12 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Georgia
Georgia truly is a magical spot for hikers of any level. While there are plenty of difficult trails and thru-hikes to tackle, some of the best hikes in Georgia are short and sweet enough that you can knock them out in no time. Easy hikes that also provide breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls, and scenic vistas. We’ve come up with a list of our favorite easy-to-moderate hikes throughout Georgia, which clock in at less than 5 miles. Next time you research “hiking trails near me” in Georgia, keep an eye out for these gems! Take a look:
1. Anna Ruby Falls Trail—0.8 miles
Anna Ruby Falls Road, Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Georgia 30571, USA
Located near Unicoi State Park in White County near Helen, Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls is the perfect trail to hike an easy in-and-out, all while enjoying a rare double waterfall. This trail is less than a mile and filled with everything Georgia nature truly is about.
Much like the Anna Ruby Falls Trail, Helton Creek Falls Trail is a very simple hike that leads you to not one, but TWO waterfalls near Helen, Georgia. It's an off-the-beaten path kind of place that is totally worth the trip, and the hike.
There's a Minnehaha Falls Trail in Minnesota and a Minnehaha Falls Trail in Georgia. While the one in Minnesota is beautiful, we're quite partial to our Georgia trail. In fact, some people claim that this trail leads to the best waterfall in Rabun County. Maybe you'll have to be the judge.
4. Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve, Mountain View Trail—2.5 miles
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA
Located near Lithonia, Georgia, the Mountain View Trail at Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve can lead to some pretty breathtaking sights. The rolling hills and granite outcroppings really make for a stunning backdrop for quite possibly the most mesmerizing sunset you've ever seen.
5. Tallulah Gorge, Hurricane Falls Loop—2.25 miles
The is THE most popular hiking trail in all of gorgeous Tallulah Gorge. Not only will you catch some incredibly stunning views throughout your hike, but you'll also catch the ever-magical Hurricane Falls waterfall. Oh, did we mention there was a suspension bridge, too?
6. Constitution Lakes Park, Doll's Head Trail—2.25 miles
This easy hike is a bit different from the rest. Doll's Head Trail, located in Atlanta is an urban wonderland created by an artist looking to re-purpose trash he found along the trail. Someone's trash is another man's treasure, as now this quick hike is filled with quirky doll parts and other oddball pieces.
The road to the Hemlock Falls Trail begins just south of the entrance to Moccasin Creek State Park. It's not an intense hike by any means, quick in-and-out, but once you make it to Hemlock Falls, especially after a few days of rain, you'll see why it's worth the trek.
A few reasons why we love this easy hiking trail: 1) you can bring along your pups! 2) it's perfect for all skill levels and 3) once you reach the waterfall, you'll understand why it's so majestic.
You'll find the trailhead riiiiiiight here: Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545. It's handy to have, because many people mentioned getting lost. Although this trail is a bit more strenuous than the others on the list, it follows Dodd Creek to the falls, and who doesn't love listening to rushing water and the sounds of nature?
10. High Falls State Park Trail—1.2 miles
High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
High Falls State Park is fairly huge, and the trail is pretty enormous as well. The loop however, is the perfect way to get in some exercise, explore the park, and see the towering waterfall in action.
11. Sweetwater Creek State Park, Yellow Trail—3 mile loop
Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
There is so much hiking to do in Sweetwater Creek State Park, we really recommend it all. But the Yellow Trail in particular, we're quite fond of. Why? Because most people stick to the Red Trail in order to see the famed ruins. But little do they know, you can still spot the ruins from across the river, while enjoying a less-trafficked trail.
12. Morningside Nature Preserve—2 mile loop
Morningside Nature Preserve Trail, Atlanta, GA, USA
A lot of people rave about the Morningside Nature Preserve trails because of the low foot traffic and quiet surroundings. We love this particular trail because although it's nestled snugly in the busy city of Atlanta, it's like a little slice of nature that will make you feel a million miles away.
Do you know of any other easy hikes in Georgia? Tell us about them on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.
Address: Anna Ruby Falls Road, Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Georgia 30571, USA
Address: Helton Creek Falls, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Minnehaha Falls Way, Braselton, GA 30517, USA
Address: Tallulah Gorge, Tallulah Falls, GA 30523, USA
Address: Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA
Address: Dukes Creek Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
Address: Raven Cliff Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
Address: Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
Address: Morningside Nature Preserve Trail, Atlanta, GA, USA
Address: High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Georgia
April 30, 2022
Katie Lawrence
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Georgia?
Strenuous, long-distance hikes are out of the question if you have little ones in tow – so it’s a good thing there are so many kid-friendly hikes around Georgia that are short and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy! One of our favorites is the Red Trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs. Only two miles round-trip, this scenic hike parallels a whitewater stream, leading through a lush hardwood forest landscape en route to a historic Civil War mill. Dogs can also embark on this trail, so don’t leave your four-legged pals at home!
Where can I find the most scenic hikes in Georgia?
From the mountains of northern Georgia to the beaches down south, the Peach State is brimming with natural beauty. One of our all-time favorite scenic hikes in Georgia is Mount Yonah Trail, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This 4.5-mile hike is quite difficult, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 feet. It’s worth the effort, however, as the trail showcases some of the most striking Blueridge views you’ll ever see. The sunsets are especially spectacular!
What are some easy hikes in Georgia?
Nature is for everyone, and there are tons of easy hikes in Georgia suitable for all ages and skill levels. Some of the very best can be found at Piedmont Park in Atlanta – The Lake Loop in particular is paved and relatively flat, so it’s ideal for beginners. The trail boasts unparalleled views of the city skyline, and it even leads to a playground, so the kids are sure to have a blast. All of the trails at Piedmont Park are four miles or less – easy to squeeze into a busy afternoon.
Address: Anna Ruby Falls Road, Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Georgia 30571, USA
Address: Helton Creek Falls, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Minnehaha Falls Way, Braselton, GA 30517, USA
Address: Tallulah Gorge, Tallulah Falls, GA 30523, USA
Address: Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA
Address: Dukes Creek Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
Address: Raven Cliff Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
Address: Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
Address: Morningside Nature Preserve Trail, Atlanta, GA, USA
Address: High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, 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.
