4 Epic Places to Watch the Leaves Change
Cooler weather is around the corner, and with it comes the changing of the seasons and the changing of the leaves. Here are four epic places you can visit with your family to usher in autumn and her sea of color.
Brasstown Bald near Blairsville, Georgia. Photo by @gcalebjones
1. Brasstown Bald near Blairsville
Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest peak, so take note to visit early. The colors will change sooner on this peak than other places in the Georgia mountains. Although it is the tallest point in the state, the hike is easy and paved, or you can take a shuttle to the pinnacle. Additionally, the surrounding areas of Blairsville offer Vogel State Park and several fun waterfalls.
Len Foote Hike Inn in Dawsonville, Georgia. Photo by @wandernorthga
2. Len Foote Hike Inn in Dawsonville
If you ask me, this is the best place in the state to see the colors change. Five miles into the forest from Amicalola Falls, you’ll stay the night in the bunkhouse and rise to see the sun poke her head from over the mountains. Use the Almanac to predict the best day for a visit, and then book your stay now. Rooms will fill up fast, particularly on the weekends.
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, Georgia. Photo by @m.ii.ms
3. Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City
Brasstown Bald might be the highest point in Georgia, but Black Rock is the highest state park in Georgia. Visit for a day, or stay the night in one of the park's cabins or campsites. You could easily spend an entire weekend here, filling the time with all Clayton and Rabun County have to offer.
Yonah Mountain near Helen, Georgia. Photo by @billrubino
4. Yonah Mountain near Helen
Atlanta Trails named Yonah Mountain Trail as one the top North Georgia hikes, and it's the views that make it an indisputable argument. It's a moderate 2.1-mile hike to the top from the Mount Yonah Trail Head with drop-offs near the top, so you might want to save this for older children – but don’t skip it! You’ll see spectacular views of Helen and the surrounding areas, perfect for taking in the changing season.
