Georgia’s Country Music Capital
Hike and Hear Live Music this Fall in North Georgia’s Mountains

The autumnal turn of leaves generally peaks at the end of October and beginning of November in North Georgia. The leaves of the sweetgum tree transition to yellow. Dogwood tree leaves become brilliantly crimson and hickory trees release their gold. Where will you see the best of fall colors? Brasstown Valley Resort of course!

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is the epicenter of waterfall hikes and seasonal festivals for which Towns County is famous. Folks refer to this area as the Country Music Capital of Georgia! And I’m excited to be coming back. I hope you enjoy a few of my Fall ideas to help you pick your weekend of exploration.

HIKING
I’m bringing layers because in the mountains the weather is cooler in the mornings making it the best time to start a hike. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa has almost 9 miles of trails. I recommend the Miller Trek trail the first morning to get your hiking legs on.

It’s a 6.5-mile trail that is marker highlighted in blue/green – and you can shorten it and do just the 2.5-mile loop. No matter which direction taken, you’ll be led back to the resort. Signs ask us to stay on the trails. Doing so keeps our footprints off delicate ecosystems, like mosses and ferns, and places where animals are sheltering.

Whenever I hear a branch snap, I look quickly, because the white-tailed deer are up and away! They like their solitude. You may see a red or gray fox, flying squirrels, wild turkeys and even a black bear. Just keep your distance. Remember, animals are as alarmed by your presence as you may be of theirs, and wild animals, while they look cute and cuddly, can be unpredictable.

There are numerous waterfalls in the area. Ask the concierge for their guide to nearby waterfall hikes where you’ll be walking among Red Maple, Tuliptree, White Oak and Black Locust trees.

FESTIVALS
I’m looking forward to peeling off the hiking boots and tugging on my cowboy boots to two-step my way over to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and other destinations for big festivals and live music. Here’s what to know:

FOLK SCHOOL CONCERTS Oct 6-7, Oct 13-14, Oct 20-21 – John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC

About 25 minutes from the resort, the nearly 100-year-old John C. Campbell Folk School presents concerts with outstanding musicians and bands performing eclectic roots music. I’m looking forward to seeing how groovy this will be, because in addition to standard seating, they promote picnic tables and grassy areas as places to spread out and bring your “sewing project!” A donation of $5-10 per adult is suggested, but all are welcome regardless of contribution. More info.

HIAWASSEE NIGHT MARKET
Friday, October 7: 5:00-9:00 PM on the Town Square

Savor this one! It’s the last in the seasonal series of Night Markets. I missed one in June when I was there, so I’m looking forward to shopping for handmade goods and locally grown produce in this community-supported artisan market with live music, local shopping, and farm fresh goods. This evening’s music features local star Kaleb Garrett who will strum his fusion ballads of folk, blues and country. More info.

GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FALL FESTIVAL
Oct 7-15 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA

This annual fall festival takes place near the beautiful shores of Lake Chatuge in some of the prettiest fairgrounds in the Southeast. It’s easy to catch a show during this 9-day event that showcases regional and national musicians, performances, mountain arts/crafts vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show and so much more. Kids and teens will love the carnival rides. Bumper cars are my favorite.

If I do the October 6 Folk School Concert and the Hiawassee Night Market on Friday, then that Saturday my friends and I will get to see the Oak Ridge Boys & The South Wind Band at the fair. Other fair nights include performances by The Bellamy Brothers and Ashley McBryde. Music is included with admission (except Oct. 8 + 15). More info.

Book your stay at the luxurious-yet-laid back Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. It’s a great time to get outside and be in the fall, y’all. See you there!

By LYDIA SEA, Traveler-at-Heart on a mission to find fall color + festival fun