Top 3 Scenic Fall Spots in the NHA

Fall on the boardwalkCrisp air, brilliant leaves, and cozy sweaters; no wonder fall is the most popular time of year! You can get the most out of the season at these picture perfect places in the NHA. From secluded lakeside retreats to mountaintop vistas you’ll always be treated to spectacular views!

The NHA has many picturesque places to watch the leaves turn, so it was hard to pick just three. However, these spots perfectly frame our brilliant fall color and offer a fantastic variety of choices for even the most particular fall visitor. Come on out, we’re sure you’ll be amazed!

#3 Monastery of the Holy Spirit: Chestnut Grove

 

Chestnut Grove at the Monetary of the Holy Sprit

The Monastery is the perfect place to spend a quiet and reflective afternoon viewing the fall colors. The stunning Abbey Church is located on over 2,000 acres of woodland and is open to those of all faiths, or no faith. Unlike many monasteries, this location has always been open and welcoming to the general public. When you visit you can enjoy the Monastic Heritage Center (which includes a historic barn where the monks used to sleep), an exhibit area, the largest bookstore of its kind in the Southeast, and a renowned bonsai greenhouse.

Looking for a relaxing spot to have a picnic? Spread your blanket out under the grove of mature chestnut trees and enjoy the view of the Abbey Church.  Or you could circle around the church and follow a path to a small peaceful lake framed with trees in full fall colors. Did you forget your favorite fall treat? Don’t worry, the Abby store has monk made breads, fudge, and other scrumptious goodies to stock your picnic basket. 

Location: 2625 Highway 212 SW Conyers, GA 30094
Phone Number: (770) 483-870
Times: The Monastery grounds are open to the public every day from 4am to 8pm. The Monastery Visitor Center is open Monday – Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Cost:  Free

#2 Panola Mountain State Park: Alexander Lakes

Panola in fallThe water here is often still as glass and reflects the surrounding trees. This means double the fall color and perfect photo opportunities! Sit and soak it all in at one of the many picnic tables tucked into grassy spots along the edge of the water. 

When you are ready to walk through this fall wonderland, you can use the paved hike/bike PATH trail though the park. The trail boasts a new raised boardwalk that winds over the water.  Continue walking for about 20 minutes where you’ll find a viewing platform that reaches out over a granite outcrop. From here you’ll be able to see the undisturbed ecosystem that grows on the bare rock and a rare view of Panola Mountain in the distance. This area is encircled with trees and offers viewers a lovely burst of fall color! This means double the leaves and perfect photo opportunities! Sit and soak it all in at one of the many picnic tables tucked into grassy spots along the edge of the water.

Location: Alexander Lakes: 5089 Flat Bridge Road S.W. , Stockbridge, GA 30281
Phone Number: (770) 389-7801
Times: The park is open from 7am to dusk
Cost:  $5 parking (free for Georgia State Parks Pass holders)

#1 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve: Mountaintop

Top of Arabia Mt.360 degree views of fall color make this breathing taking spot worth the walk! From the base of the mountain at the south parking lot you can follow the trail for an easy 25 minute walk to the top of this domed monadnock above the tree line. As you hike you can enjoy small pools of water which shelter rare plants and the swirling pattern of the granite in this lunar landscape. Once you arrive at the mountaintop you can look down on an almost uninterrupted view of spectacular fall color!

Hungry for more? The preserve has over 18 miles of soft and paved trails for you to wander through. As you explore you can come across granite ruins and lakes all with a gorgeous backdrop of the red and orange leaves of fall. 

Location: South Parking Lot Mountain Top Trail: 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038  Phone Number: 770-492-5220
Times: The park is open from dawn to dusk
Cost:  Free