georgia
With a myriad of different hiking trails scattered throughout the breathtaking state of Georgia, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find a plethora of exciting scenery, wildlife, and monumental landscapes. From the swampy marshlands of Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah, to the numerous mountain trails in the northern territory, Georgia’s hiking opportunities are not only stunning, but varied in terms of difficulty and terrain.
Hikers that visit the state parks near the coast will have an opportunity to explore the nature of wetlands and beaches. This particular area of southeastern Georgia boasts many lakes, swamps, and waterways that thread back and forth between the saltwater coast and the mainland. Hikers here might have the chance to see lanky cranes, Spanish moss literally weeping from the limbs of the canopy, and maybe even an alligator. The trails in this part of the state are relatively easy to explore, and with few to no drastic changes in the elevation, it makes for a somewhat flat hiking surface.
Although the hiking opportunities near the coast are gorgeous, many outdoor enthusiasts prefer the mountain trails most of all. From remarkable views atop a pristine mountain, impressive gorges and canyons, and spectacular waterfalls plunging from striking heights, the mountain hiking trails are more than marvelous. With smaller trails extending from the Appalachian Trail, a ‘mini Grand Canyon’ in Providence Canyon State Park, and some of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern portion of the country, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the mountains of Georgia. Depending on the destination, visitors may have the opportunity to explore one of the caves tucked away in the mountainside. Marble Mine Trail and Cloudland Canyon are both popular for their impressive caves. Hikers could expect a more strenuous terrain with steep inclines and treacherous cliffs throughout the mountains, but easier trails, such as the Tallulah Gorge North Rim, still provide thrilling views for far less effort and sweat.
Regardless of where a hiker chooses to venture in the state of Georgia, they are sure to be impressed with some of the most outstanding views and a relatively mild climate that supports a variety of beautiful wildlife creatures. Happy hiking!
Hikers that visit the state parks near the coast will have an opportunity to explore the nature of wetlands and beaches. This particular area of southeastern Georgia boasts many lakes, swamps, and waterways that thread back and forth between the saltwater coast and the mainland. Hikers here might have the chance to see lanky cranes, Spanish moss literally weeping from the limbs of the canopy, and maybe even an alligator. The trails in this part of the state are relatively easy to explore, and with few to no drastic changes in the elevation, it makes for a somewhat flat hiking surface. Although the hiking opportunities near the coast are gorgeous, many outdoor enthusiasts prefer the mountain trails most of all. From remarkable views atop a pristine mountain, impressive gorges and canyons, and spectacular waterfalls plunging from striking heights, the mountain hiking trails are more than marvelous. With smaller trails extending from the Appalachian Trail, a ‘mini Grand Canyon’ in Providence Canyon State Park, and some of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern portion of the country, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the mountains of Georgia. Depending on the destination, visitors may have the opportunity to explore one of the caves tucked away in the mountainside. Marble Mine Trail and Cloudland Canyon are both popular for their impressive caves. Hikers could expect a more strenuous terrain with steep inclines and treacherous cliffs throughout the mountains, but easier trails, such as the Tallulah Gorge North Rim, still provide thrilling views for far less effort and sweat. Regardless of where a hiker chooses to venture in the state of Georgia, they are sure to be impressed with some of the most outstanding views and a relatively mild climate that supports a variety of beautiful wildlife creatures. Happy hiking!Hiking Trails
Name | Rating | Description |
---|---|---|
Ada-Hi Falls Nature Trail | A beautiful trail named for the Cherokee word for forest. | |
Allatoona Pass | Follows the original railroad grade of the Western and Atlantic Railroad | |
Amicalola Falls East Ridge Trail | Climb to the top of Amicalola Falls | |
Amicalola Falls West Ridge Falls Access | Nice hike up the west ridge to base of Amicalola Falls | |
Amicalola River Trail | Beautiful trail that follows Amicalola River towards Dawson Wildlife Management Area also known as Edge of the World trail | |
