How do we even begin to compile a list of the best natural wonders in Georgia? In a state that’s simply teeming with waterfalls, year-round natural beauty, and hiking trails, it can feel like a list of amazing natural attractions in Georgia never ends. One of my favorite things about the Peach State is how much variety there is in the scenery here. Not only do we have amazing mountain ranges and countless square miles of forests, we’ve also got incredible beaches and even scenic marshes. We’ve done our best to come up with a list of the best nature spots in Georgia - check it out and see how many of these you’ve checked off your travel bucket list:

Best Gorges & Canyons In Georgia

Here in the southeast, we aren’t exactly known for the multitude of massive canyons you'll find in western North America, but that doesn't mean we don't have some great gorges and canyons. These are some of the most awe-inspiring nature places in Georgia and they're worthy of a road trip no matter where you live.

1. Tallulah Gorge

Location: Tallulah Falls

Wow Factor: There's definitely a reason this is considered one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia.

Cost: $5 per vehicle

If you've never been to Tallulah Gorge State Park, you need to make plans to visit pronto! This place is truly one of the most amazing spots you'll ever see in person. It's one of the most impressive gorges in the entire eastern United States at nearly 1,000 feet deep. The canyon is two miles long and offers up some incredible hiking trails. If you pick up a free permit from the state park office, you can even hike on the canyon floor. A limited number of permits are given out each day for the canyon floor hike, so you have to arrive early.

2. Providence Canyon

Location: Lumpkin

Wow Factor: Nicknamed Georgia's Little Grand Canyon, this is a place you have to see in person to truly appreciate the scope.

Cost: $5 per vehicle

This one almost feels like cheating to include on a list of natural wonders in Georgia because it's not 100% natural. Providence Canyon itself did form naturally, but decades of poor farming practices turned it into the massive wonder it is today. Providence Canyon State Park is a hikers' paradise, with plenty of great trails to enjoy.

3. Cloudland Canyon

Location: Rising Fawn

Wow Factor: This is perhaps the most beautiful state park in the South, and it definitely belongs on every Georgian's bucket list.

Cost: $5 per vehicle

It doesn't get much more beautiful than Cloudland Canyon State Park. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll be treated to a magical wonderland. The park spans nearly 3,500 acres and features canyons, waterfalls, mountains, 60 miles of trails, and untouched beauty everywhere you look.

Best Caves In Georgia

There's something so magnificent about the mystery of an underground cave. It's surreal to see the entrance of a cave in Georgia and think about how deep below the Earth's surface the expanse lies. Whether you're spelunking down to the bottom or simply admiring the view from above, these places are pretty spectacular.

4. Ellison's Cave

Location: Walker County

Wow Factor: This cave is incredible, but it is definitely not for beginners. Unless you're an experienced cave explorer, you should probably stick to admiring this one from behind a computer screen. Over the years, several people have died from attempting to explore the cave without proper skill and equipment.

Cost: Free

Not only is this the deepest cave in Georgia, it's the 12th-deepest cave in the United States. It's 12 miles long and over 1,000 feet deep! Ellison's Cave is home to Fantastic Pit, the deepest unobstructed pit in the country.

5. Howard's Waterfall Cave

Location: Trenton

Wow Factor: If you have experience caving, this one is pretty fascinating! Note that you must obtain a permit via the SCCi website prior to entering the cave.

Cost: Free

Caves are delicate ecosystems, so if you're not sure what you're doing, you probably don't want to head out to explore Howard's Waterfall Cave. However, for those with experience exploring caves, this mile-long horizontal cave is quite the treat! It requires quite a bit of crawling, as it's not very tall in most spots. The waterfall in the cave's name is just outside the cave and is typically just a trickle, though it strengthens after heavy rains.

Best Waterfalls In Georgia

The tumbling waters of a massive waterfall in Georgia are among the most jaw-dropping natural attractions in Georgia. We are lucky enough to have quite a few beautiful waterfalls here, and large or small, they each remind you of the power and force that nature can unleash.

6. Amicalola Falls

Location: Dawsonville

Wow Factor: As the highest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet, this one belongs on any list of best nature spots in Georgia!

Cost: $5

One of my favorite things about Amicalola Falls is how easily-accessible it is. You can practically drive right up to it once you’re inside Amicalola Falls State Park! There's a strenuous staircase (175 steps in total) if you'd prefer to get a better view, but it's also easily seen from both the parking lot and a short hike.

7. Anna Ruby Falls

Location: Helen

Wow Factor: The trail to this waterfall is one of our favorite family-friendly hikes in the state. It's perfect for even those traveling with strollers.

Cost: $3

This lovely waterfall just outside of Helen is a great option for those hiking with children - the Anna Ruby Falls Trail is only about one mile in length. It will take you straight to a lovely double waterfall that's stunning in any season. The path is paved and features great views of this gorgeous natural wonder.

8. Toccoa Falls

Location: Toccoa

Wow Factor: This is one of the largest free-standing waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

Cost: $2

Toccoa Falls is tucked away on the campus of the college that shares its name. At 186 feet in height, it's quite the impressive sight, especially in the winter, when it occasionally freezes over. The falls' beauty inspired a number of Cherokee legends.

