We’re thrilled when fall comes to North Georgia, eager to enjoy every moment, every view, every breath of cooler air that our area offers.
When we were considering relocation in 2015, one of our criteria was selecting an area with changing seasons. Growing up and living in South Louisiana for nearly 30 years, then living in Florida for the past 10 years, we were accustomed to hot summers changing quickly to warm wet winters with little fall color.
In between, we spent 17 years in Ohio, where seasonal changes were spectacular. But we lived in Troy, Ohio, a flat Midwest farm town along I-75 with miles of clear-cut fields for efficient corn, soybean and tomato production but highly limiting to an abundance of natural foliage. We did enjoy spots of bright color as we drove up and down I-75 or along the winding back roads that followed small streams and rivers. Several hundred miles of interconnected bike trails also followed the Miami River and old railroad routes, allowing for great fall morning rides among the falling leaves.
Thus, we’re thrilled when fall comes to North Georgia, eager to enjoy every moment, every view, every breath of cooler air that our area offers. With National Take a Hike Day coming up, the midpoint of fall behind us and our fall beauty fading, we’re going to share photo shots of some of our favorite fall spots. And we welcome comments about your favorites, too!
Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona
Overlook Park is a small, roadside stop in Acworth, just off Highway 92.Hidden off Ragsdale Road near Acworth, South Shore Park is one of our favorite launching points for kayaking.Behind the Beach House at Cauble Park in Acworth, you’ll find the AUMC Chapel of Prayer and this large cross overlooking Lake Acworth.
Cooper’s Furnace is a Civil War-era factory ruins along the Etowah River in Paulding County. Part of the US Corps of Engineers parks surrounding Lake Allatoona, the location offers picnicking, a playground, river access and miles of hiking trails.Follow the main trail at Cooper’s Furnace to this quiet pond, a haven for wildlife of all types. Stay to the left trail and take the longer hike up to the summit. Turn to the right and you can follow the shorter service road trail to the top.
Etowah River and Allatoona Dam
The Allatoona Dam (above) holds back the Etowah River to create an extensive lake system. We captured that dam photo — and the one below — just downstream from the dam, at the Riverside Day Use Area.
Amicalola State Park
We visited Amicalola on Oct. 11, then again on Nov. 7. Working from memory, we tried to capture similar photos to show what a difference a few weeks can make. What a difference a month makes. This is a reminder to us and to anyone who sees this that Georgia’s scenery changes dramatically throughout the year. (You’ll find more about Amicalola at our post, Short Walks to Tall Georgia Waterfalls.)
Two views from above — the top of Amicalola Falls where Amicalola Creeks begins its 726-foot cascading journey to the valley below.
At the midpoint, a viewing bridge offers an up-close view of the upper falls. Getting here is easiest from the West Ridge Falls Access Trail, an ADA-rated walking route.
Walking down those Georgia State Park wooden stairs from the viewing bridge offers another perspective. Here, we’re about 50 feet below the viewing bridge .
The back deck of Amicalola State Park Lodge offers a sweeping view of the valley below, and a changing panorama of beautiful colors within 30 days.
Gibbs Gardens
We found Gibbs Gardens thanks to a roadside sign spotted on our way to Amicalola Falls. We made our first visit in the spring, and immediately became season pass holders. In another post, we discuss the reasons we visit in all seasons, not just fall.
Natural beauty is augmented with professional landscaping at Gibbs Gardens, near Ball Ground, GA. The Japanese Garden features reflecting ponds, statuary and more. At more than 40 acres, it’s the largest Japanese Garden in the US, with 150 varieties of Japanese maples in full glory in late October through November.We loved visiting Gibbs Gardens for the daffodils in the spring, roses later, and ever-changing looks throughout the season. But without a doubt, fall is our favorite season for visiting.
Red Top Mountain State Park
With boating, a mountain bike trail, miles of hiking, a beach, miniature golf, camping and winding roads perfect for motorcycles, Red Top Mountain State Park is perfect for almost any outdoor enthusiast. Check out our blog for more on the hiking trails.
With uneven footing on the Homestead Trail, we were careful to watch where we stepped. That’s how we found this guy, and many more forest floor creatures.And while we were looking down, we looked up and around, too. While we found this web just off the main trail, we walked into other smaller ones despite our best efforts to avoid them.Toadstools, leaves, mosses and grass added to the vibrant colors along the way.
Cloudland Canyon State Park and Falls
For those looking for effortless beauty with a minimum of walking, this is your best bet. We love the drive up to Cloudland Canyon almost as much as our time in the park. Driving up I-75 offers some of the best fall interstate scenery in Georgia, and it gets even better once you turn off and drive through the John’s Mountain Wildlife Preserve. Once arriving at Cloudland, it’s about 200 steps to the edge of the canyon where you can peer down into a cornucopia of changing leaves. For the more adventurous and fit, the hike down those Georgia State Park stairs offer beautiful views of the forest and the falls.
The short walk from the parking lot to the canyon rim offers a spectacular view.Hemlock Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park, GA
For the adventurous and fit, the hike into the canyon offers great scenery looking up into the canopy.
Georgia’s Back Roads and Byways
Georgia’s mountain roads and local byways feature colorful drives at every turn.On our way to Amicalola Falls, we discovered the sunflower fields and horseback rides at Fausett Farms near Afton, GA.Burt’s Pumpkin Farm is located just outside the entrance to Amicalola State Park, and we visited here on Oct. 11 and Nov. 7, too. The pre-Halloween pumpkin selection was broader in October (above), and the colors of the surrounding trees more vibrant in November (below). Along with sugar pumpkins, we picked up some butternut squash for one of our fall favorite soups.
Small ponds dot the landscape throughout North Georgia, perfect for reflecting and reflections.Fall’s colors inspire creativity, and offer interesting photo opportunities everywhere.Each time we drive past this property at the corner of Pitner Road and Cheatham Road in Cobb Country, we’re transported back to the rural homes of our grandparents.
Our Back Yard and Family
Often, we overlook the beauty and tranquility of our own homes. Sometimes, a simple change of perspective will change your entire view.While this picture is a few years old now, it’s a reminder that sometimes you don’t mind at all when your attempts at yard work are ignored.
And LSU Football
What’s fall without football? Sorry Bulldog fans, but Tiger Stadium is still our favorite place for SEC football. And if you thought a daytime game was loud, try a night game.
Inquisitive traveler -- 33 countries, 48 states. Sometimes cyclist, occasional hiker, over-experienced diner. Cajun by birth, Parrothead by choice, Baby Boomer by age, Southerner by the grace of God. Semi-retired career marketeer, with a career serving the foodservice and food retail industries. Sharing experiences is an avocation.
