09/08/2026
🍎 Best Fall Activities Near Big Canoe
1. Burt’s Farm – Dawsonville ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About 35–40 minutes from Jasper.
* Huge pumpkin patch
* Corn maze
* Hayrides
* Farm animals
* Fall treats and food
* Great for younger kids and teens too
Best for: A classic fall afternoon.
2. Georgia Apple Festival – Ellijay 🍏
Usually held in October at the Fairgrounds.
* Hundreds of vendors
* Apple treats
* Crafts
* Food
* Live entertainment
* Kids’ activities
Best for: Making a full day of it.
3. Hillcrest Orchards – Ellijay 🍎
A favorite for families.
* Apple picking
* Apple cider
* Petting zoo
* Pig races
* Corn maze
* Farm activities
* Bakery and apple pies
Best for: Younger kids + families.
4. R&A Orchards – Ellijay 🍏
Another great apple stop with:
* Apple picking
* Farm market
* Apple cider
* Fried apple pies
* Fall treats
You can easily combine it with other Ellijay activities.
5. Big Canoe Fall Activities 🍁
If you’re staying in Big Canoe, I’d definitely take advantage of the community itself:
* Hiking through the changing leaves
* Fishing
* Golf
* Playground
* Basketball
* Lake Petit
* Boat rentals
* Wildlife spotting
* Scenic drives
6. Gibbs Gardens – Ball Ground 🌳
About 30 minutes from Big Canoe. The gardens are beautiful in the fall, particularly for an easy scenic day with the family.
7. Amicalola Falls State Park 🥾
About 20–25 minutes from Jasper. One of my top recommendations.
* Georgia’s highest waterfall
* Scenic overlooks
* Hiking trails
* Lodge
* Great fall foliage
* Picnic areas
You don’t have to do the strenuous hikes—the waterfall area has viewpoints and shorter walks.
👻 Halloween / Spooky Fall
8. Burt’s Farm Fall Nights 🎃
Check their seasonal schedule for evening activities. The atmosphere around the farm is especially fun after dark.
9. Amicalola Falls – Fall/Halloween Events
The park and lodge sometimes have seasonal programming, so it’s worth checking the October calendar.
10. Downtown Ellijay 🍂
In October, walk around the historic downtown, grab lunch, shop, get ice cream, and combine it with an orchard visit.
🐴 Something Different
11. Horseback Riding in the North Georgia Mountains 🐎
There are several outfitters around Jasper/Ellijay/Dawsonville. Fall is arguably the prettiest time to do a mountain trail ride.
12. Ziplining / Adventure Activities 🌲
For older kids/teens, look around Amicalola and the Dawsonville area for zipline and aerial adventure courses.
