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Ranger-Led Programs
Let nature become your classroom on a field trip to Fort Mountain State Park! Based on your students’ needs, our park’s interpretive staff will work with each group leader to create a fun and engaging educational experience.
Programs range from 30 minutes to 4 hours and can range from a presentation with displays, to a guided hike with a ranger, or both!
We can work with any age group, grades 4-12, but please see a list below for specific programs and Georgia Standards that are great to study at the park.
To schedule a ranger-led field trip, please fill out and submit an Educational Request Form Group Contract. For more information, please call 706-422-1932.
The Bear Talk (Zoology and Conservation)
Fort Mountain is home to more black bears than any other state park in Georgia! As a visitor of the park, it is crucial to have a healthy respect for these majestic creatures. The main goals of our bear talk are to educate students on how to properly interact with bears, reduce the fear and misunderstanding around how they behave, and talk about the impressive anatomy of these animals. This is a stationary presentation with multiple displays and diagrams for students to view and touch.
- Program type: Stationary/seated
- Program length: 30 minutes
- Program cost: $1/student (Free when paired with another program)
Fire Tower Trek (Ecology, History, and Conservation)
Our most popular hike that offers interpretation and viewing of our most popular trail sections! Hike up to the West Overlook for one of the prettiest views in the state and learn about the transition in terrain from our unique ridge and valley location. Head over to our CCC stone fire tower for a tour inside and a talk on the history of the park. Then pass over the mysterious stone wall to discuss the possible origins of its construction. This hike runs along beautiful boulder and rock outcrop sections of the mountain, and down our historic CCC constructed stone stairs.
- Program type: Hike/moderate/1.2 miles
- Program length: 1.5 hours
- Program cost: $4/student
Wildlife Talk (Zoology and Conservation)
An in-depth discussion about all the different animals that call Fort Mountain home! We will discuss various animals such as snakes, salamanders, fish, turtles, deer, birds, and more. This program also encompasses most aspects of ‘The Bear Talk’. This is a stationary presentation with multiple displays and diagrams for students to view and touch.
- Program type: Stationary/seated
- Program length: 45 minutes
- Program cost: $2/student
Nature Hike (Zoology, Ecology, History, and Conservation)
This is a ranger led hike that can be tailored to the needs of your class! These hikes offer excellent viewing for wildlife, plants, and unique terrain features around the park. This hike can range from 1 mile, up to 5 miles, and can be made easy or moderate depending on the needs of your class.
- Program type: Hike/easy-moderate/1-5 miles
- Program length: 45 minutes – 3.5 hours
- Program cost: $4/student
Other Programs
Along with our listed programs, our rangers can work with your group to tailor your trip to meet specific requests.
Ranger-Led FAQ:
Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: Title 1 schools receive a $1 discount per child.
Q: How many students can come on a field trip?
A: Any number of students up to 120 can come on a field trip. We require that teachers and chaperones make a combined adult/student ratio of 1/10. Groups of more than 2 classes or 60 students will need to plan for additional time with the ranger in order to complete some programs.
Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: There is no limit for the number of chaperones that can come to the park. Any chaperone who drives a personal vehicle must have a Georgia State ParkPass tag displayed in their vehicle. Cost for a ParkPass is $5 per vehicle and can be purchased with cash at the park kiosk or with a card in the visitor center.
Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: We require at least two weeks’ notice to book any ranger-led programs.
Ranger-Led Additional Information
- Educators and group leaders will be responsible for the behavior of their students at all times.
- To ensure a quality visit for all visitors, please clean up after your group. This is especially important in picnicking and group camping areas.
- Groups larger than 2 classes or 60 students may require additional time to complete programs. Discuss your group size with park staff to ensure that we can plan a program rotation.
- Please be on time for your scheduled program. If running late, call to let us know. We try to keep to schedule so that you may return to school on time. Occasionally, we have groups scheduled back-to-back and late arrivals may either shorten or possibly forfeit their program.
- Please check in with us one week ahead of your program about the weather forecast. We can go out rain or shine, as long as there isn’t thunder or lightning.
Self-Guided Explorations
Educators and group leaders have the opportunity to experience Fort Mountain on a self-guided basis. Large groups (60 or more) that wish to visit the park should still inform the park office in order to prevent overlapping facility use.
If picnic shelters aren’t rented by other visitors, school groups can use these at no cost.
Parking is free for official school vehicles (school bus, van, etc.). Any personal vehicle must display a valid ParkPass. Parking fees for self-guided explorations are:
- $5.00 for vehicles with less than 13 passengers
- $30.00 for vehicles with 13-30 passengers
- $70.00 for vehicles that can hold 30 or more passengers
Other Information
For any questions, visit the Visitor Center or call us at 706.422.1932.