November 3, 2023 –- Peak fall color came early this year, and many mountain parks are past peak. Recent high winds and freezing temperatures knocked much foliage down, but some colorful spots remain. The best fall color can be found in middle Georgia at parks like FD Roosevelt. Popular mountain parks like Vogel, Black Rock Mountain and Tallulah Gorge are still extremely busy and parking lots will fill early on weekends. Throughout the season, tag #GaLeafWatch and #GaStateParks on Instagram so we can share your adventures.
Exploring Autumn Serenity
Serenity, a state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled. We need to be still to reflect on our lives and this is what autumn shows us, the beauty in being still and letting go.
Within the gardens the leaves turn into a myriad of autumn colours which create incredible reflections in the lakes and breathtaking views throughout the gardens. With hundreds of varieties of trees can be found at Leonardslee, it is not only their leaves which catch the eye. Their bark looks stunning during this season, contrasted against the backdrop of ever changing colours.
Visitors can explore the grounds whilst experiencing the changing of the season and reconnect with nature and the people around us. Something that has become so increasingly important. Spend your time in the gardens reflecting on the important things that have happened in your life and watch the beauty in change.
Reflection
As the leaves start to fall to the ground, we can see how nature’s cycle is so similar to our own lives. Autumn is the season for letting go of the things that are burdening us. The season shows us that we need to get out of our own way to allow something beautiful to grow.
Reflecting on our lives is not easy for us and for nature, our gardens go through harsh cold weather to be able to grow again. Reminding us that we need to live life to our fullest. While watching wildlife and birds within the gardens as they prepare for the future it acts as a reminders to do the same.
How have the sculptures changed the gardens:
Anton Smit’s lifes works, found throughout the gardens have been hand placed to capture the beauty and serenity of art coinciding with nature. With the back drop of the changing seasons these sculptures draw on the emotion within ourselves, each sculpture bringing its own meaning.
Observe and Study Different Tree Species
Before you begin tree drawing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the wide variety of tree species that exist. Observing and studying different trees will help you understand their unique characteristics and improve your ability to draw them accurately.
Exploring Local Parks
- Visit parks, forests, or natural reserves in your area to observe trees in their natural habitat.
- Take note of the differences in tree shapes, sizes, and branch patterns.
- Take photos or make quick sketches to help you remember and reference the trees you’ve seen.
Studying Tree Anatomy
Understanding the basic structure of a tree is essential for creating realistic tree drawings. Here are some key aspects of tree anatomy to consider:
- Trunk: The central support column, which varies in thickness and texture depending on the species.
- Branches: The limbs that grow from the trunk, often becoming thinner and more numerous as they extend outward.
- Twigs: The smaller offshoots of branches, which hold the leaves, flowers, or fruit of the tree.
- Leaves: The green, flat structures that grow from the twigs, varying in shape and size based on the tree species.
- Bark: The protective outer layer of the trunk and branches, which can be smooth, rough, or textured depending on the tree.
By observing and studying different tree species, you’ll develop a greater appreciation for their diversity and complexity, which will enhance your tree drawing abilities.
Start with a Simple Sketch
Once you have a solid understanding of tree anatomy, it’s time to begin your tree drawing. Starting with a simple sketch allows you to plan the overall structure and shape of the tree, making it easier to add details later on.
Using a Pencil
A pencil is the perfect tool for sketching out your tree drawing, as it allows for easy corrections and adjustments. Here are some tips for using a pencil when drawing trees:
- Choose a softer pencil (such as 2B or 4B) for initial sketching, as it will create lighter lines that are easier to erase.
- Hold the pencil loosely and use light pressure to create faint lines.
- Keep your hand and wrist relaxed to allow for more fluid, organic lines.
Creating the Tree Skeleton
When starting your tree drawing, it’s helpful to think of the tree as a series of interconnected shapes and lines. This “skeleton” will serve as the foundation for your tree, guiding you as you add details and refine your drawing. Follow these steps to create a simple tree skeleton:
- Begin by drawing the trunk, making sure to vary its width to create a more natural appearance.
