Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
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Back to Leaf Watch 2009

BEST PARKS FOR FALL COLOR
Click on a park name on the map below to find out what the leaves are doing there.

LeafWatchMap




AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK -- November 9, 2009 -- Peak color has passed, and many of the remaining leaves are brown and yellow. However, hikers can now see natural features that are normally hidden by leaves, such as spectacular tree shapes. Visitors will also enjoy the crunching sound and comforting smell of leaves underfoot. For a tough workout, climb the staircase up the waterfall or take the approach trail to the famed Appalachian Trail. Overnight guests should ask about weekday specials in the lodge.


BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- November 6, 2009 -- While there are still a few pockets of color, with some pretty yellow hickories and some red-colored oaks, most of Black Rock's leaves are now resting on the forest floor. But even if the color is essentially gone, we can promise park visitors that the gorgeous scenery is NOT! Vistas all along our trails are stunning, and the fallen leaves have opened up views deep into the Georgia and South Carolina Piedmont to the south and into the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina to the north. Mt. LeConte and Clingmans Dome in the central Smokies have been clearly visible from various park overlooks during the last several days. And while the Black Rock Lake doesn't offer distant mountain views, it doesn't need to: all the scenery is up close. Hikers enjoying this very easy trail have been raving about how pretty the trail has been this past week...and with almost no effort at all! So don't be disappointed by leaves on the ground. That just means there is no longer anything to get in the way of lots of Appalachian beauty.


CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK -- November 18, 2009 -- The autumn leaf change is mostly over for the season. Some fall color is still showing in the lower elevations of the park, but high winds the last few nights have stripped many leaves from the trees. Tempertures remain mild and the open views are still beautiful in the picnic area.


F. D. ROOSEVELT STATE PARK -- November 4, 2009 -- Fall color has arrived at FDR State Park as expected. The colors of sweetgum, sumac, maple, sourwoods, oaks, and dogwoods are nearing their peak. All the park trails are open, ranging from beginner level to more strenuous levels along the Wolf Den. Trail loop lengths range from 3.2 miles to nearly 7 miles. The White Candle Trail to Odie Overlook continues to be breathtaking this time of year. We look forward to seeing you as you visit Georgia’s largest state park.


FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- November 9, 2009 -- Fort Mountain is past peak and the leaves on top of the mountain are mostly gone. However, the park is still beautiful and hikers can enjoy scenery that is normally hidden by a full canopy. Look for rock boulders, small streams, unusual tree shapes and foraging wildlife.

HARD LABOR CREEK STATE PARK -- November 19, 2009 -- Hard Labor Creek still has some excellent color, despite the high winds that everyone got last week. Our horse trails are your best bet, and remember that we now allow hiking on those trails on weekends - $3.00 per person! The trails that follow the eastern side of Lake Rutledge will allow you to see more than just about anywhere else on the park. Our trails below Fambrough Bridge Road will be colorful as well, as the color for that section was running a little behind. The leaves are dropping all over the place, Leafwatchers need to hurry!


MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK -- November 12, 2009 -- Most of the fall color is on the forest floor and stream bottoms. This dramatic change in the landscape can be appreciated by avid hikers and even leisure passengers, which prefer viewing from the warmth of a car. Hikes along Hemlock Falls trail seem amazingly different in late fall than in the preceding spring and summer months. Waterfalls, weathered barns and rustic water mills seasonally hidden by lush vegetation are now visible on trails and along mountain byways. If plans are made for outdoor exploration, be prepared for cold and changing weather.


PANOLA MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- October 27, 2009 -- The colors are starting to show now. Sumac and sourwoods are revealing their reddish tint. Maples, hickories and tulip poplars can be seen in shades of orange, yellow and red. Throughout Panola's property, sassafras and persimmon trees are rich shades of red and maroon. We're probably looking at 30-40% of color throughout the park, and have scheduled a Fall Color Mountain hike for Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. to allow visitors to climb Panola and enjoy all the colors. These may be seen along our hiking trails and 12-mile multi-use PATH trail. Visitors can also enjoy the fall wildflowers and hues of red and orange leaves painting the landscape in our guided mountain top hikes to Panola Mountain and in our rope assisted tree top canopy climbing excursions.


