The hiking trails at Fort Mountain State Park in North Georgia offer an incredible variety of length and difficulty, all with access to the park’s best features: incredible long-range vistas from the mountain’s peak, a mysterious, 800+ foot rock wall, and a 4 story tower built by the CCC in the 1930s. Trails depart from trailheads along well-marked parking areas throughout the park.

The stone wall, winding along 885 feet near the summit of the mountain, is shrouded in mystery, thought to have been built anywhere from 500 to 1500 AD. The builders of the wall are as mysterious as its construction, and its purpose is likewise debated: originally thought to be the foundation of a larger wall, the wall is most widely accepted to have been built as a ceremonial structure similar to the mounds built elsewhere in Georgia, and is thought to have perhaps marked the movement of stars or planets across the night sky.

Regardless of its origin, the ancient wall is impressive: comprised of rocks large and small, it rises as high as 6 feet and winds as wide as 10 feet along its length.

Our hike at Fort Mountain followed the 8.8 mile Gahuti Trail, leading us to the summit of the mountain near dusk. After leaving the rock wall to approach the CCC tower and overlook, we were surprised by a black bear approximately 20 feet in front of us on the trail who, after sitting upright, scrambled away through the trees. After the bear had vanished, we turned to follow a different trail to the tower, only to find ourselves in a grove of trees surrounded by a herd of 8-10 deer.

Trails from the CCC tower lead to the West Overlook, which is accessed by descending a series of wooden stairs and landings towards the overlook. The panoramic vista opens up after descending the stairs, revealing an amazing, 200+ degree wide view of the surrounding mountains and plain. This is truly one of the most fantastic views we’ve seen in Georgia, and provides a serene and beautiful resting spot.

From the West Overlook, follow the yellow-blazed West Overlook Trail towards the summit parking area and continuation of the Gahuti trail towards the Cohutta Mountain summit and Gahuti trailhead.

GPS Coordinates: 34.779667 N, 84.709333 W

Getting there: Fort Mountain State Park is located midway between Chatsworth and Ellijay on Georgia Highway 52. See the map below for driving directions.

The trail departs from behind the park office, passing under a stone arch marking the start of the 10 mile approach trail leading to the start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.  It’s from here that many journeys along the famed trail begin as it winds through the Appalachian Mountains 2100+ miles to Maine.

The trail climbs through young forest, passing a Native American trail marker tree at .1 miles.  The trail crosses a small wooden bridge at .4 miles before winding to meet a gravel road at .54 miles.  Turn left here, following the gravel road as it continues to climb towards Amicalola Falls.

Pass a rock outcrop on the right as the road turns left and begins to ascend steeply.  To the left of the trail, trees begin to thin to reveal views of a nearby ridge.  Reach a clearing at .8 miles, revealing a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains to the left of the trail.   Pause here to take in the view and hear the first sounds of falling water from Amicalola Falls. 

Continue climbing upwards on the trail to reach a parking area at 1 mile.  Turn left here, following signs to the falls overlook.  From the overlook, views of the surrounding mountainscape surround, and the trail crosses a bridge under which the falls begin to tumble to the right of the trail. 

After crossing the bridge, turn left at 1.05 miles to begin the descent alongside Amicalola Falls along a series of stairs and landings.  Reach the bottom of this first set of stairs at 1.18 miles, turning left to hike towards the base of the falls. 

At 1.1 miles, cross the bridge and pause to view the fantastic view of the upper portion of Amicalola Falls.

After crossing the bridge, continue on the trail, descending down a second set of stairs, pausing occasionally to look back to admire the ever-growing view of the falls.  Reach the last step at 1.25 miles as the paved trail begins to wind alongside the tumbling lower falls. 

At 1.43 miles, the river continues to tumble down over large boulders to the right of the trail.    Look to the left of the trail into the steep, wooded terrain to catch a glimpse of several large rock piles thought to be Native American gravesites.  Amicalola Falls was sacred ground to the Cherokee – in fact “Amicalola” translates from Cherokee as “tumbling waters”.

Reach a manmade retention pond at 1.5 miles.  Turn right to follow the yellow-blazed Creek Trail towards the park office. 

The trail winds through young forest above the tumbling creek below.  Reach a set of stairs at 1.88 miles and pass several cottages to the left of the trail before reaching the parking area at 2.1 miles.

GPS Coordinates: 34.557773ºN, 84.249259ºW. Click here to view a GPS map of this trail on Google Maps.

Tallulah Gorge is a sight not to be missed in North Georgia – spanning 2 miles long and 1000 feet deep, the Tallulah River cuts through a deep gorge in the surrounding quartzite rock, creating a stunning set of six waterfalls as it cascades down through the gorge.

Tallulah Gorge State Park is well manicured, with a great interpretive center just off the parking lot.  The center covers the historical and natural details of the area – perhaps a good stop after you’ve had the chance to stretch your legs on a tour of the trails.  This was our second visit to the park;  our first, over a year ago, was cut short by rain and we wanted a chance to re-explore the area.

A set of well marked, well manicured hiking trails (North and South Rim trails) skirts the outer edges of the gorge, providing breathtaking views from the top rim into the deep expanses of the cut rock below over a moderately easy 3 mile loop.  The hiking trails are well traveled; you’re likely to encounter many people along your hike, especially on weekends in peak season.  We rate the hiking a 3 out of 10 for solitude – but the views a solid 10 out of 10 for the chance to peer into the stunning canyon and view some of the most stunning geology we’ve seen in the Southeast.  

We’ve found the views from the Southern rim more picturesque than the North – and found less foot traffic on the trails.  Be sure to take time to rest at the outlook vistas and take in the gorgeous views into the canyon – this is one of the most unique geologic features in the Southeast US.

