guides

2025 Guide to Fall Fun in Canton & Woodstock

Apples, Pumpkins, & Corn... Oh my!

By Heather Banks, Publisher- Macaroni KID Canton-Woodstock & Macaroni KID Blue Ridge-Dahlonega-Dawsonville-Ellijay-Jasper August 28, 2025

🍂 Fall Fun Guide: Explore the Best of Canton & Woodstock This Autumn

There’s something special about fall in Canton and Woodstock. As the air turns crisp and front porches start filling with pumpkins and mums, our communities come alive with the sights, flavors, and fun of the season.

Whether you're planning a weekend full of hayrides and festivals or just looking for the perfect place to grab cider with the kids, Canton and Woodstock have everything you need for a memorable autumn close to home.

In this year’s Fall Fun Guide, we’ve rounded up the best spots to soak in the season—think colorful foliage, family-friendly events, local farms, and more. It’s your one-stop resource for all things fall right here in Cherokee County!

Best Scenic Drives

One of the simplest ways to enjoy fall’s beauty is by car. North Georgia is home to several winding byways framed by fiery foliage:

  • Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway: A 40-mile loop that winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest and offers sweeping views from Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak.
  • Georgia Mountain Parkway (State Route 515): A 76‑mile drive from Jasper through Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, ending near the NC line.

Top Hiking Trails for Fall Colors

If you prefer to immerse yourself in the colors of fall, hit the trails:

  • Allatoona Falls Trail via Cherokee County Aquatic Center (Canton) – A short (~1.6 mi), moderate hike with waterfall views, especially stunning during autumn
  • Etowah River Park Loop (Canton) – A flat, easy, partially paved 1.5 mi trail along the Etowah River with plenty of fall scenery
  • Allatoona Falls Trail (Woodstock) – A moderate, scenic hike (~1.6 mi) featuring a waterfall near Lake Allatoona, surrounded by forest that turns golden in fall
  • Olde Rope Mill / Little River Trail (Woodstock) – An easy, shaded riverside loop (~2.1 mi) with plenty of fall color along Little River
  • Noonday Creek Trail (Woodstock) – An easy paved trail (2–2.3 mi) alongside the creek, ideal for a peaceful fall stroll
  • Roberts Lake Trail (Ball Ground) – A moderately challenging 1.5-mile out-and-back hike through shaded forest that ends at historic dam and power-plant ruins—very atmospheric and quiet around fall.
  • Gibbs Gardens (Ball Ground) – Not just hiking, but an immersive garden experience with lush landscaping, 24 ponds, 32 bridges, 19 waterfalls, and brilliantly colorful foliage during fall’s peak. A curated next-level “hike” through nature’s artistry.

PRO TIP: Explore Fall has a map tool that acts as a great resource for up-to-date fall color progress across the state—especially helpful for timing your hikes perfectly!

Nothing says fall like a crisp afternoon spent at a pumpkin patch or winding through a corn maze.

  • Big Springs Farm Pumpkin Patch (Woodstock)

    • Offers a sprawling 1.5-acre U‑pick patch with over 100 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.
    • Family-friendly extras include hayrides, a corn maze, bounce houses, gem mining, and farm animals.
    • Admission is free; weekend activities are priced (e.g., $12 for everything or $22 for season passes).
    • Open weekends from mid-September to late October.

  • Berry Patch Farms (Woodstock)

    • A charming 50-acre family-run farm featuring pick-your-own pumpkins alongside hayrides, a playground, pony rides, and barnyard animals.
    • A farm stand sells homemade treats, jellies, apple cider, and décor.
    • Free entry, with a $5 parking fee on weekends.
    • Open weekends in early to mid-October.

  • Cagle’s Farm (Holly Springs)

    • Hosts pumpkin picking plus numerous activities such as wagon rides, corn mazes, bonfires with s’mores, a barnyard, pig races, and on-site dining at the Silo Grill.
    • Open from late September through early November, including evenings and weekends.
  • Explore pumpkin patches further North in our North Georgia Fall Fun Guide!

Fall and apples go hand in hand—and there's no better place to celebrate apple season than Ellijay, the Apple Capital of Georgia.

  • B.J. Reece Orchards (Ellijay)
  • Hillcrest Orchards (Ellijay)
  • Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge)
  • Mack Aaron's Apple House (Ellijay)
  • Penland Orchards (Ellijay)
  • R & A Orchards (Ellijay)
  • Red Apple Barn (Ellijay)
  • Payne's Apple Orchard (Epworth)
  • Aaron's Family Orchards (Ellijay)
  • Panorama Orchards & Farm Market (Ellijay)
  • Deep Roots Orchards (Mc Caysville)
  • The Folk Collaborative (Mc Caysville)

Best Times to Visit: Mid-September through mid-October. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

North Georgia knows how to throw a good party. These autumn festivals are full of local flavor:

Other Fall Events & Happenings

Please be mindful that events & happenings will be added as we learn about them, so check back often. Know a great, local fall event that we missed? Submit it here!

Looking for chills with your thrills? North Georgia offers plenty of Halloween-season frights:

  • Paranoia Haunted House (Canton)
  • Scavenged Souls Haunted Attraction (Woodstock)
  • Woodstock Ghost Walk (Woodstock)
  • Haunted Hills Farm (Jasper)
  • Folklore Haunted House (Acworth)
  • Haunted Trails @ Old Car City USA (White)

Whether you're planning a romantic escape or a family weekend, North Georgia's mountain towns have the perfect accommodations.

Top Towns to Stay:

  • Blue Ridge: Great for scenic railways and upscale cabin stays.
  • Dahlonega: Historic charm meets modern wineries.
  • Helen: A quirky alpine village with family-friendly fun.
  • Blairsville: Quiet and less crowded, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Choose between cabin rentals for privacy or boutique inns for extra charm. Romantic retreats and family-friendly lodges abound.

🌲 Outdoor Adventures

Fall isn’t just for leaf-peeping—North Georgia is an outdoor playground.

  • Ziplining: Fly through fall foliage at North Georgia Canopy Tours.
  • Horseback Riding: Ride mountain trails surrounded by color.
  • Scenic Railways: Don’t miss the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Tour—a vintage train ride through the heart of autumn.

🧳 Tips for Planning Your Trip

  • Peak Foliage: Usually mid-to-late October. Check local foliage trackers for updates.
  • What to Pack: Layers! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons stay warm.
  • Travel Tips: Arrive early for festivals to beat the crowds. Many towns offer shuttle services or designated parking areas—check ahead.

North Georgia’s culinary scene shines in the fall with hearty seasonal flavors.

Look for Fall Menus: Many local eateries serve seasonal specials—look for farm-to-table spots in Canton & Woodstock.

Craft Breweries & Wineries: Try fall brews at Reformation Brewery or sample wines at Feather's Edge Vineyard (Ball Ground).




🍂 Conclusion

Whether you’re a longtime local or just discovering the area, Canton and Woodstock are the perfect places to soak up all the best parts of fall. From family outings at local farms to vibrant community events and scenic spots perfect for a leaf-peeping stroll, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.

So grab your flannel, round up the kids, and get ready—your perfect fall adventure is waiting right here in Cherokee County. 🍂

Pro Tip: We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but details can change unexpectedly. We recommend double-checking with the venue to confirm event dates and times before making plans.


This article was created with this assistance of AI technology.


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