8 Autumn Hiking Spots In Georgia That Will Level Up Your Fall Experience
By Marisa Roman|Published September 26, 2019
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
It’s almost a rite of passage for Georgians to hit the trails and starting hiking once the temperatures begin to drop in the autumn months. There is nothing quite like sliding on some wool socks, strapping on some hiking boots, and feeling the cool air as you trek through nature. There is something about hiking in Georgia in the fall that just feels right. Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the enchantment of changing leaves. Whatever it is, it feels good—and we have 8 hiking spots that’ll give you all the fall feels, too.
While this state park might be on the smaller side, that doesn’t mean it won’t show you one heck of an autumn adventure. Everyone might be flocking the bigger state parks when the leaves begin to change, which means you might just have this 32-acre park all to yourself.
One of the best autumn experiences you can have outdoors in Georgia is trekking through Tallulah Gorge State Park. Make sure to snag the proper permits before visiting, because you’ll want to go down to the canyon floor and not miss out on a thing. Get ready to see fall in Georgia like never before.
While Smithgall Woods Conservation Area isn’t as well known other fall foliage spots in Georgia, it’ll still give you one heck of an experience. Clocking in at over 5,600-acres, you’ll be able to enjoy all the natural beauty of North Georgia, yet with much less foot traffic.
This small state park in North Georgia tends to stay relatively quiet throughout the year, with the exception of the month of October. Visitors come from all over in order to watch this state park go through a transformation of color, and you can get a front row seat for it all.
It’s easy to see why Amicalola Falls State Park is one of the most popular destinations throughout Georgia. Beyond the gargantuan waterfall that clocks in at 729-feet, you’ll be able to hike through the mountains of North Georgia and see all the leaf changing and spectacular sunsets up close.
As one of the largest and most visually stunning parks in the state of Georgia, Cloudland Canyon is an epic way to enjoy the leaves changing this autumn. With the sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and over 60 miles of hiking trails, you will not be disappointed with a visit to this state park this fall.
Coming in at over 200-acres, this spectacular state park is located right at the bottom of Blood Mountain. Not only is Vogel State Park one of the oldest in the Georgia state park system, but it also features 17 miles of hiking trails throughout. Get ready to get some exercise while also enjoying the changing of the leaves.
It’s only right to climb to one of the highest spots in Georgia in order to get some stellar autumn views. At Black Rock Mountain State Park—the state park with the highest elevation in Georgia— you’ll be able to see for miles, which means tons of color in every direction. Enjoy the 11 miles of hiking trails, plus the overlook views from this stunning park.