Where will your boots take you?
Vibrant fall color has come a bit later than usual this year, meaning there’s still time to enjoy the crunch of colorful leaves under your boots. While the highest elevations in northeast Georgia are moving past peak color now, there are still beautiful scenes to enjoy. 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, campsites and hiking tips. Instagrammers are showcasing their favorite shots by tagging #GaLeafWatch and #GaStateParks, and many park rangers are posting photos and updates to Facebook.

Do you yurt?
Luxury-loving campers will be cozy when staying in yurts found at Cloudland Canyon, Red Top Mountain, High Falls, Fort Yargo, Tugaloo and Sweetwater Creek state parks. Yurts are like a cross between a cabin and a tent, with a firepit and grill outside, yet furniture and heater inside. Hot showers are just a short walk away. All you need to bring are friends, food, blankets and a sense of adventure.

Too much Thanksgiving turkey? Join the national movement to trade shopping malls for waterfalls on Black Friday. Initiated by REI, #OptOutside encourages Americans to head outdoors with 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.

November is Native American Heritage Month, so we invite you to celebrate the culture of this land’s native people. More than 1,000 years ago, vibrant civilizations thrived across the Southeast. Their earthen mounds 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 landowner in the Cherokee Nation. Plan your visit today.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park’s last “Meet the Turtles” program of the season is November 15. Say hello to Stumpy the Box Turtle and learn about Sliders like this guy here. Free with $5 parking. Most of Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites have events planned throughout November, like Bark in the Park at Sweetwater Creek, Cosmic Archery at Panola Mountain, hayrides at Laura S. Walker and lantern tours at Colonial Wormsloe. Find an event near you.

To say thank you to our men and women of service, we’re inviting military to a day of free golf. On Monday, November 11, military can play 18 holes for no charge at eight Georgia State Park Golf Courses. 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 Veterans Day events and deals.