These Small Towns in Georgia Come Alive in Fall

If you're looking for one state to take a road trip in this fall, you can't go wrong with Georgia. The southern state offers a diverse landscape ranging from majestic mountains and rolling hills to farmland and coastal beaches. Taking a road trip through Georgia will lead you around major, bustling cities, such as Atlanta, oceanside elclaves, mountain villages and charming small towns. Many of these quaint towns spring to live during the autumn months, after summer's heat and humidity levels begin to lower, and crisp, cooler air moves in. Following are seven small towns worth checking out on your road trip.

Blue Ridge

Although Blue Ridge has a population of just under 2000, this charming mountain town attracts visitors from around the world during the picturesque fall season. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's an ideal spot to enjoy the changing leaf colors, whether from a mountain summit, a cozy cabin window, or an exciting zipline ride. Once considered a luxurious resort town thanks to its crystal-clear mineral waters, Blue Ridge now features a historic train depot and a main street full of unique cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Experience a crisp autumn day at Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area, where you can hike around the lake, launch a boat to enjoy the colorful foliage from the water, or fish for species like catfish, perch, crappie, and more. 

Marietta

Located just 20 miles south of the bustling Atlanta, Marietta is the quintessential small southern town. Start your visit downtown, where you can browse specialty boutiques, and spend time at the Glover Park Fountain and Gazebo. Each October, Marietta Square comes to life during the Chalktober Fest, which is hosted by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Witness over 80 different chalk artists transform the square into a work or art. Marietta is also home to the annual Craft Beer and Wine Festival every October. Load up on pumpkins, apples, and other autumn produce at the Marietta Square Farmers and Artisans Markets each Saturday. Round out your trip to Marietta with a stop at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield and Park. which preserves Civil War history. 

Dawsonville

What do natural waterfalls, the Appalachian Trail, and legendary NASCAR racer all share? All of them have called Dawsonville home, and this small town has even more to offer. Enjoy a close-up view of the beautiful fall colors by hiking to Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. If you'd like to stay overnight, you can book a room or rent a campsite at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. You can also pick a perfect pumpkin or two at local pumpkin patches or farms, and stock up on locally made jellies, jams, and other handmade products. Dawsonville's population swells each year the weekend before Halloween during the Mountain Moonshine Festival, featuring live entertainment, a swap meet, and crafts.

Tallulah Falls

If you're searching for one Georgia town to take in the splendor of the fall season, look no further than Tallulah Falls. The town is home to the Tallulah Gorge, an ancient 1000-foot chasm that was carved by the Tallulah River. The quaint town of Tallulah Falls, which is situated in the Georgia Mountains, claims six waterfalls, as well as the Tallulah Gorge State Park. The park features a 2-mile-long gorge, which visitors can  walk across via a suspension bridge that offers spectacular views of the waterfalls, as well as a 63-acre lake,a sandy beach, and a visitors center. Allow plenty of time to explore the park during the fall months, when visitors flock to the canyon from all over the United States. 

Trenton

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Lookout Mountain, the charming town of Trenton offers a delightful fall experience. It blends Civil War history, local stories, breathtaking natural scenery, and a lively downtown that attracts visitors every autumn. Spend a day or two enjoying the crisp fall weather and views at nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park, which boasts waterfalls, deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, caves, and woodlands teeming with native wildlife. You can explore the many trails by horseback, foot, or bike, fish in a pond, or picnic at a scenic overlook. 

Helen

Helen's distinctive charm sets it apart from other Georgia towns with its genuine Bavarian vibe. This alpine-like village features cobblestone streets, restaurants serving traditional German food, and family-run wineries. While it attracts visitors all year, it truly comes alive in fall, when the surrounding mountains display vibrant autumn colors. Hike the nearby Andrews Cove Trail, a tranquil mountain spot with a creek ideal for fishing. Visitors can also camp overnight or enjoy picnics amidst the fall foliage. 

Clayton

Another small southern town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clayton attracts visitors every fall with its outdoor recreational activities and attractions such as Tallulah Falls, Tallulah Gorge State Park, and Black Rock Mountain State Park. The latter, home to the highest peaks in the state, offers four varied hiking trails and 80 miles of scenic views. To enjoy a cool fall night immersed in nature, reserve a spot at River Falls at the Gorge, a riverside campground. You can also tour Moonrise Distillery locally and sample a craft spirit at their cozy, speakeasy-style bar in a cabin setting. 

No matter which region of Georgia you find yourself in this fall, there will be no shortage of scenic small towns in which to spend a fun day or two. Immerse yourself in nature, taking in colorful mountain vistas, feeling the mist of a breathtaking waterfall, or breathing in the cool autum air from a swaying suspension bridge. It all awaits you right off the state's busy highways and interstates.