Marietta, Georgia

Top Spots in and near Marietta

  • 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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  • Dawsonville, Georgia

    Amicalola Falls Loop via Upper Observation Platform

    5.0
    1.93 mi / 666 ft gain
    To get there you can use Google Maps or Waze to “Upper Observation Platform” – W Ridge Staircase, Dawsonville, GA 30534. The other option is to start at the visitor center. If you start at the visitor center, it will add about a mile to your hike so parking in the upper parking lot like us will s...
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  • Winder, Georgia

    Fort Yargo Lake Loop Trail

    4.0
    5.8 mi / 620 ft gain
    Fort Yargo Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Winder, Georgia.
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  • Ellijay, Georgia

    Hike the Tumbling Waters Trail

    5.0
    1.3 mi / 160 ft gain
    Just North of Carters Lake lies one of its tributaries, Tails Creek.  The Tumbling Waters Trail follows along a scenic stretch of this creek as it cascades its way towards the lake.  This trail is moderately trafficked and considered a local favorite. The Tumbling Waters trailhead also contains a...
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  • Gainesville, Georgia

    Swim in Lake Sidney Lanier at Dogwood Park

    3.0
    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...
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  • Dahlonega, Georgia

    Kayak the Chestatee River South of Dahlonega

    4.5
    This six mile section of the Chestatee River is a safe, enjoyable float mostly away from civilization. There are several small rapids and bumpy areas (class 1) throughout, with two larger rapids (class 1-2) towards the end of the section. It does get pretty shallow in some sections, so keep watch...
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