Blue Ridge Area Hiking Trails

Reconnect with nature and experience the joy of hiking in Blue Ridge and North Georgia with more than 300 miles of trails. Perfect for all experience levels, explore challenging hiking trails that lead to scenic mountain lookouts, roaring waterfalls, rustic bridges, and other points of interest with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Check out some of the Blue Ridge area’s best hiking trails close to our North Georgia cabin rentals such as the Benton MacKaye, Jacks River, Stanley Gap, and other trails.

Map of Area Hiking Trails & Access Points

Download a free PDF map of area hiking trails, directions, and access points. Challenge yourself on popular Fannin County trails for all difficulties including the Jacks River Falls, Hemp Top, Aska, Swinging Bridge, Three Forks, Amicalola Falls, and other trails.

Amicalola Falls

A relaxing and rejuvenating return to nature awaits you each time you visit The Lodge at Amicalola Falls. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge, the lodge is located on the top of the mountain in Amicalola Falls State Park, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Lodge is perfect for visitors in search of pure relaxation or a home away from home while they explore the regions beauty and recreational offering. Its the ideal location to enjoy the traditional charm of a classic mountain lodge while being pampered with a full range of modern conveniences.

Guests at the Amicalola Falls Lodge are inspired and refreshed when they stay at the lodge, which is just steps away from the 720 foot tall Amicalola Falls, the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Plus, the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail, which passes just a few hundred yards from the Lodge, leads from the property to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The lodge`s prized location makes it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to discover the striking beauty of the north Georgia mountains in all its 4 glorious seasons.

Accommodations include cabins, camping, and full-service hotel rooms in the lodge. A full-service restaurant provides both traditional Southern and American Cuisine. Weddings at the lodge are always a special occasion and groups of all types find the Amicalola Falls Lodge the ideal location for a retreat.

The surrounding area allows visitors to experience whitewater river rafting, trout fishing, horseback riding, as well as an endless variety of festivals throughout the year. There`s shopping at the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall, and throughout the region, endless opportunities to enjoy the mountains relaxing beauty.

Location: Amicalola Falls State Park

Anna Ruby Falls Trail

Length 0.4 mile – this trail is paved but rather steep. There are several benches along the trail to rest. Two observation decks offer a beautiful view of the twin falls. Take Highway 76 east to Hiawassee. Then take GA 75 south towards Helen. Turn left on GA 356 for 1.5 miles and left again at the entrance road to Unicoi State Park. Go 3.5 miles to parking area. There is a parking fee. The trail is accessed from the parking lot.

Appalachian Trail

The starting point of the more than 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail is located at Springer Mountain in southern Fannin County. From Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, the trail winds 2,056 miles, including 78 miles in Georgia. A favorite of hikers for decades, this legendary trail has several offshoots that vary in difficulty, offering diverse challenges and experiences for adventurers.

Benton MacKaye Trail

Blue Ridge is a Benton MacKaye Trail Town, offering a gateway to this extensive trail that journeys deep into the most remote areas of Fannin County. Beginning at Springer Mountain, the Benton MacKaye Trail stretches 300 miles to the northeast end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including several trailheads along its path.

In Georgia, the Benton MacKaye Trail extends from Springer Mountain to Double Spring Gap on the Tennessee border. The first 20 miles of the trail merge with the Appalachian and Duncan Ridge Trails. From Springer Mountain, the trail heads north to Rhodes Mountain, then turns west, crossing the Toccoa River at Shallowford Bridge. It utilizes county roads near Stanley Gap and follows ridge tops to Cherry Log. After crossing private property, the trail continues along state and county roads to Bush Head Gap. The entire trail, marked with white diamonds and blazes on trees, spans 78.6 miles and is suitable for hiking and some mountain biking.

The terrain varies from streams and laurel and rhododendron thickets to scenic ridge tops, mature forests, and county roads. The last 7 miles are within the Cohutta Wilderness, where the trail merges with the South Fork, Jacks River, and Hemptop Trails, allowing horse travel within the wilderness.

