Best Hiking in Georgia: 13 Must-Visit Trails

There are so many great trails for hiking in Georgia! With a variety of scenery including waterfalls, canyons, and even red rocks, you’re sure to find a hiking trail you’ll love. I’ve organized these Georgia hiking trails by difficulty level. Let’s get started with the easy hiking trails!

Hiking in Georgia: Easy Trails

Duke’s Creek Trail

White County, GA

Duke’s Creek Trail is absolutely gorgeous! You’ll have beautiful views of the waterfall as you hike the 2.3-mile out and back trail. Going down to the viewing area is very easy. The trail is wide and easy to navigate. You may get your heart rate up a little more on the way back up, but it isn’t too hard.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, take one of the side trails down to the creek. This is a popular trail and can get quite crowded, especially in the summer months. Consider going early in the day to beat the crowds. There is a large parking lot with some picnic tables near the start of the trail. Parking is $4 per vehicle.

Providence Canyon Perimeter Loop Trail

Providence Canyon State Park, Stewart County, GA

Providence Canyon State Park is a beautiful place for hiking in Georgia that will remind you of the red rocks in the southwest! Nicknamed “Little Grand Canyon” this park has colorful sculpted walls of red sandstone that drop down to flowing streams at the bottom. The Perimeter Loop Trail is an easy 2-mile path that skirts the edges of the canyons with views down into the ravines. You’ll want to bring hiking boots with good traction for walking on the sandy soil here as it can often be loose and slippery.

The Pigeon Mountain Pocket

Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Walker County, GA

This easy trail is perfect for all skill levels. There is an accessible boardwalk most of the way so it’s great for families with strollers and people with mobility challenges. You’ll see many beautiful wildflowers and butterflies in the spring and summer months. If you’re up for a little more, there is a trail at the end of the boardwalk that takes you all the way down to the falls. That section is fairly rocky and tends to be muddy. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, go behind the falls to see the little cave hidden behind the waterfall.

Anna Ruby Falls

Unicoi State Park, White County, GA

Starting at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center, this .9-mile Georgia hiking trail is paved the entire way. You’ll walk through a beautiful section of the Chattahoochee National Forest down to the pair of side-by-side waterfalls, a unique and breathtaking sight. As you follow the trail you’ll pass by wildflowers, granite boulders, and several signs telling you about the history, geology, and wildlife of the area. This trail is stroller friendly and pet friendly so it’s perfect for the whole family.

Island Ford Trail

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Sandy Springs, GA

If you’re looking for a scenic trail for hiking in Georgia without getting too far out of the city, check out Island Ford Trail just north of Atlanta. This trail is great for exploring the woods, having a picnic, going for a run, or just relaxing in nature. You’ll have views of the Chattahoochee River and some small waterfalls. The 5.4-mile trail is mostly flat with a few ups and downs. It’s easy to make the hike as long or as short as you want. If you don’t have much time, go for a quick 1-hour walk or jog. If you have longer, you can spend a few hours walking the entire trail and enjoying a picnic.

Hiking in Georgia: Moderate Trails

If you’re looking for something a bit more intense without being too challenging, try out one of these moderate hikes!

East Palisades Trail

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Sandy Springs, GA

This is another great urban hike near Atlanta. On this 4-mile round trip hike you’ll enjoy the sights and soothing sounds of the Chattahoochee River, pass by a small bamboo forest, and climb towering bluffs for spectacular views. You’ll feel far away while still being close to the city. The weaving network of trails can be confusing, but intersections are well marked and there are trail maps throughout. Plan for 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete this hike. The trail is open year-round.

Hurricane Falls

Tallulah Gorge State Park, Rabun County, GA

One of Tallulah Gorge State Park’s most beautiful hikes, the Hurricane Falls trail takes you on a scenic journey towards the set of 6 waterfalls. You’ll have breathtaking views from the 10 overlooks along the trail. The hike takes you around the gorge rim, descends down to the floor of the gorge, and crosses a suspension bridge as you get closer to the falls.

