State Park System’s “Leaf Watch” Encourages Leaf Watchers Across Georgia
Online Leaf Tracking Starts October 1
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/Leafwatch
ATLANTA, GA (September 22, 2008) – In just a few weeks, Georgia’s forests will turn into a brilliant blanket of red, orange and gold, inspiring leaf peepers to pull out their cameras and lace up their hiking boots. To help track the changing leaves and plan autumn escapes, Georgia’s State Parks will launch Leaf Watch 2008 beginning October 1 at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.
Whether traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and biking, or heading south for canoeing and camping, Leaf Watch 2008 will offer advice on where and when to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Visitors can read regular updates provided by park rangers, get safety tips for hiking and camping, and learn why leaves change color. Last-minute availability for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms at the state parks will be posted, in addition to a Webcam showcasing the rolling mountainside of Black Rock Mountain State Park near Dillard.
Typically, northern Georgia peaks in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. Some parks in southern Georgia put on a pretty display during late autumn, particularly those with cypress trees and tea-colored swamps.
“North Georgia’s mountains are a spectacular place to see Mother Nature’s handiwork, and our state parks attract visitors from all over the Southeast,” said State Park Director Becky Kelley, “But I like to remind people that southern Georgia has some beautiful fall color as well. Cypress and tupelo trees found in parks such as Reed Bingham, George L. Smith and Stephen C. Foster sometimes turn brilliant orange toward the end of the season.”
Of Georgia’s 48 state parks, six of the most popular for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel. For quieter getaways, visitors may want to explore lesser-known parks, which can be just as vibrant. Providence Canyon State Park, frequently called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” has hiking trails and unusual scenery. Watson Mill Bridge State Park, near Athens, boasts a scenic picnic area beside the state’s longest covered bridge. Beautiful hardwoods, boulders and creeks can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park near Columbus.
Georgia has 63 state parks and historic sites, providing affordable “staycations” to its residents and a not-so-far-away mountain escape for Floridians. Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages to be reserved 11 months in advance, and many campgrounds fill up early on pretty weekends. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 or by going online at: www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.
Online Leaf Tracking Starts October 1
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/Leafwatch
ATLANTA, GA (September 22, 2008) – In just a few weeks, Georgia’s forests will turn into a brilliant blanket of red, orange and gold, inspiring leaf peepers to pull out their cameras and lace up their hiking boots. To help track the changing leaves and plan autumn escapes, Georgia’s State Parks will launch Leaf Watch 2008 beginning October 1 at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.
Whether traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and biking, or heading south for canoeing and camping, Leaf Watch 2008 will offer advice on where and when to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Visitors can read regular updates provided by park rangers, get safety tips for hiking and camping, and learn why leaves change color. Last-minute availability for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms at the state parks will be posted, in addition to a Webcam showcasing the rolling mountainside of Black Rock Mountain State Park near Dillard.
Typically, northern Georgia peaks in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. Some parks in southern Georgia put on a pretty display during late autumn, particularly those with cypress trees and tea-colored swamps.
“North Georgia’s mountains are a spectacular place to see Mother Nature’s handiwork, and our state parks attract visitors from all over the Southeast,” said State Park Director Becky Kelley, “But I like to remind people that southern Georgia has some beautiful fall color as well. Cypress and tupelo trees found in parks such as Reed Bingham, George L. Smith and Stephen C. Foster sometimes turn brilliant orange toward the end of the season.”
Of Georgia’s 48 state parks, six of the most popular for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel. For quieter getaways, visitors may want to explore lesser-known parks, which can be just as vibrant. Providence Canyon State Park, frequently called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” has hiking trails and unusual scenery. Watson Mill Bridge State Park, near Athens, boasts a scenic picnic area beside the state’s longest covered bridge. Beautiful hardwoods, boulders and creeks can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park near Columbus.
Georgia has 63 state parks and historic sites, providing affordable “staycations” to its residents and a not-so-far-away mountain escape for Floridians. Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages to be reserved 11 months in advance, and many campgrounds fill up early on pretty weekends. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 or by going online at: www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.
October 2008 Events – Metro Atlanta
Saturday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville
Step back into ancient times as you walk along a torch-lit path and illuminated mounds. The 3/4-mile tour includes walking 134 steps to the top of 67-feet-high Mound A, the temple mound of the Etowah chief. $2.50-$4. (770) 387-3747.
Geology Day
Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join an expert in geology and Georgia’s native plants as we tour both Panola Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Tree Top Excursions: Open Climb
Saturday, October 4, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. We will be climbing near Lake Alexander. $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
The Battle of Allatoona Pass
Saturday, October 4 through Sunday October 5
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge - Cartersville
Walk the trails, visit the Star Fort earthworks, and follow the old Tennessee Road
just as the soldiers did in 1864. Explore daily life in the tent city, see rifle and cannon demonstrations. This event is located at the Allatoona Pass Battlefield. $3 parking. 770-975-4226.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, October 11, 9:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Local instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. $7 - $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Life on the Southern Homefront
Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas
Gather the family and join us at our 1850s log cabin. Learn the ways pioneers settled this region and the lifelong struggles and hardships they had to endure. See open hearth cooking, farming practices and clothing styles. $1.75 - $3. (770) 443-7850.
Fall Color Half-Day Hike
Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Take this guided tour that encompasses several habitats, types of forests and granite outcrops during the peak fall color season in Georgia. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic is for graduates of our Basic Fly Fishing Clinic and Experienced Fly Fisherman call (prerequisite) and will focus on “On the Water Techniques.” We begin at the Rockdale River Trail parking and then head to the lake for instruction in advanced casting technique (Steeple Caste, Roll Cast, and Double-haul Casting), line mending, reading the water and entomology. $12-$15, plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Saturday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville
Step back into ancient times as you walk along a torch-lit path and illuminated mounds. The 3/4-mile tour includes walking 134 steps to the top of 67-feet-high Mound A, the temple mound of the Etowah chief. $2.50-$4. (770) 387-3747.
Geology Day
Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join an expert in geology and Georgia’s native plants as we tour both Panola Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Tree Top Excursions: Open Climb
Saturday, October 4, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. We will be climbing near Lake Alexander. $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
The Battle of Allatoona Pass
Saturday, October 4 through Sunday October 5
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge - Cartersville
Walk the trails, visit the Star Fort earthworks, and follow the old Tennessee Road
just as the soldiers did in 1864. Explore daily life in the tent city, see rifle and cannon demonstrations. This event is located at the Allatoona Pass Battlefield. $3 parking. 770-975-4226.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, October 11, 9:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Local instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. $7 - $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Life on the Southern Homefront
Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas
Gather the family and join us at our 1850s log cabin. Learn the ways pioneers settled this region and the lifelong struggles and hardships they had to endure. See open hearth cooking, farming practices and clothing styles. $1.75 - $3. (770) 443-7850.
Fall Color Half-Day Hike
Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Take this guided tour that encompasses several habitats, types of forests and granite outcrops during the peak fall color season in Georgia. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic is for graduates of our Basic Fly Fishing Clinic and Experienced Fly Fisherman call (prerequisite) and will focus on “On the Water Techniques.” We begin at the Rockdale River Trail parking and then head to the lake for instruction in advanced casting technique (Steeple Caste, Roll Cast, and Double-haul Casting), line mending, reading the water and entomology. $12-$15, plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.
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