Leaf Watch 2017: Where, When To See Leaves Change In Georgia

It's officially fall and, in Georgia, that means the forests will be turning from green to red, orange and gold in the coming days.

For many, that means it's time to start planning when and where to go see the multi-colored canopy that our trees will be creating. According to the Georgia State Parks system, the peak fall-foliage viewing in Georgia's mountain region comes in late October.

However, color can be seen as early as this month and continues throughout much of November.
For the dedicated "leaf peepers" among us, the parks system will be updating Leaf Watch, a website dedicated to tracking the autumn foliage, daily starting in October.

In addition to the daily tracking, Leaf Watch lists top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events and hiking tips. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Photographers are encouraged to share their favorite shots on the Georgia State Parks Facebook page and Instagram, tagging #GaLeafWatch and #GaStateParks. Rangers will post updates on how fall color is progressing in their parks.

Georgia State Parks offer a variety of accommodations where leaf peepers can stay in the heart of autumn scenery. Guests can choose from cabins, campsites and yurts — a “glamping” option that is like a combination tent-cabin.

Accommodations may be reserved 13 months in advance, and many fill up on October weekends. Guests are encouraged to make plans as early as possible or visit during weekdays. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 or visiting the state parks reservations website.

Here's a look at what the Georgia State Parks service says are the best places to watch Georgia's fall leaf show:

• Amicalola Falls State Park – Dawsonville
• Black Rock Mountain State Park – Clayton
• Cloudland Canyon State Park – Near Chattanooga
• F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
• Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth
• Moccasin Creek State Park – Lake Burton
• Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
• Tallulah Gorge State Park – Near Clayton
• Unicoi State Park – Helen
• Vogel State Park– Blairsville
• George L. Smith State Park — Twin City
• James H. Floyd State Park — Summerville
• Victoria Bryant State Park — Royston

Photo courtesy Georgia State Parks Instagram