Fall views near Mineral Bluff.

Open rock ledge on Big Cedar Mountain facing southeast toward Dahlonega. The biggest view for the least effort in North Georgia.

• sunrise
• 2 mi round trip
• free parking

Hours: Open 24 hours

Get: 2 mi round trip, moderate, switchbacks near the top. Restrooms at Woody Gap. Sunrise is about 7 AM.

Highest point on the Georgia Appalachian Trail. The views are on the rocks just past the stone summit shelter.

• summit hike
• appalachian trail
• 4.3 mi round trip

Hours: Open 24 hours

Get: 4.3 mi out and back via Byron Reece, rocky and steep. Gets busy, so go early.

West Overlook, an old stone wall and a CCC fire tower. The northwest side of the mountains peaks later, so it should have strong color the first week of November.

• fire tower
• west overlook
• sunset
• $10 ParkPass

Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM

Get: 1.5 mi loop to the overlook, wall and tower. The overlook faces west for sunset.

Georgia's highest point. An observation deck with a 360° view and four states on a clear day. Summits this high should be at or just past peak with color in the valleys below.

• summit deck
• 4,784 ft
• 360° view
• $10 per adult

Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5 PM; shuttle until 4:30

Get: 0.6 mi each way on a steep paved trail, or the shuttle. $10 per adult, $6 after hours for sunrise or sunset.

26 mi round trip along the Toccoa River with a stop in McCaysville and Copperhill. Low elevation color that should be at peak.

• train
• river views
• no hiking

Hours: Fall rides through Tue Nov 3; winter rides from Thu Nov 5

Get: Book by phone at (877) 413-8724. Fall rides sell out. Roughly $60 to $125 by class.

Closed Wednesday.

Departure times for these dates are not posted online. Call to confirm.

The southern start of the Appalachian Trail, with a west facing rock view at the summit plaque. Long Creek Falls is an easy add on nearby.

• appalachian trail start
• waterfall
• truck or SUV

Hours: Open 24 hours

Get: Springer 2 mi round trip. Long Creek Falls 1.8 mi round trip.

Gravel roads can be impassable after heavy rain. Blue Ridge Ranger District: (706) 745-6928.

Short waterfall hike, then the Aska Road drive along the Toccoa River. Runs strongest after rain.

• waterfall
• 1 mi round trip
• scenic drive

Hours: Open daily

Get: 1 mi round trip, steeper than it looks. Parking is tight.

270 ft suspension bridge over the Toccoa, the longest east of the Mississippi.

• suspension bridge
• river
• gravel road

Hours: Open 24 hours

Get: Short way: about 3 mi of gravel road, then a 0.2 to 0.5 mi walk. Long way: 6.9 mi out and back from GA-60. No restrooms.

26 mi through the Ocoee River gorge past Parksville Lake. The Forest Service Road 77 spur climbs to Chilhowee Mountain Overlook above the Tennessee Valley.

• scenic drive
• gorge
• overlook

Hours: Open daily

Get: Chilhowee Overlook is about 73 min from Mineral Bluff.

FS 77 was being repaved. Call (423) 476-9700 before driving up.

The high point of a 20 mi mountain highway, with views toward Brasstown Bald and a mountain ID sign. No restrooms.

• scenic drive
• overlook
• free

Hours: Open 24 hours

Get: Easy to pair with Brasstown Bald, Raven Cliff Falls and Helton Creek Falls.

Stone platform with a wide view over the Cohutta Wilderness. The view is up the short path on the left, not from the parking loop.

• sunset
• near 360° view
• free

Hours: Open 24 hours

Get: 5 minute uphill walk from the road. Close to Fort Mountain.

Views over Lake Blue Ridge and the TVA dam, with a few benches and picnic spots. The closest sunset to Mineral Bluff.

• lake view
• sunset
• closest to the cabin

Hours: Open daily

Get: Sunset is about 5:40. No restrooms.