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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.
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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.
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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 ...
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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...
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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.

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

Lake Conasauga Recreation Area
The area offers camping, fishing, swimming, boating, picknicking and hiking.

Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park & Event Lawn at Lake Arrowhead offers a pavilion, picnic areas with grills, a lake swimming platform, swings, and walking trails.
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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.
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Meeks Park
Explore Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA—featuring walking trails, sports facilities, playgrounds, and serene picnic areas along the creek and river.
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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.
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Mocassin Creek State Park
Mocccasin Creek is located on the shores of 2,800-acre Lake Burton.

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

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.

One of the most impressive old-growth forests in the country, featuring 100+ tree species, some over
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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! ...
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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....
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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.
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Russell/Brasstown Scenic Byway
The Russell/Brasstown Scenic Byway offers beautiful views of the Chattahoochee National Forest on this 40-mile drive.

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.
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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.

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

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