2-Day North Georgia Fall Itinerary: Chattooga Rafting, Clayton & Tallulah Gorge

Looking for the best things to do in North Georgia in the fall? Head to the mountains for a weekend filled with colorful forests, wild rivers, waterfalls, mountain towns, and some of the Southeast’s most exciting white water.

This 2-day North Georgia fall itinerary combines a full day of rafting on the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River with time to explore Clayton and hike among the waterfalls and overlooks of Tallulah Gorge.

Day 1: Fall Rafting on the Chattooga River & Explore Clayton

Morning & Afternoon: Raft the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River

Start your North Georgia fall getaway with a full day on the Chattooga River.

Choose between two guided adventures with NOC. Section 3 combines Class II-III rapids, swimming holes, a riverside lunch, and the famous Bull Sluice finale, making it a great option for families and first-time rafters. For a bigger challenge, Section 4 features Class IV white water, including Seven-Foot Falls and the legendary Five Falls.

Surrounded by protected wilderness along the Georgia-South Carolina border, the Chattooga offers a chance to experience fall foliage in North Georgia from a completely different perspective.

Evening: Explore Downtown Clayton

After your rafting trip, head into Clayton, Georgia, for the evening. Explore downtown shops, grab dinner at one of the town’s local restaurants, and settle in for a relaxing night in the North Georgia mountains.

Day 2: Experience Fall at Tallulah Gorge

Morning: Hike Tallulah Gorge State Park

Spend your second day exploring one of the most dramatic landscapes in North Georgia.

At Tallulah Gorge State Park, choose your adventure based on how much hiking you want to do. Follow the North and South Rim Trails for scenic overlooks into the nearly 1,000-foot-deep gorge, or take on the stairs leading toward the suspension bridge and Hurricane Falls for a more challenging hike.

With waterfalls, forested cliffs, and sweeping overlooks, Tallulah Gorge is an especially scenic addition to a North Georgia fall trip.

Afternoon: Take the Scenic Route Home

Before heading home, leave some extra time to enjoy the mountain scenery around Clayton and Rabun County. Stop for lunch, explore another short trail or waterfall, stop by Stonewall Creek Vineyards, or take the scenic route as you wind through the mountains.

After two days of rushing rivers, waterfalls, mountain towns, and changing leaves, you’ll have experienced some of the best fall activities in North Georgia in one quick weekend. For more activity ideas, check out our eight favorite fall activities in North Georgia.

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