7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Georgia To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
No matter the season, hitting the trails is something of a hobby for most hiking enthusiasts in Georgia. While some Georgians tend to stick to the spring and fall months to hike, there are others who will make it a year-round adventure. Whether you’re someone who enjoys mountainous terrain or more of a coastal vibe, you’ll agree that the following list includes some of the very best hikes in Georgia. So lace-up those hiking boots; we’ve got some ground to cover!
When thinking about reflection, why not get to the highest summit in Georgia and take it all in. The Blood Mountain loop is part of the Appalachian Trail and can be quite a strenuous workout for most. But once you reach the summit you’ll feel like you’ve conquered it all, which is a great feeling to carry. When considering the best hikes in Georgia, Blood Mountain Wilderness is one of the most beautiful regions.
If you’re looking for a short and sweet hike in North Georgia then check out Minnehaha Falls. The Minnehaha Falls Trail is a quick, less-than-half-mile trek through the forest that will lead you to the stunning waterfall at the end. While not many hikers know about this waterfall hike, it is surely a favorite for those who do.
3. DeSoto Falls Trail
Desoto Falls Court Southwest, Desoto Falls Ct SW, Atlanta, GA 30311, USA
Next up on our list of some of the best hikes in Georgia is DeSoto Falls Trail. Clocking in at about two miles roundtrip, the DeSoto Falls Trail is a real gem for hikers, plus it is more of a family-friendly hike, too. With an easy-to-moderate rating, visitors to the DeSoto Falls Trail are able to bring their kids to enjoy the beauty of the forest, plus the multi-tiered cascades. Learn more about this rewarding and scenic out-and-back trail in Georgia.
4. High Falls State Park
High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
High Falls State Park is a beautiful large park near the city of Jackson featuring a bevy of tumbling cascades along the Towaliga River. While the park itself is over 1000 acres in size, the hiking trails aren’t as intense. You can take the High Falls Trail which is only about a mile, which gives you a nice bit of time to enjoy nature. Learn more about why so many travelers love High Falls State Park in Georgia.
5. Canyon Loop in Providence Canyon
Providence Canyon State Park, 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USA
Known as the Little Grand Canyon, Providence Canyon in Georgia is more than just beautiful views and picture-perfect outcroppings. Canyon loop is less than 5 miles roundtrip, but really lets hikers explore the beauty of this canyon. Enjoy the colorful rocks and the stunning scenery at this epic Georgia trail. Did you know that Georgia had its own version of the Grand Canyon?
6. Yonah Mountain Trail
Yonah Mountain Road, Yonah Mountain Rd, Georgia, USA
Nothing is better on a hike than having a scenic finish. The Yonah Mountain Trail will take you from the base of the mountain all the way up to the summit in under five miles roundtrip. You can make a whole day of this hike, meandering through the rocky forested areas before reaching one of the greatest views around. This beautiful mountain hike in Georgia is well-worth the effort.
One of the most popular hikes you can take in Helen, Georgia is the Raven Cliff Falls Trail. This one might be a bit longer than the others on this list, but you’ll be able to have a roundtrip of five miles in order to get some new year reflection done. But what’s even better is that after the canopy of hardwoods and lush greenery, you’ll find a cascading waterfall, too. When it comes to the most beautiful trails in Georgia, Raven Cliff Falls Trail may just take the cake.
Have you ever hiked these trails before? Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Georgia? Share with us in the comments section! Or if you have a few more hikes that you’d like to recommend, keep us and your fellow Georgians in the loop.
Address: High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
Address: Providence Canyon State Park, 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USA
Address: Yonah Mountain Road, Yonah Mountain Rd, Georgia, USA
Address: Raven Cliff Falls Trail, Georgia 30528, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Georgia
March 19, 2022
Beth C.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Georgia?
You bet! If you’re looking to spend some time in the great outdoors while in the Peach State, you’ll be delighted to hear that it’s a very kid-friendly place to hike. One of our favorite family-friendly destinations is known as the Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Atlanta. You might not have realized that this 30-acre natural space was located so close to a major city! Open daily, this beautiful preserve offers gorgeous scenery at every turn. The Woodland Loop Trail is a quarter-mile trail that’s suitable for even the youngest of hikers. Next up on our list is a kid-friendly waterfall trail known as Anna Ruby Falls. Tucked away in Helen, Georgia, this gorgeous destination is one where you’ll make loads of memories. The scenic waterfall can be reached via a quarter-mile trail. You’ll love every step! Some other kid-friendly trails include Buford Dam, Red Top Mountain, and the Dunwoody Nature Center. For more information about these family-friendly hiking destinations in Georgia, check out our previous article: 5 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Georgia That Are 2 Miles And Under.
Address: Lakemont, GA 30552, USA
Address: 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
Address: Providence Canyons, Georgia 31821, USA
Address: DeSoto Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
Address: 3000 Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Address: Yonah Mountain, Georgia 30571, USA
Address: Blood Mountain, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Minnehaha Falls Way, Braselton, GA 30517, USA
Address: Desoto Falls Court Southwest, Desoto Falls Ct SW, Atlanta, GA 30311, 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.
