The air is getting crisper, the leaves are beginning to turn, and that unmistakable feeling of fall is here. For families, couples, and anyone looking to make the most of the season, this is the perfect time to step outside and enjoy all that Metro Atlanta and North Georgia have to offer. Whether you’re hoping to pick the perfect pumpkin, explore a scenic apple orchard, or capture picture-perfect fall moments with your family, there’s a wealth of seasonal activities just a short drive from East Cobb.
To help you plan the ultimate autumn day, we’ve curated a list of the best local destinations — from charming pumpkin patches and sprawling corn mazes to sunflower fields and festive fall events. Here’s your insider guide to enjoying fall in and around Atlanta.
Chalktoberfest – Marietta Square
A lively festival featuring professional chalk art, a beer and wine tasting, and an arts and crafts market. Insider Tip: Arrive early on Saturday to watch the artists at work and enjoy brunch nearby. W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 chalktoberfest.com
Harvest Fest – Marietta Square
A charming event with a scarecrow display, arts and crafts, carnival games, and a pie-eating contest. Glover Park, Marietta Square, Marietta, GA 30060
Cobb County Fall Festival of Fun – Marietta
Family-friendly fun including hayrides, arts and crafts, inflatable rides, a haunted house, and photo opportunities. Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30008
Big Springs Farms – Woodstock
A local favorite for families, Big Springs offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a kid-friendly corn maze, a bounce house, and gem mining. Insider Tip: Bring cash for activities and plan to stay through sunset for beautiful fall photos. 2100 Sugar Pike Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188
Sleepy Hollow Farm – Powder Springs
Pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractor rides, and a farm playground. Insider Tip: Mid-morning visits are best for avoiding crowds and enjoying photos. 628 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127
Scottsdale Farms – Milton
Pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, lawn games, and a seasonal café. Insider Tip: Their café menu is a local favorite for fall treats. 15639 Birmingham Hwy, Milton, GA 30004
Warbington Farms – Cumming
Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, and a kids’ fun park. Insider Tip: The fall fields are ideal for afternoon photography with soft lighting. 5555 Crow Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
Pettit Creek Farms – Cartersville
Hayrides, petting zoo, corn maze, and seasonal games. 337 Cassville Rd, Cartersville, GA 30121
Buford Corn Maze – Buford
Sprawling corn mazes, hayrides, a kids’ play area, and a haunted forest on select dates. Insider Tip: Visit on weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid crowds. 4470 Bennett Rd, Buford, GA 30519
Burt's Farm – Dawsonville
Pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a farm store featuring seasonal treats and décor. Insider Tip: Pair your visit with a stop at nearby Amicalola Falls for a scenic fall outing. 5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch – Dawsonville
Large corn maze, haunted trail, pumpkin patch, and jumping pillow. Insider Tip: Evening corn maze visits on weekends create a cozy, adventurous experience. 125 Bannister Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Fausett Farms Sunflowers – Dawsonville
Expansive sunflower fields perfect for photos and a leisurely walk. Insider Tip: Visit during the first two weeks of bloom, usually late September, for the fullest fields. 11336 Hwy 136 W, Dawsonville, GA 30534
B.J. Reece Orchards – Ellijay
One of Georgia’s most beloved fall destinations. Enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, a farm market, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, and a cow-milking demonstration. Insider Tip: Weekdays are calmer for U-pick; plan ahead for popular weekends. 9131 Hwy 52 E, Ellijay, GA 30536
Hillcrest Orchards – Ellijay
U-pick apples and pumpkins, petting zoo, pig races, wagon rides, and a farm market. Insider Tip: Check for Apple Pickin’ Jubilee weekends for live music and seasonal treats. 9696 Hwy 52 E, Ellijay, GA 30536
Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge
Year-round orchard with U-pick apples, tractor tours, a market with baked goods, and a hard cider tasting room. Insider Tip: Pair with a stroll through downtown Blue Ridge for a full fall day trip. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
North Georgia State Fair – Marietta
Carnival rides, games, live music, a circus, and a variety of fair food. Insider Tip: Parking can fill quickly on weekends; plan to arrive early. Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30008
Day Trip Planning Guide: Make the Most of Your Fall Weekend
Morning: Start close to home. Arrive early at Marietta Square for Chalktoberfest or HarvestFest. Enjoy brunch at a nearby café before heading out.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon: Head to Woodstock or Powder Springs for Big Springs Farms or Sleepy Hollow Farm. These spots are perfect for families with younger kids and for capturing golden-hour photos.
Afternoon: For a scenic drive, continue north to Cumming and Milton to visit Warbington Farms and Scottsdale Farms. These stops offer pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and photo-worthy fields.
Extended Day Trips: Venture further north to Dawsonville, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge for apple orchards, sunflower fields, and full-scale pumpkin patches. Combine stops with nearby waterfalls (Amicalola Falls) or small-town dining in Blue Ridge.
Tips for a Smooth Trip:
- Go early to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
- Check each farm or festival’s website for hours and peak season dates.
- Pack water, snacks, and a blanket for picnics.
- Bring cash for small activities or farm-market purchases.
- Dress in layers for cooler mornings and afternoons.
Suggested Dining Stops Along the Way:
- Marietta Square: Taproot Café, Brickhouse Burgers
- Cumming / Milton: Farmhouse Café, Table & Main
- Dawsonville / Ellijay: Mercier Orchards Bakery, Cartecay River Café
- Blue Ridge: Harvest on Main, Blue Ridge Brewery
Fall in Metro Atlanta is full of adventure, from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to sunflower fields and festive seasonal events. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a weekend day trip, or simply looking for the perfect backdrop for autumn photos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Have a favorite fall spot we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear about it in the comments! And if you’re curious about the neighborhoods near these destinations or thinking about making East Cobb or the surrounding areas your home, reach out — we’d be happy to share our local expertise and help you explore the communities we know and love.
