When summer ends in the North Georgia mountains it means fall is coming and bringing with it plenty of color and even more fun for the family. We suggest you book your fall stay at Unicoi State Park & Lodge now, because with the festivities on tap in September and October in the towns near the park, The Lodge will fill up quickly. You won’t want to miss what’s in store this fall.

Let’s start with leaves. Sure, they’re just leaves like all the others, but the cornucopia of colors produced as the temperatures cool in the North Georgia mountains is unparalleled. Even if there are no festivals or events you want to attend, the colors of the fall foliage are worth the stay.

Fun lovers everywhere will find Unicoi State Park & Lodge the perfect home base during Oktoberfest in the nearby Alpine Village of Helen. The city’s largest celebration is an ode to the German festival of the same name and the Bavarian influence that gives Helen its distinctive style and flair. Each weekend in September and daily throughout October, Helen’s Festhalle transforms into a celebration of all things German. Polka music and dancing, waltzes, the Chicken Dance, bratwurst, beer, lederhosen, and much more are all part of the fun at Oktoberfest. This will be the 50^th year for the festival, so expect 2021 to be an extra special celebration. Oktoberfest is $8 per person on Mondays through Fridays and $10 per person on Saturdays. Sundays are free. Food and drinks are purchased separately. Visit Helenchamber.com for more information.

Plan accordingly and you can also include the Mountain Farm Celebration during your trip. The beautiful Nacoochee Valley plays host to an old-fashioned country fair just as the leaves are reaching their most vibrant fall colors. See hands-on pioneer skill exhibits, traditional craft vendors, local authors and historians, farm animals and apple cider from a hand-cranked press, among many other things. Hop in a potato sack and race your friends and family or enjoy other old-fashioned games that don’t need a plug and electricity to be fun. It all unfolds to a soundtrack of mountain music at the Hardman Farm Historic Site in nearby Sautee Nacoochee. Visit the website gastateparks.org/hardmanfarm for more information. The Mountain Farm Celebration is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 2.

The best part about Unicoi State Park & Lodge is that even if you don’t make it to the festivals, you have plenty to entertain the whole family and keep the adventure going at Unicoi State Park & Lodge. We have ziplines, axe throwing, kayaking and canoeing, hiking and biking trails, and more, all right here at Unicoi State Park & Lodge.