Georgia truly is a magical spot for hikers of any level. While there are plenty of difficult trails and thru-hikes to tackle, some of the best hikes in Georgia are short and sweet enough that you can knock them out in no time. Easy hikes that also provide breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls, and scenic vistas. We’ve come up with a list of our favorite easy-to-moderate hikes throughout Georgia, which clock in at less than 5 miles. Next time you research “hiking trails near me” in Georgia, keep an eye out for these gems! Take a look:
- Anna Ruby Falls Trail—0.8 miles
Flickr alans1948 Located near Unicoi State Park in White County near Helen, Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls is the perfect trail to hike an easy in-and-out, all while enjoying a rare double waterfall. This trail is less than a mile and filled with everything Georgia nature truly is about. Anna Ruby Falls Road, Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Georgia 30571, USA
- Helton Creek Falls Trail—0.6 miles
Flickr Jeff Moore Much like the Anna Ruby Falls Trail, Helton Creek Falls Trail is a very simple hike that leads you to not one, but TWO waterfalls near Helen, Georgia. It’s an off-the-beaten path kind of place that is totally worth the trip, and the hike. Helton Creek Falls, Georgia 30512, USA
- Minnehaha Falls Trail—0.4 miles
Flickr G. Dawson There’s a Minnehaha Falls Trail in Minnesota and a Minnehaha Falls Trail in Georgia. While the one in Minnesota is beautiful, we’re quite partial to our Georgia trail. In fact, some people claim that this trail leads to the best waterfall in Rabun County. Maybe you’ll have to be the judge. Minnehaha Falls Way, Braselton, GA 30517, USA
- Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve, Mountain View Trail—2.5 miles
Flickr Elle Jaye Dee Located near Lithonia, Georgia, the Mountain View Trail at Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve can lead to some pretty breathtaking sights. The rolling hills and granite outcroppings really make for a stunning backdrop for quite possibly the most mesmerizing sunset you’ve ever seen. Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA
- Tallulah Gorge, Hurricane Falls Loop—2.25 miles
Flickr Alexander Lerch The is THE most popular hiking trail in all of gorgeous Tallulah Gorge. Not only will you catch some incredibly stunning views throughout your hike, but you’ll also catch the ever-magical Hurricane Falls waterfall. Oh, did we mention there was a suspension bridge, too? Tallulah Gorge, Tallulah Falls, GA 30523, USA
- Constitution Lakes Park, Doll’s Head Trail—2.25 miles
Flickr dfbm This easy hike is a bit different from the rest. Doll’s Head Trail, located in Atlanta is an urban wonderland created by an artist looking to re-purpose trash he found along the trail. Someone’s trash is another man’s treasure, as now this quick hike is filled with quirky doll parts and other oddball pieces.
- Hemlock Falls Trail—2 miles
AllTrails/Bruce Frazier The road to the Hemlock Falls Trail begins just south of the entrance to Moccasin Creek State Park. It’s not an intense hike by any means, quick in-and-out, but once you make it to Hemlock Falls, especially after a few days of rain, you’ll see why it’s worth the trek.
- Dukes Creek Falls Trail—2 miles
Flickr ChattOconeeNF A few reasons why we love this easy hiking trail: 1) you can bring along your pups! 2) it’s perfect for all skill levels and 3) once you reach the waterfall, you’ll understand why it’s so majestic. Dukes Creek Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
- Raven Cliff Falls Trail—4.9 miles
Flickr Jeff Gunn You’ll find the trailhead riiiiiiight here: Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545. It’s handy to have, because many people mentioned getting lost. Although this trail is a bit more strenuous than the others on the list, it follows Dodd Creek to the falls, and who doesn’t love listening to rushing water and the sounds of nature? Raven Cliff Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
- High Falls State Park Trail—1.2 miles
AllTrails/Jessica Hutchins High Falls State Park is fairly huge, and the trail is pretty enormous as well. The loop however, is the perfect way to get in some exercise, explore the park, and see the towering waterfall in action. High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
- Sweetwater Creek State Park, Yellow Trail—3 mile loop
Flickr Jeff Gunn There is so much hiking to do in Sweetwater Creek State Park, we really recommend it all. But the Yellow Trail in particular, we’re quite fond of. Why? Because most people stick to the Red Trail in order to see the famed ruins. But little do they know, you can still spot the ruins from across the river, while enjoying a less-trafficked trail. Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
- Morningside Nature Preserve—2 mile loop
Flickr Jim Hodgson A lot of people rave about the Morningside Nature Preserve trails because of the low foot traffic and quiet surroundings. We love this particular trail because although it’s nestled snugly in the busy city of Atlanta, it’s like a little slice of nature that will make you feel a million miles away. Morningside Nature Preserve Trail, Atlanta, GA, USA
Have you tackled these easy hikes in Georgia already? Share your hiking story, and tell us what you think are the best hikes in Georgia! Otherwise, we recommend for all you nature lovers out there, This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Georgia Like You’ve Never Seen It Before.
