The Best Backpacking in Georgia

The Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness make up the wild and scenic southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blood Mountain trail offers the day hiker a taste of the Appalachian Trail that does not disappoint. The hike starts at the Byron Reece trailhead at Neels Gap where ...

Miniscule compared to the Grand Canyon, this vibrant-colored canyon offers a unique adventure unlike any other in Georgia. The most popular way to explore the canyon is through the 4.8 mile Canyon Loop Trail in the Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area. ($5 for parking) The White Blaze Canyo...

Park at the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The fee to park here is $4. There is extra parking alongside the road if the parking lot is full. The trail begins opposite the parking area, noted by a wooden sign. The trail gains elevation here and there with several drop-offs secured by cable cord f...

Cumberland Island is surreal. Although a ferry ride is required from the mainland, it is well worth it. Hopping off of the short boat ride, you can feel that this place is something special. Live Oaks covered in Spanish Moss cover the entire island. Only a certain number of people are allowed on ...

Begin your journey from Amicalola Falls State Park. Despite the steep climb, you should park at the base of the falls and climb the steps for a great view of one of the grandest falls in the South. (For more on that hike, see: "Climb the Stairs to Amicalola Falls"). From the top of the falls, fol...

Once you have reached the island by ferry from St. Mary's, GA, you will receive an orientation about your campsite and the island (You can rent bicycles at the main office on the island, too). Stafford Beach is 3.5 miles from the ferry landing so you will have plenty of time to explore the island...

We camped a few nights in the F.D. Roosevelt campground in our Airstream before setting out for two nights in the backcountry. Our first stop was at the Visitor Center to talk with the ranger and plan our route. Some of the campsites are limited and must be reserved in advance with the ranger, so...

Starting at the trailhead you begin by following the yellow blazes. The trail isn't well marked so keep an eye out for the blazes you see. The trailhead starts at the dead end of Kelsey Mountain Trail. The path immediately starts to incline and doesn't stop. A few minutes in you will come to a fo...

Hogpen Gap is one of six "Gaps" of North Georgia. If you are planning to go on this trip from town, you will be starting from a parking lot at the bottom of the trailhead. If you happen to be thru-hiking on the AT, you just take an extra half-mile of your hike and begin following the blue blazes....

North Georgia is packed with awesome mountain trails, but few boast the beauty and magnitude of the Appalachian Trail. The hike from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain is one of the more scenic sections of the AT in Georgia, in terms of mountain views.  Do this hike as a full day hike, or spread ...

Start your adventure in St. Mary's, GA, where the [Cumberland Island National Seashore Ferry]http://www.cumberlandislandferry.com/) is located. You'll receive your tickets and hop on the ferry for a 45 minute ride to the island. Once you are dropped off at Sea Camp you will be given an orientatio...

Fort Mountain rises prominently from the plateau to the West, serving as the start of the Blue Ridge Mountain range in Georgia. The Gahuti Backcountry Trail circumnavigates the mountain, with several overlooks with views in all directions.  At 8.1 miles, this hike is moderately difficult, but can...

Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia's highest elevation State Park.  It is adorned with several waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, blooming Rhododendron's, and plenty of miles of trail.  The James E. Edmond trail is the longest and by far most challenging hike in the park.  Its medium-long dis...

Providence Canyon Backcountry Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Louvale, Georgia.

Jacks River Trail Through Hike is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Epworth, Georgia.

Wolf Laurel Top via Appalachian Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Blairsville, Georgia.