Hiking in winter affords views of the Georgia mountains that are not available when the foliage is full. Rocks, tree trunks and nature’s architecture offer a different perspective that can be just as beautiful as a newly bloomed flower of spring. Here are three of our family’s favorite winter explorations in Georgia.

Overlook at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia

Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth

Fort Mountain State Park has amazing views and great historical markers, like the tower and wall. It's a perfect place for viewing in the bare winter season.

There are plenty of hiking trails for the entire family at Fort Mountain, so you might consider making a weekend of it. We stayed at one of the newly refurbished cabins cabins, which are just spectacular.

Read more about our winter time Fort Mountain Adventure.

View at Blood Mountain in Blairsville, Georgia

Blood Mountain, Blairsville

Blood Mountain in Blairsville easily comes to mind as a great winter hike because of the diverse rocky terrain and the fun shelter at the end of the trail. Add to that amazing panoramic views, and you’ve got a winter hike like no other!

Blood Mountain is about 4.5 miles, and it is a climb. I would not recommend it for a kid’s first hike. It’s great for kids that hike regularly (my son was 6 years old when he first completed it without being carried) or teenagers. If you have hiking poles, this is the perfect hike on which to use them.

Read more about our hike to the Blood Mountain Summit.

Kayaking at George L. Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia

George L. Smith State Park, Twin City

Explore a different kind of winter trail at George L Smith State Park: a water trail. Wind your way through black water and bare cypress trees, which reflect off the lake like towering giants reaching for the clouds.

You can explore the grist mill and dam from 1880. Nearby is Magnolia Springs Park, where you can explore a Civil War POW museum and see a natural spring.

Read more about our paddle at George L Smith and our turtle escapade at Magnolia Springs.