Top Things to Do in January – Northeast Georgia

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Top Things to Do in January – Northeast Georgia

1. Explore Tallulah Gorge State Park

One of Georgia’s most spectacular natural wonders, Tallulah Gorge offers dramatic canyon views, winter hikes, and quieter trails in January. The park’s rim walks and overlooks are especially peaceful in the cooler season. [Learn More]

2. Hike to Anna Ruby Falls

Just outside Helen, the paved trail to Anna Ruby Falls leads to stunning twin waterfalls — a rewarding winter hike without the summer crowds. [Learn More]

3. Ice Skating & Winter Fun in Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge on Ice runs through early January, giving families and couples a classic outdoor skating experience in the mountains. [About Blue Ridge]

4. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Bundle up for a scenic train ride along the Toccoa River — winter trips are peaceful and offer great views of the North Georgia landscape. [BRSR]

5. Sip Wine at Local Wineries

January is perfect for wine tasting without the harvest crowds. Spots around Ellijay and the Blue Ridge Mountains host tastings and cozy vineyard views. [North Georgia Wine Tour]

6. Visit Helen’s Alpine-Style Village

Take a stroll through Helen’s Bavarian-inspired streets, browse shops, try local German fare, and enjoy mountain charm — winter brings a peaceful, less crowded atmosphere. [Alpine Helen]

7. Climb or Drive Up Brasstown Bald

Visit Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point, for panoramic winter views. On clear days you can see deep into the mountains and even across states. [Brasstown Bald]

8. Cozy Cabin Stays & Fireplace Evenings

January is ideal for cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs surrounded by frosty mountain air. Many travelers choose mountain cabins near Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, or Helen to relax and recharge in style. [High South Rentals]

Downtown Blue Ridge

Bonus Idea for a January Trip

Winter Hiking Trails: Explore more trails around Blue Ridge and Dahlonega — bare trees in winter open up great long-range views. 

Travel Tips

Weather: January in Northeast GA is cool — daytime temps often range in the 40s–50s°F with crisp nights — so pack warm layers. 

Off-Season Perks: Many attractions are less crowded after the holidays, giving you space to enjoy nature and local culture at a mellow pace. 

Here are five of the best things to enjoy in Northeast Georgia in December

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Here are five of the best things to enjoy in Northeast Georgia in December, when the mountains take on a festive, peaceful charm and holiday traditions are in full swing:

---

1. Experience Holiday Lights and Small-Town Christmas Events

December transforms mountain towns such as Dahlonega, Helen, Blue Ridge, and Cleveland into glowing holiday villages. Dahlonega’s “Old-Fashioned Christmas” is especially renowned, with its illuminated square, horse-drawn carriages, and live performances. [About Dahlonega]
Why December is ideal: Cool evenings, twinkling lights, and a classic mountain-town holiday atmosphere.

---

2. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Train

The railway offers special Holiday Express excursions in December, featuring Christmas music, storytelling, festive treats, and decorated train cars. It is a family favorite and also a nostalgic experience for adults. [About the BRSR]
Why December is ideal: The route feels magical when the trees are bare and the lights along the river come alive.

---

3. Visit a Mountain Winery for Winter Tastings

North Georgia’s vineyards — including those in Dahlonega, Cleveland, and Young Harris — stay active through winter. Tasting rooms are warm and inviting, often with fireplaces, seasonal wines, and panoramic mountain views free of crowds. [North Georgia Wine Tour]
Why December is ideal: Cozy, quiet, and scenic, with winter wine releases and holiday pairings.

---

4. Hike to Winter Waterfalls and Scenic Overlooks

Cold, clear December days offer some of the best visibility of the year. Waterfalls such as Amicalola Falls, Helton Creek Falls, and Anna Ruby Falls are especially striking with higher winter flow and fewer visitors. [Top 5 Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge]
Why December is ideal: Crisp air, open views, excellent photography, and peaceful trails.

Your November Family Fun List

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

1. Visit a state park for late fall foliage and outdoor views

Amicalola Falls is in the North Georgia mountains near Dahlonega and offers a stunning waterfall (the highest in Georgia) plus hiking trails.

November is a great time because the leaf-color season is generally still going strong in the mountains, and the cooler air makes being outside more comfortable.

Tip: Go early in the day (fewer crowds) and bring layers (mountain temps drop, especially in the morning/evening).

2. Explore small mountain towns + local vineyards/wineries

Blue Ridge and nearby towns in North Georgia are ideal for a relaxed “getaway” — charming downtowns, scenic drives, and fall scenery.

November is also good for visiting wineries, craft breweries, and taking in harvest-season ambiance.

Tip: Combine a scenic drive + wine tasting + local dinner at one of the town’s cozy mountain restaurants.

3. Go apple-picking or visit an orchard

Many orchards in North Georgia invite visitors for apple-picking, cider donuts, and general fall fun.

Even in November, depending on the season, you can find orchards still active and less crowded than peak October.

Tip: Check online for the orchard’s schedule (some close earlier than you expect) and bring a cooler if you’ll take apples home.

4. Scenic drives & overlooks for mountain views

Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia and gives panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains—especially dramatic with autumn color.

A drive up + moderate walk rewards with a “mountain top” feel without having to commit to a long, strenuous hike.

Tip: Weather can be windier and colder at the summit—dress accordingly and bring a jacket.

5. Attend fall festivals / early holiday events

As fall transitions into the holiday season, many towns host live music, craft fairs, and light-up events in November.

The ambiance in early November is often cozy: fewer crowds than peak summer/fall, crisp air, warm cafés.

Tip: Check local “events calendar” for the exact weekends (weather can affect things) and pick lodging in advance if it’s a “light-up” or festival weekend.