Moonlight hike, archery, tree climbs and more at Georgia State Parks

Georgia State Parks will kick off fall with a wide variety of activities to revel in the great big outdoors — from moonlight mountain hikes to tree climbing adventures to archery classes. Parking prices are per vehicle. Here’s a look at eight events worth checking out:

Moonlight Mountain Hike

7 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10

Join a ranger-led hike up Panola Mountain to enjoy the sunset over Atlanta. The moonlight will guide you down to a lakeside campfire where you’ll enjoy s’mores. Bring flashlights, bug spray, hiking boots and water. Ages 10 and up. Space is limited. Advance registration (call is 770-389-7801) is required. $10 per person plus $5 parking.

Also at Panola is an intro to tree climbing class. The next one is 1 p.m-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, but check website for more dates throughout the year. In this introductory program, participants use rope and harness to ascend into a 200-plus year-old Southern Red Oak, where you can climb and swing. Call in advance to register is required. Ages 8 and up. $15 per person plus $5 parking. Panola Mounain State Park, 2620 Ga. 155 S.W., Stockbridge. 770-389-7801, www.gastateparks. org/PanolaMountain.

Harvest Time at the Homestead

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18.

Step back in time to the 1800s and experience the lives of citizens and soldiers. Living history enthusiasts will bring a historic log cabin to life as they demonstrate crafts and daily activities. Try your hand at woodworking, laundry, soap making and more. Stop by the Civil War camp and visit with soldiers. See black powder weapons fired. Free. $5 parking. 770-975-0055. Red Top Mountain State Park, 50 Lodge Road, Acworth. 770-975-4226. www.gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain.

Archery for Beginners

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Saturdays in September and October through Oct. 22

This class is designed for those who are beginners and those with some archery experience. Either way, this class is for those would like to learn and sharpen archery skills. Class is guided and taught by an experienced ranger. Calling in advance to pre-register is encouraged. $5 plus per person plus $5 parking. Elijah Clark State Park. 2959 McCormick Highway, Lincolnton. 706-359-3458. www.gastateparks.org/ElijahClark

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

7:15 p.m-9:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 and 8:45 p.m.-10:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17

Enjoy a 1-mile hike that takes you down the stairs, across the suspension bridge and on the rim of the gorge under the full moon. Registering in advance required. $5 per person plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981. Also at Tallulah Gorge State Park is a full moon lake paddle 7:45 p.m.-9:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16. Register in advance. $15 per person plus $5 parking. Tallulah Gorge State Park. U.S. 441, Tallulah Falls. 706-754-7981. www.gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge

12 noon, Saturday, Sept. 24.

Festival will feature old-time music, arts and crafts vendors and food. $5 parking.

5000 N Browning Bridge Rd, Gainesville. 678-450-7726. http://gastateparks.org/DonCarter

Stand-Up Paddleboarding for Beginners

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17

This class will help you develop fundamental skills such as balance, effective paddling/stroke, steering, and falling/recovery techniques. Open to adults and children 12 and older accompanied by an adult. Must be able to swim. Advance registration required. More classes offered. Check website for more dates. $15 per person plus $5 parking. High Falls State Park. 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson. 478-993-3053.

gastateparks.org/info/highfall.

Sock Hop

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24.

Dust off your poodle skirts and letter sweaters.Enjoy music, dancing, and refreshments at the Stone Pavilion. Free. $5 parking. Indian Springs State Park. 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla. 770-504-2277. www.gastateparks.org/IndianSprings