Get a live view as leaf colors change

By Helena Oliviero

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It’s that time of year — pumpkins, apple cider and a dramatic change of scenery.

Every October, Georgia’s leaves turn shades of yellow, burnt orange, deep magenta, even red.

Leaf Watch 2011 (www.georgiastateparks.org/leafwatch) goes live today and tracks bursts of color throughout the state. The online guide focuses on the changing colors at Georgia’s nearly 50 state parks. The site offers color updates from park rangers, recommendations for day hiking trips, calendar listings and availability for lodging for last-minute getaways. The site includes a webcam with live footage from Black Rock Mountain State Park near Dillard. On the website, you can even learn why leaves change color (it has to do chemical processes in the plant as the weather cools and season changes).

Whether traveling to the Appalachian Mountains for hiking, or heading south for paddling, Leaf Watch will keep an eye on the changing foliage.

Traditionally, some of the most popular spots for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge and Unicoi State Park.

Jessica James, recreation director at Unicoi — and designated leaf watcher — is already beginning to see subtle changes. The leaves on the sourwood trees are turning maroon, and the leaves on the hickory trees are now a glimmering yellow.

As the season continues, she expects to see bright leaves blanket red maple trees, and a sea of golden yellow on the tops of Yellow Poplars.

James loves to walk the trail around Unicoi’s 53-acre lake, which catches the reflection of the vibrant-colored leaves.

While the height of the season typically falls sometime between mid-October and mid-November, pinpointing the actual peak is anyone’s guess.

“It depends on sun, rain, many factors,” said James. “It’s fun to guess but I never get it quite right. It’s also a matter of opinion, too.”

And that’s where Leaf Watch comes in. The website, which has been offered every fall for the past few years, will be updated on a weekly basis, most likely in the middle of the week so foliage seekers can make their weekend plans accordingly.

And while you may see bits of color in metro Atlanta, you won’t have to travel far to see dynamic fall colors. Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge and Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs are about a 30-minute drive from Atlanta. And several parks, including Amicalola Falls, Unicoi and Chattahoochee Bend are about a two-hour drive.

Leaf Watch 2011 will end its updates sometime in mid-November.