7 Georgia Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter
By Lisa Sammons|Updated on November 30, 2023(Originally published December 23, 2022)
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
Many of us love to travel during the warm months, but don’t miss out on winter day trips in Georgia! There are so many great Peach State destinations that are absolutely magnificent in the cooler months. Our northern mountain areas are gorgeous when covered in snow, and while the southern portions of the state may not get any snow, the respite from the heat and humidity of summer makes waking in South Georgia much more pleasant. Here are a few of our favorite must-see winter spots:
Blue Ridge is truly one of the most charming small towns in Georgia. This little mountain town's population is only around 1,500, but it's got some of the most stunning scenery in the state, no matter the season. There's so much natural beauty here. The location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains means there are miles of trails to explore and it's one of the best North Georgia day trips.
Check out some of the wonderful things to do in Blue Ridge in the winter:
2. Cloudland Canyon State Park
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
Cloudland Canyon State Park's incredible scenery makes it one of the most beautiful winter destinations in Georgia. The park is open year-round and winter brings frost-covered trees, frozen waterfalls, and an all-around magical aura.
Brasstown Bald is the tallest natural point in Georgia and it looks even more magnificent in winter. Seeing it all covered in snow is quite the sight! You can hike or drive to the top of the mountain, but note that the roads may be closed to vehicular traffic if it's too icy out.
Helen, Georgia is another of our favorite small towns. This Bavarian-styled town looks like something out of a fairy tale. Everywhere you look, you'll find a taste of Germany, from restaurants selling schnitzel to shops filled with German imports. When snow is falling here, it looks like you walked onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
It may seem strange to put a beach town like Tybee Island on this list. Most people visit Georgia's beaches in the summer, and since this area doesn't get any snow, you're not going to see any stereotypical winter scenery. However, the crowds are definitely much lighter and you'll enjoy an escape from the heat and humidity that can sometimes plague this region!
Dahlonega hosts one of the best Christmas festivals in Georgia, but the fun doesn't end after the holidays. This place is a winter wonderland of activity, with unbelievably gorgeous scenery, plenty of charming small shops, and many attractions to enjoy all year long. It's one of many wonderful day trips from Atlanta in winter.
Though Columbus is the third-largest city in the state, it doesn't get nearly as much attention from tourists as some of our more popular destinations. However, there's a lot to check out here! It's situated right on the Chattahoochee River, providing gorgeous waterfront views. There's a great cultural scene and plenty of shops to check out.
Did we name your favorite winter day trip in Georgia? If you have other destinations you’d like to suggest, make sure to share them in the comments!
