9 Beginner Friendly Hikes In Georgia Will Give You All The Views
There are so many hiking opportunities in Georgia that range from very easy to very strenuous. If you are not a hiker and not down for a long adventure, there are still short trails in the state that will lead you to beautiful views.
The best trails for hot Georgia summers are those that are under 2-miles. It is even better if they end in some type of water feature so you can cool down. These nine short hikes are perfect for beginners, and for those that are looking for a quick day adventure.
Minnehaha Falls
Price: Free!
Address: Directions
Why you should go: Minnehaha Falls is only 0.4-miles and it is an easy hike. The trail will lead you straight to the destination you came to see without you even breaking a sweat. There is a cascading waterfall that is hiding in the forest that you will walk through on this quick day adventure.
Anna Ruby Falls
Price: $3
Address: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd. Helen, GA 30545
Why you should go: Anna Ruby Falls is only 0.9-miles. The hike is all uphill all the way to the top, but it is a fairly easy walk. You will be greeted by two twin waterfalls once you reach the end of your journey to the top.
High Falls State Park
Price: $5 for parking
Address: 76 High Falls Park Dr. Jackson, GA 30233
Why you should go: Along your walk, you will have seamless views of the river flowing downstream. As you get closer to the falls, it will be your only focal point for the last part of your adventure.
Helton Creek Falls
Price: Free!
Address: US Hwy. 129 S. Blairsville, GA 30512
Why you should go: To get to the falls at Helton Creek, you only have to walk 0.3-miles, there and back. You will be greeted by two cascading waterfalls. The bottom of the second waterfall is a huge blue pool that you can get in.
Trahlyta Lake Trail
Price: $5 for parking
Address: 405 Vogel State Park Rd. Blairsville, GA 30512
Why you should go: This is a 1.1-mile trail in Vogel State Park. You will walk through a forest full of canopy trees down to the lake. You can see mountain tops and their reflections off the water here.
Lake Conasauga Songbird Trail
Price: Free
Address: Conasauga Lake Rd.
Why you should go: This hike near Lake Conasauga is a little longer at 1.7-miles. You will walk along a wooden boardwalk that will give you views of beaver ponds, bog plants and mossy plains. This is a longer, but easier hike for a day adventure.
Lake Chatuge Trail
Price: Free!
Address: Hiawassee, GA 30546
Why you should go: Lake Chatuge is picture perfect with mountains that surround the lake. You can also see views on the 1-mile trail here. You will explore the pine forest while getting views of the shoreline.
Sope Creek Trail
Price: $3 daily and $35 for an annual pass
Address: Sope Creek Trail, GA 30067
Why you should go: On this 1.5-mile trail, you will come across Civil War ruins of what used to be a paper mill. Sope Creek is the creek you will see and hear throughout your hike, which leads you to the banks of the Chattahoochee River.
Red Top Mountain Lakeside Trail
Price: $5 for parking
Address: 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Cartersville, GA 30121
Why you should go: This trail is the best for beginners because it is completely paved and only 0.75-miles. It is right on Allatoona Lake and you can go on the shoreline to see wild animals in the lake. You will come across a 1800s log cabin and a smaller cabin as you end your hike.
Each of these short and easy trails have great views, along with a little something for everyone in your group. While you are traveling to these new hiking spots, you should hit these other breathtaking hikes that are for the more experienced.
