Northwest Georgia state parks are beautiful in the fall. I said in a social media post once that we are not “hikers,” but we love to try. We look for the easiest trails with the best views.

We visited all of these over the years and each has a unique story. I am writing this in late September–an exciting time since the parks will burst with fall colors in a few weeks. I am listing these in alphabetical order and adding the addresses so you can put them in your GPS.

A reminder–there is a $5 parking fee for Georgia’s state parks. If you go to the parks often, it’s worth it to look into an annual pass. There are discounts for seniors and veterans. Paying $5 for a carload of family and friends to have fun outdoors is still a bargain.

Amicalola Falls

It was on our way to Amicalola Falls that I took my favorite picture from our car.

The big draw at Amicalola is, of course, the 729-foot waterfall. You can climb the steps to the top or you can drive up and get this amazing view. It’s just a short walk from the parking lot.

With 829 acres, there’s a lot of territory for hiking, or walking if you are like us. If you are adventurous, try the zipline. I am too much of a chicken but I bet the views are beautiful. The park also has a lodge that is on my bucket list.

We loved the drive to Amicalola Falls. It’s right off Ga. 52 at 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Drive in Dawsonville.

Cloudland Canyon

I think we are one of the few people who visited Cloudland Canyon and didn’t come away with a gorgeous picture of a waterfall. I did see the waterfalls back in the 90s before cellphone cameras.

Waterfalls need rain and we visited this Northwest Georgia state park after a very dry period. The park has 60 miles of trails. While we didn’t see waterfalls, we found beautiful views on our walk along the easy Overlook Trail. We tackled a few other parts of the park, too. If you are into disc golf, there is a course. I haven’t played in years but I enjoy it. Cottages and campsites are also available for those who want a getaway.

Be sure to stop by the interpretive center. I enjoyed looking at the exhibits there. We met this guy that I named Yogi. I didn’t touch him, I promise.

Cloudland Canyon is located at 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road in Rising Fawn. It’s a pretty drive through the country. When you are done, sneak over to Lookout Mountain for more beautiful views of Northwest Georgia.

Fort Mountain

I once worked at the newspaper in Chatsworth, which is at the base of Fort Mountain and I wish I had spent some more time there back then. Our first trip to Fort Mountain was a bust. We wanted to see a sunset from the mountain. But unfortunately, the weather changed on our way there and it was very foggy. If you’ve ever driven to the park, you know those roads are tight and curvy. It was a stressful drive.

We didn’t let that stop us from returning in the fall. Our first stop was at the Trading Post. And there was another bear. I couldn’t get a decent picture of him. I named him Fred. We didn’t meet any of his relatives on the trail.

Fort Mountain is known for its 60 miles of trails and breathtaking views. We stopped at every overlook. We went in the middle of October so the leaves had not quite turned. The view was still beautiful.

I was quite proud of us oldsters for making it through some of this rough terrain, at least for us. It’s inspired us to buy hiking boots, which, honestly, have been worn twice.

The park’s address is 181 Fort Mountain Park Road. It’s easy to find. Just take U.S. 411 to Chatsworth and there are signs telling you where to turn. It won’t be a surprise as it’s hard to miss the mountain.

Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site

Our time at Pickett’s Mill was too short. We visited in late December. Our first tip—take the time to hear the presentation from the ranger and explore the small museum. We learned that the battle at Pickett’s Mill delayed the assault on Atlanta. I knew very little about this battle before our visit.

You will find 765 acres of trails to hike at this Northwest Georgia state park. We had to leave for another engagement, so we didn’t see the cabin up close, but we drove by it. Next time we will plan a longer visit.

Pickett’s Mill is located at 4432 Mount Tabor Church Road in Dallas.

Red Top Mountain State Park

We lived less than 30 minutes from Red Top Mountain and spent a lot of time there. It’s gorgeous in the fall.

Red Top Mountain has more than 1,770 acres but is best known for its 12,000-acre lake. We’ve spent a lot of time at Lake Allatoona. We visited one March in hopes of spending some peaceful time by the water. The temperature dipped below freezing. I took this video to remind me to check the forecast before scheduling some time by the lake.

Red Top Mountain has cottages, campsites and yurts. Staying in a yurt is on my bucket list.

The address is 50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth. If you have driven I-75 between Marietta and Cartersville, you’ve likely seen the signs.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

I lived in Northwest Georgia most of my life and I never visited the park the locals know as “Sloppy” Floyd until I was 50. You will find so much to do here. You can fish on the lake or rent canoes or paddle boats. Bring the family for a picnic on one of the shaded tables. The park also has several cottages for rent.

I managed to get Steve on one of the paddle boats. The views from the boat are worth the exercise.

Our first trips to Sloppy Floyd were in the spring and summer. We hiked to the old marble mine. It’s an easy enough journey, even if you think you are not in the best physical shape. I am so glad we did it.

But you can’t miss this Northwest Georgia state park in the fall. Look at this view!

The park is located north of Summerville, just off U.S. 27. Turn down Sloppy Floyd Lake Road, and you can’t miss it.

These are just a few of our photos from our journeys to Northwest Georgia state parks. Follow us on Facebook to see more of our adventures.

We would love to see your photos, too. Send us an email at southernplacesandfaces@gmail.com or leave a comment.