PROVIDENCE CANYON STATE PARK -- November 12, 2009 -- Even though there are still many green leaves on trees, there are also many bare trees -- and it looks like we won’t really get a “peak” week this year. With the rains and winds of Ida passing through, more of the leaves will be down earlier than usual. There are some red and yellow smatterings still left on some of the maples, sweet gums, and sassafras, but there is not a big display of leaf color. The canyon walls, however, are always beautiful hues of pink, salmon, gold and orange. Fall and winter are great seasons to visit this unusual park in south Georgia.


RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- November 9, 2009 -- Now that Lake Allatoona has returned to normal pool, all the trails are open once again. The Homestead Trail offers particularly beautiful views of the lake and trees. Be quick though, because fall color is fading fast. Don’t forget to stop by the Mountain Cove Restaurant before you leave.

SMITHGALL WOODS -- November 12, 2009 -- Although some trees are now bare, many trees still hold beautiful color - especially the oaks, maples and trees more protected from wind and rain. The deep hay-colored Beech leaves are a real attraction. With fewer leaves, the woods have a more open feel to them, and in some places allow longer views of the landscape. Interesting tree barks and silhouettes are more prominent. The trails are filled with crunchy leaves, allowing an opportunity to replay memories of childhood gathering leaf piles. Note: Please call ahead to check the public hunting schedule, which, on some days, would preclude longer hikes.


SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK -- November 9, 2009 -- Fall color is at its glorious finest now at this beautiful park just west of Atlanta. This upcoming week will be particularly spectacular for the brilliant gold and yellow of the hickories as well as the much anticipated bronzing of the abundant Chestnut Oaks. All trails have reopened from the flooding except for the section of the Yellow Trail on the east side of Sweetwater Creek. A half mile down our Red Trail will lead you to the five-story ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill and the beginning of a mile-long stretch of whitewater rapids (up to class IV+).


TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK -- November 12, 2009 -- Most of the fall leaves are scattered on the forest floor now. However, the oak trees are still showing some crimson and bronze. But the excitement at the gorge has not left! If you visit the park during the next two weekends, you can enjoy watching the adventurous kayakers taking on the rapids in the gorge. The water release for the kayakers begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. You can watch the kayakers from several of the Rim Trail Overlooks that range in distance from 1/4 mile to 2 miles from the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. Guests 12 and older are invited to sign up for a ranger-led Kayak Hike for $5/person. Register in advance.


UNICOI STATE PARK -- November 9, 2009 -- The colorful leaves are mostly gone here at Unicoi. The Red Maples, Hickories, and smaller trees like Dogwoods and Sourwoods have lost their leaves, while the Oak leaves continue to hang on to their branches. Although there aren't any bright colors, the leaves "leaf" a very warm feeling with their browns, dark golds, and dark maroons. Enjoy the reflection of the colors off of Unicoi Lake while walking 2.5-mile trail Lake Trail. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious meal and overnight accommodations in our Unicoi Lodge.


VICTORIA BRYANT STATE PARK -- November 12, 2009 -- Leaf color is slightly past peak; however, there is still great color along the Perimeter and Broad River Trails. Both of these trails can be accessed near the entrance of the park near the Front Fishing Pond. The foliage around the RV Campground and the Pioneer Camping also has brilliant red and gold color.


VOGEL STATE PARK -- November 13, 2009 -- Most of the leaves at Vogel have fallen off their lofty perches, opening up the canopy to beautiful views. Just take a hike on the Bear Hair and Coosa Backcountry Trail and enjoy the beautiful weather and gorgeous overlooks. Be sure to wear bright colors, as it is hunting season.



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