Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore gorgeous autumn scenery. Only Mother Nature knows when fall color will peak, but it is usually toward the end of October through early November.

To help leaf peepers plan their fall escapes, “Leaf Watch 2020” will track autumn color as it moves across the state. The travel planner is filled with top trails, cabins, campsites and safe hiking tips. Visitors are encouraged to share their favorite shots on Instagram, tagging #GaLeafWatch and @GaStateParks, for a chance to have their photos featured.

Want to stay a few days? Many cabins and campsites are already booked on weekends, so plan a well deserved mid-week escape. (Insider tip: go ahead and reserve your favorite spot now for next year. Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance.)

Georgia is blessed with gorgeous mountains, forests and lakes boasting colorful leaves each fall. While mountain parks are the most popular destinations, many middle and southern Georgia State Parks stand out with colorful leaves as well. For the most solitude on trails and available cabins, visit these “Hidden Gems” during late autumn. Use our Leaf Watch Travel Planner for more tips too.

We're so excited that Vogel State Park was nominated by USA Today as one of the nation’s best state parks for RV campers. By voting in USA Today’s “10 best” run-off, you can help Vogel win Best in U.S. Everyone can cast their selection daily through October 12. Thank you to all who have voted! We're honored to know that Vogel has been creating family memories for decades.

Shutterbugs, you could win more than $3,000 in prizes during the “America's State Parks 2020 Photo Contest.” Show off your best images from these categories: Activities, Wildlife, Family & Friends, Camping, and Scenic & Seasons. The contest ends October 31 and is affiliated with the National Association of State Park Directors. We're looking forward to all those beautiful images from Georgia.

Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park in Reidsville has been re-named Jack Hill State Park in honor of the late state senator. Hill was a champion of the southeast Georgia park, helping make it a popular destination for family reunions, weddings and golf packages. The park offers cabins, camping, fishing, a nature trail, 18-hole golf course and FootGolf. Make plans to visit next month to watch the American FootGolf League’s National Championship, November 5 through 8. If you enjoy both soccer and golf, give FootGolf a try.