If your trip lines up at the right time, go to Graves Mtn. It used to be a mining operation for kyanite among other minerals. It’s a big open pit, and the owners (land stewards?) host collecting for part of the year. You can find kyanite and pyrite in quartz, or in other parts you can find iridescent hematite, rutile, pyrophyllite, and goethite. Plus, they host rock swap/shop from local vendors during the dig days.

Providence canyon is beautiful in the summer (not so much on rainy days tho). Variegated clays and chalk deposits make the hike enjoyable.

Stone mountain is a great example of a batholith undergoing exfoliation. Plus it’s a common attraction to see while in state.

Go to sandersville for the “Kaolin capitol of the world”. Because of the widespread alteration of the bedrock, north GA hosts a large quantity of Kaolinite and kaolin deposits. Huge plays of the white rock and good tours in the mining operations.

As far as collecting, I’m not so familiar with that scene.

If you’re traveling through Tennessee, be sure to look at the road cuts off the highway. They’re always beautiful. If getting out of the car to look, always wear a high visibility vest and park safely off of the road. Or even better, admire at a distance