Take These 12 Incredible Georgia Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
There’s nothing quite like lacing up your boots to tackle one of the best hikes in Georgia. Because did you know that Georgia was home to some of the absolute best and most immensely scenic hiking trails in the country? It’s true! So whether you’re looking to spend more time in nature, get in more exercise, explore more within your home state, or simply being outdoors, we have the perfect list for you. There are so many beautiful places to visit within Georgia, some of which really shine during certain parts of the year. It’s time to lace up your hiking boots because these 12 incredible treks are some of the absolute best hikes in Georgia.
January - The Waterfalls Trail in Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
When you hear the term “waterfall” when considering a trail, you might automatically assume it should be a spring or summer trail. But The Waterfalls Trail in Cloudland Canyon State Park might be better in wintertime. If you hike this 2-miler during the right time, you can get a front-row seat to a frozen waterfall, which is as brilliant as it sounds.
Find out more about this beautiful Georgia hike in this feature article.
Don't let its name deter you; hiking up Blood Mountain in Georgia during wintertime can be quite beautiful, especially when you’re bundled up properly! As long as the hiking conditions aren’t dangerous, if you hike this six-mile roundtrip trail after a snowfall, then you’ll see some of the best wintertime views around.
Curious to learn more about this Georgia hike? We wax poetic about it in this article!
By now, the temperatures should start to become more enjoyable, and you may even begin to get some wildflower views along this trail. The Amicalola River Trail is one of the best spring trails in Georgia, as you’ll be able to see tons of breathtaking pockets of nature throughout Dawsonville. At just three miles round-trip, get ready for natural beauty.
Here's more about this immensely scenic Georgia hike.
April - Sosebee Cove Scenic Area
Sosebee Cove Scenic Area and Trail, Wolf Pen Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
Ahh, springtime. Nothing beats hiking through the forests in the Peach State when spring is in the air. Hiking Sosebee Cove Scenic Area in April will surely be a memorable experience. Hike the simple half-mile wildflower hike and be prepared for a sea of vibrant colors along the way.
Find out more about this wildflower-dotted Georgia hike.
May - East Palisades Trail
East Palisades Trail, E Palisades Trail, Sandy Springs, GA 30339, USA
We love this hike in Georgia for so many reasons. The East Palisades Trail in Sandy Springs is a real gem, especially when you tackle it during the warmer Georgia months. Not only will you be hiking through the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area, but you’ll also have waterfalls along the way, riverfront views, and even a bamboo forest! Did you even know Georgia was home to its own bamboo forest?! It doesn’t get much cooler than that, we say. Find out more about this Georgia hike.
June - The Marble Mine Trail at James H. Floyd State Park
James H. Floyd State Park Office, Summerville, GA 30747, USA
Quite possibly one of the most unique hikes in the state, The Marble Mine Trail at James H. Floyd State Park should absolutely be on your Georgia hiking bucket list this year. This simple two-mile roundtrip hike will take you through the park to enjoy the wildflowers along the way, and eventually take you to an iconic marble outcropping from an old, abandoned mine!
Find out more about this Georgia hike.
Hiking during the summer months can be a bit warm, which is why this July hike is so perfect! Clocking in at 0.4 miles roundtrip, this hike is perfect for the whole family. Not only is this a simple out-and-back, but it also has a waterfall with a swimming hole to cool off from the hike. Oh -- and the trail itself is super shaded and gorgeous, too.
Learn more about this Georgia hike.
The Becky Branch Falls hike along the Bartram Trail is a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike that will take you through some bursting pockets of nature. This is a great simple hike to take in August because in case the temperature creeps up, you’ll be near water to cool off, plus it isn’t too far from start to finish.
Find out more about this trek, which really is one of the best hikes in Georgia!
September - Lula Lake Land Trust
Lula Lake Land Trust, 5000 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, USA
The Lula Lake Land Trust in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, is a fascinating visit, perfect for when the weather starts to cool, yet it’s still pleasant enough to hike in shorts. With various hiking trails to choose from, we recommend exploring the trails that lead straight to the giant waterfall. Just remember, this is protected land and the hours available to the general public do vary.
