One of the best parts about living in the Peach State is how many incredible opportunities we have to enjoy the outdoors. From our amazing Georgia state parks to our wonderful trails and nature centers, there's no end to the fun you can have outside here. One of the most spectacular trails in the state is the Silver Comet Trail. This rail trail in the northwestern part of the state is a 61.5-mile adventure that spans several counties. One of the little towns that are part of the Silver Comet Trail is Hiram, and (surprisingly) it's an outdoor lover's paradise!
You may be a bit surprised by that designation - after all, this photo is from Hiram.
In truth, the town's population of 5,000 is increasing. Paulding County is experiencing rapid population growth and urban sprawl from Atlanta, but even so, you'll still find a charming downtown area in Hiram.
You'll also find lots of natural beauty, especially on the Silver Comet Trail. The trail is named after the Silver Comet train that once rode along this route.
If you're not familiar with rail trails, they're pathways that were once part of rail lines and have now been converted into paths for bicyclists and walkers.
These trails are often quite long, but tend to be on flat terrain and are stroller and wheelchair-friendly. In the case of the Silver Comet Trail, it connects with the Chief Lagida Trail to form a 94-mile trail that's one of the longest paved trails in the country.
Most of us aren't up for exploring the entire three-county length of the Silver Comet Trail, but even just exploring a small portion will show off some beautiful rural scenery.
Who knew that Hiram, GA was such a great spot to enjoy the outdoors in?! For more information about the Silver Comet Trail, check out the Silver Comet Trail's website.
It's fall, y'all! Georgia in the fall is a magical time. There's so much to love about autumn in the Peach State, and there's certainly no shortage of Georgia fall activities just waiting to be enjoyed. Whether you're a fan of leaf-peeping or love checking out the best pumpkin patches in Georgia, there's a lot to do here, and those finding themselves Googling "fall activities near me" will end up with a bucket list as long as our coastline. We've done our best to gather up some of our favorite things to do in Georgia in the fall, so get ready to update your to-do list!
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Georgia Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Georgia For Fall Foliage
If you're looking for Georgia fall foliage, you're certainly not alone. The gold and reds that grace the North Georgia mountains are absolutely magnificent. When do leaves change color in Georgia? Obviously, the weather can be quite unpredictable, but in general, you can expect to see North Georgia at its peak towards the end of October or early November. The climate in South Georgia isn't conducive to bright colors. You typically won't see much more than browns and dingy orange shades in places like Savannah or Albany, so definitely head to the northern areas of the state if you're interested in leaf peeping.
Wow Factor: The trains here run almost all year long, but the fall foliage rides are some of the most popular.
Need To Know: Tickets sell quickly, particularly at peak foliage times, so make sure to book early on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website.
When it comes to fall foliage train rides in Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway reigns supreme. These mountain train rides have both open-air and closed cars and offer up four-hour excursions through the changing leaves. The scenery is magnificent, and it's so nice to experience it from the nostalgic environment of a train - no need to even worry about driving!
Wow Factor: The 1,000-foot deep gorge that gives the park its name is considered one of the seven wonders of Georgia. You'll also find six waterfalls here over the span of a mile or so.
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Tallulah Gorge State Park is one of my personal favorite fall destinations in Georgia. The foliage here is absolutely magnificent, and you'll find some incredible trails here - check them out from our friends at AllTrails. Whether you're hiking along the gorge floor (note that a permit is required) or checking out the rim trails, you're in for a real treat with a visit here. This is a bucket-list must for any nature enthusiast!
Wow Factor: This is the tallest peak in Georgia at 4,784 feet above sea level.
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Need To Know: You can either hike to the peak or take a shuttle to the summit.
As the highest natural point in Georgia, it goes without saying that Brasstown Bald offers up some pretty amazing views. One way to make sure those views are even more amazing? Visit at peak foliage season. The mountain is located in North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, the state's best area for leaf peeping, and you'll be able to catch a glimpse of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina on a clear day.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Georgia
One of the best family fall activities in Georgia is to head out and explore a pumpkin patch. These charming farms feel like a step back to simpler times, and you can often find all sorts of fun activities there, like corn mazes, apple cider donuts, and more. Looking for the best pumpkin patches in Georgia? Check these gems out:
Wow Factor: There are tons of activities here, with pig races, a mega slide, corn maze, petting zoo, ropes course, and so much more.
Need To Know: This year's season runs from September 21-November 3, 2024. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Washington Farms website.
Washington Farms offers up so many great family-friendly activities. I visited alone with an adult friend last fall and was shocked how much fun we had - it really made me feel like a kid again! If you're just interested in checking out the pumpkin patch, you don't even need an admission ticket. If you're heading out with kids, I highly recommend buying the tickets, because there were so many great activities for the little ones to enjoy.
Wow Factor: This spot might not be quite as luxurious as some of the other pumpkin patches on the list - it's just pumpkins for sale. However, these are not your typical pumpkins, and there's a huge variety available for purchase at great prices.
