Some of Georgia's best hiking trails lead to some place magical. Whether that be a hidden gem deep in the heart of the woods—This One Easy Hike In Georgia Will Lead You Someplace Unforgettable—or a secret bamboo forest. Georgia hiking usually holds a little bit of history no matter where you go. That's why these 11 Georgia hiking trails lead to some place incredible, especially involving pieces of history.
1. Sope Creek Trail
The Sope Creek Trail in Georgia is a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike which takes hikers to the Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins which date as far back as the Civil War. While there isn’t much left to these ruins, it still is a magical experience to hike along this piece of Georgia’s history.
2. Doll’s Head Trail
What makes Doll's Head Trail so unique is the fact that the entire trail is peppered with pieces of reclaimed artwork. Doll's Head Trail has become a piece of Georgia's history, mainly because of this reclaimed art which was once garbage that now holds an entirely different meaning.
3. Blood Mountain Loop
The Blood Mountain Loop Trail is about 6 miles in length and roughly takes about 3-5 hours to complete. Hikers are able to take the loop trail to one of the most historical spots in the state—Blood Mountain. As the highest peak on the Georgia part of the Appalachian Trail, Blood Mountain has incredible views that are worth checking out.
4. Wormsloe Plantation
Wormsloe Plantation has become quite the tourist location, with people coming from all over to visit the famed Spanish Oak lane. However, many people don’t see the historical importance that this spot provides as well. The area in Wormsloe Historic Site was used to protect the city of Savannah from potential Spanish invasion.
5. Sunset Rock - On Lookout Mountain
A quick 3.5 miles roundtrip, the hike from Point Park on Lookout Mountain provides outstanding views in every direction plus a bit of history, too. The beautiful mountain range has quite the history within the state of Georgia, dating back from Cherokee inhabitants to Civil War times. Head on up to the mountain and check out some sensational sunset views.
6. Emery Creek Trail
Emery Creek Falls Trail takes guests through the woodsy range and moderately intense trail. There are several waterfalls in the area that guests can venture through plus some old historic spots that are worth checking out. Like the old fire truck that nature has been reclaiming. A bit more difficult of a hike at just over 6 miles, this is still one for the books.
7. Smith Creek To Anna Ruby Falls
The Smith Creek Trail at Unicoi State Park is just north of Helen, Georgia and provides some pretty spectacular views. Not only do you get to see waterfalls up the wazoo, but there are other beautiful natural spots along the way to enjoy.
8. Augusta Canal Trail
The Augusta Canal Trail is a gorgeous trail with barely any grade at all, however there are beautiful bits of history throughout. The Towpath Trail in particular runs along the banks of the canal, and takes guests to different scenic spots such as the historical covered bridge.
9. Marble Mine Trail
The Marble Mine Trail at James H. Floyd State Park is a bit of pure magic in the middle of the woods. Not only is there natural wonderment throughout the entire trail, but ending up at the underground waterfall is a definite photo op. This historical trail ends up at the old abandoned mine, which in itself is a thing of beauty.
10. Smithgall Woods State Park
The hiking opportunities through Smithgall Woods State Park are underrated and there are plenty of hidden gems throughout that are worth exploring. With more than 28 miles of trails, you’ll have your choice at which historical spots to peruse. Like the Cathy Ellis trail which has a wooden bridge cross section over a historic water ditch which was part of the mining history in the state.
11. Arkaquah Trail - Brasstown Bald
The Arkaquah Trail through Brasstown Bald is one of the greatest hikes you can take, albeit a quite difficult one. There are tons to do throughout this trail, including taking in the incredible views from Georgia’s highest peak. Talk about history.
Let's keep this list going! Share with us some of your favorite trails that have historical importance in the state.
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