Cloudland Canyon waterfall
“When will the leaves change?” is the question park rangers hear most often once cooler temperatures arrive. Only Mother Nature knows for sure, but peak color in Georgia is usually toward the end of October or early November. To help leaf peepers find the best scenery, Georgia’s State Parks offer an online “Leaf Watch” travel planner, found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/leafwatch.
Beginning in October, regular updates will keep travelers posted on how fall color is progressing across Georgia’s Blue Ridge. The website is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events, and safe hiking tips. Shutterbugs are encouraged to post their favorite shots to the Georgia State Parks Facebook page and Instagram.
Georgia’s top state parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, F.D.
Roosevelt, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Red Top Mountain, Smithgall Woods,Sweetwater Creek, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi, Victoria Bryant and Vogel. For quieter getaways, visitors may want to explore parks further south, which can offer pretty autumn color as well. They key for most vibrant color is warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights.
Georgia’s State Parks offer a variety of accommodations where leaf peepers can stay in the heart of autumn scenery. Park guests can choose from fully equipped cabins, modern campsites and even yurts – a “glamping” trend that is like a tent-cabin. Georgia State Parks’ most sought-after accommodations are often reserved 13 months in advance, and most fill up on 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.