9 Top Places To Visit In Georgia This Fall

Autumn in Georgia welcomes you. The cool air is almost sweet and often carries with it the soothing aroma of fresh rain. Dew drops cling to leaves and blades of grass and glisten in the early morning light like scattered diamonds. It is no wonder that the residents of the famous Peach State will tell you, the most beautiful time of year to visit is between late September to the end of November. The landscape of Georgia is diverse. Waiting for you are the steep slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling hills of the Appalachian Plateau, flowing rivers of The Valley and Ridge, not to mention the Piedmont and Coastal Plains.

The state is a hiker’s paradise and a photographer's dream. When fall arrives, these regions are transformed and become a sight you have to see and believe. The leaves fall, and trails transform into stunning corridors of color as the state's endless trees shift from vibrant greens to the most awe-inspiring hues of red, orange, and gold. It is the time of year when the state's small towns become the ultimate getaway for leaf peepers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. So, grab your favorite scarf and head to these top places in Georgia, where the air is crisp and the beauty of the season is simply irresistible.

Ellijay

Ellijay is especially famous for its apple orchards, which are just one of many amazing features of the area. This is a town of pick-your-own options, allowing visitors to indulge in the joy of harvesting crisp apples straight from the trees. The annual Georgia Apple Festival in October adds excitement, featuring local crafts, delicious food, and an energetic atmosphere that celebrates the season. Just a short 30-minute drive away, Amicalola Falls State Park invites hikers to explore its trails, revealing breathtaking vistas adorned with fall colors.

The Ellijay River is a prime spot for fishing and canoeing, where the water reflects the trees that surround it. Nature trails in the area provide excellent opportunities for viewing deer, black bears, and ducks, making it a perfect destination for anyone with an appreciation for the outdoors. While you are in town, be sure to visit some of the local parks, like Harrison Park and Vets Memorial, which frequently host community and family gatherings and celebrate in some of the best weather of the year.

Clarkesville

The annual Clarkesville History Harvest and Fall Festival in October is the only reason you need to make this town a stop during your autumn travels. It celebrates local talent and country music, with seasonal themes, attracting visitors eager to experience the town's history and creativity. Another of the town’s highlights is the Old Clarkesville Mill, where you can not only find many shops and restaurants but also start your first leg of the Clarkesville Greenway Trail. A wide path was carved out of the area for biking and walking, set alongside the Soque River. This natural escape will provide you with views that are ideal for anyone looking to capture the essence of fall foliage.

Madison

In Madison, fall is like a storybook coming to life, especially in its historic district known for its antebellum architecture. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center hosts a variety of fall-themed events, providing a glimpse into the town’s heritage while celebrating the season. Scenic drives around the area showcase colorful leaves along winding country roads, perfect for a relaxed afternoon outing. Additionally, annual fall festivals, like the Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival, and Halloween festivities add a festive touch, with activities and parades that attract families from near and far.

However, for even more excitement in the fresh fall air, head towards the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, where the vast grasslands of the African continent meet the south. There are even treetop bungalows you can rent during your stay, creating an experience others pay thousands and travel across the world to have. Meanwhile, wildlife management areas around Madison are ideal for birdwatching, as migratory birds prepare to set flight for warmer climates, and tree critters dash to and from gathering fallen nuts.

Fort Valley

Fort Valley is mainly known for peachy offerings and activities held during the summer months, but it transforms into a delightful retreat as autumn settles in. The Fall Farm Fun event at Lane Southern Orchards, held every October, is a must for families. Bring your kids and let them loose in the six-acre corn maze, or bundle up and enjoy a lovely hayride. Nearby parks, such as South Peach Park, provide a wealth of outdoor activities, from biking trails and sports fields to playgrounds and picnic tables under the fall foliage to fishing spots in one of the eleven lakes within sixteen miles of town.

Local farms, like Lane Southern Orchards and Evans Farms, just outside of town, frequently host harvest events with pumpkin patches, all while serving warm drinks that are perfect for sipping while taking in the beautiful fall scenery. Massee Lane Gardens is a popular botanical garden south of town that is also a must-visit.

