Overnight Hikes for Max Fall Color in North Georgia
Enjoy these scenic trails for day hikers and backpackers to experience the best of fall color in North Georgia.
Three Forks
Hike along an easy 2-mile stretch of the iconic Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails leading to Long Creek Falls. Perfect for a kid-friendly day hike or a beginner backpacking overnight, Three Forks features stream-side campsites, waterfalls and trout fishing in the shade of stately oak and hemlock trees.
Located near Blue Ridge, visitors find parking along U.S. Forest Service Rd. 58. A bridge over the creek, visible from the gravel road, marks the Appalachian Trail crossing. From here, determined hikers can also trek less than 5 miles to the summit of Springer Mountain.
Black Rock Mountain
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.
Raven Cliff Falls
Raven Cliff Falls is one of Georgia's most popular waterfall hikes. The mostly easy trail follows Dodd Creek for 2.5 miles before reaching the waterfall cascading down through a gap in the impressive granite cliff. Car camping, as well as stream-side backpacking sites, make great base camps for exploring nearby Duke's Creek Falls, Smithgall Woods State Park and Alpine Helen.
