Follow our top ten favorite North Georgia hiking trails to soaring mountain summits, waterfalls and mossy creek valleys in Georgia’s rolling southern Appalachian mountains.

Moss-covered boulders line the cool, rolling waters of a trout stream cutting swiftly through a dense backwoods forest. Sunshine streams through the mixed pine and deciduous tree canopy, illuminating a carpet of brilliant green fern below. Birds of prey soar in rising uplifts, hugging the rugged peaks of a craggy mountain summit slicing through the horizon. These are the rolling foothills and mountains of the southern Appalachians in North Georgia – and winding through them are a network of fantastic hiking and backpacking trails and outdoor adventures.

These are our top ten North Georgia hiking trails, many within a two-hour drive of Atlanta (if not less!). Grab your hiking boots, backpack and hiking gear and head to any of these trails for a weekend adventure and some fresh air in the great outdoors. Or if you’re up for a road trip, explore soaring summits and 360-degree panoramic views on our top ten favorite Asheville hikes, all within 40 miles of North Carolina’s favorite mountain town.

And while you’re wandering the mountains, stop by our new hiking outfitter shop, Trailful Outdoor Co, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Chatuge just below Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak. Our Atlanta Trails crew is in the shop every day, and we’d love the chance to say hello in person! We stock our crew’s favorite, trail-tested hiking and backpacking gear and apparel, as well as our full line of Atlanta Trails shirts, hoodies, and hats. And we’ve got a wall full of trail info to help you find your next adventure. Hope to see you soon!

North Georgia hikes: our top 10 favorite trails

More of our favorite hiking trails

Love waterfalls? Check out our top ten list of our favorite North Georgia hiking trails to waterfalls. Love mountain summits? Check out our list of our top 25 hikes on Georgia’s highest mountains. Hiking with a buddy that walks on all fours? Check out the list of our favorite dog-friendly trails in Georgia, Amber and Jake’s favorite hikes. And if you’re up for a road trip, hike to some seriously stunning summit views on our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway hikes near Asheville, NC, climbing to stunning mountaintops over 6,000 feet and exploring plunging waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes right off this great American drive.

Please leave no trace

Wherever your adventures take you, please remember to always leave no trace to help preserve the beauty of these wild places. And please follow these tips for good trail etiquette to help make sure everyone has an equally enjoyable time.