Leaf Watch 2012 Tells Where to Find the Best Color

Fall has begun, signaling a time to see the hues of the season in the leaves changing colors. Georgia State Parks is set to give you a hand with Leaf Watch 2012, which begins Oct. 1.

Northern Georgia typically peaks in late October, though color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. But you'll have to drive farther than Cartersville's Red Top Mountain State Park for the best views of fall, according to state officials who recently announced Georgia’s top ten state parks for leaf watching:

• Amicalola Falls,
• Black Rock Mountain,
• Cloudland Canyon,
• Fort Mountain,
• Moccasin Creek,
• James H. Sloppy Floyd,
• Smithgall Woods,
• Tallulah Gorge,
• Unicoi and
• Vogel.

"Fall is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature’s handiwork," said State Park Director Becky Kelley. "We have short nature trails that are good for kids, and longer trails that are perfect for experienced hikers. We even have roadside overlooks that make it easy to enjoy the view during a road trip."

Before you pull out your camera and your hiking boots, check out Leaf Watch 2012 for advice on where and when to find the best color in Georgia state parks, whether you plan to hike, bike or drive on country roads.

Leaf Watch 2012 provides updates from park rangers, safety tips for hiking and event calendars. Last-minute availability for cabins, yurts, campsites and lodge rooms in state parks also will be posted.

Whether hiking, biking or simply driving country roads, travelers can check Leaf Watch 2012 for advice on where and when to find the best color in Georgia’s state parks. They can read updates from park rangers, get safety tips for hiking, and browse event calendars.

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