Helen

Helen is a gorgeous town any time of the year, but there is something special about the fall season in this alpine-style village that is like stepping into a Bavarian fairy tale. The annual Oktoberfest celebration draws crowds from all over the state eager for authentic food, lively music, and beer. Nearby Unicoi State Park and Smithgall Woods State Park, both within a ten-minute drive from town, offer hiking and fishing opportunities, where the fall colors reflect beautifully in the serene waters. The Chattahoochee River runs through the heart of Helen, perfect for picnics and barbecuing on the riverbank among the vibrant leaves. Photographers and social media influencers will find endless opportunities to capture the colorful foliage along the riverbanks.

As Halloween approaches, the town hosts family-friendly activities that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages. For those who can handle a little spooky action, there is Haunted Helen. This Haunted House has been operational for years and is truly a treat for kids, or is it a trick? Around the town, you can also explore ghost tours, burial mounds, and even a creepy scarecrow trail, all within a short distance from Helen and close to your accommodations.

Blue Ridge

When it comes to mind-blowing scenery, Blue Ridge may just be the shining gem in Georgia’s mountainous crown. Known for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, this small town offers breathtaking tours showcasing vibrant autumn colors along the route. Amicalola Falls State Park is just a hop and a skip away, with its waterfalls framed by fall leaves that create an enchanting atmosphere. Numerous hiking trails cater to outdoor enthusiasts, each trail revealing awe-inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If views from the ground are not satisfying enough, climb up into the canopy of the forest and zipline with the Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge.

For those who love local produce, Mercier Orchards invite visitors to pick their own apples during the harvest season, adding a delicious twist to outdoor fun. The town’s Fall Festival shares the legacy of its Appalachian heritage with guests and features crafts, live music, dancing, and plenty of food. While you are at it, stroll through the downtown area, where antique shops and cafes decked out in autumn decorations provide excellent backdrops for group and family photos, especially if in costume.

Thomaston

In Thomaston, the Flint River offers an exciting chance for canoeing, where the changing leaves create an ideal vibe for your paddling adventures. Not far from town, Sprewell Bluff Park grants you access to cabins and cottages, hiking, campgrounds, and fishing, while surrounded by the beauty of the season. Auchumpkee Creek Covered Bridge turns into the ultimate spot for autumn photos and is popular for wedding photography. Scenic drives along the town's rural roads reveal the stunning beauty of fall foliage, inviting slow-paced drives and exploration.

For families, the Greatest Generation Memorial Park is an excellent spot for playing ball, having a picnic, or simply letting the children rip and run across the playground and fields. This is the kind of town that screams get out and active and become one with nature. Not to be forgotten is the Thomaston Miss Mule Days Festival. Here your family can enjoy games, great food, agricultural demonstrations, and even a pageant.

Dahlonega

Autumn sweeps through Dahlonega, morphing the town into a tapestry of gold and crimson. If you love venturing out into the great outdoors, then this is the town for you. Here you will find plenty of trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest just eight miles outside of town, perfect for fall exercising and exploring. The annual Gold Rush Days festival, held in October, fills the streets with horses, wagons, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit. For those seeking breathtaking views, a trek along the Appalachian Trail provides a stunning panorama of the season's foliage that is hard to beat.

Nearby vineyards such as Accent Cellars, and Montaluce Winery also celebrate the harvest season with events and tastings, that are made readily accessible through Dahlonega Wine Tours. It is a great outing for couples or even group getaways.

Hiawassee

Hiawassee is a hotspot of autumn activity, with the annual Georgia Mountain Fair drawing in crowds for a week of carnival rides, games, concerts, and southern cuisine. Set against Lake Chatuge, visitors can indulge in fishing or boating while surrounded by a spectacular display of fall colors. The surrounding mountains provide a network of scenic hikes, like Bell Mountain, perfect for those seeking panoramic views of the autumn landscape. Or head south to the High Shoals Falls hiking area.

Local farms, like Kimsey Parker Farms, invite families for their fresh produce and pumpkin patch, creating cherished memories for families and friends. Wildlife watching becomes a rewarding pastime as migratory birds pass through the area.

As fall sweeps through Georgia, it changes the small towns into cozy corners of color and charm, making them ideal for a quick escape from city life. Whether you are combing your way through apple orchards in Ellijay or sipping cider at a local festival, every corner of these towns radiates autumnal warmth. Georgia's diverse geography, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to rolling valleys, offers a perfect backdrop for hiking, fishing, and leisurely drives. The high elevation also means stunning views, especially when blanketed in fall foliage.