North Georgia Mountains Road Trip: Waterfalls, Hiking, Glamping & Vegan Eats from Atlanta
Peaches and Georgia go hand in hand, but the largest state east of the Mississippi River offers far more to discover.
With a focus on safe, local travel, we sent Atlanta influencer and vegan chef Will Edmond (@WillEdmond) on a four-day road trip through the North Georgia Mountains in October to uncover hidden gems.
"Georgia has so many unexpected treasures," says Will, who counts Dahlonega, Savannah, and Jekyll Island among his top getaways. "The state's diversity is incredible."
Despite COVID-19 precautions, every stop featured handwashing stations, social distancing signs, and mask requirements. "I felt very safe," Will notes, "and everyone was welcoming."
Follow Will's journey through this stunning region of Georgia.
Mulberry Gap
Approximately 90 miles north of Atlanta
Will departed Atlanta at 7 a.m. in his car "Betsy," enjoying light traffic and early fall foliage on I-75 northwest. As the North Georgia Mountains approached, he savored the crisp mountain air.
His first destination: Mulberry Gap Adventure Camp in Ellijay, nestled in Chattahoochee National Forest. Offering mountain biking, hiking, trail running, paddling, and fly fishing, Will joined a guided hike on the Bear Creek Trail. Highlights included hugging the massive 200-year-old Gennett Poplar, an 18-foot-circumference giant and one of Georgia's largest trees.
Post-hike, in-house chef Ginny Taylor prepared a vegan picnic of delicious Thai dumplings.
This escape was a trip highlight. Will advises downloading Google Maps offline due to spotty cell service. "Prepare for true wilderness," he says. "I'll definitely return to Mulberry Gap."
Amicalola Falls
Approximately 35 miles from Mulberry Gap
Next, Will drove deeper into Chattahoochee National Forest to Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, home to Amicalola Falls—the Southeast's tallest cascading waterfall at 729 feet. Explore over 14 miles of trails, ziplining, guided hikes, scavenger hunts, 3D archery, and survival camps.
Prime photo ops abound. "I've visited Amicalola Falls several times, and it never disappoints," Will shares.
Nearby autumn fun includes sunflowers at Fausett Farms and pumpkin picking at Burt's Pumpkin Farm.
That evening, Will enjoyed vegan fare at the lodge's Maple Restaurant and relaxed in a two-story deluxe room with a patio offering breathtaking views.
Downtown Ellijay
Approximately 35 miles from Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
Though an Atlanta resident for a decade, Will had never visited charming Ellijay, a 30-minute drive away and home to under 2,000 people. As Gilmer County's seat and Georgia's Apple Capital, it hosts the annual Georgia Apple Festival in October.
"Venture off the beaten path to Ellijay," Will recommends—it's just 90 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Despite rain, the walkable town buzzed with friendly locals. "So much vibrant activity," he observed.
Will enjoyed bluegrass at Cartecay River Brewing Company, hiked Tumbling Waters Trail by Carters Lake, and sampled peach-apple cider at Red Apple Barn.
Engleheim Vineyards ("angel home" in German) offers award-winning wines from daily tastings. Will raves about the native muscadine, alongside reds and whites. They earned 2018 Georgia Winery of the Year from The Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge.
For dining, Will twice visited The Shack Asian fusion spot. "Vegan-friendly with amazing veggie pot stickers," he says. (Meat options like chicken, beef, or shrimp available for poke bowls.)
Glamping in North Georgia
Approximately 15 miles from Ellijay
Full from vegan delights, Will drove to Elatse'Yi Mountain Retreat & Small Farm for two nights of glamping in a geodome with a 30'x30' deck, outdoor shower, and clawfoot tub. Goats and a chicken were his only neighbors; he shared vegan nachos from the camp kitchen.
Owned by a former Atlanta teacher, this off-grid spot near Carters Lake evoked Will's Texas roots. "In nature, I crave the sounds," he says.
Will's final stop: Atlanta Botanical Garden's Gainesville outpost. "I had no idea it existed," he says, after meditating amid tropical plants and a waterfall.
Returning to Atlanta, Will gained deeper appreciation for Georgia's escapes. "City life meets quick getaways: mountains north, beaches south. Nature abounds."
"Georgia has me spoiled."
Plan Your North Georgia Mountains Road Trip
Ready for your adventure? Download offline maps, pack for variable weather, and check venue safety protocols. Start packing!
