October Festivities

1. Leaf Watch

Georgia’s mountains turn to a vibrant red and gold blanket every October as the leaves change. Peak color is usually mid to late October at the highest elevations, moving into early November at lower elevations. Some of the best parks to visit to see beautiful colors are Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, Smithgall Woods State Park, and Tallulah Gorge. Discover all of Georgia's Leaf Watch Hidden Gems.

If you get to visit any of these beautiful parks, make sure you take pictures and share them with us on social media using the #GALeafwatch!

2. Fall Hiking Adventures

Embrace the cooler autumn air and experience a different side of Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites this October. Walk by lantern light, step inside historic ruins, or head out after dark for a glowing Halloween adventure. A few experiences to add to your October plans include:

Fall Leaf Hayride – Take a scenic autumn ride through the park and enjoy the changing colors and sights of the season along the way.

Location: Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston, GA

Fall Bash – Celebrate the season with fall colors, scarecrows, pumpkins, and an old-fashioned hayride. Create a corn husk scarecrow, dip candles in candy corn colors, and take part in a pumpkin and scarecrow trivia search.

Location: Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA

Hayride, S’mores, and More – Spend a fall evening enjoying a relaxing hayride, s’mores around the campfire, stories, and good conversation. This seasonal favorite takes place Friday evenings throughout October.

Location: Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA

3. Halloween Happenings

The spooky season has arrived. It's the perfect time for ghosts and goblins to come out and play, to explore the mysterious and thrilling events at Georgia State Parks. From haunted trails to ghostly campfire stories, there's no shortage of fun and excitement during this spine-chilling season. Dare to be scared?

Haunted Trail: The Outbreak- Step into the story with “Infection at the Park”, an immersive event where mystery and suspense come to life. A strange infection has spread through the park’s wildlife—and now, it’s affecting people, twisting them into something not entirely human. Their unsettling stares and strange hunger hint at something far darker. Uncover the source of this eerie, rabies-like outbreak before it’s too late.

Location: Ft. McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill, GA

A Haunted Evening at Victoria Bryant—Come out and enjoy a spooky evening in the park! There will be a hayride, haunted trail, campsite decorating contest, costume contest, trick-or-treating, a Halloween movie, campfire, and concessions.

Location: Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA

Haunted Village at Hard Labor Creek - Visit a Spooky Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright event. Walk through Camp Daniel Morgan on a trail filled with scenes of your Halloween scary favorites. Event suitable for ages six and above.Location:

Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA