Let’s Go Leaf Watching!
 It won’t be long before gorgeous fall color blankets our forests. Only Mother Nature knows when leaves will peak, but the most vibrant color is usually toward the end of October. To help leaf peepers find the best scenery, Georgia’s State Parks offer an online “Leaf Watch” travel planner, with top parks to visit, fall events, cabins and campsites, hiking tips and more. Shutterbugs are encouraged to share their favorite shots on Facebook and Instagram, tagging #GaLeafWatch and #GaStateParks. Every week we'll post updates on how leaf color is progressing in their parks. We’ll make it easy to plan your fall getaway.
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Halloween Happenings & Fall Celebrations
 Celebrate the spooky fall season with events for all ages. You’ll find haunted hayrides, fall festivals, trunk-or-treating for kids, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf and campsite decorating contests at several Georgia State Parks. Find an event near you or plan a longer getaway to a cabin, yurt or campsite with great views. You’ll find listings on our main calendar, as well as park pages.
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 Wishing the Great Pumpkin would bring you a shiny new RV this Halloween? Check out the latest models and stop by our information booth at the Georgia RV & Camper Show at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The show runs October 13 – 15 and features motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers and more. If you can’t make the fall show, mark your calendar for the winter expo, returning January 19-21, 2018. (When you stop by our booth, pick up a park guide and ask about site-specific camping reservations.)
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 Tiny fans of Thomas the Tank Engine can ride a real train when the storybook character pulls into southwest Georgia this month. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure as he leads SAM Shortline Excursion Train down the track. Meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy crafts and storytelling, jump in bouncy houses and burn off energy at this fun-filled event in Cordele. Tickets are available for October 20, 21, 23, 28 and 29 by calling 229-276-0755.
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 Georgia’s State Parks have always made it easy to get your heart pumping in the great outdoors. Now, you can fuel your fitness too with a quick stop park visitor centers. Choose from healthy snacks like granola bars, jerky, popcorn and sports drinks at all Georgia State Parks. These new offerings are part of the park system’s commitment to healthy communities. (Courageous visitors looking for an extra-high-protein snack can even join the latest food trend with freeze-dried insects. Cricket chips, anyone?) Read five ways to get fit in the great outdoors.
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Upcoming Events
Fall Festival, Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton – October 6 - 7
Skills of the Past -- Etowah Indian Mounds, Cartersville – October 7
Couples Paddle – Reed Bingham State Park, Adel – October 7
Sunset Bat Hike – Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill – October 13
Pioneer Days – Traveler’s Rest Historic Site, Toccoa – October 14
Octoberfest – Florence Marina State Park, Omaha – October 21
365 Atlanta Family -- Hard Labor Creek State Park: An Affordable Family Resort
Atlanta Trails -- Georgia State Parks: our top 10 favorite hiking trails
Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta -- Ruins get revived at Sweetwater Creek State Park
WDUN Radio -- State Parks Ready for Fall Leaf Lookers Despite Irma
Where Magazine -- The 15 Best Georgia State Parks for Fall Color
Gwinnett Magazine -- Ways To Stay Cool in the Water at Georgia State Parks
Atlanta Journal Constitution -- 9 great spots to see fall foliage close to Atlanta
WMAZ TV -- Irma evacuees seek refuge at High Falls State Park
Marietta Daily Journal -- The Sweetwater Experience: Kayaking tours, guided hikes at state park offer new perspective
MSN Travel -- The Most Thrilling Ways to See Fall Foliage Across the U.S.
Thrillist -- The Most Beautiful Places in Georgia You Need to See
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