North Georgia mountains

North Georgia Mountain Getaway

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Our October trip to North Georgia was long overdue—I can’t believe we hadn’t been there since 2014! We met up with our friends the Lillys once again, but of course this time things were a little different with two kids in tow (plus two on the way!). We did a lot of the same things we enjoyed on our last trip, including hiking up Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.

Brasstown Bald sign and fence

We were all pretty impressed with Tom for making this steep hike with Rhoades on his back.

hiking to Brasstown Bald in North Georgia

The weather was much warmer than on our last visit, so the colors were very different, too.

flowers blooming on Brasstown Bald hiking trail in Georgia

We were pretty glad to get to the top!

families with young children after hike to Brasstown Bald - North Georgia family vacation

Not much in the way of autumnal color, but the views were still amazing!

beautiful mountain scenery in Georgia - views from Brasstown Bald

We also made a return trip to B.J. Reece Orchards for some apple picking. This activity admittedly would’ve been way more fun if it hadn’t been so hot outside, but we made the most of it.

apple-picking at BJ Reece Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia

We did mix it up by exploring some new places: most notably, Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega. It’s an actual open-pit gold mine that was a commercial operation from 1847 until the 1980’s. It was neat to see all the antique mining machines, some of which are still in use.

Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, Georgia

And we got to pan for gold! It was harder work than I thought, but worth it for the photo op. ;)

panning for gold at Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, Georgia - family trip to North Georgia

Gemstone mining seemed a little less authentic since these gems didn’t actually come out of the ground onsite, but the process was much easier and more satisfying!

panning for gemstones at Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, Georgia - family trip to North Georgia

We got to bring home all our treasures, but I haven’t come up with anything creative to do with them—let me know your ideas!

family photos at Crisson Gold Mine

I highly recommend all these outings, but I’m glad we made sure to spend plenty of downtime at the cabin, too. We enjoyed making some treats with our apples and apple cider.

apple cider and apple cobbler in North Georgia

Afton and Rhoades had so much fun together—and how exciting that both their little brothers will join us for our next trip!

little kids playing at cabin in North Georgia

Fall color or not, the mountains of North Georgia are beautiful. I can’t imagine a better place to relax and reconnect with good friends. :)

mountain view in North Georgia

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North Georgia Mountain Getaway - Autumn Travel Blog Post

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