Georgia State Parks “Leaf Watch” Website Tracks Best Fall Color
Coming in October — Travel Tips for Leaf Peepers
ATLANTA, September 6, 2016 – Every October, Georgia’s mountains turn to a vibrant blanket of red and gold as the leaves begin to change. To help “leaf peepers” find the best spots for fall color, Georgia’s State Parks will offer an online Leaf Watch travel planner in October and November, found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/LeafWatch.
Leaf Watch is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events and hiking tips. Shutterbugs are encouraged to share their favorite shots on the Georgia State Parks Facebook page and Instagram, tagging #GaLeafWatch and #GaStateParks. Rangers will post updates on how fall color is progressing in their parks.
Some of Georgia’s top state parks for leaf watching include those in the mountains, such as Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Tallulah Gorge and Vogel. While F.D. Roosevelt is south of Atlanta, its higher elevation means autumn colors are often vibrant. For late-season getaways, visitors may want to explore parks further south, such as George L. Smith. The southern Georgia parks can offer pretty color after the last mountain leaves have fallen.
Georgia State Parks offer a variety of accommodations where leaf peepers can stay in the heart of autumn scenery. Guests can choose from cabins, campsites and yurts – a “glamping” option that is like a combination tent-cabin. Accommodations may be reserved 13 months in advance, and many fill up on October weekends. Guests are encouraged to make plans as early as possible or visit during weekdays. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 or at GeorgiaStateParks.org/reservations.
Park rangers have planned numerous events throughout October, including guided hikes and paddles, fall festivals, and Halloween hayrides and campground trick-or-treating. A list of events can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
