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August 5, 2012

Fort Mountain a top spot for leaf-watching

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Dalton Daily Citizen

— Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth has been named one of the top 10 state parks for leaf watching.

When the temperatures start dropping, leaf watchers start heading to the mountains for colorful fall foliage. Many of Georgia’s state parks make it easy to enjoy the best of “leaf season,” offering plenty of places to explore hiking trails, snuggle by campfires and fill photo albums. The parks even provide lodge rooms, cabins, campgrounds and yurts so that travelers can stay overnight, surrounded by spectacular scenery.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) created a top 10 list of state parks for celebrating autumn’s arrival in the Peach State. Fall color typically peaks in late October for northern Georgia; however, color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. Officials advise guests to make reservations as early as possible because accommodations sometimes fill up many months in advance. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 864-7275 or at GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Fort Mountain State Park

Hikers and mountain bikers love this park for its 27 miles of trails, ranging from an easy lake loop to the challenging Gahuti Backpacking Trail. Even the drive to this park on Highway 52 is filled with stunning views of fall color and rolling mountains.

Be sure to explore the ancient rock wall that stands on the park’s highest point. The mysterious 855-foot-long wall is thought to have been built by early Indians as protection from more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Romantics should look for the heart-shaped stone in the old fire tower. Stay overnight in cabins with lake or forest views, or the modern campground with hot showers.

Others on the list

• Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville

• Black Rock Mountain State Park, Clayton

• Cloudland Canyon State Park, Trenton

• Moccasin Creek State Park, Clarkesville

• James “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, Summerville

• Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen

• Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls

• Unicoi State Park & Lodge, Helen

• Vogel State Park, Blairsville

Before you go, check DNR’s “Leaf Watch” webpage for updates on how fall color is progressing across the mountains. GeorgiaStateParks.org/leafwatch is available October through mid-November.

Can’t get away to the mountains? Some parks in middle and southern Georgia put on pretty autumn displays as well. Check out F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain for excellent hiking trails and small waterfalls. George L. Smith State Park in Twin City has a tea-colored lake which reflects orange cypress needles in late fall.

 

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