Hiking in Georgia
From short day trips to back country backpacking, Georgia's
mountains have it all! So, if you can't wait to experience
nature, then grab your gear, and hit the trails. However,
before heading up the road be sure to check for any road
closings caused by inclement weather. Simply call the Forest
Service at (706)-695-6737or  log
on to www.n-georgia.com
to get the latest information.
Springer Mountain, located about 28 miles northwest
of Dahlonega,
is the starting point of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian
Trail, which goes through 14 states, is the largest continuous
trail in the east. The Appalachian Trail travels across
Georgia into the high peaks of the Smoky Mountains, and
enters the North Carolina and Tennessee border ultimately
ending 2,000 miles north at Mt. Katahdin, Maine. At Amicalola
Falls you can trek the 8 mile trail, seeing the state's
highest waterfalls, to the southern point of the Appalachian
Trail. Not far from Helen, Georgia is Anna Falls. Here the
twin waterfalls from Curtis and York Creek drop 50 feet,
side by side. There are several hiking trails varying in
length and degree of difficulty. The 4.8 mile Smith Creek
Trail is the most difficult. In the western part of the
Blue Ridge section of Georgia has miles of hiking trails
you can explore. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned
hiker there are trails to delight and excite.
Another trail in northwest Georgia region is the Jacks
River Trail, a 16.7 mile moderately difficult trail.
The Jacks River Trail has several campsites, some of the
state's best spots for fly fishing; however, you should
not drink the water without treating first. It is also important
have some extra clothing or waterproof gear. The trail fords
more than 40 times, and is waist deep in many of the crossing
areas. Other trails that connect with the Jacks River are
the Hickory Ridge Trail, the Beech Bottom Trail and the
Rough Ridge Trail.
The Benton MacKaye Trail, Duncan Ridge and the Cooper
Creek Trails are located north of Dahlonega off hwy
60 near the Taccoa River. These trails are great for everyone,
as they range in levels of required experience. The Coopers
Creek Trail has an  easy
terrain that the beginning hiker will appreciate, while
the wildlife trails are moderately difficult. For a challenge,
check out the steeps of Mill Shoals Trail. Of special interest
is the 260 foot suspension bridge over the Taccoa River
which offers a fantastic view of both of the river. These
trails as well as several others are found within the Coopers
Creek Wildlife Management area. A word of caution-as the
area is open year round to hunters be sure to wear bright
clothing when you visit.
Blood Mountain -found on US 129 North 15 miles from
Cleveland- is Georgia's highest peak in the Appalachian
Trail, and the state's sixth highest mountain. Reaching
a peak of 4,461 feet, the mountain's summit has rock outcroppings
which allow you to view streams, scenic recreation spots,
waterfalls and multiple trails. Blood Mountain is popular
with hikers and there are places to set up camp for overnight
hiking trips. Its summit is also know for an stone shelter
built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corp and
is listed on the National Register of Historical Places
and is still used as a backcountry shelter. Blood Mountain
and nearby Slaughter Gap was the site of a major battle
between the Cherokee and Creek Indians. Other area trails
include De Soto Falls Trail & Campgrounds and Neel's
Gap.
Raven Cliffs Falls Trail, located on GA75N from Helen
on Richard Russell Scenic Highway, is perfect for the whole
family! About 2.5 miles long, it is the road bed of the
Byrd-Matthews Lumber Company logging railroad. As you trek
this easy hike, you will see several waterfalls splashing
into Dodd's Creek, riffle pools, and plant life indigenous
to the Georgia mountains. As you approach the cliffs, you
will find a cliff face of solid rock where the water of
Dodd's Creek tumbles straight down to the pool below. Raven
Cliffs is a popular hike for those visiting Helen
as it is only a few miles away.
Find a good place to camp
in Georgia with our camping guide.
Hiking looking at Mountains by Matt Phillips
Other Hiking Images by Rhonda
Thompson
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