Find out more about this Georgia hike before you hit the trails!
October - Lake Trahlyta Trail
Trahlyta Lake Trail, 703 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
The Lake Trahlyta Trail in Vogel State Park is a small natural wonder that becomes a highlight during the autumn months. The simple mile loop will take you around the water’s edge, which in October, means you’ll have a front-row seat to all of the changing leaves and mesmerizing autumn colors. Georgia in the fall = gorgeous!
Find out more about this Georgia hike.
As we wind down this year of epic hikes in Georgia, November has a simple-yet-sweet hike through Unicoi State Park. The hike to Anna Ruby Falls is less than a mile but is bursting with color during the fall season. You’ll meander your way through the woods and wind up at one of the most stunning waterfalls around.
Find out more about this Georgia hike.
December - The Appalachian Trail to Springer Mountain
Well, you made it, Georgians! You’re at the final hike of the year! Of course, it’s go big or go home, right? Springer Mountain via the Appalachian Trail is about two miles roundtrip, which will get your legs moving and your heart pumping. This short-but-sweet hike will give you summit views plus a wintery wonderland through the hardwood forest.
Find out more about this Georgia hike.
So, what do you think about these incredible Georgia hikes? Have you already tackled some? Make sure to share with us your favorites within the comments section!
Address: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
Address: Blood Mountain, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Amicalola Creek, Georgia, USA
Address: Sosebee Cove Scenic Area and Trail, Wolf Pen Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
Address: East Palisades Trail, E Palisades Trail, Sandy Springs, GA 30339, USA
Address: James H. Floyd State Park Office, Summerville, GA 30747, USA
Address: Helton Creek Falls, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Becky Branch, Georgia 30525, USA
Address: Lula Lake Land Trust, 5000 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, USA
Address: Trahlyta Lake Trail, 703 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
Address: Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia 30571, USA
Address: Springer Mountain, Georgia 30513, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Georgia
June 06, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Georgia?
Georgia’s waterfalls are plentiful, resplendent, and incredibly varied, ranging from the commanding Amicalola Falls to the smaller cascades of the aptly-named Sweetwater Creek. So whether you’re looking for a short-and-sweet waterfall hike or a lengthier, all-day waterfall chasing adventure, you’re sure to find it in Georgia! One of the best waterfall hikes in Georgia is, in our opinion, the Amicalola Falls Trail. Featuring Georgia’s largest waterfall, this 2.1-mile hike is understandably popular, and rated as easy-to-moderate, meaning it’s well within reach for most hikers. For those looking for a lengthier adventure, the route actually passes under a stone arch that marks the beginning of the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail, a 10-mile hike to the iconic trail’s southern end on Springer Mountain. Another amazing waterfall hike in Georgia is the hike to Anna Ruby Falls.
If you’re searching for a short-and-sweet waterfall hike in Georgia with a glorious payoff, the Anna Ruby Falls Trail is a superlative little adventure. We mentioned it briefly above, but this is a hike that truly deserves its 15 minutes of fame! This 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, is considered one of the easiest waterfall hikes in the state, but don’t mistake its ease for a lack of spectacular scenery: the titular falls are a duo – one 153 feet tall, the other 50 feet in stature – cascading in perfect synchrony, and are easily viewed from a wooden platform placed along the well-paved and incredibly accessible trail. Looking for more epic waterfalls to chase out on the Georgia trails? Here are some of the best waterfall hikes in Georgia.
Address: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
Address: Blood Mountain, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Amicalola Creek, Georgia, USA
Address: Sosebee Cove Scenic Area and Trail, Wolf Pen Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
Address: East Palisades Trail, E Palisades Trail, Sandy Springs, GA 30339, USA
Address: James H. Floyd State Park Office, Summerville, GA 30747, USA
Address: Helton Creek Falls, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Becky Branch, Georgia 30525, USA
Address: Lula Lake Land Trust, 5000 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, USA
Address: Trahlyta Lake Trail, 703 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
