The Best Hiking Near Morganton, GA

Prepare for your cabin getaway in Morganton, the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and go on a multitude of amazing hikes in the area.

North Georgia is well known for its wealth of natural beauty and is an ideal vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers of all levels. Even better, after a long day on the trail, there are plenty of beautiful cabin rentals in Morganton, GA to rest your weary bones.

From casual walks to intense workouts, it is easy to find the perfect trail.

About Morganton, Georgia

Photo Credit: Nicholas Garuccio

Morganton, Georgia, in Fannin County, is a wonderful destination for family vacations, solo trips, or romantic getaways. This small mountain town located in the Chattahoochee National Forest section of the Blue Ridge Mountains only has a population in the 300s, giving visitors an authentic small-town experience.

With friendly locals, tasty restaurants, extensive outdoor activities, and even a local vineyard, you won’t run out of things to do while in Morganton.

Those who enjoy spending most of their vacation in the great outdoors will find plenty to do in Morganton. The Morganton Point Recreation Area is one of the most beloved spots in town. Located on Lake Blue Ridge, Morganton Point features a swimming beach. Those interested in kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding can do so on the lake, and numerous biking trails can be found in the area.

One of the most popular activities in and around Morganton is hiking. Take advantage of the numerous hikes available and enjoy some of the most stunning views North Georgia has to offer.

Hikes Near Morganton

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Most of the hikes surrounding Morganton are located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. While so many great hikes throughout North GA, many are near Morganton.

One of two national forests in Georgia, the Chattahoochee-Oconee features 869,000 protected acres of woodland, mountains, streams, and rivers, and offers around 850 miles of trails. The national forest is generally dog-friendly, and you are welcome to bring your leashed dog on the trails.

Morganton Point Recreation Area

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This popular recreation area on the edge of Lake Blue Ridge features 60 miles of shoreline and over 3,200 acres of prime North Georgia woodlands. The campground here offers a level, paved place to walk for casual viewing of the lake and forest.

The day-use section of the recreation area offers numerous hiking trails for those who wish to explore further. As you walk along the shoreline, enjoy watching the kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders playing in the lake.

Wilscot Gap to Brawley Mountain Loop

The 5.7-mile Wilscot Gap to Brawley Mountain loop is a great choice for a moderately strenuous hike with beautiful views from the summit. The trailhead for this route is where the Benton Mackaye trail crosses GA Highway 60, and there is parking for eight or so cars at the trailhead.

Hikers start with a moderately steep incline as you summit Tipton Mountain, after which the trail drops into the gap before climbing again to Brawley mountain. You will follow an old fire tower access road to return to the trailhead.

The dual summits on this trail make it moderately difficult but reward you with amazing views of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a more technical trail and little-to-no crowds. Feel free to bring Fido, as leashed dogs are allowed on the loop.

Benton MacKaye Trail

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The Benton MacKaye trail is a 288-mile trail that starts at Springer Mountain, GA, crosses into North Carolina, and terminates in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Springer Mountain is also the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, making it an interesting spot to visit.

The length of the Benton MacKaye trail may seem daunting, but don’t fret! Day hikes are also possible along the trail. There are numerous trailheads allowing you the opportunity to section-hike this gorgeous and historic trail.

Just outside of Morganton is the trailhead for section 3A-4B, or miles 18.7-30.3, of the Benton MacKaye trail. The 11.1-mile trail is considered difficult, so it is best only to attempt it if you are a seasoned hiker. It is a point-to-point trail, meaning the trailhead and end of the trail are at different spots and you will need two vehicles to shuttle your group between the parking areas.

Though this is a more strenuous and technical hike, the trail is worth the effort! You will feel a great sense of accomplishment upon completing this section hike.

Long Branch Loop

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Long Branch Loop is located about 20 minutes south of Morganton and is a fantastic trail for an easy hike. This 2.3-mile roundtrip loop is popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.

There is minimal elevation change on this loop and the inclines are gradual, meaning most people can comfortably complete this hike. You are surrounded by a lush forest that offers beautiful scenery no matter the season.

Leashed dogs are welcome on this hike, so feel free to bring the whole family!

Flat Creek Loop

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A 15-minute drive from Morganton is the Flat Creek Loop, a popular and beloved hike. Rated as moderately strenuous, this 6-mile loop takes you through the beautiful forest and offers a few small waterfalls to admire. This trail is especially loved in the autumn when you are surrounded by a tunnel of vibrant-colored fall foliage.

This hike has a little over 1,000 feet in elevation change, providing a nice workout without being too exhausting. If you take the trail clockwise, the steep areas will be uphill, whereas counterclockwise, the steep part will be downhill. Consider which you prefer when you choose your route.

Lake Blue Ridge Loop

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A few minutes from Morganton, outside of the neighboring town of Blue Ridge, is this easy route, perfect for families and all levels of hikers. The Lake Blue Ridge loop is 0.8 miles with almost no elevation change.

This hike offers lovely views of Lake Blue Ridge and even has access points to the water for those wishing to swim. Do note that the signage at the trailhead is for bikers; hikers should walk to the left when looking at the lake, where you will find a small boardwalk that marks the start of the hiking trail.

Noontootla Creek Trail

Around 25 minutes south of Morganton is the Noontootla Creek trail, a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail featuring a bubbling creek and a few small waterfalls. This trail is considered easy and is not highly trafficked, so you will likely have a very peaceful walk here.

There are multiple creek crossings on this trail, especially if it has rained recently, so be sure to wear waterproof shoes or plan on getting your feet wet! It can also be difficult to find the trailhead, but past hikers recommend taking the forest service road at the 4-way split, and the parking area is immediately on the right.

When to Visit Morganton

If you are planning a hiking-focused vacation to Morganton, Georgia, you might be wondering which time of year is best. Thanks to the generally mild weather of North Georgia, there is no bad time of year for a trip here. Depending on what you are looking for, some seasons may be better for your vacation.

Spring

Spring in North Georgia offers lovely, temperate weather, and the wildflowers covering the ground are sure to amaze. While rain is likely, creeks and waterfalls will be full and the greenery will be lush.

You can expect nights to be chilly, likely in the 30s-40s, and days to be mild, typically ranging from the 60s in early spring to the upper 70s in late spring.

Summer

Summer is a fantastic time to vacation in North Georgia for those who want to take advantage of all the outdoor activities this region has to offer. From kayaking to hiking, Morganton is an absolute blast during summer holidays.

Hiking in summer can mean you will experience hot and humid weather, but the elevation means it is far cooler than surrounding areas. Expect temperatures in the mid to upper 80s, so pack plenty of water for your hike!

Fall

Autumn in Morganton is truly hard to beat. The weather has cooled off and the trees have begun to change, providing stunning fall foliage in vivid reds, yellows, and oranges.

Fall is a lovely season to hike in North Georgia due to the mild temperatures and beautiful leaves. However, popular trails may become busy, so expect crowds or seek out less-popular trails.

Winter

Winter is the perfect season to visit Morganton if you are looking for peaceful solitude. While winter isn’t particularly frigid here, with lows in the 20s, highs in the 50s, and a very low chance of any snow, outdoor tourism slows down.

Most trails will be fairly empty, and have the added benefit of more open views since the trees have lost their leaves.

Embrace Nature in Morganton, GA

No matter the season, a cabin getaway in Morganton is sure to be a great experience. With some of the best hiking options in North Georgia, outdoor enthusiasts and casual hikers alike will find plenty of suitable trails and make lifelong memories.