The Best State and National Parks in North Georgia

For those looking to escape from the daily grind of big cities like Atlanta or travelers wanting to avoid the crowded tourist areas of Helen or Savannah, the North Georgia Mountains are filled with all sorts of outdoor adventures and state parks just waiting to be discovered.

Finding the best state and national parks in North Georgia isn't too hard, with the large and expansive Chattahoochee National Forest just minutes from the Blue Ridge area and a huge assortment of Georgia State Parks.

If you’re looking for great Georgia mountain views, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, historic sites, or just some peace and quiet, there is no better location for your mountain getaway than the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here are five parks not to be missed.
 

1. Chattahoochee National Forest

Photo Credit: Jeff Gunn via Flickr CC2.0

The Chattahoochee National Forest takes its name from the Chattahoochee River and is by far the largest local attraction in North Georgia. This section is located in close proximity to the Blue Ridge area and is part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. These national forests comprise almost 867,000 acres and span over 26 counties within Georgia, so there's plenty to explore.

The Chattahoochee National Forest was proclaimed separate from the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests in 1936. After the separation, forest managers worked hard to restore and rejuvenate the natural beauty of the area by planting trees, fighting wildfires, managing erosion, and improving habitats for fish and wildlife so they could return to productive and healthy populations.

Now, the area is world-renowned for its fishing, and hikers and mountain bikers can explore nearly 850 miles of recreation trails, so there’s sure to be an attraction for any vacationers coming to the area.

Within Chattahoochee National Forest, you will find several popular attractions.

With so many acres to cover any extensive exploration opportunities, we've highlighted several smaller attractions within the Chattahoochee National Forest:

Track Rock Petroglyphs

Located near Blairsville, GA, Track Rock Petroglyphs offer a historic glance into Native American culture as you can view rock carvings and better understand the area's rich history.

Springer Mountain

If you're interested in venturing deep into the forest, you can make the hike to Springer Mountain. It’s located along the 76 miles of the Georgian section of the Appalachian Trail and denotes the southern terminus for both the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail.

Long Creek Falls

Located near Morganton, GA, Long Creek Falls offers a moderate hike along the Appalachian Trail with immaculate scenery and a stunning waterfall. The hike is a manageable two-mile trek and follows along Noontootla Creek, which has multiple smaller waterfalls.
 

2. Amicalola Falls State Park

Photo Credit: Michael Hicks via Flickr CC2.0

Amicalola Falls State Park is unique in that it is identified as a state park, but the North Georgia Mountains Authority and a hospitality group manage it. Because of this, there are many opportunities for exciting adventures.

The state park is located in Dawsonville, about a 30 minute drive from our cabin rentals in Ellijay.

Amicalola is perfect for adrenaline-seekers with opportunities to partake in zip-lining, climbing walls, and archery. If you're looking to connect more closely with nature, they offer guided trail runs and hikes, survivalist camps, and classes on birds of prey.

In addition to organized classes and activities, the park hosts the tallest cascading waterfall East of the Mississippi, at 729 feet.
 

3. Fort Mountain State Park

Photo Credit: fortmountainstatepark via Instagram

Fort Mountain State Park is located along a scenic route at the Southwestern end of the Cohutta Mountain range. Another area rich in early history, Fort Mountain is home to a mysterious stone wall over 850 feet in length.

There are still some questions around its origin, but it is believed to have been developed by the Cherokee tribe for either fortification or ceremonial use. In addition to the stone wall, there is also a stone fire tower, recently rebuilt in 2015, which pays homage to the previous fire tower that assisted in forest fire prevention efforts. Fort Mountain also offers a 17-acre lake with a sand beach, swimming and water activities and rentals.

Hiking opportunities are plentiful at Fort Mountain, as well as horseback riding, each with more than 25 miles of trails.

This North GA state park is located in Chatsworth, also only about 30 minutes from Ellijay, just on the northern side instead of the southern.
 

4. Chief Vann House Historic Site

Photo Credit: J. Stephen Conn via Flickr CC2.0

If you're looking to connect with the early history of Georgia and the Cherokee Nation, the Chief Vann House is the perfect place to explore for the day. This historic site offers a glimpse into the life of James Vann, a Cherokee Indian leader and a wealthy businessman.

The site includes 137 acres of land and a selection of state-managed walking trails, so you can get your fix of the great Georgia countryside once you’ve finished your tour of the house.

This historic site is also in Chatsworth, so it’s an easy addition to a trip to visit Fort Mountain State Park.
 

5. Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park is located at the base of Blood Mountain, the highest summit on the Appalachian Trail. It's part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and is one of Georgia's oldest parks, dating back to 1931.

This family-friendly destination offers a huge range of outdoor activities, including hiking, lake swimming, fishing, and much more. Hikers can choose from trails of varying difficulty levels, from the four-mile Bear Hair Gap loop to the more challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail. If you're heading here for the fishing, expect to catch largemouth bass, trout, and catfish. A permit is required to fish, which can be arranged at the visitor center.

This historic site saw lots of construction during the Great Depression, and its story is told in the park's fascinating museum.

Vogel State Park is in Blairsville and is closest to our vacation rental homes in Morganton, GA.
 

Which North Georgia State Parks Will You Visit?

If you're looking for an adventure in North Georgia, you'll have no trouble finding a spectacular state park or two to explore.

Whether you're looking for a tranquil fishing spot, a challenging mountain biking trail, a dramatic waterfall, or a lush forest to hike through, you'll find all that and more right here in the North Georgia mountains.

To make your trip an adventure you'll never forget, make a reservation for one of our comfy and cozy cabins. Many properties have mountain views, so you can enjoy the stunning surroundings from the comfort of your own slice of scenic paradise.