It’s no wonder people travel from all across America to bask in the beauty of Lake Allatoona, our parks and the surrounding area, but there’s a lot to do here, too.

Here are a few things you might want to try.

Tree and Leaf Rubbing

Saturday, September 1, 2012 from 3 – 4 PM at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Meet in the Discovery Room to get paper and crayons.  Everyone will head out to make their rubbings.  Once we’ve rubbed impressions of the bark and leaves we’ll cut them out and put it together to make a mini “tree.”

$1 plus $5 parking.   Call 770-975-0055 for more information.

Evening Paddle on Allatoona Lake

Saturday, September 1, 2012 from 5 – 7 PM at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful evening paddle on the lake.  This two-hour trip is for visitors 16 years or older who can swim or children 6-15 years old who can swim and are accompanied by an adult.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

$15 per person includes tandem canoe or kayak and basic instruction. $5 parking.

Call 770-975-0055 for more information.

Mountain Music Series

Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 8 PM at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Enjoy our free bluegrass concert series where bands play every Saturday night for an hour or more.  Bring a chair or blanket and meet at the Vaughan Cabin located behind the park office.

$5 parking.  Call 770-975-0055 for more information.

All-Day Bluegrass Concerts at Allatoona

Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 11 AM – 7 PM at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Enjoy live bluegrass concerts all day long.  The stage will be set up at Group Shelter #1 near the beach.  A different band will play every hour.  A food vendor will be available (cash only).

$15 (12 and under free). $5 parking.  Call 770-975-0055 for more information.

The Creek and Cherokee People of Georgia

Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 2 – 3 PM at the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville.

Learn about the prehistoric people of Georgia.  Hear how the Creek and Cherokee lived before European contact.  Discover what changes were necessary for the survival of these people.

$3.50-$5.00.  Call 770-387-3747 for more information.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 9 – 11 AM at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge.

The clinic covers casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade.  If time permits participants may stay to catch the Fish of Fish. Instructors suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes.  Please bring your own snacks, water and sunscreen.  Georgia fishing license required.  Register in advance.

$15 or $12 if you bring your own gear. $5 parking.  Call 770-389-7801 for more information.

Lost Person Prevention

Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 10 AM at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge.

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, unless a SAR activity is occurring.  Meet at the nature center.  We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program.  Register in advance.

$5 parking.   Call 770-389-7801 for more information.