Nature will spill her autumnal secrets sometime in late October and early November. This is when the brilliance of fall leaf colors is most vibrant and provides the best weather for camping, glamping, and being outdoors.

Have you heard of Georgia State Parks Leaf Watch? Check in for updates on the parks – Unicoi State Park is in the Top 10 Parks to see!

As a single mom of two teens – son and daughter – it’s my turn on the shared parenting calendar to take the kids on the best adventure possible during their October breaks from school. The kids chose Unicoi State Park & Lodge after we considered different parks for fall colors and fun. With teen brains planning our adventures, and another single mom and her teen daughter coming with us, here is what we have booked to inspire your vacation up here in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia:

Safari in the Fall
First, we made sure to secure our overnight reservations. What did the teens choose? Cabins, of course! Because it’s different and a little more private. And everything is there for us to be safe, warm, and refreshed when we get up for the day’s adventures.

• Book now or call Unicoi State Park & Lodge for all accommodations ideas: 706-878-2201

Zip into Fall Color

Ziplines take you high into the forest canopy where you’ll be closest to the fall foliage. The instructors are wonderfully patient with those who are new to strapping into the safety harnesses and climbing to the platforms to zip across great expanses of beautiful nature. Book now or call Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures for reservations: 706-878-4740 x 275.

If you’re up for a scenic hike, take the 4.8-mile Smith Creek Trail up to Anna Ruby Falls. We are bringing backpacks with water and snacks to enjoy the twin waterfalls when we reach them.

The 53rd annual Oktoberfest is happening in Helen throughout the month of October. Helen is just minutes away by trail or by car. This fall festival is all about celebrating German traditions and it is family friendly, so it’s a great time to experience German food and beers (just the moms) and traditional dancing and other activities. Yes, ja! Also, Unicoi State Park & Lodge does provide shuttle transportation to and from Helen from the lodge for guests.

My friend’s daughter loves all things country. She picked out events happening at the nearby Hardman Farm State Historic Site, famously known as the 19^th century gazebo-topped mound and cow pasture.

• Kids Old-Fashioned Cooking Experience – October 6 – Using a historic wood stove from 100 years ago, lunch will be provided in part from the participants’ own cooking. Ideal for ages 7-12. Register
• Mountain Farm Celebration – October 21 – This is an all-ages event where traditional craft vendors, historians and bakers demonstrate pioneer hands-on skills. Register

We can’t wait for our Fall Cabin getaway! And I hope some of my planning tips will help shape your next adventure. Everyone loves Unicoi because it is so genuinely peaceful, yet full of things to do.

Book Your Stay: The Unicoi Lodge has 96 recently renovated lodge rooms, and 29 Georgia State Park cabins across the 1,000+ acre property. Tent camping, R/V sites and glamping are also available.

By Mom of Teens, Sierra T.