Northwest Georgia by Foot: Fall Trails to Explore Near Chattanooga

Acorns are falling, trees are turning beautiful shades of red and yellow, and leaves are crunching under my feet. That must mean it’s time for my favorite season: fall! 

In the greater Chattanooga area, peak foliage is right around the corner. Throughout my next two posts, I want to highlight some incredible spots in the Chattanooga area that provide outstanding views and full immersion into the true essence of fall. We’ll begin by exploring options just across the state line into Northwest Georgia. My next post will provide suggestions in metro Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee counties.

Northwest Georgia: Where and What

As a reminder, Chattanooga, Tennessee, sits near the Georgia and Alabama state lines. In fact, the town of Lookout Mountain, which is famous for Chattanooga area landmarks such as Point Park, Rock City, and Ruby Falls, is shared between Tennessee and Georgia. Lookout Mountain, Georgia, is home to one of the most beautiful places to hike year-round that offers an extra dose of fall beauty: Lula Lake Land Trust.

Lula Lake Land Trust (Lookout Mountain, GA)

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Lula Lake Land Trust (LLLT) offers a truly unique experience for outdoor lovers, a place I affectionately refer to as “Disney World for Hikers.” LLLT is a private land trust, rooted in purpose to further conservation, education, and recreation. The Core Preserve of LLLT is open to the public for reservations on the first and last weekends of each month, and special events are private tours are scheduled throughout the year. When you visit, mix and match trail options to the gorgeous bluff view, the lake with its cascading waterfall, or the breathtaking 110-foot waterfall. Choose your own hiking path from a variety of options of length and difficulty, including trails along the creek, in the woods, along the bluff, or even a gravel path that follows a former coal railway. Bring a hammock to spend some time at the overlook as you relax and soak up the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, explore the massive rocks and creek surrounding the foot of the waterfall, or, if you prefer, take an adventure through the property on your mountain bike! 

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For additional information, maps, Open Gate Day reservations, and the special events calendar, visit the Lula Lake Land Trust website. A $15 fee is required per vehicle upon reservation on Open Gate Days.

‍Pro Tip: For an added dose of fun as you work your way between the bluff and the falls, make sure to include the High Adventure trail as part of your visit. Another hidden gem is the South Creek Trail, which provides an extra dose of wooded beauty as it winds beside the creek. 

Cloudland Canyon State Park (Trenton, GA)

Spanning over 3,500 acres, Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of Georgia’s largest and most visited state parks, and with good reason. Cloudland Canyon offers some of the most spectacular canyon views in the southeastern United States. A $5 entrance fee is required per vehicle upon entry. During your visit to the park, you will be met with a variety of overlooks, trails, waterfalls, and activities. Camping, cottages, and yurts are available for reservation on site. Friends of the park host a fall festival during the month of October, offering hay rides, games, and sweet treats for young visitors. 

Popular trails include the West Rim Loop Trail and the Waterfall Trail. As you prepare for the Waterfall trail, take note that 600 metal stairs lead to the two waterfalls included in this path. 

Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and for ample parking. My favorite trail is the Sitton’s Gulch trail, which begins at the foot of the canyon and follows a beautiful, large, cascading creek up to Hemlock Falls. The parking area for this trailhead is tucked away inside a neighborhood and still requires a $5 fee. Again, early arrival is recommended, especially during the fall season.

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Chickamauga National Battlefield (Fort Oglethorpe, GA)

A different type of suggestion from the previous two recommendations, the Chickamauga Battlefield is a National Park that offers flat paths for biking and walking, large fields for recreation, trails for horseback riding, ample roads for drive-through visits, and historical markers and monuments throughout the park. The largest monument of the park is the Wilder Monument, standing 85 feet above the large, open field below and the surrounding woods within the park. During the fall season, the view from the top of the Wilder Monument is outstanding. Hiking trails are scattered throughout the park, but are all relatively level in elevation. This option may be ideal for anyone who is looking f][or less of an elevation change during their adventure, but still wants to soak up the beauty of the fall leaves. No entry fee is required upon entry.

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Pro Tip: Stop by the Visitor’s Center upon arrival for a look at the history surrounding the Battle of Chickamauga. Review the map of the park online ahead of time to map out a walking path. My favorite is a loop beginning at the Wilder Monument, towards the Recreation Field, and on toward Glenn-Kelly Road to make a loop back to the Wilder Monument. 

Extra Pointers for Fall Travel to Northwest Georgia

1. Keep an Eye on the Weather

Temperatures during September - November can range from hot to very cold, so I recommend dressing in thin layers and being prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Also, if you are planning to visit waterfalls, keep an eye on recent rainfall amounts to ensure you are able to enjoy their beauty during peak fullness.

2. Arrival Time Matters

When the leaves are at their peak of color change, you should be prepared for a higher volume of visitors to these and other main points of interest. Early arrival times will ensure your maximum enjoyment of these locations.

3. Check for Special Events

As you plan your visit, make sure to frequently check the websites for these locations to ensure that special events do not create a conflict with your plans. Conversely, some special events may be of particular interest to you, so stay aware of registration protocols, fees, etc.

Final Thoughts

I hope this list provides a helpful resource to you as you consider the Chattanooga area for your fall travel. Check back soon for a look at recommendations within Tennessee that offer additional fall experiences you won’t want to miss! 

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