16 Incredible Natural Wonders In Georgia That Defy Explanation
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Lisa Sammons
Author
How do we even begin to compile a list of the best natural wonders in Georgia? In a state that’s simply teeming with waterfalls, year-round natural beauty, and hiking trails, it can feel like a list of amazing natural attractions in Georgia never ends. One of my favorite things about the Peach State is how much variety there is in the scenery here. Not only do we have amazing mountain ranges and countless square miles of forests, we’ve also got incredible beaches and even scenic marshes. We’ve done our best to come up with a list of the best nature spots in Georgia – check it out and see how many of these you’ve checked off your travel bucket list:
Best Gorges & Canyons In Georgia
Here in the southeast, we aren’t exactly known for the multitude of massive canyons you’ll find in western North America, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some great gorges and canyons. These are some of the most awe-inspiring nature places in Georgia and they’re worthy of a road trip no matter where you live.
1. Tallulah Gorge
Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, USA
If you've never been to Tallulah Gorge State Park, you need to make plans to visit pronto! This place is truly one of the most amazing spots you'll ever see in person. It's one of the most impressive gorges in the entire eastern United States at nearly 1,000 feet deep. The canyon is two miles long and offers up some incredible hiking trails. If you pick up a free permit from the state park office, you can even hike on the canyon floor. A limited number of permits are given out each day for the canyon floor hike, so you have to arrive early.
2. Providence Canyon
Providence Canyon State Park, 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USA
This one almost feels like cheating to include on a list of natural wonders in Georgia because it's not 100% natural. Providence Canyon itself did form naturally, but decades of poor farming practices turned it into the massive wonder it is today. Providence Canyon State Park is a hikers' paradise, with plenty of great trails to enjoy.
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3. Cloudland Canyon
Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
It doesn't get much more beautiful than Cloudland Canyon State Park. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll be treated to a magical wonderland. The park spans nearly 3,500 acres and features canyons, waterfalls, mountains, 60 miles of trails, and untouched beauty everywhere you look.
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Best Caves In Georgia
There’s something so magnificent about the mystery of an underground cave. It’s surreal to see the entrance of a cave in Georgia and think about how deep below the Earth’s surface the expanse lies. Whether you’re spelunking down to the bottom or simply admiring the view from above, these places are pretty spectacular.
4. Ellison's Cave
Ellison's Cave, Georgia 30707, USA
Not only is this the deepest cave in Georgia, it's the 12th-deepest cave in the United States. It's 12 miles long and over 1,000 feet deep! Ellison's Cave is home to Fantastic Pit, the deepest unobstructed pit in the country.
5. Howard's Waterfall Cave
Howard's Waterfall Cave, 1728, 264 Back Valley Rd, Trenton, GA 30752, USA
Caves are delicate ecosystems, so if you're not sure what you're doing, you probably don't want to head out to explore Howard's Waterfall Cave. However, for those with experience exploring caves, this mile-long horizontal cave is quite the treat! It requires quite a bit of crawling, as it's not very tall in most spots. The waterfall in the cave's name is just outside the cave and is typically just a trickle, though it strengthens after heavy rains.
Best Waterfalls In Georgia
The tumbling waters of a massive waterfall in Georgia are among the most jaw-dropping natural attractions in Georgia. We are lucky enough to have quite a few beautiful waterfalls here, and large or small, they each remind you of the power and force that nature can unleash.
6. Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, USA
One of my favorite things about Amicalola Falls is how easily-accessible it is. You can practically drive right up to it once you’re inside Amicalola Falls State Park! There's a strenuous staircase (175 steps in total) if you'd prefer to get a better view, but it's also easily seen from both the parking lot and a short hike.
7. Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia 30571, USA
This lovely waterfall just outside of Helen is a great option for those hiking with children - the Anna Ruby Falls Trail is only about one mile in length. It will take you straight to a lovely double waterfall that's stunning in any season. The path is paved and features great views of this gorgeous natural wonder.
