The Best Places to Find Fall Foliage in and Near Georgia

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle this fall? Thankfully, the Southeastern end of Appalachia has no shortage of gorgeous landscapes. Enjoy a charming weekend getaway immersed in nature as the leaves change and the weather cools. It's the perfect season for s'mores around the campfire, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the vibrant fall foliage! Here's our list of the best campgrounds and parks within 4 hours of Atlanta. 

Vogel State Park

1 hour, 55 minutes from Atlanta

The Blue Ridge Mountains turn red, orange, and yellow come September. The best place to gaze upon this glorious fall foliage is Vogel State Park. It's located within the Chattahoochee National Forest at the base of Blood Mountain. Book yourself a cottage or campsite, then paddle the lake and enjoy the scenery. You can also hike the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Loop and witness the beautiful Trahlyta Falls.

High Falls State Park

55 minutes from Atlanta

The perfect place to see both stunning fall foliage and natural waterworks, High Falls State Park offers campsites and lakeside yurts. This park offers hiking trails and boat rentals so you can check out the incredible scenery from both land and lake. It's also an excellent fishing spot, so pack your tackle box!

Cloudland Canyon State Park

2 hours, 25 minutes from Atlanta

The Southeast has an impressive range of habitats, from lush forests to sandstone cliffs to mysterious caves. Enjoy them all at Cloudland Canyon State Park. You can see Alabama and Tennessee from the edge of Lookout Mountain. In autumn, the leaves turn into stunning shades of red, yellow, and gold. The park offers hiking trails at varying difficulty levels, as well as tennis courts, disc golf, and children's activities. 

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

1 hour, 35 minutes from Atlanta

Check out the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River: Amicalola Falls is a whopping 729 feet tall, and it's surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of the Chattahoochee National Forest. During fall, the forests explode into a variety of gorgeous color. This park features a mountainside lodge perfect for all sorts of family activities, including scavenger hunts, 3-D archery, and bird shows. 

Black Rock Mountain State Park

2 hours, 15 minutes from Atlanta

Take your weekend getaway up a notch with a visit to Black Rock Mountain State Park. The high elevation and wandering trails provide the perfect way to see the full breadth of Georgia's beautiful mountains. During fall, amateur and pro photographers alike will love the vibrant fall foliage rolling across the landscape. Fishing and paddling are also popular activities at this family-friendly park. 

Dupont State Forest

3 hours, 20 minutes from Atlanta

Looking for adventure outside Georgia state lines? Located in charming Brevard, North Carolina, this stunning forest features hiking and biking trails that deliver unforgettable views. If you'd like to swap the Atlanta skyline for a beautiful mountain view for a weekend, book a stay in the Dupont State Forest. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

3 hours, 15 minutes from Atlanta 

The Smokies extend throughout Tennessee and North Carolina, and they're much beloved for their diverse wildlife and incredible views. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic place to see some of the Smokies' highest peaks. Explore the park on foot, bike, or even horseback, or take a lazy river tour via water tube. You can also get a taste of old-time Appalachia in the historic districts of Cades Cove and Roaring Fork.