If you’re an outdoorsy vacationer and a day in nature sounds more relaxing than a day at a spa, you may want to try hiking in one of the many beautiful state parks in Georgia.

Before you hit the trails, take some time to carefully plan your hike. Being well prepared will only help make your experience more enjoyable.
First, honestly assess your fitness level. If you rarely exercise and your everyday life is pretty sedentary, you won’t want to venture off on a multi-day, experienced trail with a fifty-pound backpack. Pick a trail that matches your level of ability. Sprains, strains and exhaustion aren’t found on a great vacation, so don’t overdo it.

Second, think about what kinds of things you’d like to see on your hike. Breathtaking views, geological formations, and various plants and flowers can all be found on different trails. An easy trail in an area with wild animals to see or a pond to swim in might be more fun for families with small children than a moderate hike to a romantic waterfall spot.
Third, pack and go. Once you’ve selected a trail (and a hiking partner, especially if you’re not so confident in your navigating skills) you’ll need to gather items to be used during your trip. The size of your pack will vary greatly depending on what kind of hike you’ll be completing. Regardless of the length or difficulty of the trail you select, you should carry the following: a map, compass (make sure you know how to use it), water, more food than you think you’ll need, matches, a first aid kit, pocket knife, and a flashlight. Lace up a pair of comfortable hiking boots and you should be ready to go.

Here are a few of our favorite Georgia hikes within a two-hour radius of Atlanta. Keep in mind, this is a small sampling of the Georgia parks available to hikers. Books, the internet and fellow hikers are great sources for discovering other locations to explore.

Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park boasts the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, measuring 729 feet high. This explains the unusual name; Amicalola is Cherokee for “tumbling waters.” The park offers twelve miles of easy to moderate hikes on several different trails, including an eight-mile long approach trail which will leave you at the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. Besides the falls, plan to see spring flowers, dogwood trees, mountain laurel, and several types of hardwoods.

Plan on taking two to four hours on any of the trails and keep in mind that lodging and campsites are available if you want to stay and hike more than one trail.

Get there: 15 miles Northwest of Dawsonville on Highway 52.
Spend: Parking costs $2 except on Wednesdays, when it’s free. For overnight visitors, keep in mind that campsites run $17 per night and reservations may be helpful.

Tallulah Gorge State Park
One of the most spectacular canyons on the east coast can be found at this 2,600+ acre park. Measuring two miles long and nearly 1500 feet deep, the gorge is the major draw here. You’ll never find the trail leading down to the bottom of the gorge crowded, in part because it’s a strenuous, 600-foot hike down and in part because the park only gives gorge permits to 100 people per day. But don’t dismiss this park if you’re less fit or don’t get one of the free permits. Fishing, swimming, bicycling, and of course, hiking (including a bridge that crosses the gorge) are available to visitors.
Get there:
From Atlanta take I-85N to I-985N to Exit #113 towards Gainesville. Then take US-23N to the park.
From Asheville area take I-26S to I-85S. Follow above directions after taking I-985N exit off of I-85S.
Spend: Parking costs $4 and the Pioneer Campground costs $25 per night, and reservations may be necessary. Gorge floor permits are free.

Red Top Mountain State Park
Want a getaway close to the big city? Check out the trails at Red Top Mountain, which is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Atlanta. This is a park that truly has something for everyone. Twelve miles of trails (including a paved trail suitable for strollers and wheelchairs), a 12,000 acre lake ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing and inexpensive yurt lodging are some of the attractions at this park. The trails at Red Top are superb for hikers who enjoy watching animals in the wild; an abundant deer population, squirrels, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds make their homes here.
Get there: 45 minutes north of Atlanta, near Cartersville. Take I-75N to exit #285. From Asheville area take I-26S to I-85S. Follow above directions after taking I-75N exit off of I-85S.
Spend: $35 per night for yurt lodging (there is only one yurt available, so reserve ahead), $18 per night for tent sites.

Fort Yargo State Park
This park is located between Atlanta and Athens, and offers hiking, fishing, and camping for everyone. You’ll find a 260-
acre lake with a swimming beach, canoe rentals, eight miles
of hiking/biking trails and a recreation area designed for challenged populations. This is definitely a family- and children-friendly park.
Get there: 1 mile south of Winder on Hwy. 81.
Spend: $17 per night for campsites; pedal boat and canoe rental prices vary.

Emily Ray is a health and beauty writer based in Atlanta, GA. She is a regular contributor to New Life Journal.

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