- Add the primary branches, angling them away from the trunk and tapering them as they extend outward.
- Sketch in secondary branches, connecting them to the primary branches and continuing to taper them as they grow.
- Add twigs to the ends of the branches, using thinner lines to represent their delicate structure.
With your tree skeleton in place, you’ll have a solid foundation for building up the details and textures of your tree drawing.
Add Texture and Details
Now that you have a basic tree skeleton, it’s time to bring your tree drawing to life by adding textures and details. This will help create a more realistic and visually interesting representation of the tree.
Bark Texture Techniques
One of the key aspects of tree drawing is capturing the unique texture of tree bark. Different tree species have distinct bark patterns, so it’s essential to study your reference photos closely. Here are some techniques for creating bark texture:
- Lines and hatching: Use a combination of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines to create the illusion of bark texture. Vary the line thickness and spacing to add depth and interest.
- Stippling: Creating small dots or marks with your pencil can help replicate the rough, irregular surface of bark. This technique works particularly well for trees with a more rugged appearance.
- Smudging and blending: Softly smudging or blending pencil marks can help create a smoother, more uniform bark texture, which is suitable for trees with a less textured surface.
Drawing Realistic Leaves
Leaves are another important element in tree drawing, as they contribute to the overall shape and appearance of the tree. Drawing realistic leaves can be challenging, but with practice and patience, you’ll be able to create a convincing foliage effect. Here are some tips for drawing leaves:
- Grouping leaves: Instead of drawing individual leaves, try creating clusters or groups of leaves to suggest volume and density. This will help your tree drawing look more natural and less time-consuming.
- Varying shapes and sizes: Remember that leaves come in various shapes and sizes, even within the same tree. Vary the shape, size, and orientation of your leaves to create a more dynamic and realistic tree drawing.
- Adding shadows and highlights: Use shading techniques to add depth and dimension to your leaves, emphasizing the areas where light and shadow interact.
As you continue to refine your tree drawing, remember to step back and look at the overall composition to ensure that the textures and details contribute to a cohesive and realistic tree representation.
2023 Photo Gallery
Let’s see your best fall-color photos taken during the 2023 season! Tag us on social media for the chance to have your images featured here. #GaLeafWatch #GaStateParks
Not on social media? Upload Your 2023 Photos throughout the leaf-watching season.
2022 Photo Gallery
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge – Dawsonville
Just an hour north of Atlanta you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall and a beautiful new visitor center. A short, flat path leads to a boardwalk offering the most spectacular views. There’s also an easy-to-reach overlook at the top. For a tougher challenge, start from the bottom of the falls and hike up the steep staircase.
Black Rock Mountain State Park – Clayton
At an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is Georgia’s highest state park and usually one of the first locations to show vibrant fall color. (Brasstown Bald is the state’s highest peak.) Roadside overlooks and the summit Visitor Center offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail is a good choice for a short, moderate hike. For an all-day challenge, take the 7.2-mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail. Stay atop the mountain in cozy cabins or wooded campsites.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Near Chattanooga
One of Georgia’s most beautiful parks offers easy-to-reach rim overlooks and challenging trails. A favorite hike takes you down a staircase to the bottom of the canyon, where you’ll find two waterfalls. (Remember, you have to hike back up, but it’s worth it.) The 5-mile West Rim Loop is moderately difficult and offers great views of the canyon. Yurt guests stay overnight right by a hiking trail.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Many people are surprised to find colorful hardwood forests and rolling mountains south of Atlanta. The 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop is a favorite section of the longer Pine Mountain Trail. For a touch of history, drive to Dowdell’s Knob to see a life-size bronze sculpture of President F.D. Roosevelt and views of the forested valley. Ga. Hwy. 190 is a pretty driving route through the park. This park often peaks during early November.
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth
This park is best known for its stone fire tower and a mysterious rock wall along the mountain top, plus a variety of trails. For the easiest walk, take the 1.2-mile loop around the park’s green lake. For a challenging, all-day hike, choose the 8-mile Gahuti Trail. Mountain bikers have more than 14 miles to explore. Hwy. 52 has beautiful mountain scenery and overlooks worth stopping to see.
Moccasin Creek State Park – Lake Burton
Georgia’s smallest state park sits on the shore of a gorgeous deep-green lake and is a great jumping-off point for exploring the area. Guests can choose from the 2-mile Hemlock Falls Trail or 1-mile Non-Game Trail with a wildlife observation tower. Hwy. 197 is a particularly pretty road, passing Mark of the Potter and other popular mountain attractions.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Protecting more than 6,000 acres around Dukes Creek, this is the perfect spot for fly fishing or romantic cabin getaways. Day visitors can picnic near the creek, and overnight guests can hike a private trail to spectacular Dukes Creek Falls. A 1.6-mile loop climbs to Laurel Ridge and provides a view of Mt. Yonah once most leaves are off the trees. Smithgall Woods has some of the park system’s most sought-after cabins and is near wineries and Helen’s Oktoberfest.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Near Clayton
Tallulah Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Southeast, and you can choose from easy or difficult trails. Hike along the rim to several overlooks with waterfall views, or take the staircase down (and up from) a suspension bridge. Camp inside the park or rent cabins at nearby Black Rock Mountain State Park.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge – Helen
Ziplines take you high above the forest canopy for a unique view of leaves. If you’re up for a steep hike, take the 4.8-mile Smith Creek Trail up to Anna Ruby Falls. Unicoi offers a lodge and restaurant.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Vogel is one of north Georgia’s most popular parks. The 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail makes a nice day trip for experienced hikers, offering a birds-eye view of the park’s lake. For an easier walk, follow the Lake Loop to a small waterfall below the dam. The twisting roads around Vogel, particularly Wolf Pen Gap Road, offer some of north Georgia’s prettiest fall scenery. A new visitor center is under construction, so parking may be very limited this season.
“Hidden Gems” for Fall Color
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth
With its Lake Allatoona location, Red Top Mountain is best known as a summer destination. However, more than 15 miles of trails wind through the park, providing beautiful autumn views of the forest. The 4-mile Iron Hill Trail is open to both hikers and bikers, and its wide path is fairly easy for smaller children. Yurts, cabins and campsites are available for rent.
James H. Floyd State Park – Summerville
This quiet park in northwest Georgia has five miles of hiking trails, plus access to the 60-mile Pinhoti Trail. The moderately easy Marble Mine Trail follows an old road to a 35-foot waterfall adjacent to an old mine opening.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
Located just minutes from I-85 in north Georgia, this little known gem has eight miles of hiking trails, a pretty stream and small fishing ponds. Tent campers will like the wooden platforms surrounded by hardwood forest. Golfers can tee off surrounded by fall color on the park’s 18-hole Highland Walk Golf Course.
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville
Georgia’s only state park on Lake Lanier offers more than 14 miles of forested trails, boat ramps, cabins and campsites. Equestrians will especially enjoy autumn views from horseback.
George L. Smith State Park – Twin City
In late autumn, cypress trees turn deep orange and make a beautiful reflection off this park’s blackwater pond. Rent a kayak to paddle under Spanish moss and tupelo trees. Photographers will appreciate exploring a covered bridge built in 1880.
Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin
Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” may be best known for its orange-hued soil, but its trees provide a colorful palette as well. In late fall, rent a cabin nearby at Florence Marina State Park, then hike the canyon for the best leaf watching.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Just east of Atlanta, this 5,804-acre outdoor playground offers several miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. The 1-mile Brantley Nature Trail makes for an easy walk through mature hardwoods and pines.
