All Destinations / All Things To Do in North Georgia / Parks, Forest & Recreation Areas in North Georgia

Parks, Forest & Recreation Areas in North Georgia

North Georgia is home to some of the most scenic parks, forests, and recreation areas in the Southeast. From the vast trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest to the peaceful lakeside picnic spots in Blue Ridge and Blairsville, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore. Hike to waterfalls in Helen, birdwatch in the quiet woods near Big Canoe, or unwind at a family-friendly park in Ellijay or Lake Arrowhead. Whether you're chasing adventure or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air, North Georgia’s outdoor spaces invite you to breathe deep and reconnect with nature. Stay with Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals for easy access to the best parks and recreation areas in the region.

Explore the great outdoors with this helpful list of state parks, national parks and forests, recreation areas, trail systems, and wilderness areas located close to a variety of cabin rentals and within two hours of Blue Ridge in North Georgia. 

Things To Do Aska Trails

Aska Trails

The Aska Trails Area is a 17-mile hiking-mountain biking trail system on Aska Road in Blue Ridge.


More Info
Things To Do Benton MacKaye Trail

Benton MacKaye Trail

This trail journeys deep into the most remote areas of Fannin County. Beginning at Springer Mountain, the Benton MacKaye skirts the Ridge of Bald Mountain with occasional scenic views on the trail or a short walk from the trail.


More Info
Things To Do Big Frog Wilderness

Big Frog Wilderness

North of the Cohutta Wilderness is the Big Frog Wilderness, an 8,055 acre preserve in Tennessee.


More Info
Things To Do Blood Mountain Walasi-Yi Center

Blood Mountain Walasi-Yi Center

The Walasi-Yi crossing on Blood Mountain provides hostel services and outfitting to through hikers on the Appalachian Trail.


More Info
Things To Do Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald

Georgia's highest mountain offers a Visitor Information Center and panoramic view of four states. Also featured are exhibits, video presentations, hiking and picnicking.


More Info
Things To Do Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery

Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery

Built in 1937 by the U.S. Forest Service, the fish hatchery is managed today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


More Info
Things To Do Cherokee, N.C. Blue Ridge Parkway

Cherokee, N.C. Blue Ridge Parkway

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway begins in Cherokee, N.C., home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee.


More Info
Things To Do Cohutta Wildlife Management Area

Cohutta Wildlife Management Area

Recommended for seasoned backpackers and fishermen, the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses 95,000 acres, 40,000 of which are in Fannin County.


More Info
Thing To Do Cooper Creek Recreation Area

Cooper Creek Recreation Area

Adjoining the 1,240 acre Cooper Creek Scenic Area, the Cooper Creek area features hiking trails, camping, picnic areas and beautiful Cooper Creek and its tributaries, stocked with trout.


More Info
Things To Do Deep Hole Campground

Deep Hole Campground

Located on the Toccoa River, this recreation area offers camping, boating and fishing.


More Info
Things To Do Fort Mountain State Park

Fort Mountain State Park

Named for a mysterious 855-foot rock wall on top of the mountain, this state park offers 30+ miles of trails, camping, cottages, a lake with swimming beach, boat rentals, mini-golf, horseback riding and picnicking.


More Info
Things To Do Frank Gross Campground

Frank Gross Campground

Located on Rock Creek, this area offers camping, hiking and trout fishing.


More Info
Things To Do Great Festival Park

Great Festival Park

Great Festival Park in Lake Arrowhead, GA, is a 40-acre recreational space featuring a playground, picnic pavilion, great lawn, and activity areas for families and guests.

More Info
Things To Do Great Festival Park Pool

Great Festival Park Pool

Great Festival Park Pool in Lake Arrowhead features a junior Olympic-size layout, offering space for lap swimming, family play, and poolside relaxation.

More Info
Things To Do Harrison Park

Harrison Park

Discover Harrison Park in Ellijay, Georgia. This 26-acre municipal park offers over a mile of walking trails, a 100-year-old historic barn, and a 1.5-acre wildflower meadow. Amenities include benches, picnic tables, and modern restrooms, providing a ...

More Info
Things To Do Horseshoe Bend Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

Beautiful park with good trout fishing on the Toccoa River. From Blue Ridge take Highway 5 into McCaysville. Turn right onto Highway 60 then drive a short distance and turn right on River Road. The park has a playground, picnic pavilions and restroom...

