home base/moderate hikes

Question

Visiting NGA mountains mid-week October 9-11. Looking for advice on best location(s) to search for an Airbnb and where to go for moderate, longer hikes with beautiful autumn views. Bonus for specifics on a farm visit for apple goods.

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning a beautiful trip to the North Georgia mountains during peak fall colors in October, which is a fantastic time to visit! For a combination of moderate hikes, stunning autumn views, and local farm visits, here are some great suggestions:

Best Location for an Airbnb:

Since you’ll be looking for moderate hikes with easy access to the mountains, I recommend searching for an Airbnb around these towns:

Blue Ridge - A charming town with a good range of accommodations, close to hiking spots like the Appalachian Trail and several other moderate trails. It's a great base with shops, restaurants, and plenty of mountain views.
Ellijay - Known for its apple orchards, Ellijay is a good option if you're looking for a more rural, peaceful experience. It’s very close to some lovely hikes in the area.
Blairsville - Located near Vogel State Park, Blairsville offers easy access to longer hikes with beautiful views, plus a quiet, scenic atmosphere. It’s also a great spot for seeing fall foliage.

Moderate Hikes with Beautiful Autumn Views:

There are several fantastic moderate hikes in the North Georgia mountains that offer stunning autumn views. These hikes are great for seeing the fall foliage and enjoying the crisp mountain air:

Vogel State Park – Coosa Backcountry Trail (Blairsville) – A 5.5-mile loop that takes you through the forest with beautiful views of the mountains and the lake. The hike is moderate, and you’ll get a great mix of wooded areas and scenic outlooks.
Amicalola Falls State Park – West Ridge Trail (Dawsonville) – This is a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that takes you up the mountain to incredible views of the falls and the surrounding forest. The hike is steep but manageable and offers panoramic views.
Jack's Knob Trail (Blue Ridge) – A 4-mile round trip that’s moderately challenging with rewarding views of the surrounding area. The autumn colors here will be especially vibrant!
Fort Mountain State Park – Gahuti Trail (Chatsworth) – A 7-mile loop with moderate elevation gain. This trail offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys, especially in fall when the foliage is in full color.

Apple Orchards and Farm Visits:

For a bonus apple-themed experience, the North Georgia mountains are known for their apple orchards, many of which offer farm visits, apple picking, and apple goods. Here are a few spots to consider:

R & A Orchards (Ellijay) – One of the most popular orchards in the area, R & A Orchards offers apple picking, a farm store with apple treats, and beautiful views of the mountains.
Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge) – Another great apple farm, Mercier Orchards is family-friendly and has a wide variety of apple products. It’s known for its bakery, apple ciders, and fresh produce. They also have a café with homemade pies and apple-based dishes.
Hillcrest Orchards (Ellijay) – A fun place for apple picking, Hillcrest Orchards also has activities for kids and a great market with apples, cider, and apple butter.

Conclusion:

Based on your itinerary and preferences, Blue Ridge or Ellijay would make an ideal base for your stay. Both are centrally located and close to hiking trails, apple orchards, and scenic mountain views. Enjoy your hiking, apple picking, and the spectacular autumn colors in North Georgia!

home base/moderate hikes

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