Need To Know: Be careful when searching the internet for info, as there are several Smith's Family Farms throughout the country. This one's in Bowersville, GA and can be reached by phone at 706-371-9559.
Smith's Family Pumpkins may be "just" a small patch sold in someone's driveway, but these are some pretty spectacular gourds! Owner Dusty Smith has been in the news for his record-setting pumpkins of unusual size, with multiple state records being set for heavy gourds. He's also working on creating the world's first strain of glow-in-the-dark pumpkins - pretty cool!
Wow Factor: The Dawsonville area is perfect to explore in fall, and any trip to this charming small town must include a visit to this pumpkin farm.
Need To Know: Burt's Pumpkin Farm will be open for season from September 1-November 10, 2024.
Burt's Pumpkin Farm has been around for more than 50 years and is a long-held tradition for many North Georgia families. You'll find a huge selection of pumpkins here, from massive monstrosities to tiny gourds. There's also a great little farm store where you can pick up other goods.
Wow Factor: More than 20 different fall activities are available here!
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Need To Know: This year's fall season runs from September 18-November 3, 2024.
Not only does Southern Belle Farm have one of the best pumpkin patches in Georgia, it's also home to a fantastic four-acre corn maze. This farm near Atlanta has been in the same family for the last 80 years. It's open seasonally for various events throughout the year, but fall is a particularly special time, as you'll find family-friendly fun like pig races, a corn box, and, of course, plenty of pumpkins to choose from. Note that fall activity tickets must be purchased in advance from the Southern Belle Farm website.
Best Fall Festivals In Georgia
We may not get much stereotypical fall weather in the southern portion of the state, but don't sweat it... you can still enjoy some of the best fall festivals in Georgia whether you're down south or up in our mountains! Here are a few of our favorites:
Wow Factor: This small-town fetival has been going strong for 26 years.
Need To Know: This year's event takes place on September 28, 2024.
Plains, Georgia was thrust into the national spotlight when hometown hero Jimmy Carter was elected president. The population of this South Georgia city hovers around 550 and even today, it's immensely proud of Carter. You'll find all kinds of attractions related to his life and presidency. One of the biggest annual events in Plains is the Plains Peanut Festival, which inclues a road race, live entertainment, kiddie rides, vendors, train rides, and more. This is a day of small-town fun in South Georgia that's such a blast for the entire family! Find out more from the Friends of Jimmy Carter website.
Wow Factor: More than 550,000 visitors attend this massive fair, which includes livestock shows, fine arts competitions, 4-H events, a circus, rides and games, fair food, live music, and nightly fireworks.
Need To Know: This year's fair runs from October 3-13, 2024.
The Georgia National Fair is the Peach State's official, state-sponsored fair, and it's always a blast (and easy to see why it's an annual tradition for many!). There's something for everyone here, from kids to grandparents, and there are events and demonstrations going on every single day.
Wow Factor: You'll find musical acts, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and some fun cultural and history displays here.
Need To Know: This year's Georgia Mountain Fall Festival is set to run from October 11-13, 2024 and again from October 17-19, 2024.
The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival has a variety of fun attractions that you won't find at many festivals. The Pioneer Village is a replica of an old mountain town that provides a fascinating look back in history. You'll also enjoy interfaith worship services each Sunday, plus concerts and more.
Wow Factor: Dahlonega was actually home to the country's first gold rush.
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Need To Know: This year's festivities are from October 19-20, 2024.
Today, the "gold rush" time period is mostly associated with California, but the country's first major gold rush actually took place in Georgia! This family-friendly festival celebrates life in this amazing small town, and has so much to enjoy, including live music, fun contests, arts and crafts vendors, a king and queen coronation, and a 5K race.
Free & Cheap Georgia Fall Activities
Finding fun things to do in Georgia in the fall doesn't have to cost a fortune. Times are tough, and it's not always in the budget to take a lengthy road trip across the state. If you're looking for simple Georgia fall activities that won't cost an arm and a leg, check these out:
Wow Factor: Fall is a great time to visit beach and lakeside towns without all the crowds, and amenities like parking and hotel rooms are often considerably cheaper.
Need To Know: Be careful if you decide to head into the water, as lifeguards are often not on duty after Labor Day.
There are so many great places to spend a day on the water in Georgia, whether it's one of our lakes or rivers or down in our Golden Isles. Many people only visit these places in the summertime, but you're really missing out if you don't head here in the cooler months. It's so much more peaceful and you can really feel in touch with nature when the crowds are not present, plus you won't have long wait lines at restaurants.
Wow Factor: There are 49 state parks in Georgia (plus a multitude of state historic sites).
Need To Know: Daily parking passes at Georgia state parks are $5, but many public libraries have ParkPasses that can be checked out to exempt you from having to pay the fee.
