Top 10 October Things to do in the North Georgia Mountains

October in the North Georgia Mountains is in a word: enthralling. With such an abundance to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip or even just deciding what to do for the weekend. Leaf season is in its prime and with only a few weeks before the exquisite colors begin to fade, you want to get everything you can out of this most bewitching time. Below is our favorite list of fall things to do in Blue Ridge, GA.

1. Hiking in Blue Ridge Mountains

If you’re a fan of crisp, mountain air and an overwhelmingly beautiful fall color-scheme, then October hiking in the North Georgia mountains is for you. With so many options, free and family friendly, it can be nearly impossible to know where to get started! Rural-esque waterfall hikes like Amicalola Falls and Anna Ruby Falls are scattered all around areas such as Blue Ridge, Helen, Dawsonville and many more cozy, small towns nested away in North Georgia. Some great options for kids would be Fall Branch Falls located within 10 minutes of Downtown Blue Ridge. Long Branch Loop Trail, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and Long Creek Falls via Appalachian Trail are perfect for families who want their furry best friends to accompany them. Whether it’s adventure you seek or a longing to get back in touch with nature, the trails of North Georgia are sure never to disappoint. 

2. Fishing in The Toccoa River

Visitors and locals alike can appreciate a good day fishing. One of the best fishing spots in the North Georgia Mountains is the Toccoa River. Known for its large number of a wide variety of trout, the sweeping, 93 mile river is an obvious choice all year around. If you stay in one of our luxury Blue Ridge GA cabin rentals Fallen Timber Lodge, A Rolling River Cabin, The River's Edge, Riverview Lodge, or Outlaw Ridge, you can enjoy fishing from the cabins. But something about a successful fishing trip on a cool October day puts you in the mood to head back to your Blue Ridge Georgia cabin rental, wrap up in your warmest flannel, get settled around a cozy fire, and softly dream, almost dozing in the warm nostalgic blaze.

3. North Georgia State Parks

If you’re like most people, it’s practically impossible to not get excited when the leaves start to change color. One of the things North Georgia is best known for is our unparalleled fall foliage. What better way to see the red, gold, orange, and yellow masterpiece in all its wild glory but to visit one of our state parks? A top choice has and will remain Amicalola Falls State Park. Home to the Southeast’s tallest waterfall, Amicalola Falls is located in Dawsonville. There’s a hike for those up for a riveting challenge or if you prefer to save your energy, an overlook and boardwalk showcasing divine views is reachable by vehicle. Another incredible option is Cloudland Canyon. Exactly as enchanting as it sounds, Cloudland Canyon is known for its vast acreage, cascading waterfalls, untouched caves, and bountiful wildlife. 

4. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

An excellent way to take in the most fall scenery at once in our lovely mountain range is a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. A four-hour adventure which includes a 26-mile rustic train ride from downtown Blue Ridge to sister-towns, McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN where you will have two hours to explore, eat, and shop to your heart’s content before the captivating hour train ride back to Blue Ridge. If you're staying in A Rolling River Cabin or The River's Edge, you'll be able to wave to the passengers as the train slowly makes its way along the Toccoa River. Whether it’s another wonderful option for the whole family or a unique and romantic date idea, you won’t be sorry you booked those tickets.

5. Cartecay Vineyards

In addition to the romantic scenery that always surrounds a lush, green vineyard, Cartecay Vineyards is a popular North Georgia winery, known for their spectacular fall festival in October. Every weekend this month you can expect wine tasting, food, art vendors, and amazing live music with absolutely no cover charge. Located in Ellijay, Georgia, Cartecay Vineyards is a great way to spend the day relaxed and bundled up with nothing to do but sip wine, listen to some talented artists, and take in the gorgeous views.

6. Oktoberfest in Helen 

Helen, GA is a quaint Swiss-Alp-inspired mountain town where Oktoberfest is all about appreciating lively German traditions such as: German songs, dancing the polka, enjoying authentic spaetzle and wursts, and of course beer! Helen’s Oktoberfest is something to experience if you’re close to the North Georgia area in October. With parades, live music and dancing, beer tents, cheese cafés, and every German food you can think of, it’s impossible to experience a dull moment. Blue Ridge, GA is about an hour away...so stay in one our luxury cabins for a quiet, majestic mountain views, just far enough to avoid Oktoberfest traffic and perfect for escaping unwanted noise the following the day if you had your fill of excitement. 

7. Mercier Orchards

Mercier Orchards is a family-owned and operated apple orchard now in it’s 4th generation. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 75 years of fruitful harvest. The combination of their U-PICK events, Bakery & Market Cafe, Market Store, and now Farm Winery makes them a great choice for a day trip by yourself or with the family! Hailed as one of the top apple orchards in the Southeast according to Southern Living, make sure you stop and get some fried apple pies...those alone will keep you coming back for more!

8. Hillcrest Orchards

One of the highest rated apple orchards in North Georgia is Hillcrest Orchards. They have a copious amount of hands-on farm activities to do with the kids. From classic apple picking and wagon rides to pig races, cow milking, and a petting farm. All shows and attractions except apple picking are free with a general 8$ admission, so don’t forget to visit the Moonshine Museum, take a stroll through the Enchanted Forest Trail, or lose yourself in the Apple Tree Maze. They’re open every day, with playgrounds including giant slides, a mouth-watering bakery with fresh fried pies, donuts, and apple fritters, and a farm market filled to the brim with fruit, canned goods, treats for the kids, and much more. 

9. Exploring Quaint Mountain Town Downtowns

An all-time favorite fall activity in North Georgia is exploring our small towns and their endearing, old-feel downtown areas. There is no shortage of such towns to choose from. One of the most charming and exceedingly popular, is downtown Blue Ridge. Grab a cup of warm hot-chocolate or a strong, smooth espresso to warm your hands and get to strolling! With its distinctive antique shops, home goods shops, unique clothing shops, art galleries, cafes, record stores for old music enthusiasts, superior quality chocolate shops, and old-fashioned general stores with candy as far as the eye can see, it’s difficult to feel anything less than adoration for this warm and welcoming town. 

10. Experience a Luxury Blue Ridge Georgia Cabin Rental

 It’s no secret that one of the best times for a luxury vacation or a weekend getaway to the North Georgia mountains is during the colorful months of autumn. With so many vibrant colors to take in and all of the local fall activities at their peak, it’s no wonder that the competition for Blue Ridge luxury cabin rentals is at an all-time high during October. Whether you’re visiting our breathtaking mountain range or even live locally, it’s difficult to frown at the idea of a quiet, relaxing few days away from daily complications and dreary routines. Endless Blue Ridge cabin rental options in the North Georgia mountains provide you with the ability to accommodate almost any type of vacation you could imagine! Relax in the lap of luxury, enjoy s’mores around a fire pit, snuggle up in front a wood-burning fireplace, or soak in a hot tub with a canopy of stars above you….autumn is truly the best time of year in Blue Ridge, GA.