Cleveland, Georgia

Looking for the best backpacking in Cleveland? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Cleveland. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Cleveland

  • Helen, Georgia

    Hike to Hogpen Gap

    4.0
    1 mi
    Hogpen Gap is one of six "Gaps" of North Georgia. If you are planning to go on this trip from town, you will be starting from a parking lot at the bottom of the trailhead. If you happen to be thru-hiking on the AT, you just take an extra half-mile of your hike and begin following the blue blazes....
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  • Blairsville, Georgia

    Blood Mountain via Byron Reece Trailhead

    4.7
    4.34 mi / 1447 ft gain
    The Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness make up the wild and scenic southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blood Mountain trail offers the day hiker a taste of the Appalachian Trail that does not disappoint. The hike starts at the Byron Reece trailhead at Neels Gap where ...
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  • Blairsville, Georgia

    Appalachian Trail from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain

    4.0
    14 mi / 2907 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Clarkesville, Georgia

    Panther Creek Falls

    3.7
    7.27 mi / 659 ft gain
    Park at the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The fee to park here is $4. There is extra parking alongside the road if the parking lot is full. The trail begins opposite the parking area, noted by a wooden sign. The trail gains elevation here and there with several drop-offs secured by cable cord f...
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  • Dawsonville, Georgia

    Hike to Springer Mountain

    3.5
    19 mi / 4346 ft gain
    Begin your journey from Amicalola Falls State Park. Despite the steep climb, you should park at the base of the falls and climb the steps for a great view of one of the grandest falls in the South. (For more on that hike, see: "Climb the Stairs to Amicalola Falls"). From the top of the falls, fol...
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  • Clayton, Georgia

    Hike the James E. Edmond trail to Lookoff Mountain Overlook

    4.0
    7.5 mi / 2378 ft gain
    Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia's highest elevation State Park.  It is adorned with several waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, blooming Rhododendron's, and plenty of miles of trail.  The James E. Edmond trail is the longest and by far most challenging hike in the park.  Its medium-long dis...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Backpack the Standing Indian Loop on the Appalachian Trail

    24 mi
    Begins at the parking lot for the Standing Indian Campground. (No permits are needed to park here) For the first 3.7 miles, take Kimsey Creek Trail, which runs along the water, until you meet up with the AT at Deep Gap. Rolling hills and lots of foliage throughout, leading up to Standing Indian M...
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  • Dillard, Georgia

    Hike to Rabun Bald

    5.0
    3 mi / 4696 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead you begin by following the yellow blazes. The trail isn't well marked so keep an eye out for the blazes you see. The trailhead starts at the dead end of Kelsey Mountain Trail. The path immediately starts to incline and doesn't stop. A few minutes in you will come to a fo...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Nantahala National Forest via the Appalachian Trail

    4.0
    27.11 mi / 5420 ft gain
    Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. It's right outside the hiker friendly town of Franklin, NC, so the town is your last chance for a hot meal and any last minute supplies. There is a parking lot at the...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Siler Bald from Wayah Gap

    5.0
    3.66 mi / 1060 ft gain
    The Appalachian Trail does not need a lot of hype beyond its existing legendary status.  However, there are certain parts of it that do stand out as being a little extra special.  Siler Bald is one of those spots.  A large clearing starting from Snowbird Gap and going all the way up to Siler Bald...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Wesser Bald Fire Tower

    4.7
    2.36 mi / 807 ft gain
    The road leading to the trailhead is rough the last mile, but doable in any car. Just make sure to take it easy going up and be careful, especially if there has been any rain or snow. You will have reached the parking area for the hike once you see a large green Appalachian Trail sign and a few...
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