Hiking in Georgia: Trail Guides and Resources for Atlanta & Beyond

Hiking is one of the best ways to see the beauty of Georgia. From the rolling hills of the North Georgia Mountains to the peaceful plains of South Georgia, from stunning waterfalls to bustling city trails, these Georgia hikes have it all. Check out my Hiking in Georgia resources.

There are thousands of Georgia trails to discover – from the Atlanta metro area and beyond.

Explore the urban hiking trails in Atlanta or head up to the North Georgia Mountains to experience some of the best hikes in Georgia and to conquer Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state.

Tallulah Gorge State Park, Providence Canyon State Park, Ocmulgee National Monument, Arabia Mountain, Raven Cliffs Wilderness, Stone Mountain, Blood Mountain, and Rabun Bald are just a few of the man beautiful places to find hiking trails in Georgia.

To help you plan your perfect Georgia hiking trip, find some helpful resources below.

Atlanta Hiking Guides

Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with these hikes in Atlanta and the metro-Atlanta area. These best hikes near Atlanta, Georgia explore lush forests, rushing rivers, historical Civil War ruins, and stunning mountaintop views.

North Georgia Hiking Guides

Waterfalls and mountain views are the highlights of these top hikes in North Georgia. Enjoy some fresh air in the Appalachian Mountains with an amazing hike.

Hiking in Georgia State Parks

You can find some of the most amazing hikes in the state at the numerous Georgia State Parks. See the beauty of the state, from mountains to canyons to waterfalls, with a Georgia State Park hike.

Hikes in Georgia With a View

These hikes offer overlooks with the most breathtaking views. From distant cities to rolling mountains to awe-inspiring canyons, these are the best hikes in Georgia with a view.

Waterfall Hikes in Georgia

Georgia is home to many great waterfalls. If you’re looking for cascading waters and tumbling falls, then check out these beautiful waterfall hikes in Georgia.

What to Pack for Hiking in Georgia

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Come prepared for Georgia’s trails by making sure you pack the hiking essentials. Check out this list must-have hiking gear before you set off on the trails:

Common Georgia Hiking Questions

Where can I go hiking in Atlanta?


Many people are surprised by how much green space Atlanta actually has. Atlanta and the surrounding area are home to many amazing hiking trails.

Of course, some trails are more rugged than others, and many trails in Atlanta are urban hiking trails.

If you want a hiking experience that feels like you’ve escaped the city, check out

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, and Sweetwater Creek State Park.

If you want an easy hike within the city, check out the popular
Atlanta Beltline Trails and Zonolite Park.

Are there mountains near Atlanta?


There are many great mountain peaks near Atlanta that are perfect for hiking.

Kennesaw Mountain, Stone Mountain, and Arabia Mountain are just a short drive from Atlanta.

Further out, you have the North Georgia Mountains. There are plenty of amazing hikes in North Georgia that are just a 2 hour drive from Atlanta – perfect for a day trip!

Brasstown Bald, Rabun Bald, Blood Mountain, and Tray Mountain are just a few of these great summit hikes in North Georgia’s Southern Appalachian Mountains.

How long does it take to hike Mount Yonah?


The Mount Yonah Trail in Cleveland, Georgia is about 4.8 miles roundtrip. Depending on your hiking speed, it could take you about 3 to 3.5 hours to hike Mount Yonah.

Fun Fact: “Yonah” is the Cherokee word for “bear” and there are a couple bear-themed wineries in the area. Make a day trip out of your hike and visit the local wineries. It’s a great reward for accomplishing a long hike!

How long does it take to climb Blood Mountain?


The hike to the Blood Mountain summit on the Byron Reece Trail, starting from Neels Gap, is about 4.3 miles roundtrip. Depending on your hiking speed, it could take you about 2.5 hours to complete the hike.

You’ll have plenty of time to take in the amazing views from the highest-elevation summit on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.


Ready to go hiking in Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Georgia using Hotels.com.
  • Save on Attractions: Save 40% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

Cheers!

Paige

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Hiking in Georgia: Trail Guides and Resources for Atlanta & Beyond

What are your favorite hiking trails in Georgia?