North Georgia Fall Foliage

One of the best places to see vivid and colorful fall foliage is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Blue Ridge, Georgia, located in Fannin County, is a popular tourist destination just 90 miles north of Atlanta. The area is home to Lake Blue Ridge, Toccoa River, and the Blue Ridge foothills and offers breathtaking views from overlooks, hiking trails, scenic byways.

With shades of red and orange, bright yellow, auburn, and everything in between, Blue Ridge provides one of the longest lasting seasons for seeing fall foliage in the world. Due to the varied elevations, the season lasts for over a month attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the area. The best time to go is usually between mid-October and early November, although it varies from year to year. With scenic drives, visits to state parks, mountain hikes, and a train ride to choose from, here are some of the many ways to see and enjoy the breathtaking and colorful views of fall foliage near Blue Ridge.
 

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Photo Credit: Lucy Kowalski

To see the fall leaves by train, you can take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Beginning at the historic 100-year old depot, the train ride lasts 4 hours round trip traveling 26 miles along the Toccoa River. As you relax on the train, you will enjoy great views of fall foliage from the enclosed train or from an open-air rail car.

For more information on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway check this out.
 

Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway

Photo Credit: ehrlif

If you are looking for a scenic drive that features mountain overlooks, fertile farmlands, and rich history, this is the drive for you. This 51-mile byway combines state highways and rural roads giving a taste of the diverse terrain of northwest Georgia. Along the way, you can stop and hike the Johns Mountain loop trail to relish the sweeping bird’s eye views of fall colors from the overlook.
 

Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads – Jacks River Falls or Jacks River Trail

Located deep in North Georgia’s mountains, these rugged wilderness trails are ideal for backpackers and hikers looking for stunning views of autumn colors. Spanning 36,000 acres, this is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. 70 species of fish can be found in the two rivers, the Conasauga and the Jacks River, that run through the wilderness.
 

Benton MacKaye Trail – Fall Branch Falls, Swinging Bridge, Long Creek Falls or Aska Trails area

Photo Credit: Sally Masters

This trail, named for Benton MacKaye, the forester/planner who proposed the Appalachian Trail, follows the western crest of the Appalachian Mountains. This trail is difficult due to its vastly changing terrain, but the incredible views of the area's fall foliage will make it worth the effort.
 

Appalachian Trail – Three Forks, Springer Mountain or Amicolola Falls & Trails

The Appalachian Trail runs through Georgia for 79 miles, beginning at Springer Mountain. The rugged and rocky trail follows along the eastern ridge of the Appalachian Mountain and is accessible by foot from Amicolola State Park. Stunning views of fall foliage can be seen from the peaks of Springer Mountain, Blood Mountain, and Cowrock Mountain, and at many other points on the trail. Whether you decide to visit a state park, try a hike, take a scenic drive, or check out the scenic railway, be sure to bring your camera so you will have a record of your trip to look back on. You should also remember to bring warm clothes, as the autumn nights will be cool and crisp, and to book early so you will have your choice of vacation rentals. Check out Georgia State Parks Leaf Watch to find out when the colors will be at their peak, as this varies from year-to-year. With so many places to choose from to see fall foliage near Blue Ridge, you might find yourself coming back next year for more.

For more information on trails and the times they are open check here.