Arrive early on prime hiking days for a permit to hike down into the floor of the gorge (permits are free but limited to 100 per day).  The hike down is easily traveled and offers the opportunity to cross a suspension bridge that spans the gorge from a height of 80 feet and offers great views of the gorge not seen from the rim.

With views and terrain unlike any we’ve seen East of the Mississippi, we rate the Tallulah Gorge State Park a must-hike, not far from Atlanta (less than an hour and a half from Midtown), and a chance to view some of the great diversity that Georgia has to offer.

GPS Coordinates: 34.739849, -83.390399

The trails to the falls at Panther Creek are usually busy, and for good reason: the payoff at the end of this out-and-back hike is a beautiful cascading waterfall that lands in a deep pool that’s bordered by a wide, sandy flat perfect for camping. It’s no wonder that this is a hugely popular trail among both day hikers and backpackers. Click here to view our topographic GPS map of this hiking trail.

The trailhead is across the street from the parking area; follow the trail along Panther Creek to cross under the highway and emerge into a young forest. As you walk, the sounds of the busy highway disappear as the trail dives deeper into the forest.

At .25 miles, the trail rejoins Panther Creek, here a small, calm course of water. At .5 miles, the trail crosses a small creek feeding into Panther Creek and then travels through a clearing under power wires. The trail has risen far above the creek, which now flows 50 feet below.

The creek, barely visible now, is loudly rushing below through several courses of waterfalls. Panther Creek becomes increasingly louder as the trail approaches a large campsite at .6 miles. The trail then approaches two large rock overhangs at .85 miles. This section of the trail has been rerouted in recent years due to heavy trail erosion; be careful to follow the green blazes through this section to make certain you’re following the current trail.

The trail begins to climb at 1 mile through a wooded area high above creek; the roaring sounds of the creek are still audible as it rushes below. The trail swings back towards the creek, now noticeably calmer in its flow, at 1.25 miles. The trail crosses the creek at a large bridge at 1.4 miles.

Hike along the flat, sandy trail on right floodplain of creek, crossing a small bridge at 1.9 miles as the first of many side creeks meets Panther Creek.

Cross a third bridge at 2.1 miles, and pass a large campsite, as the trail begins to rise above the creek.

At 2.25 miles, bear to the left at fork in the trail back towards Panther Creek; the trail isn’t currently blazed here at this intersection. Panther Creek meets another set of small waterfalls at 2.35 miles as the hiking trail climbs over a large rock outcrop. Cross a small side creek by a small bridge at 2.75 miles before the trail begins to climb a second huge rock outcrop.

The trail crosses another feeder creek at 3.18 miles; well-placed stepping stones make this crossing fairly easy. The trail rises to meet another huge rock outcrop at 3.26 miles; care should be exercised here as trail erosion, as well as a steep dropoff to Panther Creek below, leave little room for error in your step.

Reach the upper falls of Panther Creek at 3.43 miles.

Cross the rock outcrop to reach the lower falls at 3.52 miles, where a sandy flat bordered in large rocks provides the perfect breakfast or lunch spot while watching the impressive – and beautiful – roaring Panther Creek waterfall. Our favorite time to visit the falls is early in the morning ahead of the crowds, especially on weekdays… you’ll likely be the first to the falls and have enjoyed some serenity while eating breakfast before the next hikers arrive.

Return to the trailhead by retracing your route to the falls.

GPS coordinates: 34.698752º N, 83.419456º W

Getting there: signs for the Panther Creek Trail are along US 441, 14 miles North of Cornelia. Turn left, following the sign, onto Glen Hardman Road. Immediately take a right onto Old 441; signs for the trailhead are in 1 mile. There is a $3 parking fee to park.

Bear Creek is a popular destination for both hiking and mountain biking – and for good reason. The valley through which Bear Creek runs is beautiful – and the trail passes alongside a majestic tulip poplar tree that was spared from logging and stands as a reminder of how majestic Georgia’s forests once were.

The hike leaves the parking area at the signed trailhead, coursing alongside Bear Creek to the right of the trail.

The trail begins to climb, leaving Bear Creek below, and splits in a junction with the Pinhoti Trail; keep right at this intersection to continue hiking the Bear Creek trail.

The trail dips down to cross a small creek feeding into Bear Creek at .3 miles. You’ll soon come to a second split of the trail just before a second creek crossing; keep right at this trail split to cross Little Bear Creek as it feeds into Bear Creek.

You’ll cross Bear Creek at .6 miles, your third stream crossing in just over a half mile, and the trail rises to the opposite bank of Bear Creek to meet the Gennett Poplar at .8 mile. This massive poplar rises high into the forest canopy, its circumference of 18 feet dwarfing the trees around it (and most of the trees in the Eastern U.S., for that matter).

The Gennett Poplar was spared from being logged during the heavy deforestation that took place in the 19th and 20th centuries in the Southeast, at which time nearly every tree in Georgia was removed by an environmentally irresponsible logging industry. The forests of Georgia full of trees the size of this poplar must have been a sight to behold.

Leave the Gennett Poplar by turing left on the trail to travel deeper into the Bear Creek valley. Two white blazes on a tree to the left of the trail signify a trail intersection ahead; cross a small stream, and then at the trail junction, turn right to continue on the 3 mile loop. (Or, for a longer hike, continue straight at this intersection for the longer, 6.2 mile loop.)

Travel a short tenth of a mile to a second trail junction at 1.1 miles; here, turn right onto the wide trail, a reclaimed logging road.

The trail follows this reclaimed road through a series of clearings. The trail leaves the roadbed at 2.5 miles, descending towards Bear Creek and the trailhead. Cross Bear Creek as the trail makes a final turn into the parking area.

