If you picture Georgia as peach groves and coastal swamps, you’re only getting half the picture. The largest state east of the Mississippi River climbs to Appalachian heights in the north, where wild forested hills of Southern terrain are crisscrossed by incredible hikes that rival anything in neighboring North Carolina or more famous outdoor destinations such as New Hampshire and Vermont.
Best of all, with its mild climate, Georgia is open to hikers year-round. Spring and fall are famously lovely months for hitting the trail, but even in the depths of winter, you can walk for miles at lower elevations without getting too frosty. Mountain-top vistas get even more impressive when the deciduous trees that dominate Georgia’s forests drop their leaves.
From the southern terminus of the legendary Appalachian Trail to spectacular waterfalls crashing into pools ringed by rhododendrons, the Peach State is full of surprises. Pet parents will also find much to love: dogs that are leashed (no longer than 6ft) and accompanied by their owner are permitted on trails at all Georgia state parks (with the exception of Tallulah Gorge and Panola Mountain).
So lace up your hiking boots and grab your trekking poles: from challenging trails with technical features to short day hikes easily accessible to families and hikers with disabilities, we’ve hand-picked some of the best hikes in Georgia.
The Pinhoti Trail: Best Hike for Backpackers and Thru-Hikers
160+ miles (257+ km) one-way in Georgia; 2–3 weeks; moderate to strenuous
Springer Mountain wasn’t originally intended to be the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Benton MacKaye, the conservationist who envisioned this continent-long thru-hike, imagined the trail would run the entire length of the Appalachian Mountains, including the rolling foothills of Georgia and Alabama.
Work began in the 1970s to blaze the Pinhoti Trail, covering the southern spurs left off the official Appalachian Trail. However, it was only in the early years of the current millennium that the 160-mile pathway was completed and opened to hikers.
Today, Pinhoti is a destination hike in its own right and a good training ground for hikers heading further north on the Appalachian Trail. Some come for day hikes, but you can also embark on a long-haul backpacking trip by following the trail across Georgia from the Alabama state line near Etna to the northern terminus at Flagg Mountain, near Epworth.
Pinhoti is the Creek Indian word for “turkey’s home,” and diamond-shaped white tags along the trail are emblazoned with a print of a turkey foot. The full trail covered across Alabama and Georgia is about 355 miles.
Blood Mountain: Best Hike for Scenic Views
4.3 miles (6.9 km) roundtrip; 3 hours; strenuous
Despite the sinister-sounding name, the trek to the summit of 4458 ft Blood Mountain is one of the most rewarding hikes in all of Georgia. This is the highest point on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, with a peak that opens up to inspiring panoramic vistas.
Pick up last-minute supplies at the legendary general store, then start your climb at the Byron Reece trailhead near Neels Gap. Following the blue blazes to the intersection with the Appalachian Trail at Flat Rock Gap, then the white blazes to the summit, you’ll know that you’re close when the trees give way to stony open areas that hint at the views to come.
For a different experience, you can turn your Blood Mountain hike into a 6-mile loop by continuing along the Appalachian Trail until you intersect with the Freeman Trail halfway down the mountain. This path leads back to the Byron Reece trailhead at a lower elevation.
Pigeon Mountain Pocket: Best Hike for Outdoors Folks with Disabilities
.9 miles (1.4 km) roundtrip; easy; 1 hour
If you’re looking for wildflowers and waterfalls, it’s hard to beat this off-the-beaten-path walk in northwest Georgia. Tucked at the foot of Pigeon Mountain, this location features level boardwalks that float just above a sea of wildflowers.
Reached via the accessible, open-all-year Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail, this charming woodland typically blooms from March through May. The vibrant scenery, coupled with the lovely two-pronged cascade cascading down from Pigeon Mountain, creates a picturesque setting for nature lovers.
Amicalola Falls: Best Hike for Families
2.1-mile (3.4 km) loop; moderate to strenuous; 1–2 hours
Georgia boasts the 729 ft tall Amicalola Falls – the tallest cascade in the state. Located just north of Dawsonville, Amicalola Falls State Park features not only a waterfall but also a lodge, restaurant, and numerous campsites and hiking trails, including a spur that connects to the Appalachian Trail.
For a close-up view, hikers can embark on trails ranging from less than half a mile to just over 2 miles. The ADA-accessible West Ridge Trail leads to the middle of the cascade, connecting to two other paths offering diverse perspectives of Amicalola.
Cloudland Canyon: Best Hike for Leaf Peepers
5-mile (8 km) loop; moderate to strenuous; 3–3 1/2 hours
Protected as a state park, Cloudland Canyon features lovely hiking trails and campsites and is easily accessible from Chattanooga and Atlanta. The way the forested canyon shimmers in fiery autumn colors sets it apart, making it a prime location for leaf-peeping. Check the park calendar for foliage hikes and updates about fall colors.
Tallulah Gorge: Best Hike for Photographers
2-mile (3.2 km) loop; strenuous; 2 hours
In the far northeastern corner of Georgia, Tallulah Gorge is a state treasure. The Hurricane Falls Trail Loop gives hikers a chance to take in some of Georgia’s prettiest waterfalls, including L’Eau d’Or and Tempesta. This hike, filled with overlooks and exhilarating stairs, is a photographer’s dream.
Len Foote Hike Inn: Best Hike to See the Sunrise
10 miles (16 km) roundtrip; moderate; 2 to 4 hours
If you appreciate backcountry hiking without the rough camping experience, consider the enjoyable Len Foote Hike Inn in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The hike is only reachable via a 5-mile trek, leading you to rustic hospitality, hot showers, and the opportunity to witness stunning sunrises from a mountain ridge.
Providence Canyon: Best Hike for Geology Fans
2.5-mile (4 km) loop; easy to moderate; 2 to 3 hours
Here, Georgia’s famous red dirt transforms into an eerie canyon shaped by unsustainable farming practices over a century ago. The Canyon Loop Trail provides an accessible path that offers fantastic views of the canyons numbered 1 to 9.
Anna Ruby Falls: Best Hike for Waterfalls
From .2 miles (.32 km) roundtrip; easy; from 20 min
Twin waterfalls cascade through the foliage at Anna Ruby Falls, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests near charming Helen, Georgia. The Anna Ruby Falls Trail offers a smooth half-mile path from the parking lot, making it an excellent option for families who prefer easy hikes.
Appalachian Trail: Best for Sections and Day Hikes
78 miles (125.5 km) one-way; moderate to strenuous; 8 days
Only 78 miles of the Appalachian Trail’s 2200 miles are in Georgia, yet these miles are crucial as they connect you to the hike’s southern terminus atop Springer Mountain. These trails offer stunning scenery and opportunities for memorable hikes, whether broken into day trips or backpacking adventures.
