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.
1. Moccasin Creek Park
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.
Address: 3655 Highway 197, Clarkesville, GA 30523-0263
To learn more about this state park, click here.
2. Tallulah Gorge State Park
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.
Address: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
To learn more about this state park, click here.
3. Smithgall Woods State Park
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.
Address: 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, GA 30545
To learn more about this spot, click here.
4. Unicoi State Park
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.
Address: 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545
To learn more about this state park, click here.
5. Amicalola Falls State Park
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.
Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534-1009
To learn more about this state park, click here.
6. Cloudland Canyon State Park
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.
Address: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
To learn more about this state park, click here.
7. Vogel State Park
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.
Address: 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512-7643
To learn more about this state park, click here.
8. Black Rock Mountain State Park
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.
Address: 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City, GA 30562
To learn more about this state park, click here.
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Do you have any more state parks in Georgia that are worthy of an autumn adventure? Share with us in the comments section!
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