GPS coordinates: 34.819032º N, 84.564246º W

Getting there: take GA 52 West out of Ellijay 5 miles to Gates Chapel Road, turning right onto Gates Chapel. Just after crossing the bridge at 5 miles, take a right onto Forest Road 241. The Bear Creek Trail parking area and trailhead are 2 miles ahead on FR 241.

Quick stats:
Length: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Breathtaking views abound along these two joined hiking trails that follow the rim of Cloudland Canyon before descending to the canyon floor.

Located in the Northwest corner of Georgia and extending along the Western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon boasts steep canyon walls, interesting geology, outstanding views and several waterfalls along a 1200 foot deep canyon cut into the mountainous terrain over millions of years by Sitton’s Gulch Creek.

The hike begins on the yellow-blazed West Rim Loop trail inside Cloudland Canyon State Park. Leave the parking area and walk North along the well-marked path to the trailhead intersection, turning right to cross the park road and begin hiking the trail. The trail extends through deciduous forest, following alongside several small creeks, before meeting the canyon. Spectacular views open up as the trail approaches the canyon and turns right to follow along the canyon rim.

After following the canyon rim for a half mile over several rock outcrops before beginning the descent into the canyon. The trail switches back as it descends, passing by an impressively formed cave and several Native American trail marker trees that point decidedly towards the falls at the bottom of the canyon.

The trail crosses a small creek by bridge before meeting the Waterfalls Trail, a 2 mile out-and-back trail that travels an impressively built series of trails, bridges and stairs (more than 600 stairs each direction) to the bottom of the canyon.

At the base of the canyon, two waterfalls descend from giant curved outcrops of shale and sandstone as Sitton’s Gulch Creek continues to carve deep into the canyon.

After visiting the second waterfall, follow the trail over a long bridge spanning the creek to the West side of the canyon for a view of a third – yet smaller – waterfall and the rugged canyon floor. This is a lesser visited spot than the first two waterfalls and is a great mid-hike rest or lunch spot.

Retrace your steps along the Waterfall Trail, climbing along the series of bridges and stairs out of the canyon. You’ll ascend back up Cloudland Canyon on the West rim along the yellow-blazed West Rim trail, retracing your steps along this trail until you pass a bridge on the right of the trail. Turn right, crossing the bridge, to continue along the West Rim trail, following the trail as it loops around opens up to more expansive views of the North side of the canyon. The trail follows the canyon rim before turning West, returning to the trailhead and parking area.

The easy accessibility of all that Cloudland Canyon has to offer – fantastic views, waterfalls, and great hiking trails – within a state park leads to the expected heavy traffic along the trails… especially on weekends in peak Spring and Fall seasons. The trails don’t offer the serenity of some of our lesser-travelled hikes that we’ve featured… but we still highly recommend this park’s trails for the outstanding beauty and impressive geology that Cloudland Canyon has to offer.

Parking fee: $5 daily parking

Directions and more info on Cloudland Canyon can be found on the Georgia State Parks site at http://www.gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon.

Quick stats:
Length: 4 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: The hike visits the ruins of a textile mill destroyed in the Civil War and travels the rocky bluffs of a rushing whitewater creek – all within minutes outside of Atlanta.

This four mile hiking trail leaves from the Sweetwater Creek State Park visitor center (officially named the “blue trail”), following blue blazes as it travels several miles through deciduous forest, both climbing and descending as the trail approaches and runs along the banks of the rushing Sweetwater Creek.

At 1 mile, after climbing and descending a series of wide switchbacks, the trail approaches the ruins of the New Manchester textile mill at 1 mile, providing a view of the brick mill ruins from a wooden deck.

The blue trail departs the ruins to travel further into the park, rising and falling more frequently as the trail follows along the creek rushing downstream. The trail descends sharply towards Sweetwater Creek at 1.8 miles, meeting the rushing whitewater of Sweetwater Creek.

The creek tumbles and falls through a rocky creek bed of boulders and rock, creating impressive whitewater rapids throughout this lower area of the creek South of mill ruins. From here, turn left to follow the red blazed trail along the banks of the creek, traveling upstream, meeting the ruins of the New Manchester textile mill again at 2.9 miles.

You’ll leave the mill on the blue blazed trail, retracing the first mile of your hike back to the trailhead at the visitor center and parking area. The visitor center is worth a stop before you leave the park… rated LEED platinum, it’s listed as the most environmentally responsible building in Georgia, featuring a vegetative roof, solar power, rainwater capture and reuse, among other environmentally friendly building features.

Parking fee: $5 daily parking.

Directions and more info on Sweetwater Creek can be found on the Georgia State Parks site at www.gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek.

Quick Stats
Length: 6.25 miles, out-and-back
Elevation change: 4400 feet
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Highlights: Spectacular, unbelievable views abound on this Glacier National Park hike. Add a side trail to a rushing waterfall, and it’s easy to understand why this hiking trail is named Scenic Point.

Atlanta Trails travels to Montana’s Glacier National Park to the Two Medicine area – a relatively secluded section of Glacier on the East side of the park – to a hike that affords absolutely stunning views along almost its entire length of climb to the summit.

This hike travels through breathtaking scenery to an awe-inspiring summit that was considered sacred land by the Blackfeet Native American Tribe – to a point that was site of several sweat lodges and was often used for ceremonies.  Once at the top, you’ll quickly understand why.

The total elevation gain along the 3.1 mile climb to the top is over 2200 feet along this out-and-back trail – with the same elevation descent on the way back down.  That’s a total elevation change of over 4400 feet;  relatively modest for Glacier National Park but with the breathtaking views that await at the top, well worth every ounce of effort.  The trail is open and exposed for much of the hike, giving fantastic views for nearly the entire hike along rocky and windswept terrain.