8. Toccoa Falls
Toccoa Falls, Toccoa, GA 30577, USA
Toccoa Falls is tucked away on the campus of the college that shares its name. At 186 feet in height, it's quite the impressive sight, especially in the winter, when it occasionally freezes over. The falls' beauty inspired a number of Cherokee legends.
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9. Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls, Lakemont, GA 30552, USA
The hike to Minnehaha Falls isn't too strenuous, and at only about 0.4 miles in length, it's quite kid-friendly. The multi-tiered cascading waterfall is gorgeous and quite a sight to see in person. For more information about this great trail, check out our friends at Alltrails.
Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Georgia
With so many natural attractions in Georgia, it only makes sense that we also have some of the best scenic overlooks from which to view them. From our amazingly beautiful drives to hikers’ paradises, there’s no end to the great viewpoints in our gorgeous state.
9. Brasstown Bald
Brasstown Bald, Georgia 30546, USA
As the highest natural point in Georgia, no list of the state's natural wonders would be complete without the mighty Brasstown Bald. Whether you hike or drive to the top of this stunning mountain, you're in for quite a treat. The views don't get much better than this, and it's one of the best places in the state to catch a sunset.
10. Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, USA
Stone Mountain may be best known for its giant carving of Confederate soldiers, which is the largest bas relief artwork in the world. However, the mountain itself is a true natural wonder. The base of this massive rock is more than five miles in circumference. You can reach the spectacular views at the top either by aerial tram or a walk-up trail.
Best Rock Formations In Georgia
Our northern mountains have some pretty spectacular scenery, and some of the rock formations there are surprisingly unique! As some of the best must-see nature in Georgia, these places belong on everyone’s bucket list.
11. Arabia Mountain
Arabia Mountain, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA
Arabia Mountain is one of the state's most underrated wonders. This place honestly looks like something from another planet! The preserve here spans more than 40,000 acres and has opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. This is one of three monadrocks in Atlanta. Monadrocks are made of hard minerals that remain behind when the surrounding land erodes. Since they're so much taller than the surrounding area, they can be quite striking.
12. Lookout Mountain
Rock City, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, USA
Lookout Mountain is right at the border of Tennessee and Georgia. This place offers up some incredible views from its 2,389-foot peak. A massive Civil War battle was fought here, and the mountain was also the site of a frontier battle against the Cherokee. Today, it's a peaceful place where people come to hike and enjoy the scenery.
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Unique Natural Wonders In Georgia
Some of the best nature spots in Georgia are easily fit into categories like “waterfalls” or “rock formations,” but as you know, we’re a unique state. Some of our natural attractions don’t fit into pre-determined labels quite so easily.
13. Okefenokee Swamp
Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia, USA
This swamp along the Georgia/Florida border is both a National Natural Landmark and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. Spanning more than 438,000 acres, this shallow swamp is truly incredible. The water has a dark appearance due to the decaying plants within it. The Okefenokee Swamp is an immensely important habitat for countless animal species, most famous of which is the American alligator.
14. Radium Springs
Radium Springs, GA 31705, USA
You won't find many places like Radium Springs. This magical spring pumps more than 70,000 gallons of 68-degree water per minute out of an underground cave. The water is a gorgeous clear blue. A resort and casino once stood here, and at one time, it was a popular spot for swimming. Visitors are no longer allowed to get into the water, but walking around the grounds is an absolutely amazing experience.
15. Warm Springs
This one's not actually a tourist attraction any more, but it certainly is deserving of its spot on a list of natural wonders in Georgia thanks to its historical significance, if nothing else. The town sprung up around the 89-degree springs that were famously used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited frequently to soothe his pain from polio. He loved the area so much that he had the Little White House built here! The springs are no longer open to the public, but the Little White House is a great museum that's set up just as it was during FDR's lifetime.
16. Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, USA
Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach looks straight out of a story book. Believe it or not, this area was once home to a Jekyll Island forest. Over the years, the trees have eroded down, leaving this magical scene that's unlike anywhere else in the state.
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a road trip to check out some of these great nature spots in Georgia. How many of these have you seen in person? Any that you think belongs on the list that we didn’t mention? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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