Happy Friday! It's peak leaf season in the mountains

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Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

November 2, 2018

Fort Mountain

It’s Peak Season for Leaf Watching

The north Georgia mountains are finally bursting with vibrant fall colors, making early November the perfect time for a leaf-watching getaway. (Check out this gorgeous shot from Fort Mountain!) Later this month, we’ll see cypress needles turn orange in southern Georgia. 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. 

Etowah Mounds

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, so we invite you to celebrate the culture of native people. More than 1,000 years ago, vibrant civilizations thrived across the Southeast. Their earthen mounds and legacy remain at Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville and Kolomoki Mounds State Park in Blakely. Today’s visitors can climb to the top of the tallest mounds and explore museums filled with fascinating artifacts. In the early 1800s, the Cherokee Nation established its central government in north Georgia. New Echota Historic Site near Calhoun showcases this capital through original and reconstructed buildings, and nearby Chief Vann House Historic Site features the stunning 1804 home of the wealthiest land owner in the Cherokee Nation.

Little White House

“Faith and Courage” Exhibit at Roosevelt’s Little White House

Tour Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site in Warm Springs to see the temporary exhibit “Faith and Courage,” which recognizes the contributions of veterans whose story is rarely told. U.S. Military Chaplains' dedicated service to those who go into harm’s way for our country, their humble self-sacrifice, and their common but little-known acts of heroism exemplify the traits of true heroes. The exhibit is on display through the end of this year. Visitors can also tour FDR’s home left as it was in the 1940s, the scenic grounds, and a museum with his hand-controlled roadster, “Fireside Chats” playing on a radio and the famous “unfinished portrait.”

Red Top Mountain fall hikers

#OptOutside to Work Off That Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

Too much Thanksgiving goodies? Join the national movement to trade shopping malls for waterfalls on Black Friday. Initiated by REI, #OptOutside encourages Americans to head outdoors with their friends and family, enjoying nature and time together. Many of our state parks have planned ranger-led hikes for the day after Thanksgiving, or you can explore on your own. Can’t wait until Friday? Georgia’s State Parks are open on Thanksgiving Day as well. Find a park near you and check out these fun-filled events. Please tag us when you post your photos on social media: #OptOutside #GaStateParks. (Trivia Tidbit: Did you know President Franklin D. Roosevelt spent a few Thankgsivings at his beloved Little White House in Warm Springs, Ga.?)

golf

Veterans Day Golf Deal

To say thank you to our men and women of service, we’re inviting all military to a day of free golf. On Sunday, November 11, military can play 18 holes for no charge at eight beautiful courses across the state. This includes Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant, Arrowhead Pointe at Richard B. Russell, The Creek at Hard Labor, Brazell’s Creek at Gordonia-Altatamaha, The Lakes at Laura S. Walker, Georgia Veterans at Lake Blackshear, Wallace Adams at Little Ocmulgee and Meadow Links at George T. Bagby. Golfers must call ahead for tee times, mention this discount and show proof of service. This deal is valid for all U.S. veterans, active duty, reserve military and National Guard with valid military ID. Find more deals on GaStateParks.org/Specials.

Gift Cards Now Available Online

Get a jump on holiday shopping with gift cards for camping, cabins, boat rental, golf, park gift shops, historic site admission and dozens of other treats.

Upcoming Events

Find more hikes, nature programs, tours and additional programs online.

Pups and Trucks Festival – November 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Whitewater-Watching Hike – Weekends, November 3 - 18, 11 a.m., Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls
Camera Scavenger Hunt – Saturdays in November, Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Newnan
Pioneer Harvest Festival – November 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., General Coffee State Park, Nicholls
Farm Animal Fun Day – November 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hardman Farm Historic Site, Sautee Nacoochee
Owl Prowl – November 16, 6 p.m., Florence Marina State Park, Omaha
Cosmic Archery – November 16, 7:30 p.m., Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge
Sunset Mountain Hike – November 17, 4:45 p.m., Black Rock Mountain State Park, Mountain City
Revolutionary War Commemoration – November 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway
Full-Moon Paddle and Campfire – November 24, 5 p.m., Reed Bingham State Park, Adel
Sunset Hike to West Overlook – November 30, 4:30 p.m., Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth