Amicalola State Park
(Dawsonville, GA)
Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest cascade and its overlook bridges are readily accessible at several points by car for those who can’t take the steep stairs alongside. The state park the falls has a number picnic areas and trails down the mountains that give great views especially in the colorful fall.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
(Tallulah Falls, GA)
Tallulah Gorge is a large canyon in northeast Georgia that was formed over the years by the Tallulah River. When unleashed, the river forms separate several cascades that make up Tallulah Falls, a formerly roaring waterfall that is now held back to generate electrical power. Once every few months, however, the falls are opened up for the enjoyment of the public.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
(Rising Fawn, GA)
Cloudland Canyon is the other huge canyon valley of Georgia but on the western side heading towards Tennessee. It has trails along both rims that you can easily cross over to and great views of the gorges on both sides. On the valley floor is the creek and that made the canyon (though not always flowing in dry seasons)
Moccasin Creek State Park
(Clarkesville, GA)
Moccasin Creek is a large park near Clarkesville that sits on Lake Burton, a very scenic area in fall where you can find lots of houseboats and camping.
Right near Moccasin Creek State Park is the start of the trail to Hemlock Falls
Red Top Mountain State Park
(Acworth, GA)
On the northwestern side of metro-Atlanta is the huge reservoir of Lake Allatoona. Red Top Mountain State Park is a sprawling state park that takes full advantage of the great location for wonderful lake views, trails that run along the lakeside, fishing, swimming areas, numerous camping areas, and perhaps most significantly several large marina ports such that you always see a number of large boats out on the lake during the summer. The area has a long pre-Civil War iron mining history and the park maintains and old reconstructed cabin from the height of that period as well.
