8 Picturesque Trails In Georgia That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
Just because the snow may be falling, or the temperatures seem to be dropping one degree at a time, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy hiking the great outdoors in our incredible state. Some of Georgia’s best hikes are through the wintery wonderlands outside. If you’re in need of some fresh air and can manage to bundle up in some warm clothes and a jacket, then you’ll love these eight picturesque trails for some of the best winter hikes in Georgia.
1. Upper Falls via Panther Creek Trail—Clarkesville
First on our list of the best winter hikes in Georgia is the Panther Creek Falls Trail. You don't need to hike the entire 6.6-mile trail to experience all the seasonal wonder. This loaded hike features some of the best parts about this state, not to mention an impressive waterfall view to boot.
Visit AllTrails to learn more about hiking this trail.
The Appalachian Trail to the Blood Mountain summit is one of the most beautiful trails for winter hiking in Georgia, although it's gorgeous no matter what time of year. You'll need to be prepared for one heck-of-a-hike though because the elevation gains are quite intense, especially through freshly fallen snow.
Read this article to learn more about hiking to Blood Mountain.
One of the lower elevation trails at Blood Mountain is the Byron Reece Trail. Here, you'll be able to see the thick, snow covered tree trunks and hear nothing but the sound of nature, and fresh snow underfoot. You'll love cold weather hiking in Georgia along this trail.
Visit AllTrails to learn more about hiking this trail.
Springer Mountain has some incredible summit views once you reach the top. The most popular hike, of course, is the Appalachian, but really if you choose any one of the trails though to traipse through, you won't be disappointed. Especially after freshly fallen snow.
Visit AllTrails to learn more about one of several hikes to Springer Mountain.
5. Pratt-Pullman Train Yard—Atlanta
Pratt-Pullman Yard, Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA
(Editor's Note: The Pratt-Pullman Train Yard has been revitalized into the Pratt Pullman District with shops and restaurants. It has been turned into a cultural hub in Atlanta. Read more about it on the official website.)
The Pratt-Pullman yard has a rich history and incredible graffiti throughout the abandoned yard. Once you witness the beautiful colors, mixed with the crisp, white snow you'll never be able to look at the abandoned train yard again the same.
6. Sawnee Mountain Preserve—Cumming
Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center, 4075 Spot Rd, Cumming, GA 30040, USA
Hiking the Indians Seats Trail in Sawnee Mountain Preserve will take you through all the best parts of the area, plus lead you to a killer overlook. After a nice snowfall, take your camera and your boots and see what this winter wonderland is all about. It's one of the most enchanting nature preserves for winter hiking in Georgia.
Read this article to learn more about hiking at Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
7. Chattahoochee Nature Center Trail—Roswell
Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075, USA
The good news about this hike—it's not too strenuous. In fact, this is the type of trail you can walk at a leisurely pace, simply to enjoy breathing in the cool air and getting in some much needed exercise. If you want to take the kids winter hiking in Georgia, this one is ideal.
Visit AllTrails to learn more about hiking this trail.
Once the snow blankets the state, you'll want to hike to the top of a mountain to see just how beautiful it is. Stone Mountain is that place. The views are incredible, perfectly snow-crested as far as the eye can see. Just hiking here is one of the best things to do in the winter in Georgia.
Visit AllTrails for several hiking options at Stone Mountain.
Pretty beautiful stuff, huh? Did we miss one of the best winter hikes in Georgia? What are your favorite hikes around the state during the cold months? Share with us!
Address: Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center, 4075 Spot Rd, Cumming, GA 30040, USA
Address: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075, USA
Address: Pratt-Pullman Yard, Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA
Address: Byron Reece Memorial Trail, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Old Historic U.S.441, Clarkesville, GA, USA
Address: Stone Mountain, GA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hikes In Georgia
January 20, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the best state parks in Georgia?
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Georgia, exploring the numerous parks around the state is a great option. You can hike, camp, and enjoy a variety of additional recreation activities at many of the state parks listed in this post.
What are some of the best things to do in the winter in Georgia?
Although Georgia is a southern state, parts of the state do enjoy the snow during the winter, especially in areas with higher elevations. During the winter, you can visit a frozen waterfall, go horseback riding, ice skating, sledding, snow tubing, and more! There are plenty of options to keep you busy all season long.
Where can I find sled-riding hills in Georgia?
If you’d like to go sledding, you can find several sled-riding hills around the state. Expect to find some of the best sled-riding hills at Stone Mountain Park and Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center. You can find additional places in this post.
Address: Springer Mountain, Georgia 30513, USA
Address: Blood Mountain, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center, 4075 Spot Rd, Cumming, GA 30040, USA
Address: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075, USA
Address: Pratt-Pullman Yard, Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA
Address: Byron Reece Memorial Trail, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Old Historic U.S.441, Clarkesville, GA, 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.
