Fall in the North Georgia Mountains offers the perfect quick getaway for metro Atlanta families. Tucked away in the natural settings of the mountains with the beautiful fall colors as a backdrop, you can put away the technology and enjoy a relaxing retreat. With the fall season in full swing, here is an itinerary complete with different options that the entire family will enjoy!
There are many places to stay for a weekend retreat in the mountains. For those seeking a rustic, hidden gem, look no further than Branch Oak Manor. The four-bedroom and four-and-a-half bath cabin can sleep up to 10 people comfortably. While there, enjoy panoramic views of the majestic mountains with floor-to-ceiling windows and amenities such as a loft area, large hot tub and game room. For those seeking a downtown environment close to shopping and restaurants, the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast is one of the oldest residences in Blue Ridge. This 1890s, three-story Victorian inn features ten rooms, 12-foot ceilings, original hand-carved woodwork and the original floors. Only minutes to shops, dining and to the Ocoee River for rafting or kayaking, this inn also offers home-cooked meals daily. The Overlook Inn is another top choice for a weekend getaway to the North Georgia Mountains. The inn is complete with just six guest rooms, each with private porches, hot tubs and gas fireplaces. Guests receive a 3-course breakfast every morning and there is a wine and cheese social hour on the weekends.
With spectacular scenery and hiking trails, Amicalola Falls is considered one of Georgia’s most popular state parks, and it is the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast at 729 feet. Visitors can choose how they want to view the tumbling waters, ranging from an accessible pathway to more challenging trails. For experienced climbers, an eight-and-a-half-mile trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the famous 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail. In addition, there is a mountain-top lodge, cottages and campgrounds for those seeking a true mountaintop experience.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is another popular choice for outdoor adventures, boasting six waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. This state park is located along the Appalachian Trail as well. Covering 2,689-acre, Tallulah Gorge State Park invites you to hike, bike, boat and more across the scenic landscape of the North Georgia Mountains.
Take your family on a pumpkin-picking expedition at Burt’s Farm. Nestled just miles from Amicalola Falls, guests can walk through a sea of orange in search of the perfect pumpkin. After visiting the pumpkin patch, guests can relax on a two-mile hayride that has become a Burt’s Farm tradition. Along the way, riders will see the pumpkin patch, views of the mountains and Amicalola Falls, and fields of sunflowers. The country store offers a great selection of freshly baked pumpkin pies, pumpkin rolls, candied popcorn and a delicious assortment of other baked goodies.
Located in Cleveland, the North Georgia Zoo and Farm is thrilling for visitors of all ages! The zoo hosts over 80 species of birds, primates, exotic cats, large livestock, wolves and other wild animals. This North Georgia hidden gem is also home to two conservation initiatives for black-footed penguins and kangaroos.
There are many activities for adrenaline junkies to enjoy during the fall. From zipline courses to horseback riding and white-water rafting to camping, the North Georgia Mountains have it all! Zipline Canopy Tours takes you on a magical experience, as the course has more than six thousand feet of cable, allowing you to soar over the treetops. Just a short distance away, visitors can enjoy white-water rafting on the Ocoee River. There are different courses based on the class rapids you wish to encounter, and the excursions are always guided.
Back again this year, the annual Heritage Days Festival in Talking Rock is must-do activity this fall! Visitors can expect arts and crafts selections, live music, a rubber duck race and a wide selection of food and drink. There is also kids’ area, so bring the whole family for a day of festive fun.
After enjoying all the scenery that the North Georgia Mountains have to offer, every adventurer will be ready to experience great food. There are many options available, from fine dining to family restaurants. The Black Sheep Bar and Patio is a historical restaurant with great food. Circa 1914, this home’s owner was a beloved member of the community and good friends with Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, who visited the home on several occasions. Now restored to its former glory, visitors can enjoy “new southern comfort food” with dishes such as Asian Tuna Tacos, BBQ Pulled Pork, and traditional seafood and chicken dishes. Ferraro’s Kitchen in Blue Ridge offers visitors a taste of Italy with fresh pasta dishes, an expansive wine list and more! Reservations are recommended. For a more casual bite, check out Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill and enjoy American dishes and craft drinks in a cozy, wood-and-brick accented venue.
With a majestic backdrop awaiting, plan your family trip to the North Georgia Mountains today! Metro Atlanta residents have these stunning mountains right in their own backyard, making it the perfect option for a day trip or a weekend getaway. How do you plan to enjoy this fall season with your family in the North Georgia Mountains? Let us know in the comments below!