With moderate temperatures all year round complemented by its Southern charm, Georgia is a popular vacation getaway for individuals seeking a scenic place to stay active while visiting. Avid and beginner hikers have an array of trails to trek ranging from state parks to historic sites, the Appalachian Trail and the rugged mountains in northern Georgia. Majestic views of waterfalls, lakes and forests reward backpackers who maneuver the mountainous terrain on day or multi-night trips.
Geography
Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the states of Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. A low coastal plain lies in the southern region. The Piedmont foothills in central Georgia feature trails in the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, where white-tailed deer and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker can be spotted. The mountain region in the northern area includes the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, with myriad hiking opportunities for novice and expert trekkers.
What to Pack
Seasonal visits to Georgia entail packing varied hiking wardrobe essentials. During the summer, when temperatures reach 95 degrees and above, lightweight, quick-drying T-shirts and shorts are appropriate. Include light sweaters or sweatshirts for springtime lows of 65 degrees and fall temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees. Bring a coat for winter lows of 50 degrees. Backpack mainstays include rain gear, sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent, extra clothing and socks, lip balm, a map of the area, a compass, a flashlight, plus an extra day's worth of food and water.
Accommodations
After a day trekking rugged mountain trails, there are budget-friendly lodging options within Georgia's state parks. There are over 2,700 campgrounds ranging from group camping, RV and tent sites, plus primitive camping in the backcountry. Accommodations at Black Rock Mountain State Park include tent-style camping at walk-in sites reserved for backpackers only, with a shared bathroom and lantern post. Fort Mountain State Park offers tent walk-in sites with water and bathroom facilities.
State Parks Trails
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Rock Mountain State Park boasts an impressive elevation of 3,640 feet. Eleven miles of trails take hiking enthusiasts along streams, through forested areas and close to awe-inspiring waterfalls. Georgia's Amicalola Falls State Park features various trails, including an eight-mile pathway from the park to Springer Mountain that leads to the 729-foot cascading Amicalola Falls. Named after the 855-foot-long rock wall atop the mountain, Fort Mountain State Park in the Chattahoochee National Forest features trails through wooded areas, across blueberry thickets and along streams.
Trails Along Lakes and Creeks
Take the family on the easy 1.2-mile hike around Lake Conasauga, or venture out on the 2.5-mile Lake Trail loop along Smith Lake at White County's Unicoi State Park. For an easy-to-moderate 6.5-mile hike, trek along Bear Creek, which features narrow and steep sections, forested areas and stream crossings. The challenging 12.5-mile double-loop Sumac Creek Trail offers adventure seekers thrilling drops into the rugged Sumac Creek drainage, plus high and narrow ridge lines.
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