Georgia offers the most diverse hiking experience in the Southeast. North Georgia is a haven for waterfall-chasing hikers, and South Georgia has beautiful wetlands trails. Different parts of the state offer diverse terrain, scenic routes, and varying levels of difficulty.
If sightseeing in Georgia is on your to-do list, then walking is the way to go. Embark on an adventure in the fall season, when Georgia shines at its brightest. The leaves change, the humidity dries up, and the outdoor trails are at their peak.
To celebrate the change of seasons, here are more than 20 of Georgia’s best fall hikes. The cascading waterfalls, beautiful scenery and balmy weather are the perfect excuse to lace up your hiking shoes.
21 Best Fall Hikes by Region in Georgia
ever since Georgia The state is very diverse, so we’ve divided this list into regions within the state. A similar experience can be had by hiking within the same region. The great thing about hiking in Georgia is that he can easily hike 3-4 trails while staying in the same city. All trails are within easy driving distance.
As you explore the state and go hiking, you’ll be amazed at the diversity of Georgia’s topography. Georgia has become a dream destination for avid hikers.
Autumn hikes in North Georgia
North Georgia is famous for hiking with good reason. That is wonderful. Even more so in autumn. The deciduous trees of the North Georgia Mountains turn bright reds, oranges and gold hues.
North Georgia’s mountains are more difficult to explore at their peaks, but there are trails for beginners. These fall hikes in North Georgia vary in difficulty and offer a wide variety of scenery, but few are family-friendly.
Anna Ruby Falls:
Located outside of Helen, Georgia, near Unicoi State Park, Anna Ruby Falls One of North Georgia’s most family-friendly hikes. It’s a beautiful twin waterfall with easy access. The 8-mile round trip to the falls is paved and stroller-friendly. Seeing the twin waterfalls up close is a masterpiece!
Brasstown Bardo
The state’s highest point, Brasstown Bold, offers views 4,784 feet above sea level. On a clear day, you can see his four states (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina) and the Atlanta skyline at the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center. The 0.6-mile hike to the summit is very strenuous, but also dog-friendly.
Amicalola Falls
Georgia’s tallest waterfall is located in Amicalola Falls State Park. Autumn is the park’s busiest season, with everyone flocking for views from the top. Choose from hiking options ranging from 2 to 15 miles, from trails to stairs. The top photo is worth seeing!
Tallulah Gorge Trail
The towering peaks of the Tallulah Gorge offer some of the best autumn foliage views. Hike across swaying suspension bridges and hike to Hurricane Falls Waterfall.
Helton Creek Falls Trail
I highly recommend Helton Creek Falls for beginners. It’s a short 0.4-mile hike to the falls, easy enough for kids to complete. The trail accesses the lower falls from both the bottom and top of the falls and ends at the base of the upper falls.
Rabun Bald on the Bertram Trail
Home to Georgia’s second-famous mountain, the 3-mile Bertram Trail loops through dense backwoods and offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views at the summit. This hike is intermediate level.
Red Top Mountain State Park
Our choice of North Georgia hiking trails closest to Atlanta is Red Top Mountain State Park, with more than 25 miles of trails. With easy access to Lake Allatoona from the trail, the state park has affordable accommodations and is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Autumn hiking in Central Georgia
Fern-covered forests, rushing rivers and beautiful lakes make up central Georgia’s hiking area. Central Georgia doesn’t have many big cities, so it’s a great place to get in touch with nature. Hikers will appreciate the flatter hiking options, unlike hiking trails upstate.
Okmulgee National Monument
Hike through beautiful wetlands at this national monument dedicated to the state’s Native American history. See scenic views of the Ocmulgee River and prehistoric Indian burial mounds.
High Falls State Park
High Falls State Park’s hiking trails feature boulders, cascading water and tree-lined paths. This trail is just over a mile and is dog friendly.
Dorset Trails
With more than 32 miles of Dowsett Trail, hikers of all levels will find a trail to their liking. These trails are also open for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Panora Mountain
Panora Mountain It’s a 100-acre granite outcrop south of Atlanta. This is a haven where guests can see what Native Americans looked like when they saw this land centuries ago. Panora Mountain State Park has 40 miles of trails.
Reed Bingham State Park
Reed Bingham State Park has 11 miles of trails and is known for its diverse habitats. Visitors frequently sight gopher tortoises, spotted turtles, snakes and nesting bald eagles. Conveniently located off Interstate 75.
Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area
Known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon is a tourist favorite. Massive 150-foot-deep canyons and colorful soil make this hiking spot a photo-perfect place.
FD Roosevelt State Park
This is Georgia’s largest state park, with more than 60 miles of hiking trails. President Franklin D. Roosevelt pondered world affairs where this park sits today. He also swam in the park’s warm springs to relieve his polio symptoms. Hike around the springs and take a dip!
Autumn Hiking in South Georgia
Fall hikes in South Georgia don’t tread on crispy foliage, but they do trade off spectacular coastal scenery and unique wildlife. Hikers may come across basking alligators and wild horses. South Georgia’s hiking trails are less crowded during the fall, which is a real treat.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Hike this 26-mile-long barrier island off the coast of Georgia. Discover abandoned ruins, hike near wetlands, and if you’re lucky, see wild horses. Cumberland Island.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Okefenokee has a whopping 353,981 acres of National Nature Reserve to explore. Hike trails along alligator-inhabited swamps and admire cypress trees and drooping Spanish moss. There are seven trails ranging in length from 0.25 miles to 2.5 miles.
Crooked River State Park
This state park in St. Marys, Georgia offers spectacular beach views. Beware of herons, crabs and turtles. Choose from 5 different trails perfect for sunrise hikes.
Chehoe Park
Chehoe Park, just outside Albany, Georgia, is an animal sanctuary for protected wildlife. Cheho Wildlife Park is a small zoo. The park’s trails are 16 miles long and offer glimpses of the zoo’s animals. The whole family will love this hiking spot.
Skidaway Island State Park
The park has four trails popular with hikers and is located just outside Savannah, Georgia. Hike close to the scenic beauty of the salt flats and enjoy natural secluded settings that are hard to find in the bustling savannah.
Fort McAllister State Park
The South is known for its towering oak trees, and you’ll love the shade they offer on the trails of Fort McAllister State Park. Hike under giant oak trees that have existed since the Civil War.
Grand Bay Wildlife Refuge
This reserve in South Georgia is popular with hikers for its active wildlife viewing. Located just outside Valdosta. Watch for snakes, alligators and birds on hiking trails. The trail is flat and perfect for beginners.
