An Outdoors Guide to Georgia

It’s hard to explore the storied wildlands of Georgia without mentioning the Civil War, blood, or guns. In this post, we tour old Rebel staking grounds, an infamous peak, a few segments of America’s first long trail, and a road bike ride the college-town of Athens.

#1: Blood Mountain (Hiking)
This 5.5-mile loop in Chattahoochee National Forest follows a leg of the Appalachian Trail and provides long views across the Blue Ridge peaks.


#2: Kennesaw Mountain (Hiking)
Tour a southern Civil War battleground on this 15.8-miler that offers Atlanta dayhikers multiple opportunities to experience their own journey through time.


#3: Duncan Ridge (Section 2A) (Hiking)
A classic Appalachian ridge hike, this 11-mile shuttle tackles numerous knobs and summits under heavy canopy with occasional Blue Ridge views.


#4: Watson Mill Loop (Road Biking)
Combine the best parts of Athens' road riding on this 56-mile loop that cruises red-clay backroads, the state's longest covered bridge, and miles of open countryside.


#5: Amicalola Falls State Park - Len Foote Hike Inn to Springer Mountain
Hike from Amicalola Falls State Park in northern Georgia to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain on this 16.2-mile loop.


#6: Smith Creek Trail - Unicoi State Park to Anna Ruby Falls (Hiking)
A really nice five mile hike (one way) up to Anna Ruby Falls. The sign says three hours to complete, but I did it (slowly) together with my eleven year old son and it took us about 2hrs 40min.