to characters who were part of this area's history.
Register in advance. $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Harvest Happenings
Saturday, October 27, 7 - 9 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia
Come to this lakeside park for a hayride, campfire and storytelling.
$3 parking. (706) 356-4362.

Unicoi Fall Festival 
Saturday, October 27, 5 - 9 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
Celebrate fall with hayrides, face painting, costume contests, an Appalachian concert, a costume parade and more.
$3 parking. (800) 573-9659 ext. 305.

Visit the Northeast Georgia Mountains: www.georgiamountains.org