From mountain tops to falls to everywhere in between. Georgia has plenty to offer if you’re looking for adventure, serenity or just something new.
Here are my few favorite spots that are under 2 hours from Atlanta:
Cloudland Canyon
If you want to experience an array of waterfalls, mountain tops, coveted caves, hiking trails, bright forestry, or sedimentary rock formations — you’re in the right place. Cloudland Canyon offers an unique view of natural geology that’s taken millions of years to form.
Location: 22 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Details to remember:
- 3,538 Acres
- 16 Cottages
- 10 Yurts
- 72 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites
- 30 Walk-In Campsites
- 13 Backcountry Campsites
- 4 Pioneer Campsites (Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- 6 Picnic Shelters (Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- 1 Group Shelter (seats 175. Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- 1 Group Lodge (sleeps 40. Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- Gift Shop/Camper Store
- Playground
Cochran Mill Park (Henry Mill Falls)
Only 20 miles outside of Atlanta, this hidden gem is rarely acknowledged for its radiant waterfalls, dynamic woodland trails, stunning boulders and cascading creeks. There are various hiking trails for all levels and the park is well maintained by local volunteers. I’ve personally hiked all 18 miles and each route exposed something new and exciting to explore. My favorite hiking trail is Henry Mill Falls, it’s roughly 8 miles round trip.
Location: 6875 Cochran Mill Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Details to remember:
- 800 acres
- 20 miles southwest of the Atlanta airport
- Contains 3 historic mills
- 18 miles of sustainable multiple-use trails
- Interactive offline trail maps available
- GPS-based hike tracking
- $5 parking fee
- Camping sites available
High Shoals Falls
A mossy masterpiece. There are always certain elements of a hike that stand out to me, for High Shoals, it was the vibrant moss-covered trees and yellow mushrooms along the pathway to the falls. This calming trek was a bit curvy in its descent through the forest but, eventually opened up into a large campsite. Once you hear the rushing water, you’ll notice a man-made stair structure and a wooden canopy overlooking the falls for your pleasure and enjoyment.
Location: 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Details to remember:
- There’s a low-depth creek you will have to travel over in order to reach the top of the trail entrance. I personally did not feel comfortable driving my car over the low creek, so we parked on the side of the trail near the entry gate and hiked roughly 1.5 miles to the trail head.
- Campsites available
- 2.4 miles in length
- 500 feet of elevation
Historic Banning Mills trails
Whether you want a remote get-a-way or a nice day-hike through some scenic trails, you have roaring options with Historic Banning Mills. This place has ziplining, rock climbing, beautiful nature trails, horseback riding, aerial courses, birds of prey program, ECO spider ATV tours, kayaking, camping and great hospitality.
Location: 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185
Details to remember:
- 1 hour from Atlanta
- Treehouse cabins available
- Camping available
- $5 for day entrance
- Wooded miles of boulders, creeks and wildlife
- Miniature golf available
- Tennis
- Pavillion
Old Rope Mill Park
Georgia is filled with historic ruins that once controlled an entire economy. It’s astonishing to understand how far we’ve come as a society with the reproduction efficiency of goods and services. Olde Rope Mill Park pays homage to a once booming railroad system and cotton rope mill during the 1800s. The mill and gristmills were powered by water flowing through Little River, Noonday Creek and Etowah River.
Location: 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188
Details to remember:
- Be sure to check out the trail status before you go; trails are closed regularly for maintenance or inclement weather conditions
- Ample biking trails (over 10 miles)
- Railroad ruins
- Creeks
- Fishing available
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Pavillion
- 6 different hiking trails of varying levels
Which Georgia view will you check out first?
Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like me to plan a group hike to one of the trails listed above. Be sure to take a buddy when you’re venturing out to these new places or check out Solo Hiking: The Beginners Guide.
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To more adventures,
Carrie