Georgia has some of the most colorful fall leaves in America, and there’s no better way to experience them than on a hike. While North Georgia is best known for fall foliage, you can see stunning colors pretty much anywhere you go around the state. So, what are you waiting for? Pull on your boots and get outside to enjoy these awesome fall hikes in Georgia!
Sitton Gulch Trail, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Near Rising Fawn
Cloudland Canyon is a stunning place to hike any time of year, but the colors really come alive in fall. One highly recommended hiking route is the Sitton Gulch Trail, but you can also hike along the eastern and western rims for great views. Sitton Gulch is a five-mile, out-and-back trail that’s moderately strenuous and passes by a waterfall. September and October are great times to hike this trail, and leashed dogs are welcome. Make plans to hike in this area early in the fall season because the leaves’ colors tend to peak early in Northwest Georgia. This is also an excellent place for fall mountain biking because of the singletrack routes in the Five Point Recreation Area.
Springer Mountain, Appalachian Trail, Near Dahlonega
Springer Mountain is best known as being the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail, but you don’t have to be a hardcore backpacker to experience the beauty of this area. The mountain has a 3,780-foot summit and is surrounded by beautiful fall colors all around. You can put your car at the Springer Mountain parking area and take the two-mile-round-trip route to the top. Or for more of a challenge and even more gorgeous tree views, take the nine-mile-round-trip route to the mountain from Three Forks. There are other summit routes here too that range from moderately strenuous to longer hikes over 10 miles long.
Red Trail, Sweetwater Creek State Park, Near Lithia Springs
If you live in Metro Atlanta or are just visiting for the weekend, there are some incredible fall hikes you can do without traveling far. One of the very best close-to-home hikes in the area is the Red Trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park. This route passes through colorful fall leaves, the historic ruins of an old mill, sandy river banks, and stone outcroppings that lead to great views. The mill was actually used as a film location for The Hunger Games! This is a moderately strenuous hike that’s about 2.3 miles in length and allows dogs. To make a fall foliage weekend out of this hike, book a site in the state park’s very nice campground or yurt village. It’s also fun to explore the area’s waterways in a canoe or kayak.
Blood Mountain, Appalachian Trail, Near Suches
Another great Appalachian Trail mountain to climb to see the fall foliage is Blood Mountain, which is perfectly named for Halloween season too. Some of the best leaf views are found in this area, making it a very popular spot for the season. You can hike along the Byron Reece Trail or take the Appalachian Trail to Cowrock Mountain for excellent views. Another popular route is Neels Gap, which takes you to the 4,458-foot summit. The Blood Mountain Loop also extends about six miles along the Appalachian Trail, Byron Reece Trail, and Freeman Trail. The Chattahoochee National Forest has never looked so vibrant!
Amicalola Falls Loop, Amicalola Falls State Park, Near Dawsonville
Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia, and unlike some waterfalls that slow to a trickle after spring, this one still goes strong in the fall. There’s just something magical about hiking the stairway to the top of the falls and being surrounded by colorful foliage and a powerful force of water. For a longer backpacking journey, you can include part of the Appalachian Trail and Springer Mountain along with your visit to Amicalola Falls.
Canyon Rim Trail, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Near Tallulah Falls
Photographs really don’t do this place justice because Tallulah Falls is so impressive in the fall season. Take the Canyon Rim Trail to see the colorful leaves hug the rim before a steep descent down into the gorge. The most popular routes are the North Rim and South Rim Trails, which are dog-friendly and pretty easy. The descent down into the gorge is much more strenuous, and honestly the best fall foliage views are from the rim.
Pine Mountain Trail, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Near Pine Mountain
If you happen to miss the peak fall foliage times in North Georgia, don’t worry because the southern part of the state peaks a bit later. Head out to F.D. Roosevelt State Park and start hiking on the Pine Mountain Trail for an awesome backpacking adventure. This region is generally pretty flat, so Pine Mountain really stands out and gives your hike some elevation gain. The trail extends about 23 miles, and there are some great backcountry campsites along it to pitch a tent. For example, Beech Bottom campsites are near water to refill your bottles, and Turtle Bluff is farther from the trail for some peace and quiet. You can purchase a backcountry permit for $10 at the park office before your hike and bring your dog along.
Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald, Near Sky Valley
Rabun Bald is the second highest mountain peak in Georgia, which means that you’re in no shortage of excellent views when you hike here. Take the Bartram Trail, a popular day hike, to reach the summit and take it all in from the lookout tower. This trail is about three miles round trip and moderately difficult. It’s another dog-friendly route and usually quiet compared to the more popular Brasstown Bald, which is Georgia’s highest peak. You’ll need to put more effort into this ascent, but the views are totally worth it. At the point of the Eastern Continental Divide, you can look out from the wood viewing platform for 360-degree views of various other peaks in both Georgia and North Carolina.
