When most people go hiking in Georgia, they stick to the northern regions of the state, where the land is more mountainous. But to ignore South Georgia and our coastal plains is a mistake! Sure, this area of the Peach State is much flatter and may lack the inclines you’ll find close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great views to be enjoyed. One of our favorite state parks in the lower half of the state is the magnificent Skidaway Island State Park. This 588-acre preserve is just outside of Savannah and features some pretty amazing scenery. There are several excellent trails here, but one of the best ways to enjoy the park is to combine several trails into one and take the Sandpiper, Avian, and Big Ferry Loop Trail.

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Diverse, beautiful, family-friendly…this is such a magnificent state park to explore! For more information on the incredible offerings found at this park (this trail included), check out the Skidaway Island State Park website or give them a follow on Facebook.

We have so many great trails in the Peach State, whether you’re looking for waterfall adventures, beautiful forested paths, or even wanting to check out a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Check out our picks for some of the best hiking trails in Georgia, and you’ll see what we mean! Or, for some scenic views in Georgia that don’t require a hike to reach, check out one of our favorite overlooks.

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Best Hikes In Georgia

What are some iconic, must-do hikes in Georgia?

Georgia is a fantastic state for hiking enthusiasts, boasting a variety of trails that offer scenic views, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. But while they're all pretty stellar, some of GA's trails have just a little extra magic! Here are some of the iconic, famous, and bucket-list hikes in Georgia that you might want to check out:

  • Amicalola Falls Trail: This trail leads to the highest waterfall in Georgia, and one of the most impressive in the southeast. You can hike to the base of the falls, or climb the stairs to the top for a different perspective. The trail is also the starting point of the Appalachian Trail.
  • Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald: This trail follows the footsteps of William Bartram, a naturalist and explorer who visited Georgia in the 18th century. You can hike to the top of Rabun Bald, the second-highest peak in Georgia, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Cloudland Canyon: Perhaps the most famous park in the state, this state park features a stunning canyon with panoramic views, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. You can hike the Overlook Trail for a short and easy walk, or the Waterfall Trail for a more challenging descent into the canyon.
  • James E Edmond Trail: This trail is located in the highest state park in Georgia, and offers a moderate loop hike through diverse habitats, such as hardwood forests, rhododendron thickets, and rocky outcrops. You can also see several waterfalls and creeks along the way, and admire the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Tallulah Gorge: This spectacular gorge is one of the deepest and most scenic in the eastern U.S., carved by the Tallulah River over millions of years. You can hike the Rim Trails for a bird’s-eye view of the gorge and the suspension bridge, or get a permit to explore the canyon floor and the Hurricane Falls.
  • TrackRock Archaeological Area & Arkaquah Trail: This site near Blairsville is home to ancient Native American petroglyphs, or rock carvings, that date back to 1,000 years ago. You can see the symbols of footprints, animal tracks, and circles on the rocks, and hike the Arkaquah Trail for a challenging and rewarding trek to the summit of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.

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