It's mid-October and Georgians are ready for sweater weather. Along with carving pumpkins and sipping spiced lattes, leaf-watching is a favorite autumn activity.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has put together a list for lovers of fall foliage.

Visit Leaf Watch to learn about the best state parks for viewing the changing leaves. It includes:

Nine of the top 10 state parks for viewing leaves are in northern and northeastern Georgia.

While most of the parks featuring hardwood trees with variegated leaves are north of Atlanta, Georgia's largest state park, F.D. Roosevelt Park (in Pine Mountain, 80 miles southwest of Atlanta) is in the central part of the state, so its peak colors may arrive closer to mid-November. Cloudland Canyon, located on the edge of Lookout Mountain in Northwest Georgia near the Tennessee border, is another top pick, and it is expected to peak before the end of October.
 

When will leaves peak? Now or soon

Check out this prediction map, which shows phases of peak color corresponding to counties.

According to the map, this weekend, Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, will have partial peak color for most of North Georgia, with full peak color in three northeastern Georgia counties, and past-peak color in four northeastern Georgia counties. Middle Georgia shows patchy peak colors, with South Georgia showing minimal color.

The Atlanta area can expect peak color around Nov. 6.

"Trying to predict the peak of fall color year to year is a challenge since much depends on the weather and the microclimate around each tree," the Georgia Forestry Commission website states. "Fortunately, Georgia’s variety of tree species ensures you can count on a show of fall colors each year."

Tags: Georgia  state parks  fall  Autumn Leaves  Atlanta