After an incredibly long and hot summer, Georgia seems to finally want to change to fall. The leaves are starting to change from their rich green colors to vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange. The temperature is finally below 90 degrees, which is very much appreciated. Soon, many people will be visiting the North Georgia area to see the beauty of the mountains, to visit small towns like Dahlonega, to visit events like Oktoberfest or just to go hiking to one of the many waterfalls in the North Georgia area. The North Georgia area is the ideal location for your fall travels so here are a few ideas for stuff that you can do while visiting.

1. Oktoberfest in Helen

This year marks the 46th annual Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia, which will be taking place throughout the month of October. If you love anything German, then you will absolutely love Oktoberfest! There is everything from music and dancing to eating amazing food and drinking. While you are there, you can take some time to walk around Helen and enjoy the cute little town. Even though Oktoberfest does cost money to attend, it is completely worth it!

2. The Cumming Fair

Fall is the perfect time to visit the fair, and what better one to visit than the Cumming Fair! It is open throughout the fall and has everything from amazing fair food to different kinds to rides to a ton of games that you and your family and friends can enjoy. It is also not very expensive which is good for us college students!

3. Horseback riding

With the temperature being cooler, there is really no reason to not want to be outside-- so why not spend your day horseback riding? Bent Tree Stables is one of the stables located in North Georgia and they have very good service and staff!

4. Ghost tours in Dahlonega

With fall comes Halloween and the Dahlonega Ghost Tours are the perfect way to get into the spirit of Halloween! Not only will you get a good scare, you will also get to learn a little more about the little old mountain town of Dahlonega.

5. Gold Rush Days Festival

This annual festival in the middle of October in Dahlonega draws large crowds to the downtown area where there is great food, good music and many vendors. You can buy anything from jewelry to woodwork to paintings from a variety of vendors in the square. There is even a parade that features many groups from around the Dahlonega area, including the University of North Georgia's own Corps of Cadets.

6. Hiking

The north Georgia area is home to a ton of hiking trails, national parks and waterfalls that are usually free for public use. You typically will have to pay for just parking. You climb the 503 steps to Amicalola Falls or walk part of the Appalachian Trail. There are a ton of trails and waterfalls to choose from so you are bound to find one that you would like to try!

7. Visit Downtown Dahlonega

Located right next to the University of North Georgia, downtown Dahlonega is the perfect example of a cute little college town. There are small family-owned stores that sell everything from glass figures to chocolate and everything in-between. The Glass Shop and Fudge Factory are probably my favorites. There are also a few restaurants that are amazing in town that you should totally try if you ever visit! Some of my personal favorites include Connie's, Bourbon Street, Shenanigans and Gustavo's.

8. Go to a corn maze

Nothing says fall like getting lost in a corn maze! You should check out Uncle Shucks Corn Maze because it also includes a haunted corn maze and a hayride.

9. Apple picking near Elijay

Apple trees will be ready to be harvested so why not come down to Hillcrest Orchard near Elijay to pick the perfect apples to take home to your friends and family.

10. Pumpkin Patches

What is Halloween without pumpkins? Head on over to Burt's Pumpkin Patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin that they can either become the perfect pumpkin pie or perfect jack o lantern!

Whatever you decide to do this fall, be sure to spend some time outdoors enjoying the beautiful leaves and cool temperatures before winter hits.