Hiking in the Peach State is amazing at any time of year - we have so many great hiking trails in Georgia. However, I've got to say that fall is my favorite time to hit the trails. Hearing the leaves crunch underfoot, seeing the golds and reds of autumn's hues, and feeling the crisp breeze in the air: there's nothing like it! If you're looking to check out some of the state's best trails, take a peek at our friends at AllTrails to find some great recommendations.
14. Enjoy the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States.
Wow Factor: This event has been going strong for more than 50 years, and it's one of the biggest fall festivals in Georgia.
Need To Know: This year's Oktoberfest runs from September 5-October 27, 2024.
There's nothing like Oktoberfest in Helen, GA - it's a two-month party that will make you feel like you're in Germany instead of the North Georgia mountains. If you want to participate in all of the festivities, you'll need to purchase a pass for the Helen Festhalle, which varies from $10-12 on weekdays and Saturday, and is free on Sunday. I'm not a huge drinker and mostly enjoy watching all the goings-on rather than participating myself, so when I'm in the area, I typically just check out all the events going on outside of the Festhalle and don't spend a dime other than parking.
15. Visit Ellijay, GA - perhaps for the Georgia Apple Festival in October!
takes place on two back-to-back weekends in October. There are more than 300 vendors here, making it the perfect place to get an early start on your Christmas shopping. There's all kinds of family fun, including rock climbing, pony and camel rides, and inflatable bounce houses. Of course, there's no shortage of food trucks available, and you an also enjoy fair foods like funnel cakes and apple dumplings.
What's on your Georgia fall bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Summer in Georgia can be a blast, but I've got a confession: I hate the heat. As soon as the temps soar above 90, you'll catch me inside almost all of the time, vegged out on the couch and enjoying the air conditioning. You pretty much have to drag me outside. However, there are a few summer activities that I will head out for, like visiting a water park in Georgia. We're lucky enough to have some great water parks all over the Peach State, and they're perfect for taking the whole family out for fun - and a wonderful way to cool off on a hot day!
If you aren't too current on your Georgia water parks, you may not be aware of Fins Up Water Park: it's the new name for Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. If you haven't been here in a while, you may want to put it on your bucket list for this summer, because the rebranding came with a few cool new attractions, including four new slides. Apocalypso is the first waterslide coaster in Georgia. The park also features cabanas and a lazy river for those who prefer something a little more laid-back, and there are plenty of attractions for the little ones, too.
Six Flags White Water is one of the most popular water parks in the South. There are more than 69 acres here, and you'll find slides, rides, and pools. There are plenty of kid-friendly areas, plus some more thrilling attractions if you prefer more of an adrenaline rush.
Helen Tubing and Waterpark is one of our favorite things to do in the delightful town of Helen. Those who prefer more of an au natural experience might want to engage in tubing down the Chattahoochee River, but if you prefer your water chlorinated, the Helen Waterpark is a grand adventure (and it's got a lazy river for those who want to tube). If you'd like to try both, there are bundle tickets available to save you a bit of money on your summer adventures.
Summer Waves is one of the most popular attractions on Jekyll Island, which is saying a lot considering it's one of the most beloved summer vacation spots in Georgia. The 11-acre park has eight different water rides, with a half-mile lazy river, thrilling water slides, and family-friendly areas like a wave pool and Splash Zone.
Wild Adventures Theme Park is your one-stop shop for all things fun in Valdosta, GA. This amusement park features a zoo and water park, and there's something for the whole family here. Splash Island Waterpark admission is included with Wild Adventures entry, and you'll find tropical cabanas, kids' activities, a huge wave pool, relaxing lazy river, and thrilling water slides.
Splash in the Boro is one of the newer water parks in Georgia, and it's a total blast for the whole family. There's a lazy river, huge heated therapy pool, splash pads, and plenty of slides. With 155 acres, there's a lot to explore here that everyone can enjoy.
Hurricane Harbor is a seven-acre section of Six Flags Over Georgia that is open seasonally and included with theme park admission. The park includes rides, pools, and a fun wave pool known as Calypso Bay. The Paradise Island area has plenty of splash pads and a water playground for kids to play. Note that the park is open from Thursdays through Sundays during the 2024 season.
Rigby's Water World is a fun-filled park in Middle Georgia that offers something for all ages from toddlers up to adults. It features water slides, splash zones, and, of course, a relaxing lazy river. There are on-site dining options and cabanas that can be rented for the ultimate luxury experience.
Spivey Splash Water Park is another great water park near Atlanta where you can beat the heat. It's home to the state's longest lazy river, and the Flow Rider is a fun surf experience. There's a kiddie pool area and several water slides, plus a great splash pad for the little ones.
Which of these water parks in Georgia is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Fun in the sun is great, but it can be dangerous. The sun's rays are much stronger than they feel, and skin cancer is a huge risk! Any time you're spending time outdoors, make sure to apply sunscreen first. I love Sun Bum from REI - it's gentle on skin and lasts a long time while still being lightweight.
