The mountains around North Georgia offer some of the most beautiful and lush hiking trails in the South. Whether you're just looking for a peaceful day hike, or a week-long Appalachian-style journey, North Georgia has you covered.
The next time you're looking for an adventure, try out North Georgia's best mountain trails located right in your backyard.
Appalachian Approach Trail at Amicalola Falls. Access trailhead at Amicalola Falls State Park. 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road, Dawsonville. www.atlantatrails.com
This 15.6-mile loop departs from the stunning waterfall located at Amicalola Falls and takes you all the way to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain. Hike part or all of this diverse trail, which takes you over hills, through primeavel forests and past trickling streams. Once you're back at the falls, make sure to pick up a soft serve ice cream cone at the visitor's center as a reward for all your hard work.
Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm Loop Trail at Kennesaw Mountain. Access at Kennesaw Mountain. 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw. www.atlantatrails.com
Although many people know all about hiking up to the top of Kennesaw Mountain, you may not realize that you can also enjoy the gorgeous trails located right along the base of the mountain. The 5.8-mile Cheathan Hill and Kolb Farm Loop Trail meanders through a variety of landscapes, including vintage farmland, dense forest with moss-covered trees and open meadows covered with wildflowers. Along the way, you'll see historic locations from the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Arkaquah Trail at Brasstown Bald. 2941 Highway 180 Spur, Hiawassee. 706-896-2556. www.atlantatrails.com
Located at Brasstown Bald in Hiawassee, the Arkaquah Trail offers a diverse mix of terrain and scenery. This challenging hike will take you through lush forests filled with rhododendron, ferns and moss atop high ridges that will give you a breathtaking view and past rock outcroppings that contain 1,000-year-old petroglyphs.
Smith Creek Trail at Unicoi State Park. Unicoi State Park and Lodge. 1788 Highway 356, Helen. 706-878-2201. www.gastateparks.org
This 4.8-mile hike takes you along a compacted soil trail that winds along the Smith Creek. Mountain laurel and rhododendron lead the way on this strenuous hike. Hike the entire 9.6-mile round trip length if you think you can make it. However, make sure to have someone pick you up at the end of the trail if you're not a very experienced hiker -- it doesn't loop.
Hurricane Falls Loop Trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Tallulah Gorge State Park. 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls. 706-754-7981. www.gastateparks.org
Enjoy the unforgettable scenery throughout Tallulah Gorge along this 2-mile mulched trail. Although it's short, it's a toughy -- be prepared to climb 1,099 stairs that take you along the elevation of the gorge. If you have any medical conditions, or little children, you might want to consider another trail.
Sometimes you only have a short amount of time to spend time in the woods. If this sounds like you, check out the hardest Georgia hiking trails you can complete in under an hour.
