The Most Unusual Fall Foliage Experiences in Georgia
Take leaf-peeping to a whole new level with these top fall adventures throughout the state.
Georgia's fall scenery draws visitors from far and wide to take in the brilliant array of foliage from the mountains to the coast. Some of the most well-known destinations for stunning scenes include state parks with overlooks like Cloudland Canyon in northwest Georgia, Black Rock Mountain in northeast Georgia and F.D. Roosevelt in west Georgia. Brasstown Bald in Hiawassee, Georgia's highest peak, is known for its panoramic views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and Stone Mountain in Atlanta is a popular leaf-peeping destination near the city.
However, if you'd like to venture off the beaten path for fall foliage experiences in Georgia, here are a few alternative adventures. From climbing an eight-story castle tower to paddling a blackwater swamp, these excursions will surely thrill all your senses.
View of fall foliage from Uhuburg tower in Helen, Georgia. Photo by Naomi Marthai
1. Climb an eight-story castle tower in Helen
Perched atop a Helen mountain is Uhuburg, a newly constructed castle with incredible views of the forested hills below. Step up into the eight-story lookout tower for 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the surrounding gardens and trails that pass by waterfalls, springs, valleys, unique trees, plants, and rock formations, and highlight spectacular vistas and scenic views. Join a tour to learn about the castle's architectural features and murals, or enjoy exploring the view on your own.
View of Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn, Georgia, from the sky. Photo by @rockcreekaviation
2. Fly in a helicopter over North Georgia
Fly high over North Georgia's breathtaking fall foliage in a helicopter tour with Rock Creek Aviation. Tours give passengers a new view of well-known landmarks like Lookout Mountain, Lula Lake Falls, Rock City Gardens, Cloudland Canyon and Fall Creek Falls. See the striking patchwork of colors that blanket the North Georgia mountains on 60- to 90-minute tours.
Overhead view of the Atlanta BeltLine. Photo by @steadyfly
3. Take a tree tour in Atlanta
Join Trees Atlanta for free, guided walking tours of the Atlanta BeltLine, a paved multi-use path that circles downtown Atlanta and connects neighborhoods, parks, and transit. The greenspace along the corridor, known as the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, features a wide variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, native plants and more. Discover the horticultural collections and learn about the surrounding neighborhoods on a 90-minute leisurely stroll.
Stay Dahlonega treehouse in Dahlonega, Georgia. Photo by @gcalebjones
4. Cuddle up in a cabin in Dahlonega
Choose to stay in a whimsical treehouse, a cozy farmhouse, a modern home just blocks from the Dahlonega square, or a farmhouse next to a waterfall with Stay Dahlonega's collection of vacation rentals. Or, check out the one- to three-bedroom cabins from Dahlonega Hideaway Havens, some of which have outdoor hot tubs, fire pits and gourmet kitchens. Spend your days hiking to waterfalls and visiting area wineries, and then wind down at your cabin comforted by the quiet and colorful forest.
Fall foliage on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Photo by @stark.us
5. Ride along the Toccoa River on a historic train in Blue Ridge
For a breathtaking mountain excursion, climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a 26-mile round-trip journey along the Toccoa River and through some of North Georgia’s most beautiful landscapes, like rolling hills and preserved farmlands. The four-hour ride starts from a historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge and travels to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, where visitors can disembark and explore the shops, restaurants, and quaint downtowns of the twin cities. The return trip winds through lush forests for prime leaf viewing and ends back in Blue Ridge.
Ziplining at Banning Mills in Whitesburg, Georgia
6. Zipline on the world's largest canopy tour in Whitesburg
Located just an hour and a half from Atlanta, Banning Mills is Georgia's high-altitude playground. Plan to spend your day above the tree line taking in the fall foliage from the air via "The Longest Hiking Suspension Bridge in North America," a 10-mile long zip line park, a 100-foot power freefall, and the World’s Tallest Freestanding climbing wall. Sixty ziplines and 46 sky bridges promise spectacular views and a world of fun. Those with reduced mobility can enjoy the wheelchair-friendly Eco-Spider ATV Tours, 90-minute tours in rugged four-wheeled electric vehicles that take visitors through Banning Mills' trails and suspension bridges. Make it a weekend by staying in the hotel or one of the treehouses.
Whitewater rafting in Columbus, Georgia. Photo by @gcalebjones
7. Brave rapids on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus
Located in the heart of Columbus is the RushSouth Whitewater Park, the largest urban whitewater course in the world. The course on the Chattahoochee River offers a 2.5-mile stretch of rapids perfect for families of all age groups, and after 4 p.m., the water level rises, creating bigger rapids for thrill-seekers. In between rapids, gather your composure as you float along, taking in the autumn scenery along the shore - Georgia on one side and Alabama on the other. Afterward, relax back on solid ground with a stroll along the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, a 15-mile linear park that spans the riverfront, winding through tall trees bursting with the colors of the season.
Cypress trees in the Okefenokee Swamp in Fargo, Georgia. Photo by @cynthiaannemarie
8. Take a boat tour and camp in Okefenokee Swamp
Fall brings subtle color changes to the Okefenokee Swamp, like the cypress needles' transformation to burnt orange and the appearance of the delicate yellow tickseed sunflower. The largest blackwater swamp in North America, the Okefenokee Swamp has a lot to explore and three entrances to choose from. Learn about and see native plants and wildlife on a boat tour from the Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross. Or, enter the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge near Folkston to hike the Chesser Island Boardwalk to the Owl's Roost Tower for an unparalleled view of the swamp prairies and wilderness. At Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia's first International Dark Sky Park, visitors can enjoy daily boat tours and regular astronomy programs.
Stay overnight in the swamp to appreciate how the foliage colors change from morning to night. Book cottages and campsites at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, or reserve platform campsites deep in the swamp through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Suwanne River Eco-Lodge in Fargo is a great option for groups. For tips on camping in the Okefenokee, read about this blogger's one-of-a-kind adventure.
Muhly grass in the fall on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo by Jekyll Island Authority
9. Explore trails on Jekyll Island to see the muhly grass
A sure sign of fall on Jekyll Island is the beautiful pinkish-purple eruption of muhly grass around the island. Native muhly grass, also known as sweet grass, can be seen all around, from the historic district's Victorian-era cottages to the picnic pavilions at Great Dunes Beach Park. Rent bikes and explore the island's more than 24 miles of picturesque paths and trails to take it all in.
Colorful foliage in historic Madison, Georgia. Photo by Madison-Morgan County CVB
10. Take a walking tour through a historic small town
Georgia's small towns are full of history and beauty, inviting visitors to take their time to fully appreciate the scenery and rich stories that make the towns so unique. Many small towns offer self-guided walking or driving tours that allow visitors to explore at their own pace. Take the self-guided walking tour in Madison, and see historic homes and landmarks shaded by mature trees that really put on a show in the fall. About one hour away in Milledgeville, take a self-guided walking tour or hop aboard the trolley for a guided tour through the town that was once the capital city of Georgia.
