Whether you're looking for an easy, family-friendly hike, a chill day on the coast, or your next epic adventure into the backcountry, Georgia has something for every explorer. Check out our list of the Peach State's 10 best adventures and start making your plans to explore Georgia today!
1. Explore Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island
Photo: Cameron Cech
This beach, littered with driftwood and gnarled branches, is a great place to spend the day exploring. Swimming, running, hiking, or just chillin’ for the sunset...you can’t go wrong. Learn more.
2. Hike Arabia Mountain
Photo: Rob Giersch
Just 30 miles outside Atlanta, Arabia Mountain makes for the perfect weekend day trip and is great for the whole family. Learn more.
3. Camp on Cumberland Island
Photo: Collin Enstad
A short ferry ride will lead you to the surreal landscape of Cumberland Island where you’ll find several campsites right near the ferry landing. Learn more.
4. Climb the Stairs to Amicalola Falls
Photo: Matthew Ady
Climb the 600 stairs to the top of the tallest cascading waterfall in the South and not only will you get a solid workout, you’ll have a pretty incredible view. If that wasn’t enough, continue on to Springer Mountain for a long hike and more beautiful scenery. Learn more.
5. Hike and Camp the Big Poplar Loop, FD Roosevelt SP
Photo: Jess Curren
If you’re looking to take your family out for their first backpacking trip, this adventure is perfect for you. Easily doable as a day hike, but much more fun spread out over a few days, this trail is an easy 7.8 mile roundtrip hike. Learn more.
6. Hike Blood Mountain
Photo: Rob Giersch
Want a taste of the Appalachian Trail? Head to Blood Mountain in the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains for expansive views and a great workout. Learn more.
7. Hike Cloudland Canyon’s Waterfall Trail
Photo: Alan Maxcy
Descend down into Cloudland Canyon and hike to two beautiful waterfalls, Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. You can camp nearby, too. Learn more.
8. Paddle Banks Lake
Photo: Josh Krehbiel
Hop in your kayak and explore pockets of cypress trees covered in spanish moss. Keep an eye out for the locals; alligators are everywhere, and there are a few osprey around. Learn more.
9. Backpack the Parallel Trail to Yankee Paradise Campground
Photo: Emily Lester
If you didn’t get enough of camping on Cumberland Island, here’s your chance to hike further and see more of the island. At 15 miles round trip, it’s no breeze of a trek, but it’s well worth it. Learn more.
10. Hike to Hurricane Falls, Tallulah Gorge SP
Photo: Matthew Koehnemann
Hike along staircases and across the 1,000-foot gorge over a suspension bridge to reach beautiful views of the roaring falls below. Learn more.
Get more information on these adventures and others around Georgia at Explore Georgia.
Cover photo: Emily Lester
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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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