This past fall my husband and I were lucky enough to take a weekend road trip to North Georgia to celebrate his 30th Birthday (who needs cake and presents when you can road trip together?!). It had every fall detail this Florida born and raised girl had dreamt of: changing leaves, cooler temps, apple picking, hiking, waterfalls, and a few too many apple cider doughnuts. We enjoyed our trip so much, I thought I’d share the details of our weekend road trip with you. We took our trip in late October and it was the perfect timing to see fall colors in North Georgia.
First Stop: Toccoa Falls Georgia
We started our roadtrip in sunny, flatland, fall-less Florida. I love Florida, but if you’re wanting to experience fall, she’s not your best bet. So we set our sights and our google maps to Helen, Ga. Just before we reached our destination we made a stop in Toccoa Falls. This beauty is 186 feet tall and is actually taller than Niagara Falls. It’s found on the grounds of Toccoa Falls College. It was incredible serene and we were surprised to have it all to ourselves that evening.
Where We Stayed: Helen Georgia
For this trip our focus was more on what we were going to do and see and not so much on where we were staying. However, my vintage loving heart fell in love when we pulled into this charming little town of Helen with its Bavarian inspired architecture. It was like walking into “It’s a small world” ride at Disney. So cute!
Where We Ate: Bodensee Restaurant
After a long day on the road (8 hours to be exact) we had only stopped for a few cups of coffee and sandwiches. We were more than ready to indulge in some German fare. Thankfully, we lucked out again when choosing Bodensee Restaurant. The setting was quaint, cozy, and full of charm. Being that we hadn’t eaten much on the road, we were ready to carb up and went with the Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Schnitzel Breaded and Fried. Comfort food at its best!
First Fall Hike: Springer Mountain, Appalachian Start
Our next day we were ready to get outside and start on our first hike on Springer Mountain . Although we would consider ourselves to be in decent shape, we are also from Florida and hiking mountains was a bit new to us. So we picked this trail because it’s known for being an easier, but still rewarding hike. Bonus, this hike marks the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail and is commemorated with a bronze plaque that makes for a memorable picture. The adventurer inside of me would love to finish the Appalachian Trail where we left off, chipping off a piece each year. We shall see..
What To Bring For Your Hike
Springer Mountain is a relatively easy hike. That said, there are still some essentials that will make the hike easier.
Water + Snacks
Although I knew it was a short hike, I also knew it would require some energy. We ate a big breakfast and brought along a snack and bottle of water. When we stopped at the peak it was the perfect time to enjoy a drink before heading back down.
Boots or Non-Slip Shoes
This is not a paved trail. You will be walking on rocks, sticks, and depending on the weather conditions, they could be very slippery and even an easy hike could lead to injury. Do yourself a favor and wear appropriate shoes.
Camera or Phone
Other than the hike itself, my favorite part of the hike was taking photos. I was mesmerized by the fall colors (Florida gal, remember). The trail also provided great views and beautiful plants and flowers just asking to be photographed.
Apple Picking: Ellijay Georgia
After our hike we headed to Ellijay Georgia to pick a few apples (another first for Florida guy and gal). It was about an hour and a half drive from Springer Mountain. We were there on a weekend so there were lots of festivities: live music, farm animals, pig races, and of course, you can pick your own apples (or eat your weight in cider doughnuts, SO good). They are a seasonal business and only open September- November. So make an effort to plan a visit to your fall bucket list.
I’ve never seen this many delicious apples! If you’re looking for good gifts to take home- this is it. We filled up a few bags of apples for family as well as a few bags of apple cider doughnuts. When in Ellijay…
Second Fall Hike: Brasstown Bald
If you’re wanting the best views of fall in North Georgia, you head to the highest mountain in Georgia, Brasstown Bald. So after eating our weight in doughnuts, we headed out for our second “hike” which was an hour and a half drive to Hiawassee, Georgia. On a clear day you can actually see four different states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina. Our goal was to make it by sunset, which we heard was spectacular. Since we arrived later in the day, the shuttle service had stopped (bonus, after hours fee is only $3) but hiking up the .6 mile was allowed. It’s a paved hike, but steep. Our Floridian, flat-land trained bodies took a few heavy breaths on the way up, but these views were more than worth it. Every few minutes the sunlight changed the color scheme of these beautiful mountains. It was spectacular.
Watching this gorgeous sunset was the picture perfect ending to our North Georgia Fall Road Trip. A good night’s sleep in our charming Bavarian village of Helen and we were ready to hit the road, grab a few cups of coffee and make our way back to Florida. If you’re looking for a great weekend road trip to experience fall in Georgia, this is it! We are already planning our next fall adventure for this year. Happy traveling friends!
