Red Top Mountain State Park Visitor Center ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Red Top Mountain State Park is rolling out the red carpet to mark the start of spring.  With a jam packed schedule of events planned at Red Top this April, there’s surely something for everyone.  From dusk hikes & educational events to archery & moonlight egg hunts, there’s something for all at Red Top this month.  These April events sure are awesome, and you definitely don’t want to miss out.

If you have kids, check out the dusk hike and moonlight egg hunt.  Who doesn’t think searching for insects or easter eggs using a black light flashlight in the moonlight at one of Georgia’s best state parks doesn’t sound totally cool! Then, you surely don’t want to miss Red Top’s famous Hills of Iron & Iron Pour celebration on Saturday, April 29th.

Kudos to Red Top for an amazing line-up of programs and events this April.

April Events at Red Top

1)  Dusk Hike

Date:   Friday, April 7th

Time:  7:45pm – 8:45pm

Listen for wildlife, seek glowing insects with black light flashlights and explore the Sweet Gum Trail.  Participants should meet at the Visitor’s Center, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring water. Leave pets at home, please. Parking is $5.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

2)  Stars of Red Top (Star Gazing) & Hot Chocolate

Date:   Friday, April 7th & Friday, April 21st

Time:  8:30pm – 10:00pm

Observe the stars above.  Bring your own equipment or share the telescope and gazing binoculars that will be there.  Meet at the Visitors Center by 8:15pm and carpool over to the gazing spot.  This event is weather permitting.  Parking is $5.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

3)  Archery for Beginners

Date:   Sunday, April 9th

Time:  10am – 12:00pm & 1pm – 3pm

Find out if archery is the right hobby for you.  In Archery for Beginners, you will learn the basics of archery. Red Top provides all the equipment.  Participants bust be 9 and older to participate. Register in advance. This event is weather permitting and costs $10, plus the $5 parking fee. Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

4)  Moonlight Egg Hunt

Date:   Friday, April 14th

Time:  7:30pm – 8:15pm & 8:30pm – 9:15pm

What an awesome egg hunt!  Reserve your spot today for an egg hunt by moonlight with black-light flashlights. Red Top Mountain State Park supplies the flashlights; you seek the rewards. Eggs will have treats and prizes. If you find the Golden Egg, you win the special prize. You must call to pre-register and reserve your child’s spot no later than April 13.  The event costs $10, plus the $5 parking fee.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

5)  Lost Prevention and Fire Starting

Date:   Saturday, April 15th

Time:  10am – 11 am

This program is great for kids and families preparing for an outdoor summer adventure.  Meet a ranger at the Park Office and learn about steps to take and tools to plack when planning a wilderness adventure.  Participants will also start a fire using magnesium strike blocks.  There is a $5 parking fee.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

6)  Perplexed by Pollinators?

Date:   Saturday, April 15th

Time:  1pm – 2pm

In this interactive program lead by rangers, you will discover pollinators.  Participants will learn what a pollinator is, how pollination works and the role of pollinators in our ecosystem.  This is an outdoor program, so is weather permitting.  Mett at the Park Office.  There is a $5 parking fee.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

7)  Bats in the Night

Date:   Friday, April 21st

Time:  7:45pm – 8:45pm

In this program, you will learn about bats, their role in the ecosystem, dangers they face and what you can do to help.  Participants will also spy on bats as they hunt insects in the night.  There is a $5 parking fee.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

8)  Hills of Iron & Iron Pour

Date:   Saturday, April 29th

Time:  10am – 9pm

This is an all-day celebration packed with a full day of activities to celebrate the area’s rich history.  In addition to the famous Iron Pour, there will be guided tours of the historic iron mines and educational programs scheduled throughout the day.  Scratch blocks will go on sale at 2:00 and are sold on a first come, first serve basis.  Pour starts at 6:00.  There is a $5 parking fee.  Click here for more information.

9)  Mining for Minerals

Date:   Saturday, April 29th

Time:  11am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:30pm

In this family friendly event, miners will dig for the iron ore, geothite.  If you are lucky, you may find a geode or two.  All miners will take home a bag of minerals as a souvenir.  This event costs $10, plus the $5 parking fee.  Pre-registration is required for this event, and can be done by calling 770-975-0055.

More Information

• Click here for more information about Red Top Mountain State Park.
• Click here for Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.