Georgia is my home state, and it sure has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor adventures. Consequently, I’ve compiled a list of the 15 BEST hikes in Georgia so that you may see why I love this state so dearly.
1. Lula Lake Land Trust
- Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga
- Only open Saturdays and Sundays
- You must make reservations ahead of time at Visit (lulalake.org)
- There are two gorgeous waterfalls here and plenty of hiking trails
- I recommend hiking the 5.2 long Middle Trail, Trail B, Bluff Road and Trail A loop
- Hiking is easy, trails are well maintained, and this is a place for any skill level
- Park hours are 9am-5pm
- Link to hike on All Trails
2. Cloudland Canyon
- Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga
- 1.1 miles total
- “Moderate” on All Trails
- Follow signs to both “Hemlock Falls” and “Cherokee Falls” and see 2 different waterfalls
- Very do able for all skill levels; however, there are lots of stairs down to the falls
- Link to hike on All Trails
3. George W. Disney Trail
- Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga
- 1.5 miles total with 700 feet of elevation- stair stepper/ climb straight up
- Great challenge with good views at the end
4. Mount Yonah
- North East Georgia/ Blue Ridge
- 4.2 miles total
- 1500 feet of elevation in 2 miles (difficult)
- Awesome views
- Afterwards, head to Yonah Vineyard for a celebratory glass of wine (or 4)
5. Preacher’s Rock
- North Georgia/ Blue Ridge
- 2 miles total
- Easy
- This is a portion of the Appalachian trail
6. Blood Mountain
- North Georgia/ Blue Ridge
- 5.7 miles total
- 1500 feet elevation (hard)
- Afterwards, head to Wolf Mountain Vineyards for a celebratory glass of wine
7. Brasstown Bald
- North Georgia/ Blue Ridge
- This is the highest point in Georgia- don’t worry you can drive to the top
- This is to say, it is a great hike to do with the parents or those less into intense hiking since it’s quite easy. Moreover, there is a paved trail most of the way. Expect beautiful views
- You’ll drive up some winding roads to get to the trail head and then the walk/hike is only 1.5 miles total, 400 feet of elevation
8. Amicalola Falls
- North Georgia, Blue Ridge
- You can technically walk to the falls in less than half a mile or do the 2 mile loop trail
- This is one place to start the Appalachian Trail. Following the Appalachian Approach trail from Amicalola will lead you to the official start of the AT near Springer Mountain
9. Tallulah Gorge
- North Georgia, Blue Ridge
- 2.5 miles total on the Tallulah Gorge Lookouts and Cascade Falls trail
- You can easily spend all day here. Hike to the floor of the gorge and bring a bathing suit so you can get in the water. There is even a “natural slide” where the rocks are so smooth from water constantly running over them and people ride the waterfall into the pool
- Hike on the suspension bridge over the gorge for amazing views
10. Upper Falls via Panther Creek Trail
- North East Georgia, near Tallulah Falls
- 7 miles total, 500 feet of elevation
- Hike to the waterfall along the river
- Be prepared to cross water
- Plan to spend an hour at the waterfall at the end
- Upper Falls Via Panther Creek Trail – Georgia | AllTrails
11. Indian Seats
- Cumming, Georgia/ North Georgia – on the way to Blue Ridge from Atlanta
- 3.2 miles total
- 500 feet elevation
- Nice View at the top. Good place to sit and watch sunset or sunrise
12. East Palisades trail
- Smyrna, near Atlanta
- 3.3 miles total
- 452 feet elevation, easy
- Walk along the Chattahoochee River and into some amazing bamboo forests
13. Stone Mountain
- In Atlanta, duh
- No secret gem but genuinely a great hike, especially when done for sunrise or sunset on a clear day- great view of the Atlanta skyline
- 2 miles total
- 600 feet elevation gain, moderate intensity
14. Pine Mountain
- 2.1 miles total
- Cartersville, Georgia – about an hour from Atlanta
- 600 feet of elevation
- Nice Viewpoint
15. Providence Canyon
- Southwest Georgia near Columbus
- Hike into the canyon and do 2.6 miles total on the canyon floor or hike the Canyon Perimeter for 2.1 miles of views of the Canyon from the top
- I personally think the Canyon Perimeter provides better views and is more enjoyable
- Both hikes are easy
- Grab lunch in Columbus, GA afterward. I recommend My Boulange & Tower Pizza for French cuisine and macaroons next to a mini Eiffel Tower. Then grab a coffee at Iron Bank Coffee Co (an old bank repurposed into a cool coffee shop) and walk to Chattahoochee River Walk
- Grab a beer at The Cannon Brew Pub
Georgia is my home state so I may be biased but there is truly so much to do! My personal favorite area is Blue Ridge/ North Georgia where there is endless hiking, the Start of the Appalachian Trail, and a mini wine country.
Enjoy!