10 Georgia State Parks for Fall Color

Just an hour north of Atlanta you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall at Amicalola Falls State Park. 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 in Dawsonville and Ellijay.

Visit Amicalola Falls State Park

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 near Clayton. The 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail is a good choice for a short, moderate hike. For an all-day challenge, take the 7.2-mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail.

If driving Hwy. 441 north to the park, stop by Tallulah Gorge State Park and quirky Goats on the Roof.

Find more things to see and places to stay on a Clarkesville to Dillard Fall Road Trip. 

Visit Black Rock Mountain State Park

One of Georgia’s most beautiful parks, Cloudland Canyon offers easy-to-reach rim overlooks and challenging hiking trails. A favorite hike takes you down a long, steep staircase to the bottom of the canyon, where you'll find two waterfalls. (Remember, you have to hike back up, but it’s worth it.) The 5-mile West Rim Loop is moderately difficult and offers great views of the canyon. “Glamping” yurts are located off this trail.

Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park

Many people are surprised to find hardwood forests and rolling mountains south of Atlanta. At F.D. Roosevelt State Park, the 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop is a favorite section of the longer Pine Mountain Trail. For a touch of history, drive to Dowdell’s Knob to see a life-size bronze sculpture of President F.D. Roosevelt and great views of the forested valley. Ga. Hwy. 190 is a pretty driving route in Pine Mountain.

Visit F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Fort Mountain State Park is best known for a mysterious rock wall along the mountain top, plus a variety of trails. For the easiest walk, take the 1.2-mile loop around the park’s pretty, green lake. For a challenging, all-day hike, choose the 8-mile Gahuti Trail. Mountain bikers have more than 14 miles to explore. Hwy. 52 in Chatsworth has beautiful mountain scenery and overlooks worth stopping for.

Find more things to see and places to stay in this Chatsworth to Blue Ridge Fall Road Trip.

Visit Fort Mountain State Park

Georgia’s smallest state park sits on the shore of gorgeous deep-green Lake Burton in Clarkesville. At Moccasin Creek State Park, guests can choose from the 2-mile Hemlock Falls Trail or 1-mile Non-Game Trail with a wildlife observation tower. Hwy. 197 is a particularly pretty road, passing Mark of the Potter and other popular attractions.

Visit Moccasin Creek State Park

Protecting more than 6,000 acres around Dukes Creek, Smithgall Woods State Park is the perfect spot for fly fishing while enjoying fall color. Day visitors can picnic near the creek, and overnight guests can hike a private trail to Dukes Creek Falls. A 1.6-mile loop climbs to Laurel Ridge and provides a view of Mt. Yonah once most leaves are off the trees.

This park is near many wineries and Helen’s Bavarian-style downtown. Find more things to see and do in this Guide to Helen.

Visit Smithgall Woods State Park

Tallulah Gorge 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. During November, you can watch expert kayakers as they enjoy the bi-annual “whitewater releases.” Be sure to see the park’s film because it includes heart-racing footage of kayakers and news clips from Wallenda’s famous tightrope walk across the gorge.

Visit Tallulah Gorge State Park

Hike a pretty 3-mile trail that leads from Unicoi State Park into downtown Helen. You can enjoy lunch and window shopping before hiking back to the trailhead. Mountain bikers can zip past fall color on the park’s challenging 7.5-mile bike loop. If you’re up for a steep hike, take the 4.8-mile Smith Creek Trail up to Anna Ruby Falls. (To avoid having to hike back, leave a second car at the falls.)

Visit Unicoi State Park

The 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail at Vogel State Park makes a nice day trip for experienced hikers, offering great mountain color and a birds-eye view of the park’s lake. For an easier walk, follow the Lake Loop to a small waterfall.

The twisting roads around Vogel in Blairsville, particularly Wolf Pen Gap Road, offer some of north Georgia's prettiest fall scenery. Explore the gorgeous scenery on the 77-mile road trip known as Dragon Eyes.

Visit Vogel State Park