Flickr alans1948
Located near Unicoi State Park in White County near Helen, Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls is the perfect trail to hike an easy in-and-out, all while enjoying a rare double waterfall. This trail is less than a mile and filled with everything Georgia nature truly is about.
Anna Ruby Falls Road, Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Georgia 30571, USA
Flickr Jeff Moore
Much like the Anna Ruby Falls Trail, Helton Creek Falls Trail is a very simple hike that leads you to not one, but TWO waterfalls near Helen, Georgia. It’s an off-the-beaten path kind of place that is totally worth the trip, and the hike.
Helton Creek Falls, Georgia 30512, USA
Flickr G. Dawson
There’s a Minnehaha Falls Trail in Minnesota and a Minnehaha Falls Trail in Georgia. While the one in Minnesota is beautiful, we’re quite partial to our Georgia trail. In fact, some people claim that this trail leads to the best waterfall in Rabun County. Maybe you’ll have to be the judge.
Minnehaha Falls Way, Braselton, GA 30517, USA
Flickr Elle Jaye Dee
Located near Lithonia, Georgia, the Mountain View Trail at Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve can lead to some pretty breathtaking sights. The rolling hills and granite outcroppings really make for a stunning backdrop for quite possibly the most mesmerizing sunset you’ve ever seen.
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA
Flickr Alexander Lerch
The is THE most popular hiking trail in all of gorgeous Tallulah Gorge. Not only will you catch some incredibly stunning views throughout your hike, but you’ll also catch the ever-magical Hurricane Falls waterfall. Oh, did we mention there was a suspension bridge, too?
Tallulah Gorge, Tallulah Falls, GA 30523, USA
Flickr dfbm
This easy hike is a bit different from the rest. Doll’s Head Trail, located in Atlanta is an urban wonderland created by an artist looking to re-purpose trash he found along the trail. Someone’s trash is another man’s treasure, as now this quick hike is filled with quirky doll parts and other oddball pieces.
AllTrails/Bruce Frazier
The road to the Hemlock Falls Trail begins just south of the entrance to Moccasin Creek State Park. It’s not an intense hike by any means, quick in-and-out, but once you make it to Hemlock Falls, especially after a few days of rain, you’ll see why it’s worth the trek.
Flickr ChattOconeeNF
A few reasons why we love this easy hiking trail: 1) you can bring along your pups! 2) it’s perfect for all skill levels and 3) once you reach the waterfall, you’ll understand why it’s so majestic.
Dukes Creek Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
Flickr Jeff Gunn
You’ll find the trailhead riiiiiiight here: Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545. It’s handy to have, because many people mentioned getting lost. Although this trail is a bit more strenuous than the others on the list, it follows Dodd Creek to the falls, and who doesn’t love listening to rushing water and the sounds of nature?
Raven Cliff Falls, Georgia 30528, USA
AllTrails/Jessica Hutchins
High Falls State Park is fairly huge, and the trail is pretty enormous as well. The loop however, is the perfect way to get in some exercise, explore the park, and see the towering waterfall in action.
High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
There is so much hiking to do in Sweetwater Creek State Park, we really recommend it all. But the Yellow Trail in particular, we’re quite fond of. Why? Because most people stick to the Red Trail in order to see the famed ruins. But little do they know, you can still spot the ruins from across the river, while enjoying a less-trafficked trail.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
Flickr Jim Hodgson
A lot of people rave about the Morningside Nature Preserve trails because of the low foot traffic and quiet surroundings. We love this particular trail because although it’s nestled snugly in the busy city of Atlanta, it’s like a little slice of nature that will make you feel a million miles away.
