12 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Georgia
By Marisa Roman|Updated on November 30, 2023(Originally published April 20, 2023)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
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. Easy hikes 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 clocks in at less than 5 miles. Next time you research “hiking trails near me“: keep an eye out for these easy hikes in Georgia. Take a look:
1. Anna Ruby Falls Trail—0.8 miles
Anna Ruby Falls Road, Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Georgia 30571, USA
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.
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.
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.
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4. Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve, Mountain View Trail—2.5 miles
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA
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.
5. Tallulah Gorge, Hurricane Falls Loop—2.25 miles
Hurrican Falls Loop is the most popular 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?
6. Constitution Lakes Park, Doll's Head Trail—2.25 miles
Doll's Head Trail, 1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, USA
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.
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.
A few reasons why we love the Dukes Creek Falls 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.
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 Raven Cliff Falls 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?
10. High Falls State Park Trail—1.2 miles
High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233, USA
High Falls State Park is fairly huge, and the trail is pretty enormous as well. The High Falls State Park loop, however, is the perfect way to get in some exercise, explore the park, and see the towering waterfall in action.
11. Sweetwater Creek State Park, Yellow Trail—3 mile loop
Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, 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.
12. Morningside Nature Preserve—2 mile loop
Morningside Nature Preserve Trail, Atlanta, GA, USA
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.
Have you tackled these easy hiking trails 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 in Georgia road trip is a dreamy adventure. Just be sure to check out our road trip packing list so you don’t forget anything important!
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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