Andrews Cove Trail | Fairly short but very scenic | |
Angel Falls Trail | Hike from Rabun Beach Campground | |
Anna Ruby Falls National Recreation Trail | Hike to the breathtaking Anna Ruby Falls | |
Appalachian Trail | Trail leading along Appalachians from Georgia to Maine | |
Arabia Mountain | Rock outcroppings the size of football fields | |
Arkaquah Trail | Follows the high ridge from Brasstown Bald to Track Rock Gap | |
Bear Creek Loop Trail | Old growth Gennett Poplar | |
Bear Hair Gap Trail | A trail that winds through Blood Mountain Wilderness | |
Becky Branch Falls | Nice 20 foot waterfall | |
Beech Bottom Trail | An easy hiking trail through the Cohutta Wilderness | |
Benton MacKaye Trail | Long trail stretching from northern Georgia to Tennessee and North Carolina | |
Big Rock Nature Trail | Scenic hike through Fort Mountain State Park | |
Big Trees Trail | Easy trail in Sandy Springs | |
Blankets Creek Bicycle Trail | Top rated Mountain Bike Trail near Atlanta | |
Blood Mountain Trail | Scenic hike up Blood Mountain | |
Blue Ridge Lake Trail | Short loop along part of Blue Ridge Lake | |
Botanical Garden of Georgia | A hidden Gem near Athens | |
Bottoms Loop Trail | A loop near the floodplain of Smith Creek | |
Broad River Trail | Fairly level trail through Lake Russel Wildlife Management Area | |
Byron Herbert Reece Access Trail | Formerly known as Blood Mountain Spur Trail | |
Byron Reece Nature Trail | This trail is noted for how many different types of trees grow around it | |
Camp Creek Trail | A little-known but beautiful waterfall down the trail makes the trip worthwhile. | |
Carters Lake Nature Trail | Short trail from Carters Lake Visitor Center to an overlook of the lake | |
Chattooga River Trail | Long hike paralleling its namesake river for only 1.6 miles | |
Chestnut Lead Trail | Shortest trail in the Cohutta Wilderness | |
Chickamauga Creek Trail | Loop sandwiched between Taylor Ridge and Dick Ridge | |
Cloud Canyon West Rim Loop Trail | Hike along the rim of the canyon | |
Cloudland Backcountry Trail | Loop with views of the walls of the canyon | |
Cochran Mill Trail | Hike to the beautiful Henry Mill Falls in Cochran Mill Park southeast of Atlanta, visiting a tumbling waterfall on Bear Creek and exploring a scenic forest. | |
Coleman River Trail | This scenic hiking trail follows its namesake river to a Scenic Area and commemorative plaque. | |
Conasauga River Trail | Hike to, then along, the Conasauga River | |
Coosa Backcountry Trail | A long loop in the mountains in and around Vogel State Park | |
DeSoto Falls Trail | Trail to two beautiful waterfalls | |
Dockery Lake Trail | Appalachian Trail access from Dockery Lake | |
Dukes Creek Falls Trail | Trail to the beautiful Dukes Creek Falls | |
Duncan Ridge Trail | Trail along Duncan Ridge | |
East Cowpen Trail | Runs along the ridge crest of Cohutta Mountain | |
Emery Creek Trail | Trail leading past twin waterfalls | |
Eyes On Wildlife Trail | Trail through the woods near Cooper Creek | |
Fall Branch Trail | Short hiking trail to the beautiful Minnehaha Falls | |
Flat Creek Loop | Runs along Davenport Mountain to Flat Creek Loop | |
Fort Mountain Lake Trail | Loop around Fort Mountain Lake | |
Freeman Trail | Connects to the Appalachian Trail on each end | |
Gahuti Backcountry Trail | Loop along the border of Fort Mountain State Park | |
Gold Mine Creek Trail | Loop along Gold Mine Creek in Fort Mountain State Park | |
Grassy Mountain Tower Trail | Hike from Lake Conasauga to the Grassy Mountain Fire Tower | |
Green Mountain Trail | Trail near Blue Ridge Lake with several hiking options | |
Helton Creek Falls Trail | A very short hike to two sets of waterfalls | |
Hemlock Falls Trail | A short but scenic hike to a waterfall | |
Hemp Top Trail | Scenic trail along hills and ridges | |
Hickory Creek Trail | A long trail through the western part of the Cohutta Wilderness | |
Hickory Ridge Trail | A trail through Cohutta Wilderness | |
Hidden Pond Trail | Loop through Carters Lake area | |
High Shoals Trail | A hike to a series of waterfalls | |
Holcomb Creek Trail | Rabun Bald with two waterfalls | |
Horse Trough Falls Trail | Short hike to Horse Trough Falls | |
Indian Seats Trail | Indian Seats is one of the highest peaks in metro Atlanta in Sawnee Mountain Preserve | |
Iron Mountain Trail | Trail with beautiful views of the Cohutta Mountains | |
Jacks Knob Trail | A scenic trail to Jacks Knob | |
Jacks River Trail | Jacks River Trail follows Jacks River one of the premiere trails in the Cohutta Wilderness | |
James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail | A long loop up and down the lower slopes of Black Rock Mountain | |
Jarrard Gap Trail | Short access trail to the Appalachian Trail | |
Johns Mountain Trail | A trail along the ridge of Johns Mountain | |
