Amazing Places to Hike in the Georgia Mountains
The Georgia mountains are so naturally beautiful, that it is hard to resist the urge to go outside on a nice day. Fortunately, there are some amazing hikes and trails that highlight the best of the area!
The most famous trails in Georgia are the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail, which draw thousands of hikers each year. While there are a small handful of hikers who complete the 2000+ miles of the Appalachian Trail each year, most hikers choose to hike a much smaller section.
Hiking in North Georgia Mountains
In addition to these well-known challenging trails, there are many other great places to find easy hikes in the Georgia mountains! Choose your challenge level and set out to explore the quiet paths and clean air of these beautiful mountains.
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Hiking Options and Trails in the Georgia Mountains
To get the most out of your adventures, you’ll want to do some advance planning and select the right trail for your party. This is a small collection of local favorites, but you can also take advantage of other books, maps, websites, and other resources available to find a great hiking trail.
North Georgia Hiking Trails
Amicalola Falls
Located in Amicalola Falls State Park, this park has the tallest cascading waterfall East of the Mississippi River. There are 10 trails emanating from the park, including the 8.5-mile Approach Trail that runs from the park to Springer Mountain (the southern terminus of the famous Appalachian Trail).
In addition to the trails, waterfalls, and natural beauty, there is a lodge, restaurant, and options for unique adventures like axe throwing, ziplining, archery, scavenger hunts, animal meet-and-greets, and wilderness survival sessions!
Amicalola Falls State Park in the Georgia Mountains
Amicalola Falls State Park hours are 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. All cars require a $5 GA State Park Pass.
Appalachian Trail
At 2,192 total miles, The Appalachian Trail (the AT) is the ultimate challenge for serious hikers on the East Coast. However, hiking smaller sections of the AT can also be an enjoyable way to take a quick day hike. The trail receives 3 million visitors each year, but only a small handful of these visitors attempt to travel the entire length through 14 states.
Although the trail starts in Georgia, only 79 miles of the AT run through the state, with parts that range from easy to challenging (rating 2 – 7) and elevation changes from 2,510′ – 4,461′. Almost half of the AT in Georgia passes through federally designated wilderness areas.
Appalachian Trail Markers in Georgia Mountains
The Appalachian Trail starts at Springer Mountain, which is an 8.5-mile hike from the drop-off point at Amicalola Falls.
Bartram Trail
The multi-state Bartram Trail that follows William Bartram’s 18th-century route through 8 southern colonies has just over 30 miles of trails in Northeast Georgia. Explore the gentler Warwoman Dell Nature Trail (0.4 miles) or try the more challenging Rabun Bald Trail (3 miles) for rewarding 360° views from Georgia’s second-highest peak!
Multi-state historic Bartram Trail
Learn more about the history and current status of the trail from the Bartram Trail Conference.
Benton MacKaye Trail
Named for the man who originally conceived and fought for the concept of the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail is also a favorite trail in the Georgia mountains. There are numerous access points and trailheads along the BMT, which create many options for one-way and loop hikes. One of the more popular sights is the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, a 270-foot hiker’s bridge over the Toccoa River where the Benton MacKaye Trail meets the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail.
Perfect Fall day at Swinging Bridge Over the Toccoa River (part of Benton MacKaye Trail)
Click to view a map/guide of the BMT landmarks and see how the AT and BMT intersect.
Brasstown Bald
Visit the tallest mountain in Georgia and take in 360° views from the top of Brasstown Bald (elevation 4,784′). The Brasstown Bald Summit Trail connects the parking area to the Visitor Center / Viewing Platform, and is a short, but very steep, 0.6-mile paved foot trail. There is a shuttle service provided for those who require an alternative to walking the trail.
Brasstown Bald Observation Deck in North Georgia [photo ExploreGeorgia]
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges in the southeast, and runs 3 miles long and 1,000 feet deep! Tallulah Gorge’s breathtaking views make this a favorite stopping point along Highway 441. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing amazing views of the Tallulah River and waterfalls.
Tallulah Gorge State Park in North Georgia [photo ExploreGeorgia]
Wine Hikes at Montaluce Vineyard & Winery
Combine 2 of the best activities in the Georgia mountains by going on a hike through a beautiful Georgia mountain vineyard!
