Check out these Georgia state parks to scope fall colors

Amicalola Falls

Credit: Eric Champlin

Credit: Eric Champlin

Amicalola Falls

Georgia is blessed with particularly distinctive seasons, and as summer fades into fall, Georgia state parks are gearing up for an influx of visitors coming to view the autumn leaves. Looking for a destination this fall? Try one of these state parks where the foliage is on full display, especially as peak season for fall color hits in October.

Moccasin Creek
3655 Ga. 197, Clarkesville. 706-947-3194

With three miles of trails, several waterfalls, and a flat landscape prime for RVs and camping, this state park on Lake Burton is a great place to spend the weekend welcoming autumn to the South. The park offers three miles of hiking trails, kayak and canoe rental, a picnic shelter and wildlife observation center in addition to its 54 campsites and generous fishing spots, giving visitors plenty to stay busy as they soak in the vibrant seasonal color in the trees.

Sweetwater Creek  1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871

A favorite for Atlanta residents in search of a day trip, Sweetwater Creek's trails are heavily wooded and hold plenty of adventure for first-time hikers. Follow the trail to find ruins from an old textile factory, New Manchester Manufacturing Company, that was torched during the Civil War (and appears in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay," too). Rent a paddleboard and check out the bright fall colors from the middle of the water, or pay a visit to the park's award-winning visitor's center to get a full perspective on the options that await on its grounds.

Cloudland Canyon
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn. 706-657-4050

Right near the Tennessee border, Cloudland Canyon is home to some of Georgia's most scenic views. The park offers accommodations ranging from yurts to cottages and standard campgrounds for overnight guests looking to scope out the natural landscape, and jaw-dropping canyon views are just a few steps away from the park's welcoming picnic area.

Tallulah Gorge
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls. 706-754-7981

While the views can be enjoyed even by those who aren't looking for much physical activity, this state park is an incredible destination for hikers and mountain bikers. The park gives out 100 free permits each day to hike to the gorge floor, and although trail clocks in at just three miles, don't expect this trek to be a cake walk. Hikers who take the plunge can expect to cross rivers and tiptoe across boulders on this strenuous trip, but the views and the satisfaction of the finish line remain a lure for lovers of the outdoors.

Amicalola Falls 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville. 706-265-4703

Amicalola Falls holds one of the largest waterfalls in the Southeast, so it's no surprise that the park is a popular destination for visitors looking for a glimpse of seasonal color. Those looking for a challenge can hike the 8.5-mile trail between the falls and Springer Mountain, where they can find the Appalachian Trail. But more leisurely outdoorsmen can enjoy the waterfall and its surrounding greenery via accessible paths or short, steep climbs, too. Accommodations at the site range from the luxurious lodge to standard camping. Hiking enthusiasts can book a room at the Hike Inn, a backcountry lodge accessible primarily by foot.