Leaf Watch October will see fall leaves ablaze with color in North Georgia, North Carolina
North Georgia
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BY COLLIN KELLEY
ctober is primetime to see the fall foliage at its peak color, so set aside a weekend for a drive to North Georgia or North Carolina.
According to the Fall Foliage Prediction Map at smokymountains.com, leaves will peak a little earlier than usual in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina between Oct. 4-11, while Oct. 18-25 will offer the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows in North Georgia. At this writing, Georgia State Parks were still limiting access if parks become too overcrowded to maintain social distancing, so be sure to check gastateparks. org for updates. The same goes for the Smoky Mountains, where the National Park Service is requiring masks in all buildings and in crowded outdoor spaces According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, these are the parks to check out the best foliage color along with some recommended hikes and activities.
20 OCTOBER 2021 | REPORTER NEWSPAPERS
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge An hour north of Atlanta in Dawsonville, you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. A short, flat path leads to a boardwalk offering the most spectacular views. There’s also an easy-to-reach overlook at the top. For a tougher challenge, start from the bottom of the falls and hike up the steep staircase.
where you’ll find two waterfalls. The 5-mile West Rim Loop is moderately difficult and offers great views of the canyon.
Black Rock Mountain State Park At an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain in Clayton is Georgia’s highest state park (Brasstown Bald is the state’s highest peak). Roadside overlooks and the summit visitor center offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail is a good choice for a short, moderate hike. For an all-day challenge, take the 7.2-mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail.
Cloudland Canyon State Park Located in Rising Fawn, one of Georgia’s most beautiful parks offers easyto-reach rim overlooks and challenging trails. A favorite hike takes you down a staircase to the bottom of the canyon,
Fort Mountain State Park This park in Chatsworth is best known for a mysterious rock wall along the mountain top, plus a variety of trails. For the easiest walk, take the 1.2-mile loop around the park’s green lake. For a challenging, allday hike, choose the 8-mile Gahuti Trail. Mountain bikers have more than 14 miles to explore. Hwy. 52 has beautiful mountain scenery and overlooks worth stopping to see.
Moccasin Creek State Park
▲F.D. Roosevelt State Park Many people are surprised to find hardwood forests and rolling mountains south of Atlanta. The 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop is a favorite section of the longer Pine Mountain Trail. For a touch of history, drive to Dowdell’s Knob to see a lifesize bronze sculpture of President F.D. Roosevelt and views of the forested valley. Ga. Hwy. 190 is a pretty driving route.
Georgia’s smallest state park sits on the shore of a gorgeous Lake Burton. Guests can choose from the 2-mile Hemlock Falls Trail or 1-mile Non-Game Trail with a wildlife observation tower. Hwy. 197 is a particularly pretty road, passing Mark of the Potter and other popular attractions.
Smithgall Woods State Park Protecting more than 6,000 acres around Dukes Creek, this is the perfect spot for fly fishing while enjoying fall color. Day visitors can picnic near the creek, and overnight guests can hike a private trail to Dukes Creek Falls. A 1.6-mile loop climbs to Laurel Ridge and provides a view of Mt. Yonah once most leaves are reporternewspapers.net DUN
