🍂 10 Perfect Day Trips from Atlanta to See Fall Colors
Fall in Atlanta is special. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are golden, and just a short drive from the city you’ll find some of the most stunning leaf-peeping spots in the South. While New England gets all the press for fall foliage, Atlanta locals know we’ve got our own breathtaking escapes — just a couple of hours away.
Here are 10 perfect day trips (and one or two weekend getaways) to make the most of October.
1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Take a ride through North Georgia’s rolling mountains as they glow in shades of orange, yellow, and red. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers 4-hour round trips along the Toccoa River — and the views are unbeatable.
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🚗 Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Atlanta
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🍂 Peak time: Mid-October to early November
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🎟 Tickets: Starting around $58 adults, $42 kids
2. Amicalola Falls State Park
At 729 feet tall, Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest waterfall and even more magical framed by autumn leaves. Hike up the staircase trail for panoramic views, or take the easier base trail if you’d rather keep it low-key.
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🚗 Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Atlanta
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💵 Parking: $5 per vehicle
3. Tallulah Gorge State Park
This 1,000-foot-deep gorge transforms into a kaleidoscope of color in October. You can take in the view from the suspension bridge or get a permit to hike down into the gorge floor. Either way, the scenery is unforgettable.
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🚗 Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Atlanta
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💵 Parking: $5 per vehicle
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⏱ Best time: Late October for peak colors
4. Ellijay — Apple Capital of Georgia
Fall and apples go hand-in-hand, and Ellijay is the place to go for orchard hopping. Pick your own apples, sip cider, and stock up on homemade pies.
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🚗 Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Atlanta
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🍎 Hot spot: B.J. Reece Orchards, Hillcrest Orchards
5. Arabia Mountain
This one’s close to home but feels like another world. The granite outcrops at Arabia Mountain are dotted with fall wildflowers and surrounded by trails bursting with seasonal color.
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🚗 Drive time: ~30 minutes from Atlanta
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💵 Free parking at trailheads
6. Kennesaw Mountain
Hike up Kennesaw Mountain for sweeping views of Atlanta’s skyline against a backdrop of fiery fall colors. Bonus: it’s also steeped in Civil War history.
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🚗 Drive time: ~30 minutes from Atlanta
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💵 Parking: $5 daily
7. Clayton, Georgia
This charming North Georgia mountain town is a hidden gem. Clayton has boutique shops, farm-to-table dining, and easy access to hiking trails in the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s perfect for a relaxed fall day trip.
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🚗 Drive time: ~2 hours from Atlanta
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🍷 Don’t miss: Tiger Mountain Vineyards nearby
8. Dillard, Georgia
Just north of Clayton, Dillard is another off-the-radar spot with big fall charm. It’s known for the historic Dillard House (famous for its family-style Southern meals) and gorgeous mountain views.
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🚗 Drive time: ~2 hours from Atlanta
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🍂 Perfect for: A laid-back mountain escape with incredible food
9. Highlands, North Carolina (Weekend Getaway)
If you’ve got a little more time, the Highlands of North Carolina are absolutely worth the trip. Think waterfalls, luxury inns, scenic drives, and boutique shopping — all wrapped in mountain charm.
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🚗 Drive time: ~3 hours from Atlanta
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🌄 Best for: A romantic weekend or quick mountain retreat
10. Dahlonega Gold Country
Combine fall color with history in Dahlonega, a town famous for its gold rush past. Browse shops, sip wine at local vineyards, and drive the winding mountain roads for some of the best foliage views in North Georgia.
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🚗 Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Atlanta
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🍷 Dahlonega Plateau is one of Georgia’s official wine regions
✨ Final Thoughts
One of the best parts of living in Atlanta is how quickly you can escape to the mountains, waterfalls, and small towns that come alive in the fall. Whether you want a quick hike close to home or a weekend in the Highlands, October is the time to get out there.
👉 Where’s your favorite spot to see the leaves change near Atlanta? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your hidden gems.