The 2-mile trail is relatively short but steep with a mix of boardwalks, metal stairs, mulched trail, and the suspension bridge. Permits are required to access the gorge floor. You can get a permit on the day of your visit at the interpretive center near the start of the hike. For more information visit the Tallulah Gorge State Park website.

Raven Cliff Falls

White County, GA

This is another beautiful waterfall hike located in North Georgia. The trail is just under 6 miles round trip and is considered moderately challenging. About .25 miles down the trail you’ll pass by a side trail that leads to a swimming hole. Stop and play a while here, or take a swim on your way back. You’ll hear the echoing sounds of the waterfall before you can see it. Once you get there, you’ll have stunning views of the 40-foot cliffs with the waterfall slicing between them. There is a $5 fee to park at the trailhead. The parking lot can fill up quickly during popular times so plan to arrive early if you can.

Amicalola Falls East Ridge Loop Trail

Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville, GA

At 729 Feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia. There are several trails throughout the park. The East Ridge Loop Trail is the longest trail, taking you from the visitors center parking lot all the way to the top of the falls. The hike includes a huge staircase with 604 steps to reach the top. At 2 miles the hike is relatively short but the number of stairs can make it challenging for some. There’s a viewing platform about halfway up where you can pause and take a break as you enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape and views of the falls.

Vickery Creek Trail

Old Mill Park, Roswell, GA

This shady loop trail is just under 3 1/2 miles. It’s not too steep with lovely views of the river. The trail is bumpy with tree roots and can get muddy after rain. Unique sights on this hike include a covered bridge and remnants of an old cotton mill. This is a great picnic spot with plenty of benches available. There is also plenty of parking and a restroom. The trail isn’t very well marked, so you may want to bring a map with you.

Hiking in Georgia: Difficult Trails

If you’re looking for a more challenging or strenuous hike, check out one of the trails below!

Yonah Mountain Trail

Chattahoochee National Forest, White County, GA

The Yonah Mountain Trail is one of the most popular and scenic North Georgia hiking trails. This 4.5-mile trail takes you from the base to the summit of Mount Yonah. You’ll see incredible views and steep drop-offs as you climb. At the top, you’ll have panoramic views as far as you can see. The hike takes you through a mossy, rocky, gravel-filled forest with boulders and wildflowers. There are several side trails but the main trail is well marked with bright green trail blazes. The side trails offer amazing views but the drop-offs can be sudden and very dangerous so be careful! There are some backpacking campsites at the summit and mid-elevation base camp. Campsites are first come first served.

Blood Mountain Loop

Blairsville, GA

Following a section of the Appalachian trail, the Blood Mountain loop is an absolutely gorgeous Georgia hiking trail with varied terrain. You’ll cross several creeks, pass through deep forests, and trek across rocky trails with pretty vistas as you make several steep climbs and descents. Plan for around 3 1/2 hours to complete this challenging hike.

Cloudland Canyon West Rim Loop Trail

Cloudland Canyon State Park

This beautiful hike was rated as one of the top 10 hikes in the United States by Backpacker Magazine! You’ll have scenic views of the canyon and surrounding area on this 5-mile round-trip hike. The trail is rocky with lots of tree roots and is considered moderately strenuous. If you’re up for more of a challenge, consider adding on the 2-mile waterfalls trail. The trail drops quickly down the canyon to 2 waterfalls, Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. With 600 metal stairs and the steep descent down to the second waterfall, this hike will really get your heart pumping! Visit in early spring or winter for the most consistent flow of water over the falls.

Wrapping up Hiking in Georgia

Georgia hiking always offers a scenic adventure, whether you’re an experienced hiker looking to challenge yourself or just a nature lover who wants to get outside and find a new favorite spot. With this list of beautiful trails for hiking in Georgia, you’re sure to find something you love.

While you’re hiking remember to leave no trace to help preserve the natural beauty of these sites and be considerate of trail etiquette to help make sure everyone has a great time. Which trail are you looking forward to trying first?

Ready to discover more destinations for outdoor Georgia adventures? Check out 30 of the Best Places to Go Camping in Georgia!