9. Minnehaha Falls

Location: Lakemont

Wow Factor: This is an enormous waterfall with a relatively easy trail to reach it - it's definitely worth a visit!

Cost: Free

The hike to Minnehaha Falls isn't too strenuous, and at only about 0.4 miles in length, it's quite kid-friendly. The multi-tiered cascading waterfall is gorgeous and quite a sight to see in person. For more information about this great trail, check out our friends at Alltrails.

Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Georgia

With so many natural attractions in Georgia, it only makes sense that we also have some of the best scenic overlooks from which to view them. From our amazingly beautiful drives to hikers' paradises, there's no end to the great viewpoints in our gorgeous state.

9. Brasstown Bald

Location: Hiawassee

Wow Factor: It's the highest point in Georgia and you can see all the way to Atlanta from here - quite impressive!

Cost: $5

As the highest natural point in Georgia, no list of the state's natural wonders would be complete without the mighty Brasstown Bald. Whether you hike or drive to the top of this stunning mountain, you're in for quite a treat. The views don't get much better than this, and it's one of the best places in the state to catch a sunset.

10. Stone Mountain

Location: Stone Mountain

Wow Factor: Stone Mountain Park is the most-visited tourist attraction in Georgia. This place is a natural wonderland, whether you're camping or just visiting for the day.

Cost: $20 per vehicle to enter the park

Stone Mountain may be best known for its giant carving of Confederate soldiers, which is the largest bas relief artwork in the world. However, the mountain itself is a true natural wonder. The base of this massive rock is more than five miles in circumference. You can reach the spectacular views at the top either by aerial tram or a walk-up trail.

Best Rock Formations In Georgia

Our northern mountains have some pretty spectacular scenery, and some of the rock formations there are surprisingly unique! As some of the best must-see nature in Georgia, these places belong on everyone's bucket list.

11. Arabia Mountain

Location: Stonecrest

Wow Factor: Arabia Mountain has a unique ecosystem and features a special variety of plants and animal life.

Cost: Free

Arabia Mountain is one of the state's most underrated wonders. This place honestly looks like something from another planet! The preserve here spans more than 40,000 acres and has opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. This is one of three monadrocks in Atlanta. Monadrocks are made of hard minerals that remain behind when the surrounding land erodes. Since they're so much taller than the surrounding area, they can be quite striking.

12. Lookout Mountain

Location: Lookout Mountain

Wow Factor: On a clear day, you can see seven states from here!

Cost: $27 for adults

Lookout Mountain is right at the border of Tennessee and Georgia. This place offers up some incredible views from its 2,389-foot peak. A massive Civil War battle was fought here, and the mountain was also the site of a frontier battle against the Cherokee. Today, it's a peaceful place where people come to hike and enjoy the scenery.

Unique Natural Wonders In Georgia

Some of the best nature spots in Georgia are easily fit into categories like "waterfalls" or "rock formations," but as you know, we're a unique state. Some of our natural attractions don't fit into pre-determined labels quite so easily.

13. Okefenokee Swamp

Location: Waycross

Wow Factor: As the largest blackwater swamp in North America, this is definitely worth a visit!

Cost: $5-30, depending on entry point and tour options

This swamp along the Georgia/Florida border is both a National Natural Landmark and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. Spanning more than 438,000 acres, this shallow swamp is truly incredible. The water has a dark appearance due to the decaying plants within it. The Okefenokee Swamp is an immensely important habitat for countless animal species, most famous of which is the American alligator.

14. Radium Springs

Location: Albany

Wow Factor: This is one of the most beautiful places in the state and truly unique.

Cost: Free

You won't find many places like Radium Springs. This magical spring pumps more than 70,000 gallons of 68-degree water per minute out of an underground cave. The water is a gorgeous clear blue. A resort and casino once stood here, and at one time, it was a popular spot for swimming. Visitors are no longer allowed to get into the water, but walking around the grounds is an absolutely amazing experience.

15. Warm Springs

Location: Warm Springs

Wow Factor: While the springs are no longer accessible to the public, a visit here is a must for any history lover.

Cost: The springs themselves are not open to the public.

This one's not actually a tourist attraction any more, but it certainly is deserving of its spot on a list of natural wonders in Georgia thanks to its historical significance, if nothing else. The town sprung up around the 89-degree springs that were famously used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited frequently to soothe his pain from polio. He loved the area so much that he had the Little White House built here! The springs are no longer open to the public, but the Little White House is a great museum that's set up just as it was during FDR's lifetime.

16. Driftwood Beach

Location: Jekyll Island

Wow Factor: As one of the most beautiful beaches in Georgia, we think this one's a must-visit.

Cost: $8 daily fee to access Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach looks straight out of a story book. Believe it or not, this area was once home to a Jekyll Island forest. Over the years, the trees have eroded down, leaving this magical scene that's unlike anywhere else in the state.

Wow! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a road trip to check out some of these great nature spots in Georgia. How many of these have you seen in person? Any that you think belongs on the list that we didn't mention? Share your thoughts in the comments!