But the truly breathtaking view is at the summit – a small knob at the top that allows for sweeping views of the flatlands of Montana and the Blackfeet Reservation to the East, and a truly amazing panorama of the Eastern mountainscape of Glacier Park to the West.  From the 7522 foot high summit, views of Two Medicine Lake and Upper Two Medicine Lake are framed in steep, glacier-capped peaks to the West.  This is, without doubt, the most beautiful, scenic, can’t-stop-taking-photos trail that we’ve ever hiked.

The hike leaves the trailhead at the parking area and travels through relatively flat, densely forested land before beginning to open and climb through rocky, tumbled terrain.  Sounds emerge of the Appistoki Creek tumbling through a steep valley to your right, and you’ll soon pass a well-marked fork with a side trail that  leads to Appistoki Falls, a short hike away.

The trail soon becomes steep with switchbacks, ever-winding as ever-changing views open up around you in beautiful panoramas of Two Medicine Lake, Rising Wolf Mountain, Mount Henry, and Appistoki Peak.

You’ll pass through a  small, wind-whipped pine forest nearly halfway up the ascent, but will otherwise be exposed in rocky openness for most of the hike.

And be sure to bring plenty of water;  save for a tiny spring that trickles over the trail at around 1.75 miles (and is known to be dry seasonally), there’s no water availability on the trail, and high wind activity, almost constant sun exposure, and a decent ascent will leave you thirsty.

Ascend to an open knob at 2.75 miles and enjoy the 360 degree vistas around you… but your hike isn’t over yet.  The trail continues to extend around a steep, curving bowl along a narrow ridge before opening up to a rocky field as you approach the summit of Scenic Point.  A small wooden sign points you to the trail to the summit, extending to the left, nearing the 3 mile mark.

The views from the summit are breathtaking – but come prepared for severe weather.  Winds are generally high in the area, and snow is common along the trails near the summit.  During our late-August hike, snow was present near the peak and winds were in the 50-60mph range, making it hard to stand at the summit – and was cold even in windbreakers (and mid-80s weather).

After enjoying views from the summit, retrace your route along the same trail to return to the trailhead.

Wildlife sightings are common along the Scenic Point trail, and as the case everywhere in Glacier Park, bears are active in the area, so be sure to pack bear spray.

Getting there:  Drive North on Highway 49 from East Glacier and enter Glacier National Park at the Two Medicine entrance on Two Medicine Road. The trailhead, marked as “Scenic Point”, is on the left after entering Glacier National Park.

View our HD video review of this trail:

The hike begins at the Byron Reece Trail, accessed from GA Highway 19/129 north of Cleveland. Ascend through a forest of deciduous trees and rhododendron as the trail follows and crosses several small streams as climbs .6 miles to meet the Appalachian Trail.

At the trail junction, turn right on the Appalachian Trail to begin the ascent to the peak of Blood Mountain, the highest point of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

Vistas open along both sides of the trail off bald outcrops of rock during the ascent. Reach the summit of Blood Mountain at 2 miles, having climbed to the peak at 4461 feet, marked by a USGS survey marker at the summit. Take time to enjoy the views – or in our case, a serene breakfast – before the crowds ascend to the top of this extremely popular hike. When you’ve savored the view, turn around to hike back down the North face of Blood Mountain, retracing your steps along the Appalachian Trail towards the Byron Reece Trail. At the junction of the Byron Reece Trail, continue descending northward along the Appalachian Trail, passing a sizable rock that balances on an underlying rock at two small resting points.

At 4.5 miles, cross highway 19/129 at Neels Gap to the famed Walasi-Yi Center, a well-equipped hiking and backpacking store and a chance to stock up on any supplies you’d forgotten, refill on water, and pick up an extra snack for the journey. The Appalachian Trail passes through the building under an archway and continues Northbound towards Tesnatee Gap, entering the Raven Cliffs Wilderness. The trail begins to ascend towards the peak of Levelland Mountain at 3900 feet, reaching the peak of the mountain at 6 miles.

The Appalachian Trail descends the north face of Levelland Mountain, offering expansive vistas from its steep northern side. The the trail levels at Swain Gap before ascending through deciduous forest towards Rock Spring Top; a small spring to the left of the trail offers a refreshing spot to refill on water at 7 miles. Climb to the peak of Wolf Laurel Top at 7.75 miles, passing another small spring before climbing to the peak of Cowrock Mountain, reaching the summit at 9.5 miles. Several small flat areas near the peak of the mountain alongside the Appalachian Trail offer the perfect overnight camping spot – and guarantee excellent early morning sunrise views, especially in the Fall, Winter and early Spring months when leaves have fallen.

To return, leave the peak of Cowrock Mountain and retrace your steps southbound on the Appalachian Trail towards Neels Gap, again crossing Georgia Highway 19/129 to return to the Byron Reece Trail. Descend the Byron Reece Trail to the trailhead and parking area.

This hike is one of our favorites along the Appalachian Trail in Georgia – for both the interesting, stream-filled forest through which it winds as well as the significance of traveling the southernmost 4.3 miles of the Appalachian Trail to the southernmost terminus at Springer Mountain.  And Springer Mountain is a great ending destination for this hike, providing gorgeous views of the southern Georgia mountains.  It’s here that many dreams both start and end;  thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail take either their first steps here in their journey to Katahdin in Maine or are taking their last in their long journey from the North.