More Info
Things To Do Jack Rabbit Mountain Recreation Area

Jack Rabbit Mountain Recreation Area

Located on a peninsula on Chatuge Lake, the recreation area offers 200 camp sites, swimming beach, showers, hiking trails, picnic areas and boat launch.


More Info
Things To Do Joyce Kilmer National Forest

Joyce Kilmer National Forest

One of the most impressive old-growth forests in the country, featuring 100+ tree species, some over 400 years old.


More Info
Things To Do Lake Conasauga Recreation Area

Lake Conasauga Recreation Area

The area offers camping, fishing, swimming, boating, picknicking and hiking.


More Info
Things To Do Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park & Event Lawn at Lake Arrowhead offers a pavilion, picnic areas with grills, a lake swimming platform, swings, and walking trails.

More Info
Things To Do McDaniel Meadows Park

McDaniel Meadows Park

Discover McDaniel Meadows Park's 1.7-mile trail in Big Canoe, GA. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching, walking, biking, and a dog-friendly environment.

More Info
Things To Do Meeks Park

Meeks Park

Explore Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA—featuring walking trails, sports facilities, playgrounds, and serene picnic areas along the creek and river.

More Info
Things To Do Meeks Park Disc Golf Course

Meeks Park Disc Golf Course

Experience the 18-hole Meeks Park Disc Golf Course in Blairsville, GA, offering a blend of open and wooded holes suitable for all players.

More Info
Things To Do Mocassin Creek State Park

Mocassin Creek State Park

Mocccasin Creek is located on the shores of 2,800-acre Lake Burton.


More Info
Things To Do Morganton Point Recreation Area

Morganton Point Recreation Area

Overlooking Lake Blue Ridge, this recreation area offers camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, fishing and hiking.


More Info
Things To Do Mulky Campground

Mulky Campground

This area offers camping, hiking and trout fishing.


More Info
Things To Do Nantahala River Gorge

Nantahala River Gorge

The 8.5 mile section of the Nantahala River between Beechertown and Wesser, N.C. is a nationally recognized world-class whitewater river.


More Info
Things To Do One of the most impressive old-growth forests in the country, featuring 100+ tree species, some over

One of the most impressive old-growth forests in the country, featuring 100+ tree species, some over

More Info
Things To Do Pick`n in the Park - May thru September

Pick`n in the Park - May thru September

Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park, May thru September Casual jam sessions for acoustic musicians are held under the trees and pavilions along the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park. Bring your picnic supper and enjoy the music! ...

More Info
Things To Do Red Cloud Park

Red Cloud Park

Red Cloud Park offers a newly renovated pool, tennis and pickleball courts, picnic spaces, and restrooms—perfect for active recreation at Lake Arrowhead....

More Info
Things To Do Red Cloud Pool

Red Cloud Pool

Red Cloud Pool in Lake Arrowhead, GA, features an oversized arrowhead-shaped design, locker rooms, and plenty of space for family-friendly summer fun.

More Info
Things To Do Russell/Brasstown Scenic Byway

Russell/Brasstown Scenic Byway

The Russell/Brasstown Scenic Byway offers beautiful views of the Chattahoochee National Forest on this 40-mile drive.


More Info
Things To Do Smithgall Woods State Park

Smithgall Woods State Park

Discover the natural beauty of Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, Georgia, featuring diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and premier trout fishing streams. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

More Info
Things To Do Unicoi State Park

Unicoi State Park

Unicoi is located two miles from the Alpine village of Helen. It is a 1,050 acre facility offering camping, cottages and lodge accommodations, a 53-acre lake and beach, tennis courts and picnic shelters.


More Info
Things To Do Union County History Trail

Union County History Trail

Discover the Union County History Trail in Blairsville, GA, featuring historic sites, museums, and landmarks that celebrate the area’s rich Appalachian heritage.

More Info
Things To Do Vets Memorial Park

Vets Memorial Park

Explore Vets Memorial Park in Ellijay, Georgia. This serene park offers well-maintained walking trails along the river, a picturesque pond perfect for bird watching, and several memorials dedicated to honoring veterans. Additionally, the park feature...

More Info
Things To Do Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park

The 233 acre facility features hiking and backpacking, fishing, swimming, pedal boat rental, miniature golf, camping and cottages.


More Info
Things To Do Wildcat Park

Wildcat Park

Discover Wildcat Park's paved trails in Big Canoe, GA. Enjoy walking, biking, dog parks, and family-friendly amenities amidst serene landscapes.

More Info