Hiking At Its Best: The Top North Georgia Hiking Trails To Visit!
Finding worthwhile hiking trails in the North Georgia Mountains, surrounding quaint towns like Blue Ridge and Ellijay and easily accessible from Atlanta and Nashville, Tennessee, is no challenge.
However, the challenge may be choosing which trails to tackle.
In some cases, the real challenge may be the trail itself, but if strenuous endurance hikes are a bit more than you wish to take on, there are plenty of milder options to consider.
From a relaxing stroll over grassy meadows in Georgia State Park to plentiful waterfalls all around, North Georgia’s top trails offer a pathway to natural exploration for every age, skill level, and interest.
Whether you decide to push yourself on Blood Mountain (the highest peak on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail) or go for a light walk in the lush forest, be sure you book a cabin rental with stunning views to rest and recharge after your day out in nature. With that taken care of, the exact trail you choose won't matter as much since you'll get to absorb the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains right from your back porch.
Let’s dive right into our recommendations for the top 19 hiking trails in North Georgia.
Map Of Top North Georgia Hiking Trials
Long Creek Falls via Appalachian Trail
Photo Credit: Matt Malone via Flickr CC2.0
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Type: out & back
- Difficulty: easy
- Season: year-round
If you’re looking for a waterfall trail in the Appalachian Mountains that is good for all skill levels, Long Creek Falls is an excellent choice.
Being relatively short and only moderately trafficked, this Chattahoochee National Forest trail is ideal for a day out with the kids and allows you to enjoy beautiful waterfalls without too much hiking. You can even bring your dog along — just keep your four-legged friend on a leash on the main trails.
For an extra challenge, add Yonah Mountain (otherwise known as Mount Yonah) to your Chattahoochee hiking itinerary.
Flat Creek Loop
.png)
Photo Credit: shannondempsey via Instagram
- Distance: 6 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: year-round
For a great chance to see wildlife up close and personal, the Flat Creek trail should be on your list. While rated as moderate, the trail does offer plenty of options for activities and is still relatively short. Bring your dog along for the hike but be sure to keep him leashed. Begin the hike at the Deep Gap parking lot.
Appalachian Trail: Springer Mountain to North Carolina Border
Photo Credit: Ken Lund via Flickr CC2.0
- Distance: 73.2 miles
- Type: point-to-point
- Difficulty: hard
- Season: year-round
For the more seasoned hiker, this 73-mile stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail is a must-do! This is the beginning section of the Appalachian Trail for northbound hikers, but you could also do the hike heading south if preferred.
While rated as difficult, this moderately trafficked trail features a waterfall as well as a number of activities and is well worth the journey. Dogs are more than welcome to join you, but this is a difficult hike — be sure you and your best friend are prepared. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the many beautiful views.
Long Branch Loop Trail
Photo Credit: plantsandpawz via Instagram
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: easy
- Season: March – October
Another trail that is great for everyone and is perfect for all skill levels, Long Branch Loop Trail features some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the area and a variety of activities to keep everyone engaged. Don’t forget your four-legged friend, as leashed dogs are more than welcome on this trail.
Green Mountain via Whissenhunt Loop to Toccoa River
.png)
Photo Credit: www.alltrails.com
- Distance: 5.3 miles
- Type: out & back
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: Year-round
If you want some peace and serenity, this lightly trafficked trail is perfect. Rated at moderate difficulty, this relatively short trail offers a variety of activities and a wonderful river view. Dogs are more than welcome to join you, but please keep them on a leash. Keep a look out for the picturesque suspension bridge!
Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo Credit: TranceMist via Flickr CC2.0
- Distance: 49 miles
- Type: point-to-point
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: Year-round
Perfect for the adventurous types, this moderate-rated trail offers some of the finest views in the area. Featuring a number of activities and a waterfall, there is no shortage of things to see and do along the way. Your leashed dog is more than welcome to join you, but be aware this is a long hike, so bring any supplies you or your companion may require.
Jacks River Loop with Spur to Falls
Photo Credit: gypsy_soul47 via Instagram
- Distance: 15.9 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: March – October
Another great choice for waterfall enthusiasts, the Jacks River Loop is ready and waiting. This is a moderately difficult trail, but the payoff is well worth the nearly 16-mile hike. There are more than a few activities to keep everyone happy. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on this excursion.
Stanley Gap
Photo Credit: northga.treks via Instagram
- Distance: 9.5 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: Year-round
This lightly trafficked 9.5-mile trail has a moderate difficulty rating, but it should be accessible to just about anyone. Featuring an array of wildflowers and a wonderful assortment of activities, everyone can find something they love. Your leashed dog is welcome on the trail, so make sure you bring your best friend along. If you prefer biking to hiking, the trails are suitable for that, too.
Stanley Creek Loop Trail
.png)
Photo Credit: www.alltrails.com
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: easy
- Season: March – October
Ideal for the whole family, the Stanley Creek Loop Trail is a 2.5-mile round trip that is rated as easy. Even though this is a relatively short trail, it features a wide variety of activities and is highlighted by numerous opportunities to view wildflowers along the path. Leashed dogs are more than welcome to join you.
