OUTSIDE
ATLANTA
By Carol Wright
Where to Find Georgia’s Best Fall Colors It’s one of the first things you hear newcomers to Atlanta say: “Wow, there are so many trees here!” It’s true. The city’s location in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains puts it in the heart of the nation’s largest urban canopy. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just an afternoon drive, Atlanta is the perfect jumping-off point for taking in the fiery colors that are about to paint the region. One thing you’ll need to know as you plan a leaf-watching trip here in Georgia: good things come to those who wait. While a hint of red or yellow shows up in early October, the color doesn’t hit its peak until late October or early November in the northern part of the state, and mid- to late November in the central and southern portions. Now that you’ve got the basics, here are some suggestions to take advantage of Mother Nature’s spectacular show:
HELEN Located in White County, Helen is about 90 miles northeast of Atlanta. In addition to having wonderful autumn leaf views, the city itself, with its German architecture, is a sight to see.
It’s billed as having “the charm of Bavaria, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains” and features a variety of activities. If you’re a wine or beer lover, there are four wineries/vineyards, two breweries and two wine tours. The city and surrounding area offer eight different hiking trail sites. They also have several prime spots to view the fall foliage, including Smithgall Woods State Park, which offers the Laurel Ridge Trail for hiking. Unicoi State Park & Lodge, located just two miles north of town, boasts Lake Unicoi and is within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The park offers hiking trails leading to Anna Ruby Falls and Helen. For visitors who want to stay overnight, the area has plenty of unique and varied lodging options. helenga.org
DAHLONEGA Located 71 miles north of Atlanta at the end of GA 400, with a downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dahlonega is famous for its history as well as its autumn allure. Enjoy a rejuvenating trip along the area’s scenic roads—the Brasstown Bald Loop and
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The fall foliage is visually abundant in Helen and surrounding White County areas. Sliding down a zip line is among some of the unique outdoor attractions in Helen.
