Where to Leaf-Peep From Atlanta to Asheville

Ladies, do you get in your car to see the fall foliage near you? My husband and I love taking leaf-peeping trips this time of year. Many of you may think of the higher elevations of the West, the upper Midwest, and northern New England for great fall foliage. But from the northern mountains of Georgia to North Carolina can be pretty spectacular too! I hate sitting inside when the spectacular colors of the trees wave a fond adieu.  Today, I am sharing where to leaf-peep from Atlanta to Asheville. Also, my recommendations on what to see and where to stay along the way!

Chasing fall foliage has been something we’ve done since we lived in New Jersey. For instance, we would take a weekend getaway trip to upstate New York to leaf peep and shop at the cute local shops. Even though our trees in New Jersey were always beautiful in the fall, we just wanted to take a trip to see the fall colors in a different place.

In the South, we have plenty of places to see beautiful fall foliage that are within a 4- 6-hour leaf-peeping drive from Atlanta. The Georgia mountains are just starting to peak from the fall foliage reports.

Leaf-Peeping in Northern Georgia en route to Asheville

We don’t have to travel far from our home to see some great fall foliage. We can do day trips to the state parks in the northern parts of Georgia.

However, because of COVID-19, the parks are limiting hikers and guests to small groups. because of the leaf-peeping season, the parks are extremely popular this time of year. If you’re planning to leaf peep this month in the south avoid the weekends when the visitors are crowding the parks.

 First Stop- Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge – Dawsonville

Amicalola Falls, a gorgeous place to see the fall foliage, is close to me in Atlanta, in northern Georgia. Just an hour north of Atlanta, you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. A short, flat path leads to a boardwalk offering the most spectacular views.

Onto Helen, Georgia

Helen is a mountain town in northeast Georgia. It’s known for its vineyards and Bavarian-style buildings. Unicoi State Park offers a lake and campsites. Trails run through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the Anna Ruby and Raven Cliff waterfalls.

Actually, Helen is a great place to visit at any time of the year! We took a day trip to Helen years ago to see this cute German-inspired town. You can go tubing down the river or enjoy the cute Christmas shops that are open year-round. Helen is also a great place to visit during the Christmas holiday!

Just north of the Alpine village of Helen, Anna Ruby Falls is adjacent to Unicoi State Park.

Stay at Valhalla Resort Hotel

Valhalla Resort Hotel is a luxury all-suite hotel nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the ambience of rustic elegance reminiscent of an Old World Scottish Castle.

Overlooking the Innsbruck Golf Club and course, Valhalla is surrounded by breathtaking scenic mountain views and just minutes away from Helen, Georgia.

The pet-friendly resort, which also offers a rooftop bar, spa, and wine cellar, sits on five acres. All 25 rooms, which start at $395 a night, are king suites with mountain views, mini bars, and 24/7 room service.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Southeast, and you can choose from easy or difficult trails. Hike along the rim to several overlooks with waterfall views, or take the staircase down (and up from) a suspension bridge.

The dam at Tallulah Gorge in Northeast Georgia.

Stay at Lake Rabun Hotel

Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant is the last surviving mountain lodge on a lake in Georgia. Because it has stayed true to the look and the feeling of another, perhaps more peaceful, time, it’s been called both a regional and a national treasure.

Onto Asheville for more leaf-peeping

My favorite place to visit outside of Atlanta is Asheville. Every season is spectacular, and it’s such a nice drive to get there. Winding roads lined with magnificent fall foliage make this a perfect getaway trip from Atlanta. We have visited Asheville in the summer and fall. The Biltmore is an ideal place to enjoy leaf peeping before they start decorating for Christmas, a major tourist attraction in Asheville. The Christmas tree lighting at the Biltmore is on November 4th.

 

I wrote about our trip to Asheville before COVID-19. If you’re planning a trip to Asheville to visit the Biltmore, please read updates on Romantic Asheville.

Related post: Weekend Getaway to Asheville.

Leaves change around a stone tunnel on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville.

There are lots of wonderful places to see fall foliage near Asheville, but we enjoy just staying in Asheville and exploring the area.

Asheville has many great hotels, but I have two favorites that I mentioned in my Asheville blog post.

Grand Bohemian near the Biltmore

The Grand Bohemian Hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The hotel is situated in the Biltmore Village, about 6 miles from the Biltmore Estate, and has been completely renovated since Hurricane Helene.
The moment you step inside the authentic Old World Tudor-style hunting lodge, you quickly get a sense that this could easily be a hunting lodge in any of the ski resorts in America. The antiques, antlers everywhere, dead animals, and twig chandeliers are the main decor themes. The hotel is also one massive art gallery. Every floor had art for sale.

Omni Grove Park Inn

 The Grove Park Inn is a fine example of Arts and Crafts design and is a registered historical hotel. This 4-star hotel has a Donald Ross-designed golf course and a 43,000 square-foot subterranean spa complex. The  Spa was added as part of an extensive renovation in 2001; it’s easier than ever to unplug. In fact, phones and tablets are banished to your locker upon arrival.

What to Wear Leaf Peeping in the South

The temperatures are still mild in the south in early November, making it a good time for peak fall getaway trips. You don’t need to bundle up to leaf peep in the South. Layers are your best clothing option when planning a trip to leaf peep in the South. Some days will be warm while the mornings are chilly.

Packing List

My denim top is from Amazon. I still wear my white jeans from Charlie B and Keds in the fall. Today it was 83 degrees, and it’s hard to wear sweaters in Atlanta until mid-November.

Before you plan your leaf-peeping getaway check out the weather forecast before you get in the car. Pack a jacket for rain, and definitely bring a great pair of hiking boots if you plan to hike in the parks. I always pack something nice if we go out for dinner.

My short, cropped trench coat is also from Amazon! 

This fall, I’ve been collaborating with brands featured on Amazon, and I will only share what I feel is made for women over 50 that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price!

Do you take trips to leaf peep?

Thank you for stopping by today!

Hugs,

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