(Sautee)- Autumn is returning to the North Georgia Mountains and the Fall Parade of Color begins at Smithgall Woods State Park. Five miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to explore woods, streams and wildlife. The Park’s 5,664 acres reflect fully the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachian Forest.
We begin the journey through the Fall Leaf Season down Tsalaki Trail, a restricted-access road which parallels Dukes Creek, a major trout stream.
Right now, most of Smithgall’s trees still hold their lush summer green. But the understory is the real story. Lower branches of Sourwoods show some nice color changes ranging from light red to deep scarlet. Sweetgums show some color changes on lower branches with a colorful mix of red and gold. A few Tulip Poplars have some leaves turning light yellow.
Midway down Tsalaki Trail, you’ll enter the Wetlands Loop Trail area where Dogwoods show definite color changes to light red and more intense maroon colors. This is a wildflower enthusiast’s paradise! There are many deep-purple Ironweeds. The brilliant red Cardinal Flower stands out. The orange-and-yellow Jewel Weed is in full bloom. The intense yellow of Goldenrod and Black-Eyed Susans provide a splash of Fall color. This is also a great place to photograph the River Birch Trees with their papery peeling bark.
Tsalaki Trail crosses Dukes Creek on Bay Bridge, a wooden covered bridge where the Joe Pye Weed with subtle blue-purple tops are seen along the creek banks.
Going further east on Tsalaki Trail, you’ll come to Martin’s Mine Trail……a fascinating 1-mile hike through a 19th-Century gold mine area. Maples and Sourwoods are turning colors. White Wood Asters and Green-Centered Cone Flowers are in full bloom.
Nearing the east end of Tsalaki Trail, the Education Cabin area has a two-acre pond which supports a rich environment filled with Maples which are turning red on lower branches. Also, numerous Black-Eyed Susans are in full bloom and muscadine grape vines are loaded with yellow-green fruit.
Don’t miss the exciting drama of Fall color at Smithgall Woods in White County.
For directions and information visit Smithgall Woods online at https://gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods.