Access points to the Benton MacKaye Trail include:

Shallow Bridge Access: From Blue Ridge, take old US 76 for one mile east to Aska Road. Turn right and go south for 9 miles to a steel bridge.
GA Highway 60 Access: From Blue Ridge, take Old US 76 east for 5 miles to Morganton. Turn right on GA 60 and travel south 15 miles near Tooni Gap.
Watson Gap: Take GA 5 northwest out of Blue Ridge for about 4 miles. Turn left at Watson Gap directional sign onto Old GA 2 and travel 10.5 miles to Watson Gap, where the trail enters the road.
Dyer Gap: Follow directions to Watson Gap, then turn left onto Forest Service Road 64 and go 3.5 miles to the Dyer Cemetery. The trail crosses the road just beyond this point.
Dally Gap: Follow directions to Watson Gap, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 22 and go about 3.5 miles to Dally Road and the Jacks River trailhead. Hike down the Jacks River Trail about 0.8 miles to the Benton MacKaye Trail intersect.

Brasstown Bald Trails

South of Blairsville 3 strenuous trails wind to the popular summit 4.5 to 7 miles.

Cohutta Wilderness Area Trailheads

With more than 40,000 acres in Georgia and Tennessee, the Cohuttas comprise the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. The Cohutta Mountains are part of the oldest known mountains in the world. Ideal for more experienced hikers, the area contains 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails, two of which follow the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers.

Desoto Falls Trail

Length 2.5 miles – this trail begins at the bridge in the lower loop of DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. Take US 129 south from Blairsville towards Dahlonega. Entrance will be on left. (about 18 miles this side of Dahlonega

Duncan Ridge Trail

This challenging trail, not generally suitable for mountain biking, follows high, dry ridges for most of its length. The trail begins on Long Creek near Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail, goes north, and crosses the Toccoa River on a 260-foot swinging bridge. The trail then leads north and west along Duncan Ridge through Mulky Gap to Slaughter Gap. It includes many steep climbs and descents over several mountain tops. The trail is blue blazed for all of this section but also has yellow blazes on the eastern portion, where the Coosa Backcountry Trail shares the same treadway and also will have the white diamonds of the Benton MacKaye Trail from long Creek falls for Rhodes Mountain. About 1.25 miles on the eastern end are within the Blood Mountain Wilderness. A 60 mile loop trail can be made by combing this trail with the Appalachian Trail.

Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville, for 9.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto GA 180 and go 3 miles to Wolfpen Gap. The trail crosses GA 180 in the gap. The trail can also be reached in Mulky Gap by Forest Service Road 4, Mulky Gap Road.

Rich Mountain Wilderness – Hikers exploring this wilderness area should be experienced and carry topographical maps, compass and survival gear. Enjoy spectacular wildflower displays

Green Mountain Trail

Part of the Aska Trail System, Green Mountain Trail is rated easy to moderate and stretches 4.6 miles. The hiking and mountain biking trail is also pet friendly.

Helton Creek Falls Trail

Length 0.3 mile – this short trail descends to the first waterfall then climbs beside the creek to the second and larger waterfall. Note: The rocks are deceptively slippery around these falls, use caution. Take US 19/129 south from Blairsville for about 11 miles. Turn left onto Helton Creek Road, it is the first road past the entrance to Vogel State Park. Go 2.2 miles to the small parking area on right.

High Shoals

Five falls in this 170 acre scenic area. Several paths to waterfalls. Take GA75 south from Hiawassee for about 9 miles. Just past GA 180 on the left is a low sign that says “High Shoals”. Travel 1.4 miles to the High Shoals Scenic Area. Five waterfalls can be accessed from hiking trails in the area:

Long Creek Falls
Fall Branch Falls
Sea Creek Falls
Little Rock Creek Falls
Jacks River Fall

Jacks River Trail

Once an old logging railway, Jack Rivers Trail is in the Cohutta Wilderness Area and follows along Jacks River. This trail stretches over 16 miles. Once you’ve traveled 9 miles downstream from the Dally Gap trailhead, you’ll come across the stunning Jacks River Falls.

Lake Blue Ridge Loop Trail

Perfect for kids and pets, the Lake Blue Ridge Loop Trail is situated in the Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area. This easy, 0.8-mile walking trail begins along the shores of Lake Blue Ridge, offering great views of the lake, and then meanders through the woods on the return trip. The flat terrain makes it ideal for families with young children.

To reach the trail from Blue Ridge, take Old Business 5/Old US 76 east for 1.5 miles to Dry Branch Road. Turn right and go 3 miles to the entrance of the Blue Ridge Recreation Area. The trail begins and ends in the picnic area, providing a convenient starting and ending point for a leisurely family outing.