There’s something magical about fall in the Southeast. The air turns crisp, leaves blaze with color, and small towns and country roads seem to slow down just enough for you to savor every moment. Whether you’re chasing the best leaf-peeping spots, a cozy fireside meal, or a weekend getaway that feels like it belongs in a storybook, Alabama and Georgia are full of destinations worth exploring.
Here are some of our favorite fall destinations and hidden gems right here in our own backyard.
1. Blue Ridge, Georgia – Mountain Views & Cozy Vibes
When the mountains start to glow in shades of red, gold, and orange, Blue Ridge is hard to beat. This charming North Georgia town offers breathtaking views, scenic train rides on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, and endless hiking trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Pair your adventure with a stop at Mercier Orchards for fresh apple cider donuts and a bag of just-picked apples.
2. Cheaha State Park, Alabama – Highest Point in the State
Cheaha State Park is Alabama’s crown jewel for fall color. At 2,407 feet, it’s the highest point in the state, and in autumn the vistas are painted in every shade of orange and gold you can imagine. Take a hike along Bald Rock or Pulpit Rock Trail for panoramic views, and end the day with a campfire under the stars.
3. Hunter’s Pub Steakhouse – Hamilton, GA
Sometimes the perfect fall day ends not on a mountaintop but at a table with a sizzling steak in front of you. Hunter’s Pub Steakhouse is an unassuming roadside gem that’s been serving some of the best steaks in Georgia for decades. Warm, welcoming, and worth the drive—especially after a day of exploring Pine Mountain or Callaway Gardens.
4. Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama – Hidden Waterfall Paradise
Fall isn’t just for leaf-peeping—it’s also the perfect time to visit waterfalls. Little River Canyon, near Fort Payne, is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the state, with waterfalls framed by blazing fall color. Drive along the scenic rim road, pack a picnic, and take your time soaking in the views.
5. Dahlonega, Georgia – Gold Rush & Grape Harvests
Known as the site of America’s first gold rush, Dahlonega is a quaint mountain town that truly shines in the fall. Stroll the historic square, visit a local winery during grape harvest season, and don’t miss the annual Gold Rush Days festival in October.
6. Mentone, Alabama – Small Town with Big Charm
Perched on Lookout Mountain, Mentone is a tiny town with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cabins tucked into the woods. The Mentone area is a hidden haven for fall color, especially along the scenic drive to DeSoto Falls. Stop by the Wildflower Café for lunch—it’s famous for it s tomato pie.
7. Providence Canyon, Georgia – The “Little Grand Canyon”
You might not expect to find a canyon in the middle of Georgia, but Providence Canyon is a spectacular surprise. The colorful soil layers glow in the autumn sun, making it a photographer’s dream. Cooler fall temperatures also make hiking here much more enjoyable.
8. Blackberry Mountain & Farm – Walland, Tennessee
While it’s just over the Alabama–Georgia line, Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee, is worth the drive for anyone looking to combine luxury with the raw beauty of the mountains. Set on 5,200 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this destination blends high-end accommodations with a working farm and nature at its finest. In the fall, the rolling hills are ablaze with color, and the crisp mountain air makes every hike, bike ride, or horseback trail feel magical.
Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, wellness classes, and panoramic views that stretch for miles. The on-site farm produces much of the fresh produce served at their restaurants, and autumn is a particularly flavorful season with hearty root vegetables, apples, and other seasonal favorites making their way from field to plate.
Make This Fall Unforgettable
Whether you’re after sweeping mountain views, the quiet beauty of a hidden waterfall, or the comfort of a hearty steak dinner after a day of exploring, Alabama and Georgia deliver in spades. This season, take the long way home, follow the winding backroads, and let the Southeast show off its best colors and flavors.
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