Where To See Fall Foliage In Georgia

From city parks to wild spaces, there are plenty of destinations in Georgia where you can appreciate the fall foliage and the changing of the seasons, as the leaves turn from their vibrant green to vivid orange, yellow and red. Peak time comes in late October or even early November, so we at Culture Trip have chosen our favorite spots in Georgia to appreciate this season of crisp air and warm colors.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Piedmont Park, Atlanta

When appreciating the change of seasons, people end up traveling into the wild, into state parks or up mountains, but in Georgia it’s possible to witness some incredibly intense colors without even leaving the City of Trees itself. Piedmont Park in Atlanta erupts into fiery reds and bright oranges and yellows from late September into October. The view from the lake of the city towering in the distance is enough to make you feel all warm inside, as the maples, birches and ash trees turn.

Dahlonega is a one-hour drive northeast of Atlanta past Lake Lanier and is a perfectly preserved mountain town that was once witness to the great Georgia Gold Rush. People travel in fall not only to appreciate the changing leaves but also for the fall festivals, where there is no shortage of wine, cider and wholesome food. The stunning colors really come into their own by late October, and you’re guaranteed to see lots of pumpkins too.

Amicalola Falls State Park

If you drive 90 minutes north of Atlanta, you will get to Amicalola Falls State Park. Admission is $5 (£3.90) but well worth it. If you take the Appalachian Trail, which is home to an over 700-foot (213m) waterfall, the spectacular fall colors on the trek are absolutely inspiring. From the bridge near the waterfall, you can really appreciate the colors as the cascade rushes before you. The natural wonder on display during this season is really something to take in, making an overnight stay in the cabins or camp an excellent way to extend the experience.

Yonah Mountain

The Yonah Trail is a popular trek of about 4.5 miles (7.2km), and camping is encouraged when you reach the summit. In the morning, you’ll be greeted by views of Helen and the endless landscape beyond. Be wary of the side trails, because even though you may find incredible views, the drops are deadly. Oktoberfest is also well honored on Yonah Mountain, and that means lots of beer.

Red Top Mountain State Park

Only a 40-minute drive northwest from Atlanta lies Red Top Mountain State Park (which also carries a daily admission price of $5), where people come from far and wide to trek around the lake set within a sea of electric colors. The Hill Loop Trail gives you the best of the lake and wooded areas, and the big oaks, maples and sourwoods of the region will lift your spirits as they signal the new season – a great choice for those who like the woodsier kind of camping.

Brasstown Bald

Visitors head to Georgia’s tallest mountain, a 2.5-hour drive northeast from Atlanta, for its viewing platform, which is 4,784 feet (1,458m) above sea level and even offers views into two other states. Its towering position allows you to stare into swathes of wild color, and it is one of the first sites in the state where this colorful transition occurs. If you don’t wish to take the steep (yet short) hike to the top, you can always catch the shuttle, making your journey up above the foliage nothing less than a luxury.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.