This Week in the Mountains

Blue Ridge & Helen · Updated October 10, 2026, 7:00 PM CT

This week in the mountains

Remnants of Hurricane Isaias are moving through the North Georgia mountains this weekend, so several plans have shifted. Here's what's changed, what's coming up, and the forecast for Blue Ridge and Helen.

Weather

Forecast: National Weather Service. Highs / lows in °F. Snapshot from October 10, 2026, 7:04 PM CT; refreshes live in your browser.

Heads-up: closures & local news

• WeatherFlood Watch around Helen through Sunday morning

  The National Weather Service has a Flood Watch for the Helen area until 8 a.m. Sunday, October 11, as Isaias's remnants bring heavy rain, and Fannin County EMA posted a Flood Watch for Fannin County Saturday morning. Watch for fast-rising creeks and downed trees, and never drive through flooded roads. The live alerts in the weather box update on their own.

  Source: NWS Peachtree City · Fannin County EMA on X

• ClosureBrasstown Bald closed until further notice

  FIND Outdoors closed Brasstown Bald starting Saturday, October 10, ahead of the severe weather, with no estimated reopening date yet. Check before you drive up.

  Source: FIND Outdoors

• EventsApple Festival and Fall Arts in the Park shift to Sunday

  The Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay closed Saturday and plans to reopen Sunday and next weekend. Blue Ridge's Fall Arts in the Park is now Sunday only. Both organizers say to check their pages for updates.

  Source: Georgia Apple Festival · Fannin County Chamber

• PowerScattered power outages in northeast Georgia

  Local reports Saturday morning listed thousands of customers without power across northeast Georgia, including about 4,400 Habersham EMC customers in an area that includes White County, and about 2,300 Blue Ridge EMC customers along the Georgia–North Carolina line. If your cabin loses power, check your utility's outage map.

  Source: AccessNorthGA · Habersham EMC outage map

• Fall colorLeaf Watch: peak expected late October to early November

  The Georgia Forestry Commission's October 7 Leaf Watch report expects this year's north Georgia peak around the end of October into early November. Higher elevations usually turn first.

  Source: Georgia Forestry Commission

• ParksVogel State Park: Lake Trahlyta drained for dam repairs

  Georgia State Parks says Lake Trahlyta is drained for dam repairs, and the Lake Trahlyta Loop Trail and waterfall are closed. The park's other facilities remain open.

  Source: Georgia State Parks

Events, next 10 days

• Sun, Oct 11 · 10 a.m.–5 p.m. ET · Blue Ridge

  Fall Arts in the Park

  A juried arts festival in Downtown City Park with more than 140 artist and vendor booths. Sunday only this year because of the weather; rain or shine. Adults $5, kids 12 and under free, with free parking and a shuttle.

  Source: Fannin County Chamber

• Sun, Oct 11, then Sat–Sun, Oct 17–18 · Ellijay

  Georgia Apple Festival

  The arts-and-crafts festival at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds (1729 S. Main St.). Saturday, October 10 was cancelled because of the weather. Organizers say no pets.

  Source: Georgia Apple Festival

• Fri–Sun, Oct 16–18 · Blue Ridge

  Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes

  A three-day tour of new mountain homes, with check-in at SouthState Bank, 59 Orvin Lance Drive. See the Chamber's listing for tickets and times.

  Source: Fannin County Chamber

• Sat, Oct 17 · noon–4 p.m. ET · Blue Ridge

  Pawsfest

  The Humane Society of Blue Ridge's fall fundraiser in Downtown Blue Ridge Park by the train tracks. The pet parade lines up at 11:15 a.m. and steps off at 11:30. Leashed pets are welcome. Adults $5, kids 12 and under free.

  Source: Humane Society of Blue Ridge

• Nightly through Nov 1 · Helen

  Helen Oktoberfest at the Festhalle

  Oktoberfest runs nightly through November 1 at the Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. It's indoors and runs rain or shine. Hours: Mon–Thu 6–10 p.m., Fri 6–11 p.m., Sat 1–11 p.m., Sun 1–7 p.m. (Sundays are free). IDs are checked for all ages, and only service animals are allowed.

  Source: Helen Chamber of Commerce · Our guide

• Fall season through Nov 3 · Blue Ridge

  Fall foliage train rides

  The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's fall season runs through November 3, with trips along the Toccoa River to McCaysville and Copperhill. Fall dates sell out, so book direct.

  Source: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Planning the rest of the trip? See our fall colors guide, Helen Oktoberfest 2026 and weekend itinerary.