Georgia is a state full of surprises. Sitting in the southeastern corner of the United States, it is one of the few places where you can find anything from rugged mountain trails, quiet sandy beaches, bustling cities, and coastal marshes, all without having to cross state lines. No matter your idea of adventure, Georgia offers a destination to match.
From the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to the barrier islands along Georgia’s Atlantic coast, Georgia is home to a wide variety of landscapes waiting to be explored, and we’ve got all the info you’ll need to pick the adventure that is right for you! We’ll take you from north to south and help you learn all about what the Peach State has to offer.
Starting at the top and making our way down south, Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains have miles to explore. With some of the state's most beautiful scenery, waterfalls, campsites, hiking trails, and more, this region is a prime spot for any outdoor enthusiast. Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, sits at 4,784 feet above sea level. It has an observation deck allowing for breathtaking views of 4 different states, and you can even see the Atlanta skyline if you visit on a clear day. To reach the summit, both a paved trail and shuttles are options offered to visitors, making Georgia’s highest point accessible to any level of adventurer.
While Brasstown Bald offers exceptional views and a unique hiking experience, it is not the only place in Northern Georgia where hikers are drawn. The Blue Ridge region is home to more than 300 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, catering to both beginners and experts. Explore some of the area’s most popular hikes, including Blood Mountain or The Aska Trails. Additionally, the world-famous Appalachian Trail extends into Georgia, with the southernmost point of the trail being located at the summit of Springer Mountain. Whether you want a quick scenic overlook or an all-day adventure, Blue Ridge has just the trail to accommodate you.
If you’d rather explore the Blue Ridge region on wheels, there are tons of mountain bike and OHV trails that offer an experience just as magical. Popular routes among mountain bikers include the Stanley Gap trail, Flat Creek loop, and many more challenging rides. If you’re looking for a little more horsepower, there are numerous OHV trails weaving through the region, like the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System.
For those who are looking to slow things down, there are several mountain towns filled with local restaurants, shops, and tons of unique charm. One destination that stands out from the rest is Helen, just 50 miles south of the North Carolina state line. With the Chattahoochee flowing straight through the town, Helen has become a popular river tubing destination, serving as a favorite summer activity. The cool mountain waters and scenic landscape make Helen one of the best places for river tubing in Georgia. After you get off the river, make sure to take a stop in the German-style town for a snack or souvenir before we continue the rest of our journey through the Peach State.
Central Georgia: Where Adventure Meets the City
As we leave the mountains behind and travel towards lower elevation, Georgia’s versatile scenery begins to change once again. The rolling hills gradually change into bustling cities, expansive green spaces, and iconic Georgia landmarks that you can’t miss, showing that adventure doesn't end at the foot of the trail.
Before heading into downtown Atlanta, there is one specific spot that is a must-stop destination for outdoor enthusiasts: Stone Mountain Park. From outdoor recreation to seasonal events to attractions, this 3,200-acre area has it all, and for all ages too. Children can enjoy attractions like a splash pad and interactive indoor playground, and families and adults can check out other activities like mini golf, a treetop adventure course, or a skyride to the summit for a 360-degree view of Atlanta. Like Brasstown Bald, if you're looking for an extra step up in difficulty, there's a 1-mile hike up to the top.
Just a car ride away, Atlanta offers a completely different kind of adventure, but one that is still worth it. Start your visit indoors at the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, then head outside for a relaxing bike ride along the Atlanta Beltline. Make sure to stop at Piedmont Park along your cruise, which offers beautiful green spaces and skyline views, perfect for a picnic, walk, frisbee, and endless opportunities right in the heart of the city. Heading east of Atlanta, Athens offers a unique experience filled with scenic trails, local shops and bars, live music, and most famously, the electric college football environment. If you find yourself in Athens during football season, be sure to stop by a tailgate for some great food, company, and ice-cold drinks!
Southern Georgia: Marshes, Beaches, and Beyond
Continuing further south, we arrive in one of Georgia’s most iconic cities, Savannah. Home to SCAD, Savannah is known for its beautiful oak trees, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks. Spend your day in Savannah popping into local shops or enjoying the view of the Savannah River. However, Savannah is more than just a city, and only gives a glimpse into the beautiful coastline of Georgia. Leaving the city, the paved streets slowly turn into boardwalks, marshes, and shorelines. A new adventure begins as you enter Georgia’s Barrier Islands.
With about 15 major barrier islands stretching along the coast, there is much to explore and much to do. Popular destinations include Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Cumberland Island, all with their own unique personality, but still sharing the same factor of beauty. Spend a day at the beach on Tybee Island, taking a stroll under the mossy oak trees of Jekyll, and grab a bite to eat in the charming town of St. Simons Island, to name a few. Georgia’s large coastline also offers endless outdoor recreation, like kayaking through the marshes, paddle boarding around bays, tons of ocean surface area for fishing, dolphin cruises, and many more. Whether your coastal vacation looks like a laid-back beach day or an action-packed adventure, Georgia’s barrier islands are the place to be for any kind of outdoor enthusiast.
