In one of my recent blog posts I highlighted 12 Hikes Less Than An Hour From Atlanta, but today I want to broaden your search to outside the metro Atlanta area. Georgia has so many beautiful trails that are 100% worth the drive. Many of these hikes you could combine to make a full day trip or visit them each one by one. As recommended before, make sure you buy the Georgia State Parks Pass ahead of time or you will have to pay $5 when you arrive at many of these spots.
#1: Fall Branch Falls
Nestled between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, Fall Branch Falls is the perfect short hike. To extend your hike, head up another mile to the Stanley Gap trail and then turn around. Fall Branch Falls is easy to moderate and is very shaded, perfect for the summer time. We hiked 3 total miles and it took us around an hour and a half to complete. There is not a lot of parking so many times people park along the road. Fair warning, there is a gravel road to gain access to the parking. It is around an hour and 40 minutes from Atlanta. There are lots of great wineries to explore in Ellijay after your hike. Cost: Free
#2: Cloudland Canyon
I was so happy when I made the 2+ hour drive out to Cloudland Canyon last summer. Cloudland Canyon gets very crowded on the weekends so make sure you arrive before 9 am. First, I hiked the West Rim Loop Trail. This trail is 5 miles long and offers stunning views around the canyon. Go right at the loop to have a gradual incline and see the canyon views first. After the first trail, I headed down in the canyon for the Waterfalls Trail which is 2 miles out and back. There are two stunning falls to see and enjoy. Unfortunately, what you hike down to you must hike back up and the stairs back up are brutal. You get a full day worth of views at this state park! They offer camping as well if you want to spend the night. Cost: $5
#3: George W. Disney Trail
My only memory of Dalton growing up were the many softball tournaments but now I can associate it with this amazing hidden gem. Make sure you follow the exact directions for the parking on All Trails as it is sort of hidden behind the church. George W. Disney trail is hard to moderate in my opinion since the first .75 of a mile is straight up hill. There are lots of turns, roots, and exposed rocks so make sure you have on quality hiking boots. Also, avoid visiting after a recent rainfall since it is quite steep. Once at the top, you’ll see stunning views of west Georgia. The trail looks like it continues past the amphitheater seating but go ahead and turn back. This 1.5 mile out and back trail took me around an hour to complete. It took an hour and twenty minutes to drive to it from Atlanta. Cost: Free
#4: James H. Floyd State Park
This unique state park is located an hour and a half from Atlanta but I combined it on the same day I did the George W. Disney trail. There aren’t a ton of trails at James H. Floyd State Park, but I parked at the beginning of the Jenkins Gap Trail to gain access to the Marble Mine Trail. I then took the Upper Lake Loop back to my car. This overall loop creates a 2 mile trail that took me around 45 minutes to complete. I decided to sit on a swinging bench near the visitors centers to enjoy my lunch and take in the views of the lakes. Cost: $5
#5: Bearden Falls
I heard about Bearden Falls from a local hiking Facebook group. It is an hour and 40 minute drive from Atlanta. There is a 2 mile dirt road leading up to the trail head. There are a good amount of pot holes so it is recommended to take a car that can handle it, but my little Corolla did just fine when I took it slow. Bearden Falls is a 3 mile out and back trail that crosses over the creek many times. After the second crossover of the creek it might look like the trail goes straight, it doesn’t, turn right and cross over the creek again! It is flat most of the way until the last half of a mile, which is a hand scramble to get to the top, but it is 100% worth the view. I didn’t see a single soul on the trail all day so I recommend making sure you have the AllTrails map up on your phone. Cost: Free
#6: Edge of the World Trail
Edge of the World Trail is a little over an hour from Atlanta located near Dawsonville. It nestles right along Amicalola Creek and when you take the stairs down to the trail turn left and head down half a mile to reach the end. The end offers stunning views of the creek. It is a fantastic spot to read, eat lunch, and enjoy a quick dip in the water as well. This 1 mile trail is easy and perfect for families. Cost: Free
#7: Providence Canyon State Park
Many know this trail as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” and it needs to be added to your list! A little over two hours from Atlanta in the southwest corner of the state, Providence Canyon offers views similar to those on the west coast. We combined exploring the different canyons with the perimeter loop trail for a 3.4 moderate hike. Inside the canyons there will be a lot of water after a fresh rainfall so make sure you bring appropriate shoes. As this spot is very popular, I recommend coming on a weekday or arriving before 9 am on a weekend to beat the crowds. Cost: $5
#8: Lulu Land Lake Trust
Lulu Land Lake Trust is a little different from most of the trails on this list because it is located on private property. A little over a two hour drive from Atlanta, Lulu Land Lake Trust is open to visitors on the first and last weekend of each month. It requires a reservation to enter. The morning time slots usually sell out a month in advance so make sure you snag them early! To make a full loop around the property we took part of the Nature Loop to the South Creek Trail, to Ovenbird Trail, up to Bluff Trail and down to the Lulu Falls trail. The falls are the best part of the hike but at the top of the bluff trail you have beautiful views of Georgia as well. We took the North Creek Trail back to the Ford Trail and the road down to the parking lot. After your visit here, stop by Qualusi Vineyards on your way home! Cost: $17.75
#9: Vogel State Park
I first visited Vogel State Park in late October of last year and it is the perfect place to see fall foliage! Around a 2 hour drive from Atlanta, you head up a windy road perfect for a motorcycle loving spouse like mine. When you get into the park you have many options! I recommend the Trahlyta Lake Trail, an easy one mile loop that you go down a lit bit to see a beautiful falls where the dam’s spillway is. If you have time and want a more challenging hike, I recommend the hike to Blood Mountain! On the weekends you can enjoy swimming in the lake, renting a kayak, or paddle boat. Make sure to arrive early as parking is limited! Cost: $5
#10: Helton Creek Falls/DeSoto Falls
These two beautiful falls can easily be combined together since they are about 10 minutes apart and just south of Vogel State Park. Another 2 hour drive from the city, you will take a 2 mile dirt road to Helton Creek Falls. It is easy .1 of a mile down to the falls and it is a great swimming spot during the summer. Just down the road is DeSoto Falls. There are lower falls and upper falls to visit, but the upper one is the star of the show! The full hike is just over two miles to both of the upper and lower and is easy to moderate. Helton Creek Falls is free to visit while DeSoto Falls costs $5 to visit.
#11: Fort Mountain State Park
Located just past Ellijay, Fort Mountain State Park is a two hour drive from Atlanta and offers 360 degree mountain views. I hiked the Cool Springs to Mill Creek Falls Loop. There is limited parking at the actual start of this trail. If so, park at the cul-de-sac and hop on the Gahuti Trail until it connects. It was a 5.7 mile loop that rates moderate to hard. It took me around two and a half hours to complete. Reward yourself at the end with the view of Cool Springs as it is one of a kind! Cost: $5
There are so many fantastic trails outside of Atlanta! They might take a little longer to drive to but as you can see they are worth the trip! I have only skimmed the surface with this list. There are many more trails I want to conquer outside Atlanta and will be adding to this post along the way! What is your favorite trail over an hour from Atlanta that I should go visit next?
