Back to Leaf Watch 2012
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 BEST PARKS FOR FALL COLOR
Cooler temperatures are in the air and most leaves have already turned to pretty yellows, reds and oranges. Winds from Hurricane Sandy have blown many leaves down, and much color is now on the forest floor at higher-elevation parks. Lower elevation parks still have plenty of colorful trees. Even in mid-November, it's a beautiful time for a hike or mountain getaway, and you can enjoy leaves crunching underfoot. Use our interactive map to explore the best spots for hiking and to get the latest tips from rangers. You can also find out what the experts at Georgia Forestry Commission have to say about this year’s color.
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AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK -- November 15, 2012 -- Although a very few Maple reds are visible along the Lodge Road, most leaves are on the forest floor. If visitors care to hike the Base of Falls, Lodge Loop, Fitness, or East Trails, they will notice that several Oaks and Beech trees are displaying leaves of many colors: umber, sepia, burnt sienna, ochre, russet, bronze, toast, chestnut, sorrel, buff, bay, mahogany, and drab brown... pretty much brown. The lack of leaves gives visitors a broader view of the beautiful mountain landscape and a much clearer view of our magnificent 729 foot waterfall. If you're looking for "bear", come to Amicalola Falls, we've got "bare" trees everywhere!
BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- October 29, 2012 -- Wind has blown many leaves down from the trees, but the forest floor is quite colorful and beautiful. Many visitors' favorite overlook, the Rock, adjacent to the Visitor's Center, has a special fall display, perfect for taking family photos. Take a hike on the easy rated .85-mile Black Rock Lake Trail, the moderately rated 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail, where on a clear day, one can see all the way to Clingman's dome in the Great Smoky Mountains or on the 7.2-mile strenuous James Edmond trail to get a bird's eye view of Wolffork Valley from Lookoff Mountain. (The Ada-Hi Falls trails are closed due to storm damage). Allow plenty of time to enjoy the journey. The mountains are calling . . . and I must go . . . to Black Rock Mountain State Park.
CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK -- November 8, 2012 -- Although the leaves are past their best colors now, there are still plenty of beautiful and color trees to enjoy. Even the drive to the park is still colorful. You'll enjoy the quintessential crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. The best place to find the remaining colors would be the West Rim Loop Trail. This trail provides so much tree cover that you are bound to see something of interest along the way. Don’t forget to also check out the Five Points Recreations Area trails for the same reason. The extensive network of trails is accessible from the Nickajack, Ascolon and Five Points trailheads. You can get a map and driving directions from the park office or Interpretive Center.
F. D. ROOSEVELT STATE PARK -- November 6, 2012 -- The wind is blowing and the gold, red and orange are shimmering in the sun light. Peak leaf season has arrived at Roosevelt State Park. Come visit for the day or stay for the night and enjoy the beautiful leaves, while they are in their prime. This Georgia State Park offers some of the most amazing hiking trails, come visit the 3.2 mile Mountain Creek Trail or tackle the East End Loop Trail 3.4 miles which covers White Candle Trail and Beaver Pond Trail and spend some time at Odie Overlook, where you can see the spleandor of the leaves. We also encourage you to visit Dowdell's Knob, where the view has returned and you can see for miles. When you hike as always, we encouarge you to purchase a trail map, before heading out; don't forget you park pass too.
FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- November 12, 2012 -- After rain and heavy winds, most of the color is on the forest floor. Some leaves cling to the oak trees and a few of the other trees. Cooler temps are prevailing more and more. Winter is in the air on the mountain.
JAMES H. (SLOPPY) FLOYD STATE PARK -- November 12, 2012 -- The sun is starting to glow through the trees as the canopy is beginning to unveil. Many leaves are on the ground, but most trees are still hanging on. Colors are just past peak but maples are still orange, dogwoods are still red, and the oaks and hickories are still yellow. This is a great time to hike the Marble Mine Trail to see the color along the path and witness the views as they begin to open. November is one of the best months to enjoy a fire in one of our log cabins above the shimmering lakes.
MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK -- November 19, 2012 -- With the majority of leaves gone, there are still a few oaks & maples showing their colors. Hike the 1.5 mile trail to Hemlock Falls & the 1mile Wildlife Interpretive Trail. Enjoy the peaceful setting of Lake Burton from one of our swings in the park.
SMITHGALL WOODS -- October 30, 2012 -- Even though some leaf color is fading and some leaves falling from recent winds, the Oaks, Beeches, and Hickories are just coming into the full development of their color and are spectacular! Oaks are showing deep, vibrant reds; Beech leaves are green with yellow and brown trim around the veins; and Hickories rich yellows. Any hike in the park begins at the Visitor Center, where the Japanese Maples, planted by the park’s namesake Charles Smithgall are in various stages of reds, yellows, and greens. The Laurel Ridge Trail, which is always accessible is sporting a nice crunchy path, a blend of color and evergreen (particularly Rhododendron), and opportunities to look into multiple layers of canopy. Remember to call ahead or check the Hunt Schedule on the website to make sure the trail you want is open. Laurel Ridge Trail is open, even during hunts.
SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK -- November 20, 2012 -- Although the fall color peaked last week there is still spectacular fall color everywhere you look. The lovely red leaves of the Red Oak, Sourwood, and Red Maple are now at their magnificent peak. The orange of the Chalk Maple is at it's finest now and the tan, green, beige, and brown leaves of the American Beech are still stunning. The brilliant golden yellow of the Hickories are outstanding now. The pale orange of the Sassafras and maroon of the Sweet Gum are still evident and the bronze Chestnut Oak leaves are reaching their zenith on the Yellow Trail. Looking below is the brilliant red of the Sumac, gorgeous lavender of the Gentian flowers, and everywhere the multicolored magnificence of many different types of leaves covering the ground and trails. This is an outstanding week to visit also with the mild temperatures and clear, blue skies in the background of this glory.
Our most popular hikes begin on the mile-long Red Trail which takes you down to the five-story Civil War era ruins of the New Manchester textile mill and alongside the half-mile stretch of whitewater rapids (up to class IV+) of Sweetwater Creek (almost 400 feet wide in some places). These are even more impressive now with the beautiful fall color in the background. The five-mile Red and White Loop hike is considered the best by most in this 2,549-acre park, with more than 10 miles of trails of varying habitats, difficulty, elevation change, and distance.
TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK -- November 19, 2012 -- The cool weather strong winds and recent rains result in most of the leaves on the forest floor. Some leaves still cling to the oak trees and a few other trees. This park has a large number of evergreens and is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. A fairly easy trail leads to overlooks into the gorge.
UNICOI STATE PARK -- November 12, 2012 -- The leaves are past peak at Unicoi; however, there Unicoi Lake is reflecting the color that still is remaining. The Sourwood trees and Oak trees still tease us with a various shades of yellow. The ground looks as it has been dusted with cinnamon color leave and they crunch as hikers walk the trail. Unicoi has 7 1/2 miles of hiking trails. The Lake Trail is 2.5-miles with a pleasant view with each step. You can also enjoy a wonderful meal in Unicoi Lodge after working up an appetite.
VOGEL STATE PARK -- October 29, 2012 -- Strong winds have blown nearly all leaves down around Vogel State Park, which means the forest floor is blanketed in yellow, gold, orange and red. Enjoy the newly opened forest canopy on a number of trails within the park, including the 1-mile Trahlyta Lake Trail. From the dam you can see mountain reflecting on Lake Trahlyta. Take the waterfall spur trail at the dam to the viewing platform at the base of the falls. Also there are two other trails that are moderate for families to hike. One is the 1-mile Byron Herbert Reece Nature Trail with a couple of nice vistas to observe the mountains. The other trail is the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail for the more adventurous families which is beautiful anytime. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center for a trail map of the trails that are connected to the park. Make sure you make reservations for our mountain cabins and modern campsites because we often fill up.
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