Even with wet weather and strong winds recently, there's plenty of colorful fall foliage remaining within a short distance of the Kennesaw and Marietta areas. And best of all, you can see it all with short walks or just driving down beautiful backroads.
Here are just a few of our nearby favorite fall spots, all within a short drive and easily completed within a half-day or less:
Red Top Mountain State Park. On weekends, you may encounter full parking lots and congested traffic. We visit on weekdays, and head to the Iron Hill Trail, a mixed-use trail shared by hikers and bicycles. The shore-hugging trail offers spectacular views of colorful hidden coves. Gravel-covered, this trail offers relatively easy footing, generally without ankle-challenging roots and ruts. Get all the details about Red Top Mountain hikes in our recent blog.
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Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area. Located off Georgia Hwy 41 and along the banks of the Etowah River below the Allatoona Dam, the three-mile riverside drive offers a colorful preview to this hidden spot. Park at the Day Use Area, then check out the remains of the pre-Civil War furnace that once made this a prime manufacturing site. Trails follow a small creek, then turn uphill for a more strenuous hike to the promontory overlooking Lake Allatoona and the Etowah River Valley. Or, for an easier outing, just walk along the parking lots to the foot of the dam for outstanding views. We often take our grandkids and mobility-limited guests here for fall colors with short walks. We cover the trails and best photo spots in our blog.
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Riverside Day Area. Literally just across the Etowah River from Cooper's Furnace, this is another hidden gem for fall views. Driving north, you'll turn on to Allatoona Dam Road (if you cross the Etowah, make a U-turn and head south again.) Park in any of the lots for short, flat walks to beautiful river views. In addition to the colorful vistas, pause on the bank and listen as the flowing water tumbles over rocks in the Etowah forming small rapids. If you're into the growing sport of frisbee golf, bring your bag along to play the Etowah Disc Golf Course in the park.
Allatoona Pass Battlefield. A flat walk on an abandoned rail line cut through surrounding hills, this trail also offers wonderful water views of Lake Allatoona. The parking lot is tiny, and there are no permanent restroom facilities onsite, so be forewarned.
Other Favorites. We offer a range of other options in a blog covering our other Georgia favorite spots for fall foliage photo shots. This include Amicalola Falls, the always-stunning Gibbs Gardens and other locations just a bit further away from Kennesaw and Marietta.
More Family-Friendly Favorites
Looking for other ideas for family-friendly excursions within easy reach of Kennesaw, Acworth, or Marietta. Check out our Georgia Small Plates section for more than 30 ideas.
