Cherokee County, Georgia

A quick and local getaway from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta city life, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve offers over 100 acres of forested trails that lead to Utoy Creek and Cascade Falls. The trail starts at the parking area and leads to a boardwalk where old historical structures stand along...

Lake Sidney Lanier is pretty big, but you don't need to be overwhelmed when you visit the lake via Dogwood Park. The park has a large pavilion and a few other picnic tables, lots of shade trees, and a couple of ways to access the lake. On the left side, there's an abandoned marina (dangerous—it's...

Fort Mountain rises prominently from the plateau to the West, serving as the start of the Blue Ridge Mountain range in Georgia. The Gahuti Backcountry Trail circumnavigates the mountain, with several overlooks with views in all directions.  At 8.1 miles, this hike is moderately difficult, but can...

Walk amongst some of the oldest trees in Atlanta in this scenic nature preserve located in the heart of East Point. This is a great spot for birding with some sightings including Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Yellow-rumped Warbler...

Fort Mountain State Park is filled with horse trails, biking trails, walking trails, camping sites, and a lake. Once you arrive at the park you pay a $5 entrance fee and will receive a park map. While visiting I walked the West Overlook Trail and came back down the CCC Tower Trail. This is a 1 mi...

Bear Creek is a southern favorite amongst the mountain biking community. There are many variations and add-ons to make this ride more challenging, but the classic up and back from the parking lot at the base of Bear Creek is one of the most rewarding and adrenaline pumping runs you will find in ...

The hike to the five waterfalls on the Emery Creek trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in Georgia. This trail is moderate in climb, yet secluded in the Cohutta Wilderness and challenging enough to keep crowds away. Two things to note about this trail: it is wet (there are 20 creek crossing...

Locating the entrance to Constitution Lakes Park is the hardest part of this hike.  There's no specific address to take you to the parking lot, but if you find South River Industrial Boulevard, you'll see the sign for Constitution Lakes Park on your right.  Parking is free and there are two trail...

Long Branch Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Blue Ridge, Georgia.

The Appalachian Trail is arguably the most famous thru-hike in the world.  Along its 2,181-mile journey, there are many beautiful mountain views, and Preachers Rock is definitely one of them.  A large granite slab near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain reveals mountain views that are truly the epi...

Keown Falls Trail is a moderate loop perfect for a Spring day (especially after those April showers).  The trailhead is located in the Keown Falls picnic area which is very spacious spotted with several picnic tables. This would be a great place for a family gathering and is spacious enough that ...

Morganton Point Campground is one of the most well-maintained campgrounds in North Georgia. There are sites available for both RVs and tents, but the tent section is separate from the RV area so don't worry about any noisy generators!  I camped at Site F, a tent-only campsite. This campsite (and ...

The Chattahoochee National Forest is another kind of jungle.  On hot summer days well over 95 degrees, the forest canopy provides a shelter for human and wildlife alike. Here adventurers can enjoy hiking the Desoto Falls trail(s), try their luck at fishing, or take in the solitude of the North Ge...

The trail begins right off Klondike Road by the parking lot with restrooms, which is almost impossible to miss. Upon arriving, you begin a steady climb along the barren rock face. At this point, keep an eye out for the prominent cairns to guide you up and down the mountain. The trail itself is o...

Reynolds Nature Preserve Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Morrow, Georgia.

North Georgia is packed with awesome mountain trails, but few boast the beauty and magnitude of the Appalachian Trail. The hike from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain is one of the more scenic sections of the AT in Georgia, in terms of mountain views.  Do this hike as a full day hike, or spread ...