These 10 Scenic Mountain Hikes In Georgia Will Leave You Speechless
The scenery in Georgia is always lovely. Whether you’re meandering through vibrant fall foliage or smelling the sweet summer breeze, you’ll want a prime spot to see the spectacular beauty. And what better way to enjoy nature than by embarking on one one of the best hikes in Georgia?
The Peach State is filled with hiking trails of all levels of difficulty, which pay off big time with some scenic views you’ll never forget. Check out these 10 scenic mountain hikes in Georgia, which surely will leave you speechless.
Climbing to the top of this monadnock is a popular hobby for most, despite the fact that the trail itself is only two years old. With views like this, I'm sure you can understand why so many people jump on the chance to hike this rock outcrop. You can get to the trail head at 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038. To learn more, visit the website for Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve.
2. Mount Yonah Trail—3.7-miles in and out
Mount Yonah Trailhead, GA-75, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA
This trail located near Cleveland, Georgia has some pretty sensational scenic views. The good news is, this trail is accessible year-round for hiking, biking, or even climbing. So that means once those leaves start to turn, you better high tail it to Cleveland for some intense hiking. But be warned! Some have called this the most dangerous hike in Georgia.
3. Providence Canyon State Park: Backcountry Trail—7-mile loop
Ahh, Georgia's Little Grand Canyon. It's part of the natural wonders list for Georgia, as I'm sure you can see why. We recommend the scenic hike, plus overnight camping where you'll catch some of the most beautiful starry nights around. You can get to Providence Canyon by heading to Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815. You don' want to miss out on the Grand Canyon of Georgia!
4. Fort Mountain State Park: Cool Springs Overlook—1.6 mile loop
Fort Mountain State Park Road, Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Georgia 30705, USA
First and foremost you can get to the state park here: 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705. When you do, tell them Only In Your State sent you. Just kidding! But do enjoy hiking through some impressive sights, like the Stone Tower and the mountaintop overlook. Fort Mountain State Park is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Georgia.
Located in Blairesville, Georgia, Blood Mountain brings people from all over the world to check out some phenomenal views fro the top. It's about a 1.5 hour jaunt from Atlanta to the trailhead, and it does boast some pretty moderate hiking. But once you get to the top you'll see why all those steep switchbacks were worth it. Lace up your hiking boots and plan your next adventure to the Blood Mountain Loop Trail.
6. Cloudland Canyon State Park: West Rim Loop Trail—4.8 -loop
Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
There are a few trails in
Cloudland Canyon State Park, but this once may be one of the best. Why? Because it follows the rim of the deep gorge on the western side of Lookout Mountain, and you'll just get nonstop views at nearly every turn. You can access the state park here: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738.
7. F.D. Roosevelt State Park: Pine Mountain Trail (Dowdell’s Knob Loop)—4.3-mile loop
F.D. Roosevelt State Park, 2970 GA-190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, USA
Dowdell’s Knob Loop was once a fan favorite of FDR back in the day. This would be the spot where he would either walk alone or entertain guests. You can access the trailhead about a hundred feet from Dowdell’s Knob. Make sure you're ready for those vistas, because you'll reach the highest point of the mountain at nearly 1,400-feet. F.D. Roosevelt State Park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic views in Georgia.
Did you know that Rabun Bald is the second-highest peak in Georgia? At around 4,696 feet, you'll be able to see for miles once you reach the top. It's a bit tricky of a hike, with steep switchbacks and course, rugged terrain. But the overlook provides 360 degree views of our beautiful state, which really can't be missed. Embark on the Bartram Trail for an excursion like none other.
9. Vogel State Park: Coosa Backcountry Trail—12.5-mile loop
Vogel State Park Road, Vogel State Park Rd, Georgia 30512, USA
You can reach this little known park at 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512. But be warned, this hike is not for the faint of heart. Besides the fact it clocks it at nearly 13 miles, it's got some pretty rough terrain and probably shouldn't be tackled for just a day hike. Overnight camping will make this two-day jaunt a more memorable experience. If you're up for the challenge, head over to Vogel State Park.
The Brasstown Bald trail isn't extremely strenuous, but it does provide some sweeping views of the state which cannot be missed. You'll hike from the parking like on a paved trail to the summit, and there you can feast your eyes on everything this beautiful state has to offer. By the way, it is the highest natural point in the state of Georgia, so there's that, too.
What do you think are the best hikes in Georgia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and let’s get outside!
Address: Mount Yonah Trailhead, GA-75, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA
Address: Canyon Road, Canyon Rd, Georgia, USA
Address: Fort Mountain State Park Road, Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Georgia 30705, USA
Address: 4158 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058, USA
Address: F.D. Roosevelt State Park, 2970 GA-190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, USA
Address: Bartram Trail, Georgia 30533, USA
Address: Vogel State Park Road, Vogel State Park Rd, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
Address: Brasstown Wilderness, Young Harris, GA 30582, USA
Address: Blood Mountain, Georgia 30512, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Georgia
April 11, 2022
Elisa Regulski
Which state parks should I visit in Georgia?
Amicalola Falls State Park, located in Dawsonville, is one of the best state parks in Georgia. With 829 acres of spectacular sights, you could spend an entire weekend exploring every nook and cranny. It comes from the Cherokee phrase meaning “tumbling waters,” so it’s no surprise that it’s home to some breathtaking waterfalls. For more fun, visit Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Newnan. Whether you want to hike, fish, or just gaze at the stars, you’ll have a ball at this lovely destination.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Georgia?
The trip to Anna Ruby Falls is one of the most scenic hikes in Georgia. Journey to Chattahoochee National Forest and traverse the easy, half-mile trail. Soon, you’ll reach one of the best waterfalls around! For more fun, visit Long Creek Falls. Located near the end of the Appalachian trail, this is one of the most lovely trails in the state. Need more inspiration? Take a look at our full list of the best waterfall hikes in Georgia.
Address: Mount Yonah Trailhead, GA-75, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA
Address: Canyon Road, Canyon Rd, Georgia, USA
Address: Fort Mountain State Park Road, Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Georgia 30705, USA
Address: 4158 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058, USA
Address: F.D. Roosevelt State Park, 2970 GA-190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, USA
Address: Bartram Trail, Georgia 30533, USA
Address: Vogel State Park Road, Vogel State Park Rd, Georgia 30512, USA
Address: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
Address: Brasstown Wilderness, Young Harris, GA 30582, 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.