The hike leaves Forest Road 58 at Three Forks and heads south along the trail across a narrow wooden bridge spanning Noontoola Creek.  We rate this hike at moderately difficult;  the first half of the hike to Springer Mountain is almost solidly uphill, rising from 2600 feet elevation at Three Forks to Springer Mountain at 3782 feet – a rise of almost 1200 feet.  The payoff, though, is the return trip, traveling the same distance almost all downhill.

The Appalachian Trail extends into the mixed deciduous, pine and rhododendron forest, winding continuously along several small creeks that run downward towards the Noontoola Creek at Three Forks.

The Appalachian Trail continues to climb, more steeply as it winds, past the Stover Creek Shelter to the left of the trail.  It intersects with the winding Benton MacKaye Trail a total of 4 times along the climb to the Springer Mountain summit.  The Benton MacKaye Trail – named for the man that conceived the Appalachian Trail in the early part of the 20th century.

The trail winds more steeply upward after leaving the parking area along Forest Road 42 as it climbs upward towards the summit of Springer Mountain.  The terrain here is rocky and decidedly vertical, and vistas (especially during the late fall, winter and spring months) start to emerge to the right of the trail.

A side trail to water – and the Springer Mountain shelter and camping area – leaves to the left of the trail just before you approach the crest of the mountain at 4.1 miles.  This trail is marked by signs both old and new;  a wooden trail sign, a blue blaze on a tree (used universally on the Appalachian Trail to signify side trails leading to water), and a bent branch leading in the direction of the trail – a natural “sign” created by the Cherokee and Creek Indians that once inhabited North Georgia to indicate direction along a trail, created by weighing down a branch while it grew.

Reach the summit of Springer Mountain at 4.3 miles, and take time to enjoy the vistas of the Georgia mountains to the North.  It’s here that many dreams are both ended and started, a final white blaze leading to the bronze plaque that marks the official end of the Appalachian Trail.

When you’ve finished enjoying the views from the top of Springer Mountain, retrace your steps along the Appalachian Trail to the trailhead at Three Forks, completing the 8.6 mile out-and-back hike.

Three Forks is also one of our favorite camping spots;  many excellent primitive camp sites line the rushing shores of the Noontoola Creek.  See our review of camping along the Noontoola Creek here.  And, if you’re camping in the area, we’ve also reviewed the Appalachian Trail to Long Creek Falls which leaves from this same trailhead to the North;  click here to view our review  of the Appalachian Trail to Long Creek Falls.

GPS Coordinates: 34.671271,-84.191725.

This hike’s trailhead is Northbound, leaving from the same side of the highway as the parking area and hiking through section 24 of the Pinhoti Trail. We’ve reviewed another hike on the Pinhoti – South from Snake Creek Gap – which leaves from this same parking area. Combine the two for a 14 mile loop with the parking area as a central point.

The hike immediately begins to climb upwards from the trailhead, rising steadily to climb to the ridge of Mill Creek Mountain. The trail switches back sharply at a half mile from the trailhead, continuing to climb upwards.

Reach the ridge crest at 1 mile, marked by a large rock cairn. Continue hiking the Pinhoti Trail Northward along the ridge, passing through a forest of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees. Rock outcrops are common in the rocky terrain.

Views extend continuously off both sides of the ridge, especially in winter and spring, offering views of the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Reach the crest of Mill Creek Mountain at 2.25 miles.

Continue hiking the Pinhoti, descending from the crest of the mountain and enjoying especially pretty views to the East. At 3.5 miles, turn around on the trail to complete this out-and-back hike, retracing your steps to the parking area. View our GPS record of this hike here on Google Maps.

Getting there: follow Interstate 75 North out of Atlanta to exit 320.  Turn left off the exit ramp onto GA 136, following GA 136 for 10.5 miles to the well-marked Pinhoti Trail parking area on your right. GPS Coordinates: 34.666111,-85.066495

Check out our HD video review of the Paces Mill / Rottenwood Creek trail:

From the parking and boat ramp area, the trail extends flat along the Chattahoochee River, following North along the river bank.

The trail passes under the huge overpass of I-75 as the Chattahoochee widens, the river becoming broad and the flow smooth.

The trail turns to the left after crossing a large bridge spanning Rottenwood Creek. Several side trails, both dirt, extend from the paved trail here;  the one closest to the river extends into a more underused section of the park and offers great trail running alongside the Chattahoochee River.

The paved trail follows along the banks of Rottenwood Creek, turning to run over a wooden boardwalk before crossing the creek several more times on large metal bridges.

From here, the trail begins to climb significantly as it winds towards Akers Mill Road.  Continue following the winding path upwards, enjoying – especially in the winter and spring months – the view of the rumbling Rottenwood Creek below.

Begin the decent towards the falls before the trail crosses the creek one last time over a metal bridge which affords views of the sliding waterfall below the I-285 overpass.  This is the most scenic section of the park in our opinion – with a beautiful waterfall and forest nicely juxtaposed with the surrounding urbanism.  As with many of the parks in the Chattahoochee River system in Metro Atlanta, the blend of the city and nature is very nicely combined to allow for great time in the outdoors while staying close to the city.

Having undergone damage during the flood of Fall 2009 (the entire parking area was under considerable water after the Chattahoochee River overflowed its banks), the park has been cleaned up and the parking areas and trails open for use.  New restrooms have been installed in the parking area, and the state is working on further restoration of the picnic area.

Ample parking is available at the Paces Mill parking lot, located off Cobb Parkway inside Interstate 285. Parking is fee-based (currently $3 per car) or available year-round with a Chattahoochee National Recreation Area annual parking pass. GPS Coordinates: 33.869044,-84.455209

Check out our HD video review of this hike:

From the trailhead, the hike descends through deciduous forest towards High Shoals Creek, with the trail flattening as it approaches the creek at a half mile.

