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
The Forsyth County Department of Engineering will hold a location and design public information open house for the Big Creek Greenway Phases 4 and 5 on Tuesday, June 2. The open house will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sawnee Elementary School, located at 1616 Canton Highway in Cumming.
The open house will provide the public with an opportunity to view the proposed project, ask questions and comment on the proposal. The event will be informal and the public is invited to attend anytime between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. There will be no formal presentation.
Phases 4 and 5 of the Big Creek Greenway project propose to construct approximately seven miles of new multi-use trail from Bethelview Road to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve and Visitor Center.
The following is a description of the proposed project:
The proposed Greenway trail will begin at the end of Phase 3 of the Big Creek Greenway (currently under construction) and will travel approximately seven miles to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center located on Spot Road. The proposed trail will serve as a multi-use trail and will consist of a twelve-foot wide paved path, including portions of boardwalk as well as pedestrian bridges, as necessary. The project also proposes three trailhead locations which will provide for parking and restroom facilities. In addition to the trail and trailhead construction, landscaping and other hardscape appurtenances will be provided.
Written statements concerning this project will be accepted until July 2, 2009. Written statements may be submitted to:
Mr. Tim Allen
Assistant Director of Engineering
110 E. Main Street, Suite 120
Cumming, Georgia 30040
About the Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth CountyThe Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County is being constructed in phases, with three of five phases currently under construction. The first three phases are slated to be completed by August. The twelve-foot wide multi-use trail will be open to the public during daylight hours for activities such as bicycling, in-line skating, walking and jogging. Labels: bethelview, big creek, bike trail, forsyth county, greenway, hiking, sawnee mountain preserve, visitor center
On Sunday morning we went for a hike on Sawnee Mountain in our own backyard of Cumming in Forsyth County. What a fantastic place to hike. I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of everyone we passed along the trail, with the exception of some YellowJackets that managed to sting us for intruding into their nest. But despite that minor setback, the friendliness of everyone we passed was refreshing. Between friendly nods and hearty "Good Mornings", I was pleased to call Forsyth County "my home".
We ventured up to the Indian Seats and took in the breathtaking view. Then down the side of the mountain to the Universal Tree House near the Visitor's Center. Then back to the amphiteater, playground & parking area. If you have not had a chance to spend some time at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, you must make a point to set aside some time to visit this great place. Visit
www.sawneemountain.org for more information.
Labels: cumming, forsyth county, hiking, indian seats, north georgia, sawnee mountain preserve
