Whether heading to the mountains for hiking and biking or going south for canoeing and camping, “Leaf Watch 2009” offers advice on where to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Found at
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/LeafWatch throughout October and early November, travelers can get updates on fall color, learn safe hiking tips, and make reservations for the many campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks.
Typically, Georgia’s mountain parks peak at the end of October; however, color can be seen as early as September and throughout much of November. Some of the most popular parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Unicoi, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel. Since these parks are often crowded on weekends, visitors may want to check out less known parks, which can be just as vibrant. Providence Canyon State Park, also called Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, has hiking trails along the rim and into the sandy canyon. Hardwoods and tumbling creeks can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in near Columbus. Smithgall Woods near Helen boasts not only beautiful fall color but also some of the best trout fishing in the state.
Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations for campsites, cottages, yurts or hotel-style lodges 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.GeorgiaStateParks.org.
Labels: 2009, amicalola falls, camping, fall color, fall leaves, georgia, hiking, october, state park, unicoi
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge will be hosting a different artist each fall weekend through Nov. 9. The artistic talent ranges from painting to pottery, and from calligraphy to hand carved bowls, with artists selling their products and demonstrating their skills.
David Little will be the featured artist during the third weekend in October. Although he has had artistic success in multiple artistic techniques, he is currently producing amazing hand-carved wooden bowls.
Mr. Little uses carefully selected native wood, traditional methods, and “re-claimed” wood to make unique and useful pieces of art. He will be in the Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 19th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park helps you stretch your budget with a low-cost parking pass and free programming. In addition to the Visiting Artist, park guests are encouraged to take advantage of regular weekend programming that includes a variety of educational and entertaining wildlife programs highlighting snakes, mammals, or birds of prey. Bring a picnic to one of the park's picnic tables and grills, or visit the Maple Restaurant, located in the Lodge, which serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The $3 parking pass allows you to enjoy a day of art and adventure with your family. All artist demonstrations and public programs are free of charge. For more information, call the Programming Department at 706-265-1969 or check out the State Parks website at
www.gastateparks.org.
Labels: amicalola falls, dahlonega, dawsonville, georgia state parks, lodge, october