Pass several campsites before crossing a bridge over High Shoals Creek. Rhododendron is dense along the trail as it winds along the creek, beginning a descent towards the first waterfall. At .75 miles, turn left on the side trail to hike down to Blue Hole Falls, a short (20 feet tall), wide waterfall that plummets into a deep pool of water at the bottom.

Return to the main trail, turning left off the side trail, to continue on to the second and larger waterfall deeper in the forest. At 1 mile, turn left on another side trail to descend to the second falls on a series of switchbacks, hearing the sound of the waterfall amplify as you approach. A viewing platform at 1.3 miles provides a great view of High Shoals Falls as it tumbles over 50 feet down into the pool below.

Return to the trailhead by retracing your steps from the second falls.

Getting there: take GA 75 ALT out of Cleveland, Georgia to GA 75 North past Unicoi Gap to Forest Road 283. Forest Road 283 turns sharply to the right off GA 75; be careful as you approach mile marker 2 after passing through Unicoi Gap as the gravel forest road is easy to miss and a very sharp turn. Follow FR 283 1.25 miles to the trailhead on your left after fording a shallow stream. GPS Coordinates: 34.816129,-83.727107

From the Lake Winfield Scott parking area, follow Slaughter Creek south from the lake to the trailhead.

Follow the blue-blazed Slaughter Creek Trail, crossing the creek over a small wooden bridge, to the junction with Slaughter Creek Road at around .25 miles from the trailhead.

Take a right and begin hiking along the gravel road 500 feet to the trailhead of the Jarrard Trail.

Begin hiking Jarrard Trail, blazed regularly in blue, along a small stream, Lance Branch, on your left.  The vegetation here is a mix of rhododendron, a staple of the north Georgia mountains, as well as deciduous forest.  Continue ascending up the Jarrard Gap Trail to Jarrard Gap, where you’ll intersect the Appalachian Trail at 1.25 miles.  Look for the single white blazes of the Appalachian Trail, taking a left onto the trail to begin an ascent up Gaddis Mountain.

Continue hiking the Appalachian Trail, enjoying expansive vistas (especially viewable in the winter, as they were on our mid-February hike) to the left and right as the trail levels off near the top of Gaddis Mountain.

The Appalachian Trail descends toward Horsebone Gap before ascending towards Turkey Stamp Mountain, skirting the mountain along the north side of the ridge.  The trail will begin to descend again as you approach the intersection of the Freeman Trail at 2.75 miles, passing campsites to your left.

Pass the Freeman Trail junction – your hike continues along the Appalachian Trail towards Bird Gap. The Appalachian Trail intersects the Slaughter Creek Trail at 3.1 miles, turning left off the trail after it crosses the small creek.

The Slaughter Creek Trail, blazed in blue rectangular blazes, winds down along several small stream crossings that join the larger Slaughter Creek. The trail continues winding down through rhododendron and deciduous forest, leaving the Blood Mountain Wilderness at 4.8 miles.

The trail crosses Slaughter Creek a final time over a bridge before intersecting the gravel-paved Slaughter Creek road at 5.75 miles. Cross straight across the road to return back to the trailhead at Lake Winfield Scott, retracing your original route from the parking area.

Click here for a GPS map of this hike. (Note: GPS service cut out in our final mile on the hike;  the hike continues from the marked end along the Slaughter Creek Trail to the trailhead near Lake Winfield Scott).

GPS Coordinates: 34.737426,-83.973118

The trails in Red Top Mountain State Park might not offer the stunning vistas or peaceful serenity of the remote sections of the Appalachian Trail – but the Homestead Trail is within a half hour drive from Atlanta’s perimeter, affords pretty views of Lake Allatoona, and offers a decent hike along a moderate 5.5 mile, well-groomed trail.  The trail travels through a mixed pine and deciduous forest in the middle of Red Top Mountain’s peninsula, traveling North towards the lake where it follows the winding lake shore during a 3.5 mile loop.

The hike begins at the park’s visitor center, centrally located on the peninsula.  Look for the trailhead – well marked with a sign – to the left of the front porch of the visitor center.  The first portion of the trail, well-blazed with rectangular yellow blazes, travels through a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest over fairly flat terrain as the trail heads North towards the lake shore.  At 1 mile, the trial crosses Lodge Road and splits into a loop on the other side of the road.  Turn right to follow the loop counter clockwise, enjoying the solitude that the woods offer as the trail departs from the road crossing and the sounds of vehicles on the road become muffled by the terrain.

The trail winds downhill towards the lake and at 1.5 miles, the small stream that’s been following trail right begins to open up into an inlet to the lake.  This section of the trail winds continuously along the fingers of the peninsula that extend into the lake.  Well-placed benches offer a place to rest and enjoy the scenery of the rocky lake shore and the richly iron-laden soil that gives the lake’s perimeter the stunning red color along its shores.

Just after passing the 2 mile marker, a chimney  - a remnant of one of the homesteads for which this trail is named – is visible standing remotely between the trees.

Continue hiking the trail through the coniferous forest flanking the lake shore as the trail begins its ascent.  Two small peaks are visible as the trail winds towards the West side of the peninsula and the trail continues to ascend.

As the trail begins to level out and finish the loop portion near the 4 mile marker, the trail will begin to follow Lodge Road towards the road crossing.  Turn right at the trail intersection to cross Lodge Road and double back on the 1 mile hike back to the visitor center trailhead and parking area.

GPS Coordinates: 34.149584,-84.707036

This hike draws its cool factor from more than its history and fame, however – it loops 5.1 miles, affords views from two expansive vistas, fords 3 major streams, and travels through beautiful Georgian forest. This hike features multiple trail crossings along its length, however – so hikers, as always, should travel with a GPS, compass, and topo map along with these directions.

