Hike these Mountains for Spectacular Fall Color Views
Lookout over landscapes dappled in red, orange, yellow and green on these seven mountain hikes in Georgia perfect for fall.
Sawnee Mountain in Cumming, Georgia. Photo by @justinintheforrest
Sawnee Mountain in Cumming
The relatively easy 3.5-mile Indian Seats Trail rises in elevation to offer a fantastic view from the historically sacred Cherokee Indian Seats. Sawnee Mountain Preserve also includes a playground-picnic area and issues rock climbing permits for adventure-seekers.
Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, Georgia. Photo by Taylor Brawner, @brawnertaylor
Springer Mountain in Ellijay
A bronze plaque marks the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at the summit of Springer Mountain. A network of trails makes Springer a popular choice for fall hiking. Backpackers include the view in seasonal section hikes of the Appalachian Trail, day hikers explore the area along an 8-mile approach trail beginning at Amicalola Falls State Park, and time-restricted visitors use a convenient one-mile path to reach the summit.
View from Pine Mountain. Photo by Candy Cook
Pine Mountain in Cartersville
The Pine Mountain West Loop is conveniently located in Cartersville right off of I-75 at exit 288. The rugged 2-mile hike includes interesting rock formations along the way and a spectacular view overlooking Lake Allatoona. The East Loop is nearly twice the distance and allows mountain biking on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Brasstown Bald in Hiawassee
An observation tower at the highest point in Georgia offers a gorgeous view of the North Georgia mountains. Visitors have the option of taking a shuttle from the parking lot or clambering up a steep half-mile trail to reach the tower. Either way, it’s a view that can’t be missed!
Little Kennesaw Mountain in Kennesaw, Georgia. Photo by Jessica Taylor, @jtselby
Little Kennesaw Mountain in Kennesaw
The lesser elevation of the two Kennesaw Mountains, Little Kennesaw offers a more rugged experience along the network of trails winding around Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Combine the Little Kennesaw Mountain Trail with the Pigeon Hill Trail for a fun, out-and-back hike totaling about 2.25 miles.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Photo by Matthew Barroner, @matthew_b101
Dowdell's Knob in Pine Mountain
More than 40 miles of trails, including the popular 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail, wind through hardwood and pines, over creeks and past small waterfalls at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Many visitors are surprised to find rolling mountains 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. Above King's Gap is Dowdell's Knob, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sometimes picnicked and pondered world affairs.
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, Georgia. Photo by @jake.teki
Black Rock Mountain in Mountain City
Discover outstanding views, cascading streams and beautiful fall scenery at Georgia's highest-elevation state park, Black Rock Mountain. The challenging, 7.2-mile Edmonds Backcountry Trail loops around the park's northern territory offering four hike-in campsites only available to permit holders. Black Rock Mountain also offers a full-service campground, naturalist-led programming, as well as moderate and easy day hiking trails.