Jacks River Day Hike
A bird watchers paradise is waiting for you on the Jacks River Day Hike. This trail takes in some of the best Cohutta wilderness and is rated at a difficulty level of moderate, but it is a relatively short trail. Features include river views and some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the area. Don’t leave your dog at home as leashed dogs are invited to join you on this bird-watching adventure.
Lake Blue Ridge Loop
Photo Credit: myblueridgetravelguide.com
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: easy
- Season: Year-round
If you’re looking for a short hike that still offers plenty of activities and the opportunity to view wildlife, then the Lake Blue Ridge Loop should go right to the top of your list. This is a great experience for the whole family and is perfect for all skill levels.
Hemptop to Penitentiary Branch
- Distance: 7.2 miles
- Type: out & back
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: Year-round
If you are hoping to see some wildlife on your hike, the Hemptop to Penitentiary Branch trail is an ideal choice. The difficulty rating is moderate, but the trail is relatively short. Leashed dogs are encouraged to join you on this wildlife adventure.
Benton Mackaye and Duncan Ridge Trail
Photo Credit: bentonmackayetrail via Instagram
- Distance: 18.7 miles
- Type: point-to-point
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: Year-round
This moderately trafficked trail offers some great opportunities to view wildlife. The trail is primarily used for trail running, backpacking, and general hiking. While dogs are permitted on the trail, be sure to bring along any provisions necessary to ensure a safe and fun-filled day.
Benton Mackaye Daly Gap Loop
Photo Credit: www.alltrails.com via Flickr CC2.0
- Distance: 5.9 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: March – October
Another great trail for bird watchers, this moderately trafficked, relatively short trail offers no shortage of scenic views and wonderful opportunities to view wildlife. Don’t leave your dog at home, but please make sure to keep them leashed.
Benton Mackaye Trail: Bushy Head Gap To Hatley Gap
- Distance: 8.6 miles
- Type: out & back
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: March – October
This is another stretch of the Benton Mackaye Trail not to be missed. The trek between Bushy Head Gap and Hatley Gap is a reasonably short trail with a moderate difficulty rating. It offers some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the area. Dogs are free to join along, but please keep your four-legged friend on a leash.
Cohutta to Big Frog Wilderness via Benton Mackaye Trailhead
Photo Credit: beccabalonn via Instagram
- Distance: 16.9 miles
- Type: point-to-point
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: April – October
Offering fantastic river views and plenty of things to see and do along the way, this somewhat lengthy trail has a difficulty rating of moderate. Leashed dogs can come along, but be sure to pack plenty of provisions to make for a safe and happy journey.
Benton Mackaye Trail Dally Gap Too Big Frog Mountain
Photo Credit: www.alltrails.com
- Distance: 14.7 miles
- Type: out & back
- Difficulty: hard
- Season: April – October
This is a long and hard trail, but you will find a treasure trove of wildflowers and other wonders of nature along the way. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail, but please keep in mind the length and difficulty level, and pack for your best friend accordingly.
Benton Mackaye Trail Dally Gap To Double Hogpen Gap
Photo Credit: kerawwilliams via Instagram
- Distance: 19.9 miles
- Type: out & back
- Difficulty: moderate
- Season: March – October
Yet another length of the Benton Mackaye Trail, this stretch offers visitors some of the best views — featuring wildflowers and wildlife opportunities. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, but please note the distance and prepare for you and your hiking partner.
Lake Blue Ridge Campground Trail
Photo Credit: amenityproperties1 via Instagram
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Type: loop
- Difficulty: easy
- Season: Year-round
A great option for the whole family, this is an easy and short trail with a fantastic opportunity to view wildlife. The trail is primarily used for short nature trips and camping. Although just over a mile long, you will find no shortage of options for everyone in your group.
Other Hiking Options in North Georgia
If none of the above options are quite what you’re looking for, here are a few additional hikes for you to consider:
- Amicalola Falls State Park – located near Dahlonega, this park offers easy hikes and one of the best campsites in the area. Swing by the visitor center for advice on the area’s trails.
- West Rim Loop – this Cloudland Canyon State Park adventure delivers some steep climbs, but the views are worth your effort.
- Panther Creek Falls – tackle rock outcrops among towering trees to discover dramatic waterfalls and cooling watering holes.
Stay Safe in the North Georgia Mountains
Regardless of your experience and ability, it’s important not to underestimate the North Georgia hiking trails. Whether you’re heading out on a long trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains or tackling a shorter trail, make sure you are always prepared before embarking on an outdoor adventure.
Take care to pack all the necessary provisions for your expedition, and always let someone know where you are going. A little planning and research are your keys to an enchanting adventure in North Georgia’s stunning backcountry!
Discover the Best Hiking in North Georgia
After a long day on the trails, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy cabin for some serious rest and relaxation.
For an extra treat, pick a vacation rental that overlooks the surrounding mountains for a view you’ll never forget, and don’t forget to check out Blue Ridge’s fabulous restaurant scene.