Where to go for the fall colors?

[BigJerm]

So Megan would like to take a day trip somewhere the weekend after Vegas to go look at the fall colors, take pictures, ect. I am looking for some good suggestions. We will be in the Wrangler, don’t really care to get much into wheeling here, more just looking for some back mountain gravel roads, maybe some over looks off the random highways in the mountains, maybe some walking trails, that kinda thing. I think the drive up to Lake Conasauga (sp) would be the best bet but she doesn’t want to drive that far. SO looking for suggestions. Extra points if you can toss in somewhere that has a some nice shallow, clear, creek crossings… She loves those for some reason.

Here is a reference for distance:
Apartment to lake: 2 hours. 114 miles
Apartment to Amicalola State Park: 1 hour, 15 minutes. 68 miles
Apartment to Helen: 1 hour, 35 minutes. 90 miles

Thanks fellas!  ;D

[06trailrig]

I would head up to Helen. I was there last year when the leaves were changing and it was awesome. I'm not sure of the exact place we went but I know it was some kind of state park.

[Will]

Cheaha State Park, highest point in Alabama. My family went there last year, and it's pretty cool. AWESOME colors. My dad and I agree that it's way more convenient than the Norh Georgia mountains for folks in Atlanta cause it's really close to I-20.
 

http://www.alapark.com/cheaharesort/

[Krawler00]

Jerm, I got the hookup. I can send you a few places near helen and dahlonega that are choice!

[Matt]

Hey, Helen is a great choice. Anna Ruby falls is right there, which would make great pictures with the leaves falling. Plus if its still October, Helen is the place for a brew. Stop by the Amish bakery trailer on the way into town. They have the best cheese straws.

If you go to amicolola then go to Burts.

Either way is a win.

[DOUG]

Jeremy, my spots may be too far, but I'd head up to the Smokeys and into Cades Cove, it's awesome:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm

or.....
Travel West from Murphy NC to Hiawassee Dam (Don't miss the Hiawassee Damn School) , over the Hiawassee Dam, and take the gravel road to the left, and keep staying left until you crooss a creek to a fork, and head right.  Takes you up on the mountain where there is a powerline crossing and SPECTACULAR views of the lake and mountains.  Continue on to a paved road (10 miles?) and left back towards Duck Town, TN.

[DOUG]

Hey, Helen is a great choice. Anna Ruby falls is right there, which would make great pictures with the leaves falling. Plus if its still October, Helen is the place for a brew. Stop by the Amish bakery trailer on the way into town. They have the best cheese straws.

If you go to amicolola then go to Burts.

Either way is a win.

We're finishing our pumkin roll from Burts, Yummmmmmmmmmm.

[Matt]

Cades Cove is so worth the ride. x1000

But you will not make it back in a day unless you like to drive.

Make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card if you go there.


and Doug  nln

[Ben H.]

Jeremy, my spots may be too far, but I'd head up to the Smokeys and into Cades Cove, it's awesome:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm


or.....
Travel West from Murphy NC to Hiawassee Dam (Don't miss the Hiawassee Damn School) , over the Hiawassee Dam, and take the gravel road to the left, and keep staying left until you crooss a creek to a fork, and head right.  Takes you up on the mountain where there is a powerline crossing and SPECTACULAR views of the lake and mountains.  Continue on to a paved road (10 miles?) and left back towards Duck Town, TN.

Yep, its hard to beat the Smokey's.

[DOUG]

Cades Cove is so worth the ride. x1000

But you will not make it back in a day unless you like to drive.

Make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card if you go there.


and Doug  nln

If you were here, I'd offer you a slice.  A thin slice.  ;D

[Will]

I WANNA RAFT THE OCONEE SOON!!!!

My buddy Fisher is training to be a guide and come spring I can get me and a couple dudes rides for free.

[BigJerm]

Keep em' coming fellas. Sounds like so great spots. Ben what are the spots you are talking of? Something tells me we will end up at Helen though.