Columbus-area hikers have six marked day-hike loops to choose from at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, ranging from the 3.2-mile Mountain Creek Nature Trail to the 7.8-mile Big Poplar Loop. All six are part of the park's Pine Mountain Trail system, according to Georgia State Parks.

At 10,874 acres, F.D. Roosevelt is Georgia's largest state park, with 43 miles of hiking trails, including the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail. With fall color arriving, here are the six loops counted down from shortest to longest.

The 6 loops at a glance

No. 6: Mountain Creek Nature Trail (3.2 miles)

The shortest loop starts at the Trading Post in the park's main camping area and is marked with red blazes. It winds through a mixed oak-pine forest along the headwaters of Mountain Creek.

Georgia State Parks calls it one of the less strenuous loops and one of the loveliest, because it passes through several plant habitats. It's the best pick for families or a first visit.

No. 5: Overlook Loop (3.4 miles)

The park's newest loop is just two-tenths of a mile longer than Mountain Creek. The most convenient parking is across from the Callaway Country Store, and you can also start at the Gardens Overlook on Highway 190.

No. 4: Dowdell's Knob Loop (4.3 miles)

Start at the Dowdell's Knob parking area, pick up the blue-blazed main trail, then use the white-blazed Boot Top Trail, a 1.3-mile connector, to loop back. You can go right about 1 mile or left about 2 miles to reach the Boot Top, according to the park.

Fall timing matters here. The Dowdell's Knob gate closes at 5 p.m. from Oct. 1 through March 31, the park says, so start early enough to finish before then. The park advises confirming gate times before you go.

No. 3: Wolfden Loop (6.7 miles)

Georgia State Parks says Wolfden is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of trail in the Southeast and the most popular section in the park. Park at the TV tower parking area or at the mile 18 parking area on Highway 190.

No. 2: Longleaf Loop (6.9 miles)

Longleaf has the most trail connections in the system, and the park "highly" recommends a map. Expect seven paved-road crossings, six on highways and one on the campground road, and at least five trail junctions.

No. 1: Big Poplar Loop (7.8 miles)

The longest loop is also, the park says, a favorite of most hikers. It's named for a large poplar near the trail's 10-mile marker and includes rock formations and several creek crossings. Start from the mile 6 or mile 11 parking area on Highway 190.

How do you follow the trail markings?

On the Pine Mountain Trail, the main trail is marked with blue blazes, and side trails and loop connections are marked with white blazes. Mountain Creek uses red. A trail map is sold at the park office, and the park calls it a valuable planning tool.

What should you bring?

The park recommends carrying water, snacks and rain gear, planning for the time it takes to get back and telling someone your plans. It also asks hikers to leave the trail better than they found it.

Do you have to pay to park?

Yes. The park's page says a parking fee is required, and annual passes are available. Overnight guests pay the daily ParkPass fee once per vehicle during their stay.

Where is F.D. Roosevelt State Park?

The park office is at 2970 Georgia Highway 190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, in Harris County. Call the park at 706-663-4858 for trail conditions.

Which loop should you pick?

• Short and easy: Mountain Creek (3.2 miles)
• A view without a full day: Dowdell's Knob (4.3 miles), before the 5 p.m. gate closing
• Most popular: Wolfden (6.7 miles)
• Longest: Big Poplar (7.8 miles)

How we did this

Columbus Times ranked the loops using the mileages on Georgia State Parks' F.D. Roosevelt trails page. Park size, trail totals, parking and contact details come from the park's main page on gastateparks.org.