10/16/2026
High above Hiawassee, Pino Mountain sits at 3,000 ft on 20 private acres: architect-designed lodges, hot tubs, and long views across the Blue Ridge. In October, those views are the whole show. π
The color won't wait. The high peaks are turning now, and the coves and lakes follow over the next few weeks. Wake up above the ridgelines, drive into the gold, and come home to a fire on the mountain. These are the 10 stops we send our guests to, all within 30 miles of the lodge.
π Lake Chatuge & Hamilton Gardens. The Fall Festival runs through Sat., Oct 17
https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/fallfest
π Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point
https://fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/recreation/brasstown-bald-visitor-information-center
π Hogpen Gap on the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
π Anna Ruby Falls
https://fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/recreation/anna-ruby-falls-recreation-area
π High Shoals Falls
π Vogel State Park
https://gastateparks.org/Vogel
π Sosebee Cove
π Lake Burton
π Black Rock Mountain State Park
https://gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain
π Wayah Bald, NC
π Check what's peaking before you drive: https://gastateparks.org/LeafWatch
Start at Brasstown Bald, the first summit to turn. Follow the byway down through Hogpen Gap to Anna Ruby's twin falls. Then head west for Vogel's lake reflections and Sosebee Cove's old-growth gold, or east for Lake Burton and the Black Rock overlooks. Come home to the lodge each night.
Save this for your fall drive. π