If you’re feeling the winter blues, cheer up at Red Top Mountain State Park this weekend.  There’s a whole lot going on at Red Top – and there’s sure to be something for you.

Here are 8 reasons to get out to Red Top this weekend.

1)  Chestnuts on an Open Fire

Date:   Friday, February 17th

Time:  7:30pm – 8:15pm

Enjoy a campfire talk about the American Chestnut Tree, its decline and the new efforts to restore it.  Bring your own marshamallows and s’mores ingredients.  Meet at the Visitors Center.  Parking is $5.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

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

Date:   Friday, February 17th

Time:  8:30pm – 10:00pm

Learn about the constellations and celestial events.  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)  Winter Tree ID Hike

Date:   Saturday, February 18th

Time:  11am – 1pm

Learn how to identify common trees in winter months on this 2-4 mile hike.  Enjoy a hike along portions of the Sweet Gum and Homestead Trails and learn from an AmeriCorps Ranger how to identify trees from their buds, twigs and barks.  This event is $3.  Plus, parking is $5.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

4)  Junior Ranger Saturdays

Date:   Saturday, February 18th & Saturday, February 25th

Time:  12pm – 3pm

Register your 7-11 year old children for this three hour long event.  Jr Rangers will explore the woods, learn new skills, meet critters, do crafts, and more.  There is something new each day and will be fun for new and returning Jr Rangers.  This event is $10/ day and pre-registration is required.  Phone 770-975-0055 to pre-register.  Email [email protected] with questions.

5)  Archery for Beginners

Date:   Saturday, February 18th

Time:  2:30pm – 4:30pm

This program is for anyone 9 years and older who is interested in learning the basics of archery.  All the equipment will be provided; however, you are encouraged to bring water and bug spray.  You must pre-register by calling the Park Office at 770-975-0055.  The program is weather permitting.  The cost to attend is $10.  There is also a $5 parking fee.

6)  Lake Allatoona Shore Cleanup

Date:   Saturday, February 18th

Time:  3:00pm – 5:30pm

Give back to Lake Allatoona by helping clean its shores.  Meet at the beach.  Bring water, gloves and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.  Parking if $5.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

7)  Back Yard Bird Count and Hike

Date:   Sunday, February 19th

Time:  8am – 10am

This ADA accessible bird count and hike will make a .5 mile loop around a restored 1869 log cabin with field and woodland habitats and a view of Lake Allatoona.  Bring your binoculars to look for resident and migrant birds.  If walking, comfy shoes are recommended.  Parking if $5.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

8)  Winter Break Field Day

Date:   Sunday, February 19th

Time:  11am – 4pm

Take a break to enjoy some outdoor games in nature.  An ArmyCorps Ranger will supervise a range of games that will be set up.  Attendees will also be able to explore the Outdoor Classroom and enjoy the amazing Imagination Playground.  The event is open to all ages.  Parking if $5.  Phone 770-975-0055 for more information.

About Red Top Mountain State Park

Red Top Mountain State Park is the most popular fully featured park on Lake Allatoona. It is located on a large peninsula right in the center of the lake, directly opposite Allatoona Dam.

The park is historically significant for the 1864 Atlanta Campaign of the American Civil War when the Battle of Allatoona Pass was fought on a battlefield that is now within the park. Follow the Allatoona Pass Civil War Interpretation Trail through the battlefield and find out more about the history of the battle from interpretative signs.

The park’s popularity, however, comes from being near Atlanta, just off of Interstate 75. Red Top Mountain State Park is an ideal place for swimming, boating, camping and fishing. It has pavilions available for large groups, lovely cottages for rent, and small camping areas right on the water.

Visitors can bring their own boats or rent them from Park Marina inside the park.

There are also twelve miles of hiking trails that wind through the park.

For more information, visit http://gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain.