Black Rock Mountain Is an Underrated State Park That Will Surprise You This Fall

Calling all fellow leaf peepers! It’s our time to shine. Soon, those beautiful colors will be draping the Georgia landscape, and it’s time to start planning your weekends around the fall foliage. While winter is my favorite season, I truly welcome the first signs of fall in Georgia. I love the cooler temperatures, the decrease in mosquitoes, and of course, the fall colors. Amicalola Falls State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, and many other state parks are idyllic during this time of year, but don’t overlook Black Rock Mountain State Park. This impressive, underrated state park in Georgia will surprise you this fall!

I always make it a point to reach a higher elevation in the fall so I can see all those mesmerizing colors, and since Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest state park in Georgia, it’s a no-brainer. The park sits at an elevation of 3,640 feet and offers some truly spectacular overlooks of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. On a clear day, you can see for upwards of 80 miles!

I’m a firm believer that the best way to experience the fall colors is to get outside and hit the hiking trails. There are several hiking trails at Black Rock Mountain State Park, with many falling under the one-mile mark. You can mix and match to fit your schedule, which is great. 

Two of the most popular trails in the park are the Tennessee Rock Trail and the James E Edmonds Backcountry Trail. The former is just a hair over two miles, while the latter is 7.2 miles. 

The two-mile Tennessee Rock Trail is the most popular trail in the park. There’s only 557 feet of elevation gain on this loop trail, and it’s well-marked with yellow blazes. The Tennessee Rock Overlook is the perfect place to soak in those fall colors, and if you catch the view on a clear day, you’ll be able to see for 80 miles into the neighboring states of both Carolinas and Tennessee. 

Before you leave the park, carve out some time for the Black Rock Lake Trail. The easy trail follows the perimeter of Black Rock Lake, making a nice little loop that clocks in under a mile. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish, should you wish to drop a line from the Turtle Rock Fishing Pier (fishing licenses are required). 

If you want to turn the day trip into an overnight adventure, there are several ways to camp at Black Rock State Park. In addition to the 10 cottages, there are 44 tent/RV campsites, 12 walk-in campsites, and four backcountry campsites. Visit the Black Rock State Park website to learn more. 

While you’re in the area, do a little leaf-peeping at Tallulah Gorge State Park. It’s only 17 miles from Black Rock State Park and is another stunning state park in the fall. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.