Georgia, if you didn’t know, is home to several ancient ruins. Many visitors and residents hike different trails in the state in order to experience the rich history to find what has been left behind. There are quite a few trails in Georgia that feature incredible ancient ruins — pieces of history that have been preserved for all to see. Tackle these eight hiking trails with ancient ruins in Georgia and you’ll develop an ever greater appreciation for the Peach State.

1. Sope Creek Trail
Flickr Wayne Hsieh
During this 1.5-mile roundtrip hike, you’ll be able to see the Marietta Paper Mill ruins in all their glory. Built back in the 1850s, this mill was eventually burned down by Union soldiers in 1864. But the ruins that were left behind are truly spectacular and worth checking out.
Click here to find out more about this Georgia hiking trail.
Address: Sope Creek Trail, Marietta, Georgia, 30067
2. Arkaquah Trail to Track Rock Gap
fs.usda.gov
At almost 11 miles roundtrip, the Arkaquah Trail is not for the faint of heart. However, what you'll find halfway through is something truly spectacular - and totally worth the journey. Track Rock Gap features petroglyphs, still carved into the rock from inhabitants more than 1,000 years ago. These petroglyphs include stick-figures, maps, and other interesting pieces of communication for the times.
Click here to find out more about this Georgia hiking trail.
Address: 2941 GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA, 30546
3. Fort Mountain State Park
Flickr TranceMist
Fort Mountain State Park remains a bit of a historical mystery for many. A few pieces of the puzzle you can see for yourself during your trail hike, including the 885-foot wall considered an ancient stone fortification by the inhabitants of the land many, many years ago.
Click here to find out more about this Georgia hiking trail.
Address: 181 Fort Mountain State Park Road, Chatsworth, GA, 30705
4. Vickery Creek Trail
Flickr Ken Rowland
Hiking through Vickery Creek will give you a fascinating look into the ruins of Georgia's history. The trail at Roswell Mill will allow for a peek into Civil War ruins, plus a covered bridge, alone being worthy enough to the hike.
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Address: Vickery Creek Trail, Roswell, GA, 30075
Flickr Evangelio Gonzalez
What was once a towering textile mill now is left in shambles. By taking the Red Trail through Sweetwater Creek, you'll loop around and wind up at these ancient mill ruins, up-close-and-personal. Bring a camera, because this experience will be hauntingly beautiful and worth documenting.
Click here to find out more about this Georgia hiking trail.
Address: 1750 Mt Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA, 30122
6. Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
Flickr muffinn
One of the most popular sets of ruins in the state is located on Cumberland Island. This four-story home was completed in 1884, but a fire in 1959 left it in ruins. Today, visitors can see up close what remains of this impressive piece of history.
Click here to find out more about this Georgia hiking trail.
Address: St Marys, GA, 31558
7. Big Ferry Trail - Skidaway Island
Flickr G. DAWSON
What's fascinating about the Big Ferry Trail on Skidaway Island, is that all along the route, you'll see ruins from prohibition-era days. Like the liquor sill or empty tubs that sit rusting in the tall grass, which allow a glimpse into the history of what went on hidden in the brush on the coast.
Click here to find out more about this Georgia hiking trail.
Address: 85 Skidaway Island Park Road, Savannah, GA, 31411
8. High Falls State Park
Flickr J. Stephen Conn
The trail throughout High Falls State Park allows for sweeping views of what was once a thriving industrial town. If venture closer to the water's edge, you can see the ruins of a hydroelectric power plant, which was integral to the town before its demise.
Click here to find out more about this Georgia hiking trail.
Address: 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, GA, 30233

Have you been to any of these hiking trails with ancient ruins in Georgia before? Share your experience with us! Or, if you have another trail worth mentioning, let us know in the comments.

Feel like learning more about Georgia history? Check out Few People Realize There’s A Volcanic Chain Right Here In Georgia.

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Hiking Trails With Ancient Ruins In Georgia

Marisa Roman | January 24, 2021

What are the most beautiful hikes in Georgia?

Georgia hikes are truly some of the best in the country. Not only does Georgia have such a uniquely diverse geographical offering, but you can also hike all year long and experience something new with each season. Beyond the historic places in Georgia you can hike mentioned above, you can also check out these 19 epic hiking spots in Georgia that are some of the most beautiful in the state.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Georgia?

Make sure to bring your camera when you check out the unique hiking trails in Georgia because many of these will be most memorable. In case you’ve never been out exploring Georgia during the wintertime, then you should know these are some of the most picturesque experiences you can have. Check out these 8 stunningly magical winter hikes in Georgia.

Can I hike to historical sites in Georgia?

Absolutely! Besides the historic ruins we mentioned in the article above, there are plenty of historic sites you can hike to in Georgia. For instance, this hike in Georgia will take you to a historic graveyard high in the mountains. Also, these 11 Georgia hiking trails will take you on a trip back in time.

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Featured Addresses
Sope Creek Trail, Marietta, GA 30067, USA
2941 GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
Fort Mountain State Park Road, Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Georgia 30705, USA
Vickery Creek Trail, Roswell, GA 30075, USA
1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
St. Marys, St Marys, GA 31558, USA
85 Skidaway Island Park Rd, Savannah, GA 31411, USA
76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA