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rock climbing. The mountain itself is recognizable in the Cleveland area by its bare rock face.

t 1900 Chambers Road, Cleveland

Preacher’s Rock

A short hike from Woody Gap Trailhead on Ga. 60 in Lumpkin County will bring you to Preacher’s Rock, a large outcrop near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. The trail is part of the Appalachian Trail, and sits 18 miles from Dahlonega and about 2 miles from the small town of Suches.

t Ga. 60, Suches, fs.usda.gov

Raven Cliffs Falls

In the mountains

Travel north and you’ll reach the windy roads that lead deeper into the mountains of North Georgia. Hiking, waterfalls and picturesque vistas await.

Amicalola Falls State Park

With gorgeous waterfalls and nearly 830-acres of wilderness nestled at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, this state park is easily one of the most popular in Georgia. It features Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot waterfall, but also miles of hiking trails, a mountainside lodge, camping, archery, zip lining and event spaces.

t 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, amicalolafallslodge.com

Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state of Georgia, tops out at 4,784 feet above sea level. Throughout the Brasstown Bald complex in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, there are several trails to the summit, including a 9-mile out and back via the Jacks Knob Trail and a shorter Summit Access Trail from the Brasstown Bald parking area. Conquer the summit and reward yourself with magnificent 360-degree views from which four states reportedly can be seen. t 2941 Ga. Highway 180 Spur, Hiawassee

High Shoals Falls

A short hike north of Helen will bring you to the base of this waterfall, a pool surrounded by rocks beneath the viewing platform. The trek also passes by Blue Hole Falls, where some venture into the chilly waters for a dip. The road to the trailhead requires fording a shallow stream. And bring your hiking boots for this one, roots and rocks can trip you up. This trail also features primitive campsites.

t 1333 Indian Grave Gap Road, Hiawassee

Mount Yonah

A steep trail meandering through boulders will bring you to the summit of Mount Yonah in about 2 miles. It’s also a popular area for t Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, Helen

This 40-foot waterfall gushes from the towering cliff face into a picturesque pool tucked into the hill side. And for those who want to extend their day trip into an overnight camping experience, primitive sites can be found throughout the hike to the falls.

Smithgall Woods State Park

This trout-fishing haven on Dukes Creek has 5 miles of trails, 18 miles of road and six cottages ready for hikers, day-trippers and anglers. Fishing is tightly controlled in the 5,664-acre park — so be sure to call ahead and schedule your trip to the park well in advance.

t 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods, 706878-3087

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Crowds flock every year to see this 2-mile-long, 1,000-foot deep gash along Georgia’s forested terrain. People can hike to different overlooks or obtain a permit to hike to the gorge’s floor. Only 100 people are allowed per day when water isn’t being released from the dam at Tallulah Falls Lake. Visitors can brave the suspension bridge, which sways high above the gorge and provides views of its six waterfalls. For a closer view of the Hurricane Falls waterfall, travel to the park’s observation deck within the gorge. The 2.8-mile roundtrip Shortline Trail follows along the shores of the Tallulah River.

t 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls, gastateparks.org/tallulahgorge, 706-754-7981

Unicoi State Park

Unicoi State Park’s breathtaking views lie only a couple of miles away from the Alpine village of Helen near Unicoi Lake, the headwaters for the Chattahoochee River. This park offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, zip-lining, camping, hiking and picnicking. It borders the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is home to Anna Ruby Falls — one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Georgia. Camping is available on site along with a lodge.

t 1788 Ga. 356, Helen, gastateparks.org/unicoi, 706-878-2201

Vogel State Park

This park lies in the Chattahoochee National Forest and sits at the base of Blood Mountain, which is the highest summit on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Hike to the peak during the fall and see the Blue Ridge Mountains ablaze in autumn colors. Trekking on land not your thing? Enjoy the park’s 22-acre lake in a non-motorized boat or visit during the summer when the mountain-view beach opens. Check out the park’s rich history at the CCC Museum built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

t 405 Vogel State Park Road,

Blairsville, gastateparks.org/vogel, 706-745-2628

At the farm

Jaemor Farms t 5340 Cornelia Highway, Alto, jaemorfarms.com, 770-869-3999

Thousands flock to this family farm for their large variety of peaches in the summer. In other seasons, the farm offers strawberries, pumpkins and even fresh flowers. Events are often held, including one-day U-pick events during each season as well as a corn maze. The market is also worth a visit, featuring a variety of locally made products and foods like soft-serve ice cream and hand pies made with produce from the farm.

Fausett Farms Sunflowers

This 13-acre sunflower field is a fall attraction for North Georgia, allowing visitors the chance to walk through the flowers, take photos and enjoy some of the beauty that comes to the area in September.

t 11336 Ga. Highway 136 W, Dawsonville, fausettfarmssunflowers.com

Red Oak Lavender Farm

This property features several varieties of lavender, including those used for culinary purposes and those more common in bath and body products. The farm hosts U-pick days in June when the flowers are in full bloom.

t 2882 Red Oak Flats Road, Dahlonega, redoaklavender.com, 706-974-8230

Warbington Farms

This farm is known for its 3 acres of U-pick strawberries available in the spring but also features pumpkins in the fall and a petting zoo, slides and other kids activities.

t 5555 Crow Road, Cumming, warbingtonfarms.com, 770-8891515