Rock Hawk event marks end of 10-year project

Students looking for a rocking time outdoors now have a new adventure and history filled attraction they can add to their to do list. Nov. 5 marked the grand opening of the Rock Hawk Effigy and Trails in Putnam County, Ga., located on Lake Oconee.

GCSU and President Dorothy Leland had the honor of giving the opening speech at the event. “Georgia College is proud to be a partner in the Rock Hawk Effigy and Trails Project,” she said in her speech Friday, alluding to the site which is rich in over 12,000 years of history.

The effigy offers a plethora of knowledge and is only a short trip away. The outdoor classroom, includes 15 miles of outdoors trails and learning opportunities leading to the Rock Hawk monument.

The park itself also offers the chance to see over 200 species of wild birds, a large lake, a river and even a variety of wetlands, grasslands and forests. Visitors can view the wildlife and effigy from viewing towers which line the trails to provide a more enriching experience for guests. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose to hike or bike the various trails and paths that offer informational stands along the way. Those who want a more fulfilling experience can bring their tents along and camp for up to 14 days on the camp sites offered by the park.

Even though the education and trails should be enough to draw in visitors and tourists from all around, the Rock Hawk is the park’s grand finale. According to the park’s informational website, archaeologists believe the Hawk to be an ancient place of worship built by Native Americans over 2,000 years ago.

Though it may be easily confused with Eatonton’s famous Rock Eagle, the two effigies are very different. Despite these differences, Rock Eagle, also in Putnam County located at the University of Georgia 4-H center, is believed to have been built around the same time and for similar reasons. The two are different in appearance though equally fascinating.

GCSU students and faculty have been involved in the project’s success and creation. Other sponsors and partners include Georgia Power, The University of Georgia, The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Putnam County.

“Join us for this unique recreational and educational experience,” Leland said during her speech.

Students wishing to take her advice and experience the Rock Hawk first hand can visit www.rockhawk.org for more information regarding tickets, trails and reservations.