Kennesaw Mountain Trail | Hike to the top of Kennesaw Mountain | |
Keown Falls Loop Trail | Trail through Keown Falls Scenic Area | |
Ladyslipper Trail | Trail along hillsides in the Lake Russel area | |
Lake Chatuge Trail | Trail around campground at Lake Chatuge | |
Lake Conasauga Trail | Loop encircling Lake Conasauga | |
Lake Russell Trail | A trail that winds around a stream and its namesake lake | |
Lakeshore Trail (Dockery Lake) | Circles Dockery Lake | |
Lake Winfield Scott Trail | Loop along the shore of the lake | |
Laura S. Walker State Park | Near the northern edge of the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp | |
Laurel Ridge Interpretive Trail | A hike with breathtaking views of surrounding mountains | |
Lewis Park Walking Trail | Nice trail tucked inside a subdivision | |
Little Ocmulgee State Park | Costal Plain Trail through through scrub oaks and pines | |
Logan Turnpike Trail | Runs from the Appalachian Trail to Kellum Valley with some good views | |
Long Branch Loop | A loop crossing Long Branch | |
Magnolia Springs State Park | Nine Million Gallon per Day Magnolia Springs | |
Mill Creek Falls Trail | Unmarked trail from campground to Mill Creek Falls | |
Mill Shoals Trail | Pleasant hike through the woods near Mill Shoals Creek | |
Minnehaha Trail | Trail leading to the beautiful Minnehaha Falls | |
Moccasin Creek Non-Game Wildlife Trail | An easy and educational trail | |
Mountaintown Creek Trail | Follows Mountaintown Creek | |
Murrays Lake Trail | Trail around Murrays Lake | |
Old Fort Trails | Trails to Fort Mountain's main attractions | |
Old Growth Forest Trail | Unofficial trail passing the thickest tree in the Chattahoochee National Forest | |
Panther Creek Trail (Cohutta Wilderness) | Internal trail to the headwaters of Panther Creek | |
Panther Creek Trail (Tallulah Basin) | A hike past the impressive Panther Creek Falls | |
Penitentiary Branch Trail | Interior trail of the Cohutta Wilderness that crosses and follows Penitentiary Branch near Blue Ridge, GA | |
Rabun Bald Trail | Georgia's second highest mountain | |
Rabun Beach Trail | An easily-followed path with two waterfalls | |
Raven Cliff Falls Trail | An excellent trail to the cliffs with Waterfall | |
Raven Rock Trail | Named for Raven Rock, a cliff on the opposing side of the river. | |
Red Top Mountain State Park | Popular park on 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona | |
Rocktown Trail | Hike through an area with unusual sandstone formations | |
Rocky Mountain Trail | The first leg of a loop over Rocky Mountain | |
Rough Ridge Trail | Hike along the crest of Rough Ridge | |
Shope Gap Trail | Connects Yellow Mountain Trail to FS 39 | |
Skidaway Island State Park | Barrier island near historic Savannah | |
Slaughter Creek Trail | a.k.a. Slaughter Gap Trail | |
Smith Creek Trail | Winds over Hickory Nut Ridge and Smith Mountain | |
Songbird Trail | Trail with good birding opportunities | |
Sosebee Cove Trail | A memorial to Arthur Woody, Georgia's first Forest Ranger | |
Sourwood Trail | Trail along Nancy Town Creek and its tributary | |
South Fork Trail | Trail along southern fork of Jacks River | |
Stanley Gap Trail | Trail from Stanley Gap to Deep Gap | |
Sugar Cove Trail | An internal trail through a beautiful cove | |
Sumac Creek Trail | Trail along Sumac Creek | |
Summit Trail | Trail to the peak of Brasstown Bald | |
Sutton Hole Trail | Just upstream from Woodall Shoals, a Class VI rapid. | |
Talking Rock Nature Trail | A loop through the woods near the dams at Carters Lake | |
Tallulah Gorge Floor Trail | A short but extremely steep trail to the floor of the gorge | |
Tallulah Gorge North Rim Trail | Connects five overlooks on the north rim of the gorge | |
Tallulah Gorge South Rim Trail | Connects five overlooks on the south rim of the gorge | |
Taylor Ridge Trail | Hike along one of the Armuchee Ridges | |
Tearbritches Trail | Climbs Bald Mountain, then leads to Bray Field | |
Tennessee Rock Trail | Hiking trail has 25 interpretive stations along its length | |
Terrora Trail | Circles a cove of Tallulah Falls Lake | |
The Pocket Trail | Loop along the Pocket | |
Three Forks Trail | Where Holcomb Creek, Big Creek and Overflow Creek meet | |
Tumbling Waters Nature Trail | Beautiful hike to views of Carters Lake and Tails Creek | |
Unicoi-Helen Trail | Trail from Unicoi Park to Helen | |
Unicoi Lake Trail | A loop near the picturesque lake | |
Wagon Train Trail | From Highway 76 to Brasstown Bald | |
Warwoman Dell Nature Trail | Remote hiking trail with small waterfalls | |
Waterfall Trail (Cloud Canyon) | Short trail to two waterfalls | |
West Palisades Unit Trail | Chattahoochee River Trail | |
Yellow Mountain Trail | The most popular trail in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area |