Morningside Nature Preserve Trail, Atlanta, GA, USA
Do you know of any other easy hikes in Georgia? Tell us about them on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Georgia April 30, 2022 Katie Lawrence Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Georgia? Strenuous, long-distance hikes are out of the question if you have little ones in tow - so it’s a good thing there are so many kid-friendly hikes around Georgia that are short and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy! One of our favorites is the Red Trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs. Only two miles round-trip, this scenic hike parallels a whitewater stream, leading through a lush hardwood forest landscape en route to a historic Civil War mill. Dogs can also embark on this trail, so don’t leave your four-legged pals at home! Where can I find the most scenic hikes in Georgia? From the mountains of northern Georgia to the beaches down south, the Peach State is brimming with natural beauty. One of our all-time favorite scenic hikes in Georgia is Mount Yonah Trail, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This 4.5-mile hike is quite difficult, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 feet. It’s worth the effort, however, as the trail showcases some of the most striking Blueridge views you’ll ever see. The sunsets are especially spectacular! What are some easy hikes in Georgia? Nature is for everyone, and there are tons of easy hikes in Georgia suitable for all ages and skill levels. Some of the very best can be found at Piedmont Park in Atlanta - The Lake Loop in particular is paved and relatively flat, so it’s ideal for beginners. The trail boasts unparalleled views of the city skyline, and it even leads to a playground, so the kids are sure to have a blast. All of the trails at Piedmont Park are four miles or less - easy to squeeze into a busy afternoon.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Georgia
April 30, 2022
Katie Lawrence
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Georgia? Strenuous, long-distance hikes are out of the question if you have little ones in tow - so it’s a good thing there are so many kid-friendly hikes around Georgia that are short and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy! One of our favorites is the Red Trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs. Only two miles round-trip, this scenic hike parallels a whitewater stream, leading through a lush hardwood forest landscape en route to a historic Civil War mill. Dogs can also embark on this trail, so don’t leave your four-legged pals at home! Where can I find the most scenic hikes in Georgia? From the mountains of northern Georgia to the beaches down south, the Peach State is brimming with natural beauty. One of our all-time favorite scenic hikes in Georgia is Mount Yonah Trail, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This 4.5-mile hike is quite difficult, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 feet. It’s worth the effort, however, as the trail showcases some of the most striking Blueridge views you’ll ever see. The sunsets are especially spectacular! What are some easy hikes in Georgia? Nature is for everyone, and there are tons of easy hikes in Georgia suitable for all ages and skill levels. Some of the very best can be found at Piedmont Park in Atlanta - The Lake Loop in particular is paved and relatively flat, so it’s ideal for beginners. The trail boasts unparalleled views of the city skyline, and it even leads to a playground, so the kids are sure to have a blast. All of the trails at Piedmont Park are four miles or less - easy to squeeze into a busy afternoon.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Strenuous, long-distance hikes are out of the question if you have little ones in tow - so it’s a good thing there are so many kid-friendly hikes around Georgia that are short and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy! One of our favorites is the Red Trail at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs. Only two miles round-trip, this scenic hike parallels a whitewater stream, leading through a lush hardwood forest landscape en route to a historic Civil War mill. Dogs can also embark on this trail, so don’t leave your four-legged pals at home!
Where can I find the most scenic hikes in Georgia?
From the mountains of northern Georgia to the beaches down south, the Peach State is brimming with natural beauty. One of our all-time favorite scenic hikes in Georgia is Mount Yonah Trail, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This 4.5-mile hike is quite difficult, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 feet. It’s worth the effort, however, as the trail showcases some of the most striking Blueridge views you’ll ever see. The sunsets are especially spectacular!
What are some easy hikes in Georgia?
Nature is for everyone, and there are tons of easy hikes in Georgia suitable for all ages and skill levels. Some of the very best can be found at Piedmont Park in Atlanta - The Lake Loop in particular is paved and relatively flat, so it’s ideal for beginners. The trail boasts unparalleled views of the city skyline, and it even leads to a playground, so the kids are sure to have a blast. All of the trails at Piedmont Park are four miles or less - easy to squeeze into a busy afternoon.
