Leaf Watch
org/FDRoosevelt Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth This park is best known for a mysterious rock wall along the mountain top, plus a variety of trails. For the easiest walk, take the 1.2- mile loop around the park’s green lake. For a challenging, all- day hike, choose the 8- mile Gahuti Trail. Mountain bikers have more than 14 miles to explore. Hwy. 52 has beautiful mountain scenery and overlooks worth stopping to see. GeorgiaStateParks. org/ FortMountain Moccasin Creek State Park – Lake Burton Georgia’s smallest state park sits on the shore of a gorgeous deep- green lake. Guests can choose from the 2- mile Hemlock Falls Trail or 1- mile Non- Game Trail with a wildlife observation tower. Hwy. 197 is a particularly pretty road, passing Mark of the Potter and other popular attractions. GeorgiaStateParks. org/ MoccasinCreek Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen Protecting more than 6,000 acres around Dukes Creek, this is the perfect spot for fly fishing while enjoying fall color. Day visitors can picnic near the creek, and overnight guests can Tallulah Gorge State Park – Near Clayton Tallulah Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Southeast, and you can choose from easy or difficult trails. Hike along the rim to overlooks with waterfall views, or get a permit from the park office to trek all the way to the bottom. (Permits run out early on weekend mornings.) During November, you can watch expert kayakers as they enjoy the bi- annual “whitewater releases.” GeorgiaStateParks. org/ TallulahGorge Unicoi State Park – Helen Ziplines take you high above the forest canopy for a unique view of leaves. If you’re up for a steep hike, take the 4.8- mile Smith Creek Trail up to Anna Ruby Falls. Unicoi offers a lodge and restaurant. GeorgiaStateParks. org/ Unicoi Vogel State Park – Blairsville The 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail makes a nice day trip for experienced hikers, offering a birdseye view of the park’s lake. For an easier walk, follow the Lake Loop to a small waterfall below the dam. The twisting roads around Vogel,
Rangers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources offer these tips for safe hiking: - Avoid hiking alone. -Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Remember to let them know when you are back.
- Stay on marked trails. As you hike, pay attention to trail blazes and landmarks. A double blaze indicates a change in trail direction or intersection, so be sure to follow the correct trail. - Never climb on waterfalls or wet rocks. - Always carry quality rain gear, and turn back in bad weather. - Dress in layers and avoid cotton. - All hikers should carry a whistle ( especially children), which can be heard far away and takes less energy than yelling.
- Carry plenty of drinking water and never assume stream water is safe to drink.
- Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they do, be able to give details about your location.
- Don’t rely on a GPS to prevent you from getting lost. Batteries can die or the equipment can become damaged or lost.