.jpg)
Fall is just around the corner and there’s no shortage of trails to explore! This is the perfect time of year to take to the trails; the weather is beautiful, the bugs have dwindled down, and the mountains and trees are covered in bright orange, yellow, and red leaves. There’s truly no better time of the year to enjoy the great outdoors! Here are 8 of our favorite fall hikes through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You can’t go wrong with a hike to the tallest waterfall in Georgia, Amicalola Falls! The hike to Amicalola Falls is a 2.1-mile loop, but be prepared for a steep uphill climb. The trail is narrow and rocky, weaving through the landscape as you ascend. But as you approach the falls, the distant sound of rushing water will guide you, and you'll catch glimpses of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Upon reaching the top of the falls, you'll begin a steep descent down, where you'll be awestruck by the sight of the 730-foot waterfall cascading down a towering cliff into the pool below. Be sure to snap a few photos and admire the reflection of the fall trees in the clear waters of the falls. And if you're up for a more challenging hike, try the 10-mile trek starting at the stone archway at the visitor center, following the Amicalola Falls East Ridge Trail and Appalachian Approach Trail Loop. You'll still reach the falls, but will embark on a more challenging journey instead. No matter which path you choose, Amicalola Falls is a hiker's dream! Especially in the fall!
The Aska Adventure Area is a beloved network of trails and family friendly activities like gem mining, ziplining, and more. But the hiking trails are what keep people coming back time and time again. The trails in the Aska Adventure Area consist of five smaller trails: Stanley Gap Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Flat Creek Loop, Stanley Gap/Flat Creek Connector, and Long Branch Loop. Together, these trails offer 17.0 miles of scenic paths to explore. Open year-round, these winding trails lead you through the Chattahoochee National Forest, crossing mountain streams and creeks along the way. You might even come across a waterfall or two! These trails also connect to the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Lake Blue Ridge Loop. Nearly all the trails in Fannin County are interconnected, so it’s easy to change course and explore the most stunning parts of Blue Ridge.
The Benton MacKaye Trail is one of Blue Ridge’s most popular trails and it’s not hard to see why! Situated in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area, the Benton MacKaye Trail offers easy access to a variety of great activities, such as Lilly Pad Village, Toccoa Valley Campground, and more. It also connects to numerous other trails that allow you to explore the entire Blue Ridge area! And about 15 miles south of Blue Ridge, the Benton MacKaye Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, you might even encounter the famous Toccoa Swinging Bridge, Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls, and Springer Mountain—perfect spots for a photo-op!
The Benton MacKaye Trail is ideal for day hikers and explorers interested in sightseeing. For those seeking a bigger adventure, you can tackle the entire 300-mile trail, which ends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No matter which path you chose to take, the Benton MacKaye Trail will surely not disappoint!
Ready to conquer Georgia's highest peak? Brasstown Bald, located near Blairsville, stands at an impressive 4,784 feet above sea level, offering a view of four states from the summit! The journey to the top is a short but steep 1.1-mile trail, all uphill and quite the challenge, but the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile. From the observation deck, you'll enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the vibrant Appalachian Mountains and the valleys below, all surrounded by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.Prefer to skip the hike but still want those incredible views? No problem! You can take the shuttle up to Brasstown Bald, available Thursday through Monday from spring to fall, and enjoy a scenic ride to the top while you sit back and enjoy the view.
One of our favorite mountain trails to hike in the fall is Fort Mountain in Chatsworth, GA. During fall, the valley below comes alive with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, offering simply breathtaking views; but this beautiful mountain hike is wonderful in any season! Fort Mountain State Park spans over 4,000 acres of forests, streams, lakes, and countless hiking trails. If you take on the 5-mile Grassy Mountain Tower Trail, you'll pass by the historic Grassy Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, where stunning views of the surrounding countryside await you at the top. You might also notice the mysterious 855-foot-long wall encircling the park. The wall was believed to have been built by the early Native Americans who once inhabited the North Georgia Mountains.For some of the best views in the park and a truly rewarding hike, follow the Gahuti Trail. This 8.1-mile round trip takes you past multiple scenic overlooks, a waterfall at Goldmine Branch Creek, and through the tall trees of the forest. Along this trail, you'll discover some of the most Instagram-worthy spots and overlooks.
For a short and sweet trail, check out Helton Creek Falls. These twin waterfalls are located near Blairsville and can be reached by following a short 0.3-mile trail. The trail, surrounded by wildlife and vibrant color, first leads visitors to the smaller Lower Helton Creek Falls. Continuing along the path, you'll arrive at the Upper Helton Creek Falls, where you can witness a stunning 50-foot cascade of rushing water. If you take the quick hike to Helton Creek Falls on a sunny afternoon, we guarantee you won’t regret it!
For an exciting long distance hike, check out Jacks River Trail. The trail is a 14.8-mile trail situated within the Cohutta Wilderness Area. This trail is slightly more challenging, with sections that require crossing moving water, so be prepared for an adventurous hike! The journey is rocky and water-filled, crossing Jacks River and its tributaries over 40 times, but the stunning views and bright fall trees make it all worthwhile! One of the trail's highlights is the breathtaking 80-foot Jacks River Falls, one of the South's most beautiful waterfalls and a top hiking destination in Georgia. If you're seeking a rewarding and exciting adventure, this hike is perfect for you!
Nestled at the base of Blood Mountain, Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most cherished state parks! With miles of trails to explore, catering to all skill levels, and 22 acres of lakes to enjoy, there's always something new to discover here. And you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the fall trees as they reflect in the lake. It’s a perfect photo-op for beautiful fall scenery! And beyond the hiking trails and lake activities, Vogel State Park offers a wide range of outdoor fun, including fishing, boating, mini golf, and geocaching.*Photo Credits: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Benton MacKaye Trail Association, Brasstown Bald, Fort Mountain State Park, Atlanta Trails, and Vogel State Park
