Best Fall Activities in Blue Ridge, GA 🍁⛰️
Hey there!
We are starting to feel the fall creeping in with cooler weather in the evenings, and it is glorious! One thing I will always look forward to in the fall is the changing of the leaves into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. It is one of the most beautiful aspects of our scenic mountain home. And you can come see and experience it for yourself, with a front row seat from any of our cabins.
Whether you are planning a romantic weekend getaway or a family vacation, Blue Ridge, GA is the quintessential fall destination, and our mountain cabins are the perfect place to see the leaves and experience the changing of the season.
To help you make the most of the season, we’ve rounded up the absolute best fall activities, from picking apples to riding historic railroads.
Travel like the old days…. with a front-row seat to the fall foliage. Departing right from the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, this 26-mile roundtrip journey winds along the beautiful Toccoa River.
The train travels through the North Georgia countryside to the nostalgic sister towns of McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN. You can take your photo on the state line and be in two states at once!
Once there, you’ll enjoy a two-hour layover to shop, grab lunch and just explore the old mining towns! The trip will be about four hours total.
Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards
There’s no better way to celebrate autumn than twisting a fresh apple right off the branch! Head over to Mercier Orchards and help them celebrate their 80th year in business!
If you’re feeling like having a peaceful time outdoors, hop on a tractor ride out into the orchards on one of their U-Pick Tours, where you can go out to pick your own fruit. It’s an awesome experience for the whole family!
Adults can swing by the tasting room to sample their exceptional hard ciders. The Rosé cider is a local favorite! Also, try the best apple cider you’ll ever have, it’s good hot or cold!
Don’t leave without hitting the bakery for their famous fried apple pies and apple cider donuts. There’s plenty of goodies to look at and try, a little bit of something for everyone!
Authentic Mountain Festivals
Fall in the mountains is peak festival season, bringing local culture, crafts, and food to the forefront. These are the best fall festivals, the weekends vary, but there is plenty to see and do during October:
- Fall Arts in the Park: This is my favorite festival of the year! This time of year is the best time to be out exploring booths and eating festival food and this is the perfect festival to do both! Held right in downtown Blue Ridge, this bi-annual festival showcases hundreds of regional artists displaying everything from pottery and jewelry to photography and painted artwork – all hand crafted.
- PawsFest: If you are traveling with a furry friend, don’t miss this fun-filled pet festival featuring a pet costume parade, beer truck and local vendors.
- Georgia Apple Festival: Located just down the road in nearby Ellijay, this massive event features over 300 vendors, an antique car show, and endless apple treats.
- Sorghum in the Mountains Festival: Just a few minutes from Blue Ridge in Blairsville this old-fashioned mountain festival has almost 200 booths and you can expect music, food and activities like log sawing and rock throwing!
Local Farmers Market
It is always a treat to visit local farm stands in the mountains. You may also see some pop- up stands while driving around looking at the leaves.
There’s plenty of great local markets and farm stands around town, but if I were to give a recommendation, I’d tell you to visit Cate Farms. This is a local favorite, open July through November. The goods vary based on harvest times; during the fall, it’s pumpkin season! They also host a Makers Market on first Saturday of each month that features additional vendors, artisans, and farm products.
Every season is special here in Blue Ridge, but Fall is a unique time where nature itself becomes more festival, the air turning crisp as we approach the holiday season.
Come stay and have a true mountain fall experience!
See you soon!
Tabetha 🍁