Hike to our top ten favorite view-packed mountain summits and tumbling waterfalls to catch views the best autumn leaf color in Georgia.

Autumn is our favorite hiking season in North Georgia. Days become cooler, nights become crisp, skies become brilliantly blue, and the cool air triggers a spectrum of leaf color in deciduous trees in the mountains. Autumn’s crisp air makes for comfortable fall hiking, camping, and backpacking, as Georgia sheds its summertime heat. Fall leaf color explodes throughout the state’s rolling southern Appalachians, painting the valleys and mountains in yellow, orange and red. And there’s just something about the Fall that goes hand-in-hand with hiking (and pumpkin-flavored everything): it’s by far our favorite season to hit the trail.

Top Fall hikes in Georgia: our favorite trails

On the way to scoring some beautiful, colorful autumn views, head to Hiawassee to meet the Atlanta Trails crew at our new hiking outfitter shop, Trailful Outdoor Co. We stock our crew’s favorite hiking gear and apparel from our favorite brands including KUHL, Osprey, Darn Tough, Good To-Go, Ruffwear, Sierra Designs, and more. And we carry our full line of Atlanta Trails hoodies, shirts, hats and goods, as well as great mountain-inspired locally-made gifts and goods. Stop by to say hello… we’d love to see you!

Looking for an adventure closer to Atlanta? Check out our top ten favorite fall hikes near Atlanta to explore autumn’s beauty on scenic mountain summits, shady river valleys, and through vibrant, leaf covered forest.

North Georgia fall leaf season: when to hike?

Temperatures and elevations range across the state, so peak leaf season will vary widely by location. Leaf change starts with high-elevation mountain summits in early fall and moves down to lower creek valleys and more southern latitudes as the season progresses. (Early in the season, and eager for a great fall hike? Check out our top ten favorite fall leaf hikes near Asheville, NC for a great autumn road trip just across the Georgia border!)

Most of northern Georgia sees peak leaf color in mid-October to mid-November. Check out this interactive leaf color prediction map for county-by-county predictions of peak color throughout the US, and the fantastic Georgia State Parks Leaf Watch site for updates on peak fall foliage in our favorite parks throughout our state.

Fall hiking safety

Leaf change coincides with deer hunting season in North Georgia. Plan your Fall hiking trip and hike safely: pack first aid and survival equipment, water, wayfinding tools, and layered clothing – and follow guidelines for safe hiking during hunting season.