Begin by crossing Forest Road 42 from the parking area to begin your ascent up Springer Mountain.  The hike is upward through rocky terrain in a deciduous forest – and, while our January hike didn’t afford much greenery other than the striking green moss that grows over the abundant rock outcrops here, the leafless trees allowed continuous views of the ridgeline off to the right.

At .75 miles, you’ll encounter a trail junction where the Appalachain Trail crosses the beginning of the Benton MacKaye Trail.  Continue straight ahead on the white rectangle blazed Appalachian Trail for now;  the peak of Springer Mountain is just ahead and you’ll be returning soon to this trail junction.

Shortly after, a side trail, marked in rectangular blue blazes, leads to an Appalachian Trail shelter, spring water, and backpacking camp sites.

Continue ascending to the top of Springer Mountain.   At the peak, enjoy the wide expansive view of the North Georgia ridgelines here at the official end of the Appalachian Trail.  It’s here that many dreams of beginning – or finally ending – the trail have become reality for through hikers on the trail.  A plaque and final rectangular white blaze mark the official end of the trail, and a vault built into the side of the rock outcrop hides a log book that through hikers use to mark their beginning or end of the long journey.

After you’ve had the fill of the vista, begin descending Springer Mountain the same way you came, back toward the junction with the Benton MacKaye Trail that you passed on the way up.  Take the blue-blazed trail to water if your water bottles are in need of refilling as ours were.  The side trail is also worth the short jaunt to see the shelter that marks the beginning of the adventure for South to North through hikers on the trail.

Continue descending Springer Mountain to the junction of the Benton MacKaye trail, and turn right at the trail junction.  The Benton MacKaye trail is blazed with a white diamond along its length.

Shortly after the turnoff from the Appalachian Trail, you’ll pass a plaque dedicated to Benton MacKaye set into a large mossy rock outcrop.  We left a rock here at the base of the plaque – a symbol of thanks for his help in conceiving the trail that’s become so beloved to so many.

At mile 2.5, a small sign, simply engraved with the word “view”, points to a side trail to the right.  The view here is expansive and not to be missed, looking out over a steep face of rock Southwest towards the Etowah River.

Return to the Benton MacKaye Trail and continue the descent towards Forest Road 42, crossing through several large groves of evergreen holly.

Cross FR 42 at the junction and continue the trail on the other side, clearly marked with a white diamond blaze.  You’ll hear the sounds of a tumbling stream to your right as you parallel, and then swing away from, the forest road.  Note the change of vegetation that begins to occur;  while the hike to this point has been through deciduous forest, the growth turns evergreen as pine, rhododendron, and evergreen underbrush emerge.

Continue through the evergreen forest and make three stream crossings – made fairly easily even in high water by carefully jumping from stone to stone – and continue to hike along the rushing creek.

At 4.8 miles, almost at the end of your journey, you’ll encounter another trail junction where the Benton MacKaye Trail crosses the Appalachian Trail.

Turn left here at the intersection to hike South .3 miles to the parking area.

GPS Coordinates: 34.637315,-84.195030

Check out our HD video review of Cochran Shoals:

The trail’s first mile and a half winds along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, providing pretty scenery that contrasts with the surrounding suburbs of Atlanta. The trail passes through varied terrain; wetlands, river banks, and young forest as it loops around after approaching the Columns Drive parking area at the North end of the park.

Just after looping around from the Columns Drive parking area, a dirt path extends upward from the main Cochran Shoals trail which connects with the Sope Creek recreation area (see our Sope Creek review here).

Expect plenty of traffic on the trail, especially on weekends and nightly during the warmer months. Despite a large parking area, spaces can be limited during peak times – and parking is available for a $3 per use fee, or if you’re a frequent visitor to the Chattahoochee parks (as we are), a better value is the annual parking pass for $25, available from the park’s website here.

GPS Coordinates: 33.901731,-84.443858

The trailhead is located on the far side of the parking lot towards the bridge;  from the trailhead, you’ll begin a climb up a moderate incline, following along the banks of Dodd Creek.  The hiking trail follows Dodd Creek the entire hike to Raven Cliff Falls – and varies along the way as it courses over multiple waterfalls, travels lightly over a gravelled bed in some sections, and slows to become a deep stream over large boulders in parts.

As you begin to descend the initial incline, look to your left where you’ll see a camping area and the widest section of Dodd Creek on the trail.  Here, the creek turns a horseshoe-shaped bend and deepens to form a great swimming hole, 4-5 feet deep in sections.  Our Labrador Retriever found this a perfect place for both a pre-hike and post-hike swim.

As you wind back around to follow Dodd Creek, the forest canopy changes along your journey from pine and rhodedendron to tulip poplar and maple – providing a shaded journey for most of the way.  The trail crosses the creek at a large wooden bridge before beginning an ascent up, taking you to a slightly higher elevation than the creek for most of your journey.

The rise and fall of the trail is moderate, making for a fairly easy hike.   This, coupled with the magnificent waterfall at the end and the moderate distance of 5 miles, makes this trail much more highly travelled than most that we hike – but we found the trail traffic well worth the payoff at the end. The falls are stunning.

You’ll cross a y-shaped stream junction and another bridge as you continue your hike to the falls, passing multiple small waterfalls along the way.

You’ll hear the roar of the falls as the trail leads to Raven Cliff Falls, and will see the lower falls as the trail turns towards Raven Cliff.  Continue hiking on a rocky trail towards the cliff;  as you approach, you’ll see the huge gash that the rushing water has cut in the cliff, literally splitting it in two.

