Although Halloween signifies the end of the spooky season, fall does not end for another month. As November begins, Emory University students may be wondering where they can find their favorite fall festivities. Atlanta and the surrounding areas have offerings lined up to satisfy every student’s autumnal needs, with options for local fun or a quick getaway.
Arabia Mountain View Trail
Location: 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Ga.
Distance: 22.3 miles (39-minute drive)
Time: Daily, dawn to dusk
Arabia Mountain is known for its beautiful trails, and the View Trail is probably the most scenic. The 2.3-mile trail will encapsulate you in a world of wildlife where it can be easy to forget that Arabia Mountain is just 30 minutes outside of Atlanta. While hiking the trail in the fall, you can witness colorful foliage. The View Trail also features a lake, which is still and glass-like at this time.
The trails are free and open to the public without any parking fees. If you are nervous to hike alone, park rangers offer free guided tours on Fridays and Sundays at 8 a.m. The View Trail is a naturally stunning, cost-effective way to enjoy autumn.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Location: 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, Ga.
Distance: 95.4 miles (1 hour and 45-minute drive)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with early ticket, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with later ticket
If you are looking for an immersive fall activity, consider a trip to Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is an opportunity to enjoy a two-hour train ride where you can view the fall foliage and the Toccoa River. Along the ride, you can spot old forts that were once used during the Civil War. The train includes a two-hour layover in McCaysville, Ga., where you can grab lunch and walk across the state line into Tennessee. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway tickets are $56.99 for coach cabins and $94.99 for premium first-class cabins.
Grant Park Farmers Market
Location: 1040 Grant Street SE, Atlanta
Distance: 6.9 miles (23-minute drive)
Time: Every Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Grant Park has a weekly farmers market where different vendors sell products ranging from fruits and vegetables to cider donuts and organic honey. At this time of the year, Grant Park also offers wonderful fall foliage, allowing you to try new foods while exploring the neighborhood’s natural beauty. Admission to the market is free. If you love fall scenery and fall treats, this event is for you.
King of Pops 13th Annual Fall Field Day
Location: 552 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta
Distance: 4.6 miles (18 min drive)
Time: Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
With fall in full swing, the popular popsicle company King of Pops is throwing a fall field day to acknowledge the end of the summer season and embrace autumn. This event features a live DJ, food vendors, carnival games with prizes, T-shirt tie-dyeing and, most importantly, free popsicles! There is no admission fee for this event and parking is free. Just bring your appetite and enjoy the wide array of fall activities.
Stone Mountain Bike Trail
Location: Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Avenue West NW, Atlanta
Distance: 5.4 miles (40-minute bike ride or 23-minute drive)
Time: Daily, dusk to dawn
Those interested in bike riding may want to explore this bike trail that spans from downtown Atlanta to Stone Mountain. The 18-mile bike ride includes views of neighborhood attractions such as Krog Street Market and the Georgia Aquarium. Stone Mountain marks the end of the trail, which is the largest piece of exposed granite in the world. Stone Mountain is surrounded by 3,200 acres of fall foliage and other mountain trails that you can explore for free. Although the trail is exercise-heavy, enjoying its beauty is a worthwhile experience.
