our favorite hikes in
north georgia
Experience our beloved blue ridge
Hiking trails in North Georgia provide a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe. Whether you prefer a soft forest path with gentle elevation or a challenging scramble up rocks to the summit, there’s a hike in North Georgia perfect for you.
The breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains enchant hikers with diverse flora, wildlife, and seemingly endless waterfalls. You’re bound to come across white tail deer, woodpeckers, a variety of hawks, and even wild turkey. And with over 700 waterfalls in Georgia—the majority in the northern part of the state—you’ll find dozens of hikes in North Georgia that wind along trickling creeks to mesmerizing waterfalls.
These waterfall hikes are perfect in the summer months, should you wish to pause for a refreshing dip along the way—which we highly recommend. Why not sit for a spell, cool your feet in the creek, and recharge with one of our tasty packed sandwiches? But no matter the season, we believe hiking in North Georgia is a rewarding experience.
In autumn’s prime, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a hike in North Georgia that isn’t stunning. The weather in the fall is not only perfect for hiking (crisp, but often pleasant enough to leave the jacket at the lodge), but the colorful vistas may just make your heart skip a beat.
Winters in this region tend to bring little snow, so hiking trails in North Georgia are usually accessible year-round. Plus, winter hikes can be especially invigorating and all the more rewarding when you return to the lodge, throw off the layers, and cozy up to the fire with a rich hot chocolate.
Spring is the wettest month in the Blue Ridge, but when you hike in North Georgia during this season, your mood will be lifted by the brightest greens. The forest trails will be brimming with new life. Keep a look out for blooming Azaleas, Mountain Laurel, and the Cherokee Rose.
For managing stress, clearing your head, and caring for your body during your visit, there’s no better way than exploring North Georgia’s hiking trails. North Georgia hikes promise stunning views, fresh mountain air, and connection with nature to rejuvenate and soothe the soul.
here’s where to hike in north georgia:
To help you plan your peaceful stroll, family-friendly adventure, or a rugged trek to a rewarding summit panorama, we’ve created a guide to the best North Georgia hiking. These are the trails we keep coming back to for energizing sunrises, calming sunsets, or simply the refreshing sound of silence—a rare and guiltfree indulgence. From short out–and–back walks to rigorous all-day loops and everything in between, you can find a North Georgia hike for any fitness level.
So, if you’re ready to embark on your North Georgia hiking adventure:
Lace up your boots, grab your water bottle, and discover for yourself why North Georgia is a hiker’s paradise!
Dahlonega and the North Georgia mountains are brimming with trails to suit every adventurer. From hidden gems to well-traveled routes, these additional hikes showcase the region’s stunning landscapes and natural charm. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk or a scenic journey, these trails offer even more ways to experience the beauty of the mountains.
Dick's Creek
This short but rewarding trail leads to a stunning 60-foot waterfall cascading into a clear pool, surrounded by lush forest. This North Georgia hike is perfect for a quick escape to nature. | 22 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 1.4 miles roundtrip. Difficulty: Easy
Desoto Falls Trail
This family-friendly hike that visits two scenic waterfalls, the lower and upper DeSoto Falls, amidst the lush Chattahoochee National Forest. | 23 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 2 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Easy
Duke's Creek Falls Trail
This accessible trail descends to a viewing platform looking out onto the 150-foot Dukes Creek Falls, nestled within the forest. | 25 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 2 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Easy
Blood Mountain (via Byron Reece Trail)
As the highest peak on Georgia's Appalachian Trail, Blood Mountain provides hikers with panoramic vistas after a challenging ascent through lush forests. | 27 Miles from MTL
Trail length: 4.3 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Strenuous
Yonah Mountain Trail
This classic North Georgia hike leads up nearby Yonah Mountain. Expect impressive views of the surrounding valleys and unique rock formations.
| 27 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 4.4 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Raven Cliff Falls Trail
The trail to Raven Cliff Falls is a popular hike in North Georgia winding through a shaded forest. There are several places to cool off, as you make your approach to the unique waterfall cascading over a raven-look-alike rock formation. | 29 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 4.9 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Moderate
Helton Creek Falls Trail
A short trail leading to two beautiful waterfalls, the lower and upper Helton Creek Falls, with a serene swimming hole at the base. If you’re looking to splash more than trek, this North Georgia hike is for you. | 30 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 0.6 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Easy
Bear Hair Gap Trail (Vogel State Park)
TThis loop trail provides scenic views of Vogel State Park and the surrounding mountains, traversing through diverse forest habitats. | 30 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 4 mile loop. Difficulty: Moderate
Panther Creek Falls Trail
Following Panther Creek, this trail leads to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall with a sandy beach area, popular for all-day hikes and camping. | 47 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 7 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Moderate
Tallulah Gorge State Park Trails
One of the more unique hikes in North Georgia, sections of this trail overlook a 1,000-foot-deep gorge. A challenging staircase descent takes you to the gorge floor, offering views of waterfalls along the way. | 46 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 2-3 miles. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Top trails for your next adventure:
try these first
Amicalola Falls Park
Amicalola Falls Park is where you’ll find Georgia's tallest waterfall. Follow the path and stairstep your way on this scenic climb to the 729-foot waterfall, stopping for stunning views of the cascading water at platforms along the way. This is a particularly versatile hike in North Georgia because you can choose from various trails to select your preferred hiking distance.. | 18 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 2 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Moderate
Lake Zwerner Trail
Encircling the Yahoola Creek Reservoir, this trail offers tranquil lakeside views and is popular for walking and running. Though this trail has some steep climbs, they’re short, making this a moderate North Georgia hike. | 7 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 3.2 mile loop. Difficulty: Moderate
Preacher's Rock (via Appalachian Trail)
This short segment of the Appalachian Trail leads to Preachers Rock. Here at the summit you’ll be rewarded with an unsurpassed panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a favorite for sunrise and sunset hikes. | 19 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 2 miles round-trip. Difficulty: Moderate
Springer Mountain (Appalachian Trail Southern Terminus)
Visit the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This iconic hike in North Georgia offers sweeping mountain views and a chance to stand where thousands of ambitious adventurers embarked on their 2,190 mile journey through the woods. | 20 Miles from MTL
Trail Length: 2 miles round-trip (via Appalachian Trail Approach). Difficulty: Moderate
