10 Best Spots To See Fall Leaves in Georgia

The forests of Georgia are starting to shift from shades of green to a fall patchwork of red, orange and gold.

Now is the time for enthusiasts of the free show — "leaf peepers," as the Georgia State Parks system calls them — to plan to get out into nature and take it all in.

The parks system is now updating Leaf Watch, a website dedicated to tracking the autumn foliage, daily.

In the more mountainous regions of Georgia, where the show is best, leaf color usually peaks in late October and early November.

The shift is underway, but taking its time this year, parks officials say.

Fall color is starting slowly in northern Georgia due to warm weather and little rain. Sourwoods are beginning to turn red, but the majority of the forest, so far, is still green.

Forestry officials are hoping that cooler nights will speed up the change.

But the good news is that, if you haven't already made plans to get out and see the show, there's still time.

In addition to the daily tracking, Leaf Watch lists top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events and hiking tips.

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.

Many of Georgia's top parks for leaf watching offer accommodations ranging from cabins to campsites to yurts -- a "glamping" option that is something like a combination tent-cabin.

Accommodations may be reserved up to 13 months in advance and many fill up on October weekends, the park service says.

Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 or at GeorgiaStateParks.org/reservations.

Here's a look at what the Georgia State Parks service says are the 10 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

Photo via Shutterstock