After taking time to enjoy the falls, depart Raven Cliff on the same trail to return to the trailhead, enjoying the rushing sounds of Dodd Creek along the way.

Click here to see our trail as recorded by GPS on Google Maps. GPS Coordinates: 34.709969,-83.788837

This hike is easy to moderate and travels 8 miles out and back along the joined Appalachian and Benton McKaye Trails to the Long Creek Falls trail which travels to a scenic waterfall.  From there, you’ll retrace your steps along the Long Creek Falls trail to the intersection of the Appalacian and Benton McKaye Trails, where you’ll head out on the Appalachian Trail for a few additional miles before returning to the trailhead.  Total elevation change each way is a little over 800 feet.

The Three Forks area is named for the convergence of three creeks to form the Noontoola Creek here in the Blue Ridge Wildlife Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest.  From the parking area, the trailhead for this hike is on the opposite side of the forest road from the wooden bridge that crosses Chester Creek.  Depart the trailhead and start hiking  North on the Appalachian Trail with Long Creek running on the left side of the trail.  You’re actually hiking on two trails;  here, the Appalachian Trail has converged with the Benton McKaye Trail, another of the famed long distance trails in Georgia (and was named for the founder of the Appalachain Trail, Benton McKaye).

Climb up on a moderate grade as you travel North along the trail, rising above the Long Creek through a forest of pine, poplar and rhodedendron.  The leaves were nearing their peak of change during our hike in mid-October and added to the scenery of the forest.  You’ll pass many campsites along the stream that are used by Appalachian Trail through-hikers on their journey between Maine and Georgia.  The stream becomes louder as you continue to climb;  it drops over a series of small waterfalls as it descends towards the trailhead.

At just over a mile, you’ll reach a marked trail junction;  from here, a trail leads North to Long Creek Falls (marked with a blue blaze);  the Benton McKaye Trail splits off to the Northwest (marked with a white diamond), and the Appalachian Trail continues its journey North to Maine (marked with its signature white rectangular blaze).  As you approach the trail junction, notice the double white rectangular blaze – so marked along the Appalachian Trail to signify that a trail junction is approaching within 25-50 feet.

From this intersection, follow the blue blazes to Long Creek Falls, a double waterfall that drops over 50 feet between the lower and upper falls.  Large strewn rocks below the falls make the perfect place to relax for a water break (or lunch) while enjoying the rushing sounds of the waterfall.

Once you’ve had your fill of the falls, return along the blue blazed trail to the intersection with the Appalachian and Benton McKaye Trails, and turn left to follow the white rectangular blazes of the Appalachian Trail.  You’ll continue to climb along the Appalachian Trail, switching back several times as you hike away from Long Creek Falls.  The forest opens up here, having been extensively logged in the past, and offers a change in scenery as the open canopy replaces the rhododendron from the earlier part of this hike with deciduous shrubs on the forest floor.  Small streams and dry creek beds continually cross the trail.

At around 1.8 miles, you’ll approach a farmed clearing to your right just before the intersection of Forest Road 251.  Continue hiking the Appalachian Trail through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, ascending towards Hightower Mountain before descending towards Hightower Gap.  Reach Hightower Gap at Forest Service Road 69/42 at 8 miles; from here, turn back on the Appalachian Trail to return towards Long Creek Falls and to the parking area at the trailhead.

As we descended along the trail after passing Long Creek Falls, we took advantage of one of the vacant camping areas along the trail to allow our black lab – who is always up a for a good swim – to play in Long Creek while we rested and had a snack.

On your way in to the trail on FR 58, you’ve passed one of our favorite camping areas in Georgia, along the Noontoola Creek at Three Forks.  Click here for our review of this camp site – this beautiful area is well worth a stay overnight.

Leaving from this same trailhead is the 8.6 mile out-and-back hike from Three Forks to Springer Mountain along the Appalachian Trail.  Click here to view our review of Three Forks to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

GPS Coordinates: 34.671271,-84.191725.

Camping is allowed in dedicated campsites only – look for parking spaces off the road and existing fire rings.  The sites are primitive – offering no amenities other than the stone fire rings – but offer the ultimate in beauty in the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest and the tumbling Noontoola Creek that runs beside the camp sites.

The moss-lined, roaring creek cascades down in small waterfalls along many of the sites – providing great background noise at night (nothing beats falling asleep to the sound of a waterfall in a beautiful section of forest).

The campsites here are set back from the Forest Service Road far enough for decent privacy – and are very generously spaced from other sites (ours was nearly a half mile from the nearest sites).  You’ll be camping around a mile from the convergence of the Benton McKaye Trail and the famed Appalachian Trail – making these sites an excellent base camp for day hikes along either of these famed trails – check out our review of the hike along the Appalachian and Benton McKaye from FR 58 to Long Creek Falls.  Also leaving from this same trailhead, southbound towards Springer Mountain, is our trail review of the 8.6 mile hike of the Appalachian Trail from Three Forks to Springer Mountain, traveling to the Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.  From the campsite, venture further South on FR 58 to the intersection of the Benton McKaye and Appalachian Trails.

Getting there: from Atlanta, take 75 North to 575 towards Ellijay.  In Ellijay, turn right onto the ramp to GA 52.  At the foot of the ramp, turn left to head East on 52, and travel 4.75 miles to Big Creek Road.  Follow Big Creek Road for 15 miles (.4 miles after the pavement ends) and take a right on Forest Road 58.  After passing several residences on FR58, enter the Blue Ridge Wildlife Managment Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Campsites will be visible along the Noontoola Creek, which winds to the right side of FR 58.  Our campsite was about halfway to the intersection of FR 58 and the Benton McKaye and Appalachian Trails at GPS coordinates 34.671271,-84.191725.