AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK -- November 8, 2011 -- Bad news, good news: Most of the leaves have fallen near the waterfall, although a little yellow and red color is still visible. The good news? We now have a great view of the upper falls! Most of the Sourwood have lost their leaves, but the pale beige tassels remain. As you look out the Maple Restaurant, most of the close-up colored leaves have hit the ground, but the view of the red-yellow-brown ridge is spectacular. Yes, it's bad news, good news... it's almost over but what remains still pleases the eye. This popular park has several hiking trails to choose from, plus a hard-surfaced trail to the falls that is easily navigated by strollers.
BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- November 14, 2011 -- Leaves across a large part of Georgia's highest peaks are now on the ground, and we're saying good-bye to yet another colorful autumn. Here at Black Rock, the pretty leaves may be gone, but the gorgeous mountain scenery is not. As a matter of fact, for many people this is a favorite time to hike, when mountain trails provide continuous scenery and there are no leaves to hinder potential vistas.
Late autumn's crisp weather can make the park's most challenging trails feel just a little less arduous (trust us, a trek to Lookoff Mountain's rocky summit is a lot more enjoyable at 55 degrees than it is at 75!). From the park's northernmost point, the mountain ridges ripple like waves, and you'll be glad you brought along your camera. And what a perfect place for a sandwich, with Wolffork Valley's fields and pastures a thousand feet below! Another option is the Tennessee Rock Trail, high atop the Eastern Continental Divide, with views of Clingman's Dome and Standing Indian.
Now granted, not everyone's into challenging hikes. Some enjoy the easy access of roadside scenery, and park overlooks like Cowee, Nantahala, and Blue Ridge provide seemingly-endless vistas across the Southern Appalachians- each of them just a few yards from the door of the car. From few other places in Georgia can you see Mt. LeConte near Gatlinburg! Autumn is winding down, yes, but the mountains are still pretty and just begging to be explored. Come on up and enjoy one more visit before winter's chill is here to stay.
CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK -- November 14, 2011 -- Most leaves have dropped on top of the mountain and are past their peak colors on the lower slopes. Once down into the valley there is good color with plenty of reds and oranges still visible. This is one of Georgia’s most beautiful, breath-taking and rugged parks. There is a spectacular view along the rim of the canyon accessible from the picnic area. Serious hikers can choose from the 5-mile West Rim Loop, 2-mile Waterfalls Trail, 2-mile Backcountry Loop, 9-mile Backcountry Loop, 6.5-mile Sitton's Gulch Trail and 5.6-mile Long Branch Trail.
F. D. ROOSEVELT STATE PARK -- November 14, 2011 -- As one looks around and sees all of the leaves on the ground it is easy to see that it is past peak fall color. But do not let those fallen leaves fool you. There is still quite a bit of beauty to be seen, especially amongst the red maples. These trees cannot be seen easily from the road, so you'll need to walk the trails. It is quite a spectacle to hike the trails as you walk through the leaves and venture upon the few trees that are still changing or just beginning to change. These late bloomers have the advantage of standing out from all the fallen brown and yellow leaves on the ground creating quite a sight and wonderful photo opportunity. There are still beautiful golden shades of yellow on the hickories and remaining deep reds on the black gums and dogwoods. All of these colors look wonderful against the greens of the pine trees.
FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- November 2, 2011 -- The Fall colors are a little past peak, but the colors are still breathtaking. Fort Mountain offers hiking, biking, and horseback trails to get out and enjoy the season. With nearly 70 miles of trails, the park offers a trail for every age and interest. A fairly easy trail leads to a mysterious rock wall crossing the mountain. The 8.2-mile Gahuti Trail travels around the edge of the park, passing just below the summits of both Cohutta and Fort mountains. Ever changing, the trail is both beautiful and challenging in all seasons. The park has exceptional mountain bike trails as well.
JAMES H. (SLOPPY) FLOYD STATE PARK -- November 21, 2011 -- Leaf watching season is finally over here at James Floyd. Now is the time to enjoy winter views from our mountain trails like the Marble Mine and Jenkins Gap trail which lead you to the Pinhoti National Scenic Trail. From the park Lookout Mountain can be seen on the western horizon and other peaks of the Armuchee Mountains to the east. Don't forget to bring you camping gear or check out one of our log cabins for the holidays!
MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK -- November 9, 2011 -- The fall color is past its peak here in the northeast Georgia mountains. A lot of the leaves are already on the ground and what remains is falling fast. The Hemlock Falls trail has opened up with views of the surrounding forest and smaller waterfalls that can't be seen when the foliage is thick. It is a great time to get out and take a hike.
RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -- November 14, 2011 -- Red Top Mountain is still bursting with color. Many trees have already shed their leaves but this makes for a beautiful mosaic on the ground and in the canopy. Earlier in the season the dogwoods led the way in color and many have gotten their second wind, displaying beautiful dark reds. The oaks have added their colors and are also putting on an impressive show. For a nice short hike in this cool weather head to the Visitor Center and jump on the Visitor Center Trail. This trail is great for all ages and showcases many of the colorful trees at the park.
SMITHGALL WOODS -- November 14, 2011 -- Although some trees are now bare, many trees still hold beautiful color - especially the oaks and plants and small trees on the forest floor. 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. 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. Please call ahead to check the public hunting schedule, which, on some days, would preclude longer hikes. Laurel Ridge Trail is always open, even during hunts.
SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK -- November 17, 2011 -- Although many leaves have fallen the fall color here is still spectacular. Lovely shades of red can still be seen in the Red Maples, Sumacs, Sourwoods, Sassafrasses, and Dogwoods. Most dramatic still this week are the brilliant golden yellow Hickories and the multi-hued Sweet Gums. As the blue skies above open up as the leaves fall, our trails are now carpeted with gorgeous leaves of many different colors, sizes, and shapes. Blooming now creekside along the Red and White Trails is the lovely Soapwort Gentian displaying it's lovely violet blossoms.
Our most popular trail is the mile-long Red Trail which takes you to the five-story ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill and a half mile stretch of whitewater rapids (up to class IV+). For a longer hike with lots of Fall color, consider the 2-mile Blue Trail which winds through beautiful deciduous forests, several lovely stream coves, and follows the ridges overlooking Sweetwater Creek. There are many diverse habitats here with many species of wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees which make the Northern Piedmont (Appalachian foothills) such a biologically rich and diverse place. The Blue trail is a quieter alternative to the Red Trail and allows hikers to return to the trailhead via a loop instead of backtracking. The 4.7 mile Red and White Loop is considered the best hike by most for those are prepared in this 2,549 acre park.
TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK -- November 9, 2011 -- While this park has numerous evergreesn, we still have plenty of hardwoods with nice fall color. Hike out to inspiration point to look down into the gorge and enjoy the spectacular colors while enjoying waterfalls. The first two weekends of November, you can also enjoy watching kayakers paddle the river and waterfalls. Best spots to watch are overlooks 1, 8, 9, 10 and inspiration point. Now is a good time to enjoy cooler weather and hike to see our waterfalls surrounded by autumn color. The trail to the suspension bridge is 1.5 miles round trip and includes more than 600 steps -- making it a great workout.
UNICOI STATE PARK -- November 18, 2011 -- While there are a few leaves clinging to their branches, the forest at Unicoi is past peak. Visitors can still view few leaves that seem to be rustic in color but the leafless branches remind us of the changing seasons. After enjoying a brisk cool walk, enjoy a delicious meal in our Unicoi Lodge and view decorated gingerbread houses that will help you get into the holiday season.
VOGEL STATE PARK -- November 7, 2011 -- The mountains in and around Vogel State Park have mostly lost their leaves; however there are still a few trees hanging on to vibrant color. With the canopy opened up, you’ll be able to see small streams and interesting tree shapes in the distance.
For a challenging hike, take the Bear Hair Gap Trail which begins its 4-mile loop up and over the lower ridges of Blood Mountain. Long-distance vistas can be seen after the leaves have fallen, particularly from the overlook at the top where you’ll see the park and its lake far in the distance. The trail leaves the park and travels onto the Chattahoochee National Forest which is open to hunting, so it is advisable to wear bright colored clothing during hunting season. A trail around Lake Trahlyta can be accessed from picnic shelter #2 or cabin #35. The trail crosses an earthen dam constructed by the CCC in 1935. A spur trail off the dam leads to an observation deck below the dam’s spillway. One of the more photographed views in North Georgia is of Blood and Slaughter Mountains taken from the bridge over the dam spillway. This is an easy walk.
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