All it takes is one glance at the picturesque shades of red, yellow and orange leaves to tell its fall in Georgia. And most people will want more than just a glance.
Luckily, there are hundreds of spots across the state to watch leaves change color. Many of the best places to enjoy fall foliage are in metro Atlanta and North Georgia — even beyond.
Whether it’s a hike, a scenic drive or an adventure near the treetops, here are 10 great places to go sightseeing for natural fall colors.
Agnes Scott College
For those who want to enjoy fall leaves without trekking through a forest, Agnes Scott College in Decatur has you covered. The private women’s liberal arts college features an arboretum, essentially a tree tour. The heart of campus, nicknamed “the quad,” also has plenty of trees, whose fall colors complement the nearby study halls.
Blood Mountain
Boasting the tallest peak along the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, this mountain with an intimidating name offers some of the state’s most popular hiking trails. During autumn, Blood Mountain features thick foliage, which turns as red and bold as the mountain’s namesake.
Credit: Laura Alderman
Credit: Laura Alderman
The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
You don’t have to get out of your car to enjoy some fall ambiance. The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway is a 23-mile stretch of road that begins near Helen and cuts through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Landscape views are bountiful.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Most people flock to the North Georgia mountains for spectacular scenery, but this state park southwest of Atlanta shouldn’t be ignored. Located on land previously owned by the 32nd president of the United States, F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain consists of lush forests that pop with color during the fall.
Credit: Photos courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Credit: Photos courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Fort Mountain State Park
While closer to Chattanooga than Atlanta, Fort Mountain State Park is easily worth the drive. Oak and pine trees cover much of the 3,712 acres of land within the park, and the different shades of fall colors are breathtaking. The park also features more than 25 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding.
Credit: Eric Champlin
Credit: Eric Champlin
Gibbs Gardens
One of the largest residential estate gardens in the country, Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground touts hundreds of plant and tree varieties, many of which turn spectacular shades. The property also features several ponds, bridge crossings and waterfalls, which only add to the beauty.
Credit: Contributed by Gibbs Gardens
Credit: Contributed by Gibbs Gardens
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
This national park within Cobb County is most well-known as the site of a Civil War battle, but its landscape no longer looks like a war-torn battlefield. Instead, colorful trees span thousands of acres, offering some of the best views of the season within metro Atlanta.
Credit: National Park Service
Credit: National Park Service
Piedmont Park
If you’d rather not go outside the Perimeter for your fall views, one of Atlanta’s largest parks offers plenty. Located in Midtown, Piedmont Park will quickly transform into vivid shades of orange and red during the fall. The park also boasts a few ginkgo trees, which turn bright yellow during late October.
Credit: Piedmont Park Conservatory
Credit: Piedmont Park Conservatory
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Located just west of Atlanta in Lithia Springs, Sweetwater Creek State Park features nine miles of hiking trails and a relaxing creek that leads to a small lake. Trees of all colors surround the flowing water, providing many of the best autumn views in the metro area.
Credit: Lynn Mohamad
Credit: Lynn Mohamad
Treetop Quest
With locations in Dunwoody and Buford, Treetop Quest offers a more action-packed way to enjoy nature. The adventure park includes several obstacle courses that are suspended within the trees, providing an up-close look at the changing leaves. If you want to experience a blur of fall color, the park has zip-lines too.
Credit: Courtesy of TreeTop Quest
Credit: Courtesy of TreeTop Quest
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