The leaves are coming down, the air is crisp, and the bugs have finally called it a season. That makes late fall one of the best times of year to get outside in north Georgia. With the leaves off the trees, you can see ridgelines, rock outcrops, and creeks you’d never spot in July.
We’ve got three chances to get out with us over the next month. Two are free group hikes, and one is a chance for Scouts and families to talk conservation at our table. Bring a friend, bring the kids, and come say hi.
Saturday, November 7: Talking Rock Hike
Our November hike is at Talking Rock Nature Preserve in Pickens County, where you can choose your own adventure. We’ll hike 3 miles together as a group on easy, well-kept trails with a few inclines. The trails loop, so anyone who wants more can add on up to 6 miles.
- When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Where: Talking Rock Nature Preserve, 1846 Carns Mill Rd, Talking Rock, GA 30175. Meet in the parking lot.
- Distance: 3 miles as a group, with the option to extend to 6
- Difficulty: Easy, with a few inclines
- Cost: Free, with no parking fee
Afterward, the town of Talking Rock is close by for lunch, and Bigun’s BBQ is just across Hwy 515. See the full event details.
Sign Up for the Talking Rock Hike
Saturday, November 14: Conservation Weekend Midway at Camp Woodruff
We’re heading to the mountains for the Atlanta Area Council’s 2026 Conservation Weekend at Woodruff Scout Camp in Blairsville. On Saturday, look for the UERA table at the Conservation Midway. Stop by to learn about the issues facing the Upper Etowah, from polluted runoff to our endangered darters, and to talk through ideas for Eagle Scout projects that help the river.
- When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Woodruff Scout Camp, 31 Woodruff Dr, Blairsville, GA 30512
- Registration: Through the Atlanta Area Council. Register for Conservation Weekend.
Conservation Weekend runs November 13–15 and offers 19 merit badges, hands-on conservation projects, and training taught by experts. Popular sessions fill fast, so register early. See the full event details.
Saturday, December 5: Garland Mountain Hike
Kick off the holiday season on the East Side Loop at Garland Mountain in Waleska. This moderate 4.1-mile loop takes about 1 to 2 hours, and we’ve set aside the whole morning, so there’s time to meet and greet before we head out and no need to rush.
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Where: Garland Mountain, 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska, GA 30183. Meet in the parking lot.
- Distance: 4.1-mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: Free, with no entry fees, parking fees, or permits
- Good to know: Large gravel lot and restrooms at the trailhead
Sign Up for the Garland Mountain Hike
Dressing for a Cold-Weather Hike
North Georgia mornings in November and December can start near freezing and warm up fast. A few tips:
- Wear layers you can peel off. A base layer, a warm middle layer, and a wind or rain shell work well.
- Skip the cotton. Cotton stays wet and cold once you sweat. Wool or synthetic fabrics keep you warmer.
- Bring a hat and gloves. You can always stash them in a pocket.
- Wear sturdy shoes. Fallen leaves hide roots and rocks, and wet leaves can be slick.
- Add something bright. Hunting season is open in north Georgia, so a bright hat or jacket is a smart choice on any trail this time of year.
- Pack water and a snack. You still need water when it’s cold, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Can’t Make It? Here’s How to Stay Involved
- Sign up for our newsletter to hear about upcoming hikes, paddles, and cleanups first.
- Give a membership as a gift. A UERA membership starts at $25 a year and makes a great holiday present for the river lover in your life.
- Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday, December 1. A gift to UERA supports volunteer water monitoring, cleanups, and education across the Upper Etowah watershed.
- Volunteer with our monitoring teams and cleanup crews.
We hope to see you on the trail!
