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State parks offer online leaf tracking

With gas prices climbing up and colorful leaves tumbling down, Georgians can rest easy that they don’t have to travel far to enjoy spectacular fall foliage. The online “Leaf Watch 2005” lets leaf peepers track fall color at state parks throughout Georgia, tempting them to stay in state this autumn.

Whether heading to the mountains for hiking and biking or going south for canoeing and camping, “Leaf Watch 2005” offers advice on where to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Found on www.gastateparks.org throughout October and early November, travelers can read regular updates provided by park rangers, get tips on safe hiking and camping, and learn why leaves change colors. A link takes visitors to a reservation service for the many campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks.

“Predicting Mother Nature is difficult, especially when it comes down to determining when leaves will be at their peak color,” said Brian Ensley of Fort Mountain State Park. “We are creating ‘Leaf Watch’ to provide park visitors with the most up-to-date information on the leaf season.”

Most state parks are just beginning to show hints that fall is around the corner, and through the coming weeks, rangers will offer tips on whether their park is near peak color. Typically, mountain parks peak in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and throughout much of November. Even parks in southern Georgia put on a pretty display during late autumn.

“Some of the nicest scenery can be found in south Georgia when cypress trees turn orange and tupelos turn red,” said Sam Williams of S.C. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp.  “The trees are draped in Spanish moss and all of it reflects off the black swamp water.  It’s truly beautiful.”

Visitors can fill their days with hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, golf and weekend programs. Some of the most popular parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Unicoi, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge and Vogel. Since these parks are sometimes crowded on fall weekends, visitors may want to check out lesser known parks, which can be just as vibrant. Stop by Victoria Bryant State Park near Gainesville for scenic picnics along the river. James H. Floyd State Park near Rome features pretty cottages nestled in hardwoods above a lake.  Hardwoods and tumbling creeks can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in near Columbus. At High Falls State Park north of Macon, hikers can explore less-traveled trails just west of the Towaliga River.

Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages to be reserved nearly a year in advance, and many campgrounds fill up on pretty weekends. To make a reservation, call 1-800-864-7275 or log onto www.gastateparks.org.