We’re in the middle of fall here in Georgia and most of us can feel the weather changing quickly. This also means the leaves here are turning gold & burgundy, which brings some of the best scenery this country has to offer.
Fall color peaks late October, early November, so NOW is the perfect time to visit some of these sites listed below. You could be taking pictures for Instagram or just want a workout by hiking/running the trails drawn along the North Georgia mountains. Thanksgiving is the last chance, don’t procrastinate go visit some of these places now!
1. Vogel State Park (Blairsville, GA)
There is definitely some beautiful fall colors in the mountains surrounding the park. In the park itself, many of our trees have changed or are in the process of doing so and make for a beautiful walk around the lake or campground. The hike on the Bear Hair Gap Trail will take you through some amazing scenery right now.
2. Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge, GA)
Enjoy the beautiful colors of the fall leaves as you hike up Panola Mountain. But the beauty doesn’t end where the trees stop. The tip of Panola is blooming yellow, Confederate Daisies. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for this moderate to strenuous hike
3. Sweetwater State Park (Lithia Springs, GA)
Just west of Atlanta you’ll find 9 miles of hiking trails, a beautiful creek and small lake. For an easy walk, take the popular 1-mile Red Trail which follows the creek to the ruins of an old mill.
4. FDR State Park (Pine Mountain, GA)
Hardwood trees like sourwood, cherry, and blackgum are showing dappled color throughout the park. Most of the hickories and oaks await just the right temperature and moisture to show more color in coming weeks.
5. Amicalola Falls State Park (Dawsonville, GA)
Just an hour north of Atlanta you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. The falls can be enjoyed from both easy and difficult trails. 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. Amicalola Falls gets very busy on pretty October weekends. Pumpkin farms and apple orchards are nearby.
6. Tallulah Gorge State Park (Tallulah Falls, GA)
About half of the park’s hardwoods have begun to turn, while the other half are still green. More color is popping every day. The color is mostly yellow with some red in the under story.
Tallulah 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 get a permit from the park office to trek all the way to the bottom.
7. Black Mountain State Park (Mountain City, GA)
At an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is Georgia’s highest state park. Roadside overlooks and the summit Visitor Center offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