Wine hikes are available every Saturday and Sunday morning at Montaluce near Dahlonega. You’ll have a trained guide for the 1.8-mile hike on nature trails along the headwaters of the Etowah River and through the vineyard. After the hike, you’ll retreat to Montaluce’s beautiful patio overlooking the vineyard to enjoy a tasting of five Montaluce wines. Reservations can be made online ($45 per person) for this unique experience.
Montaluce Vineyard and Wine Hike in the Georgia Mountains
Hiking Resources for the Georgia Mountains
To get the most out of your adventures, you’ll want to do some advance planning and have the right equipment for your trek. These are some gear favorites that should help get you started with your hike planning.
Books
Find detailed information about the area’s best hikes in these highly-rated books.
Maps
Maps are essential tools to both plan your hike and to stay on course when you are on the trail. These tear-proof and waterproof topographic maps will hold up to years of use and can be used in inclement weather. These are best used to get a general idea of the overall area — they cover a large area so there may be better / more detailed options for individual trails.
Hiking Gear for Georgia (and Beyond!)
The specific gear you’ll need for any hike will depend on the time of year, environment, weather conditions, and length of your hike. Be certain to check with park rangers about specific things to stay alert for on your trail (including any animal/wildlife cautions in the area).
Backpack
Make sure to set out with a comfortable backpack that fits comfortably and will hold your water, food, and gear and keep your things dry in case of poor weather.
Compass
Practice using your compass before you go on a long hike. You’ll want to have this skill handy long before it’s needed.
GPS
A GPS unit that is made specifically for hiking has higher sensitivity and should have better reception/performance under tree cover or in deep canyons.
Hiking Boots
Make sure that your shoes/boots are comfortably broken in before you set out on a long hike. Comfortable sneakers can be much better for a hike than boots that are not properly broken in.
What are your other essential items to have on a great hike?
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Remember to always let someone know where you are going, and be prepared for the hike by choosing your gear, routes, and hiking partners carefully in order to have the best experience possible.
Great article.
I never miss hiking on the weekends and it’s always at the Georgia Mountains though, I met lot of new friends while hiking most times. Hiking helps increase the strength in the leg muscles, builds stability in the core muscles and enhances balance skills.The more technical the terrain is, along with an increase in climbing intensity, the more balance and core strength is required because more muscles are being recruited to manage the steeper terrain.
Hello Emmanuel! Hiking is great exercise and in North GA, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty all around. It’s a nice bonus when you also make new friends along the way. Thanks for sharing!
O my…since I am someone who is really nature fan, I was very pleased with this text. Photos are incredible and they complete whole magical story. Benton MacKaye trail and vineyard caught my special attention. Despite the fact that I’m not professional hiker, this is the place on my map marked as HAVE to visit! 🙂
Hi Ivana, You don’t have to be a pro to have a fun time on one of these hikes. Make sure that you are prepared for the hike and don’t try to push yourself too far when you’re starting out. I hope you enjoy these great North Georgia trails!
I must say, I don’t know that much about Georgia. I have spent all my time in the US on the West Coast. I didn’t realize there was so much great hiking opportunities in the state. You have laid it our nicely for the hiking enthusiast. What would you recommend as a quick day hike for someone staying in Atlanta?
Hi Jamie, If you are in Atlanta and don’t mind a couple of hours’ drive, I’d recommend picking out your favorites from the article. However, if you want to stay in the Atlanta area, there are certainly a few great choices:
– The Beltline – in town paved trail that is great for people watching and being in a bustling city. Expect the trail to be crowded on weekends with tourists, people exercising, dog walkers, bicyclists, scooters, and more!
– The Silver Comet Trail – this paved trail starts in the suburbs and travels over a hundred miles into Alabama along an old trail route. Expect crowds of walkers, joggers, and bicyclists, but in a more wooded environment.
– Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – there are multiple dirt trails that run alongside the river in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. A great way to enjoy the river!
– Stone Mountain Park – there are lots of trails in this park, but a favorite is the short (~20 min) but steep climb to the top of Stone Mountain to see views of the city and beyond!
– Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield and Park – Kennesaw mountain also has a climb to the top of the mountain that rewards hikers with a nice view of the city of Atlanta (to the South) and of the mountains (to the North)
Enjoy your hike(s)!