Best Hiking Trails in Georgia

Is there a better way to unwind, maintain fitness, and take in some breathtaking scenery than a pleasant daily hike? Hiking can allow an individual to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and promote health and fitness at the same time. Hiking can accommodate all levels of participants. You don't have to be a superstar athlete or even very experienced. If you are looking for a fantastic recreational activity, simply put on some comfortable hiking boots, grab a backpack, bring along some light food and water, and have a good hiking stick or cane. If you do your research, you can probably find a great hiking trail somewhere close to you. The following list provides four of my favorite places to hit the trail.

The F.D.Roosevelt State Park is a short drive south of Atlanta, Georgia. Located in Pine Mountain, this park is most famous for President Roosevelt's Little White House. However, the region provides a 7 mile hiking trail with some awesome natural mountain views. It is not a difficult trail to traverse, but I found it to be rocky at some points. For a first timer this trail might be a bit much, but an early morning start will allow you plenty of time to benefit from the route in its entirety.

Located in the southeastern corner of Georgia is the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This natural wildlife habitat offers a variety of hiking trails although most of the area is swamp land and requires canoe or boat for travel. For the beginner, most trails through the highlands of the swampy region are very easy to navigate. The Okefenokee Swamp has three main entrances located near Folkston, Waycross, and Fargo. In my opinion, that the eastern entrance which is 11 miles southwest of Folkston, Georgia. The Longleaf Pine Interpretive Trail, Cane Pole Trail, and Canal Diggers Trail are among the many pass through trails that can be hiked. I recommend bringing a lightweight camera since birds, native plants, and other wildlife most likely will be encountered. I also recommend plenty of insect repellent. Make sure that you plan your hike in time to exit the refuge area well before nightfall. Snakes and alligators are also common in the Okefenokee region.

Amicalola Falls is a Georgia state park area that offers superlative hiking opportunities. Located about an hour north of Atlanta, Georgia in the North Georgia Mountain region, the park offers nine different trails. This area is famous for the connecting trail routes to the world famous Appalachian Trail which can be hiked from Georgia to Maine. My favorite part of this mountainous and woody area of the Chattahoochee National Forest is the Len Foote Hiking Trail. From the tumbling waters of the pristine Amicalola Waterfall you can hike about five miles and stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn. The hike is somewhat strenuous at points but a novice hiker can handle the demanding uphill climbs. The Len Foote Hike Inn specializes in conservation and provides information on various aspects of preservation. The Inn provides a rustic setting and spectacular view for enjoying the wilderness while allowing a break from hiking.

Off the coast of Georgia at the state's southernmost tip is Cumberland Island. This natural barrier island has trails through a maritime forest and you can also hike along the beach. Some individuals actually camp overnight on the island, but I always catch the daily ferry and pack a lunch. The wonderful thing about hiking this area is the opportunity to see wild horses as you trudge along the beach or across the historic island ruins. Keep excellent track of time and pace your hike. If you miss the ferry, you will be forced to remain on the island for the night.