A vibrant city with astounding mountain scenery that will take your breath away, Georgia will get you excited to explore it and create exciting experiences while doing so. Two of the many outdoor activities that you can do in Georgia are hiking and trekking, where you can take in and enjoy the beauty of the state that’s known as the Little Grand Canyon by its residents. If it sounds like the kind of activities that you’d be looking forward to on your outdoor holiday, then you’re coming to the right place. Keep reading this article to know the best hiking and trekking spots in Georgia, the USA, for new unforgettable experiences.
1. Unicoi Lake Trail
You’d love the view when the sun starts to set at Unicoi State Park’s Smith Lake and as it casts a soft, golden glow that gives a warm atmosphere to the forest, and probably even more when it’s autumn when the leaves are turning to a variety shades of red and brown. A 2-mile (3.2 kilometres) loop that goes around the lake is a perfect beginner hiking trail for you and your family. If you’re more of an experienced hiker, you can do more challenging ones that start at the park’s Visitor Centre. On your hiking route, you will pass the lake, Smith Creek, and even the gorgeous Anna Ruby Falls before ending up back at the Visitor Centre.
Unicoi Lake Trail
Address: 1788 Highway 356, Helen, Georgie
Website: Unicoi Lake Trail
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
2. Arkaquah Trail
Located at the Chattahoochee National Forest inside the Brasstown Ranger District, the 11-miles (17.7 kilometres) round trip long Arkaquah Trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail in Georgia and recorded as one of the most challenging routes. The trail starts at Georgia’s highest summit, the Brasstown Bald, then ends at the lower plane of Track Rock Gap, where you can see the ancient Native American petroglyphs at one of the best petroglyphs sites in the state. Arkaquah Trail is famous for its beauty during wintertime, when the leaves of the tree have fallen, revealing breathtaking views of the trail.
Arkaquah Trail
Address: Trackrock Gap Road Blairsville, Georgie
Website: Arkaquah Trail
Price: Free
3. Dukes Creek Falls Trail
This 2-mile (3.2 kilometres) round-trip hike that starts at the Dukes Creek trailhead in Chattahoochee National Forest will take you to several waterfalls and also the gorgeous and lush green forest, then the glorious view of Yonah Mountains will greet you before leading you to the 150-feet (45.7 metres) tall Dukes Creek Falls. The hiking route is famous as a family-friendly one, and you can even take your dog to join you and get closer to nature while admiring the stunning view of the surroundings. You can also sit down and take a relaxing rest at the falls before going back through your starting point at the trailhead. Be cautious though–the rocks at the streams and the waterfalls can get so slippery and the water movement can be rapid.
Dukes Creek Falls Trail
Address: Russell Scenic Highway, Helen, Georgie
Website: Dukes Creek Falls Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 4 USD (parking)
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4. Yonah Mountain Trail
This is the hiking trail for all seasons where you can find a variety of stunning sights while trekking. Spring hike will give you the experience of wildflower-spotting, while you can have a good time hiking in the middle of falling leaves during autumn, and winter hikes will lead you to snow-spotting. Starting off at Chambers Mountain Road, on the southside of Helen, you will start your hike by crossing a bridge over a stream, as you walk deeper into the trail. The peak of your hike is the summit of Cowrock Mountain before you return to the starting point through the same departing route. Climbing gears are essential when you want to explore the summit and mind your distance to the edge to avoid slipping into an unfortunate situation. A round-trip of this hike is around 9 miles (14.4 kilometres) long, and the route can be considered a bit difficult, although the scenery that accompanies your walk is well worth it.
Yonah Mountain Trail
Address: 1900 Chambers Road, Cleveland, Georgia
Website: Yonah Mountain Trail
Opening hours: Mar - Sep: 8am - 7pm (daily); Oct - Feb: 8am - 5pm (daily)
5. Bartram Trail (from USD 158.0)
A hiking journey with a wine tasting–what could be better for your outdoor holiday that’s away from the hectic city life? Explore Bartram Trail to get closer to nature and spot the wildflowers, the towering trees over your head, and the corridors of the rainforest, just like the person the trail was named for did back in 1775. William Bartram was an explorer and botanist who travelled around the area to collect and record botanical species from the forest. Bartram Trail starts at the North Carolina border and you will go down through the lush forest towards Holcomb Creek Trailhead, all the way across Rabun Bald, Warwoman Dell, Becky Branch Falls, and down to Russell Bridge. During the challenging 35-mile (56.3 kilometres) hike, you can also spot Mount Yonah of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, before winding down for your wine tasting at Stone Wall Creek Vineyard, Yonah Mountain Winery, or 12 Spies Vineyard.
Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting
Duration: 8 hours
6. Trahlyta Lake Trail
Right after you start your 2 miles’ (3.2 kilometres) trekking adventure at Vogel State Park Visitors Centre, Trahlyta Lake Trail will bring you to a lovely canopy of the forest that shades you from the sun. You will be taken to a beautiful trek and wooden boardwalk where you can absorb the sight of a calming lake that will give you the reflection of Blood Mountain right before you return to the visitors’ centre. On your way back to the visitors’ centre, you can also stop to enjoy the Trahlyta Falls and appreciate what nature offers you, sight and sound. The trail is considered easy to do so you can enjoy this trip with your family and even your pooch.
Trahlyta Lake Trail
Address: Vogel State Park near Helen, Georgia
Website: Trahlyta Lake Trail
Price: 5 USD (parking)
7. Lake Chatuge Trail
If you’re one who loves to see wildflowers and plants while hiking and getting to admire their bright colours over a lush blanket of greens, then Lake Chatuge Trail might be a right plan for you. The route is considered secure and short at just a mile (1.6 kilometres) long round-trip. Starting at the north of the boat launch at Lake Chatuge Recreation Area, it continues into the forest side of the lake and goes around on the designated path in the forest to return to the starting point. Lake Chatuge is located in the middle of beautiful mountains and is a brilliant spot to do outdoor photography. If you did your hiking during the warm weather months, you could come across people enjoying water sports on the lake, from water skiing, boating, and kayaking.
Lake Chatuge Trail
Address: 1056 Chatuge Dam Rd, Hayesville, Georgia
Website: Lake Chatuge Trail
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 24 hours (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
8. Hemlock Falls Trail
This is a hiking trail with loads of water–clearly a route that your children and dogs will enjoy. It starts at the western shore of the Lake Burton, and after you finished your one-mile (1.6 kilometres) hike, you’ll get to an opening of a clear and refreshing pool that leads to a beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by lush green forest. You will also spot a small bench where you can catch a view of small waterfalls that came from the cliff above Moccasin Creek. As you reach the sandy beach below the waterfall, it’s probably time for you and your family to catch a little break while enjoying the snacks you brought, before finally going back to your entry point and finishing the 2-mile (3.2 kilometres) long route.
Hemlock Falls Trail
Address: Andersonville Lane, Clarkesville, Georgia
Website: Hemlock Falls Trail
9. Appalachian Trail
The most famous hiking trail in the United States will need a serious commitment to do it. The Appalachian Trail is 2,190 miles (3,524.4 kilometres) long and stretches out across 14 states, and takes up to 7 months to cover the whole route by hiking. The route expands between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine, depending on which starting point you choose. There are shelters along the trail, and also outhouses to store food bags at night. Hikers are welcomed to spend the night at the shelters and have a get-together with the community that’s famous for its hospitality and friendliness.
Appalachian Trail
Website: Appalachian Trail
10. Raven Cliffs Falls Trail
Raven Cliffs Falls Trail is the hike that you’d want to do if you’re wanting to see Georgia’s famous and stunning waterfalls. The relatively moderate 2.5-mile (4 kilometres) hike through mossy forests and several small streams will take you to a beautiful 40-feet (12.1 metres) tall Raven Cliffs Falls that is surrounded by magnificent cliff and rocks. It’s a hike that will give you a refreshing feeling and restore your energy after spending your days in hectic city life.
Raven Cliffs Falls Trail
Address: 3000 Richard Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, Georgia
Website: Raven Cliffs Falls Trail
Get closer to nature and spend good quality time to recharge
Hiking is an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family and the view you will meet is something that will be etched in your memory for a long time. Let’s plan out your next outdoor trip and enjoy these best hiking and trekking spots in Georgia, the USA.
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