The Best State and National Parks in North Georgia

For those looking to escape from the daily grind of big cities like Atlanta, or travelers wanting to avoid the crowded tourist areas of Helen or Savannah, the North Georgia Mountains are filled with all sorts of outdoor adventures just waiting to be discovered. Finding the best state and national parks in North Georgia isn't too hard, with the large and expansive Chattahoochee National Forest just minutes from the Blue Ridge area and a huge assortment of Georgia State Parks. If you are looking for great mountain views, hiking trails, biking trails, or just some peace and quiet, there is no better location for your mountain getaway than the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 

Chattahoochee National Forest

Photo Credit: Jeff Gunn via Flickr CC2.0

North Georgia

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/home

The Chattahoochee National Forest is by far the largest local attraction in North Georgia. This section is located in close proximity to the Blue Ridge area and is part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. These national forests comprise almost 867,000 acres and span over 26 counties within Georgia. Rich in history and with nearly 850 miles of recreation trails, there is sure to be an attraction for any vacationers coming to the area. The Chattahoochee National Forest was proclaimed separate from Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests in 1936.

After the separation Forest managers worked hard to restore and rejuvenate the natural beauty of the area by planting trees, fighting wildfires, managing erosion, and improving habitats for fish and wildlife so they could return to productive and healthy populations. Now the area is world-renowned for its fishing as well as abundant recreation opportunities.

Within Chattahoochee National Forest you will find several popular attractions. With so many acres to cover any extensive exploration opportunities, we've highlighted several smaller attractions within the Chattahoochee National Forest:

Located near Blairsville, GA, Track Rock Petroglyphs offer a historic glance into Native American culture as you can view rock carvings and better understand the area's rich history.

If you're interested in venturing deep into the forest, you can make the hike to Springer Mountain which is located along the 76 miles within the Georgian section of the Appalachian Trail and denotes the southern terminus for both the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail.

Located near Morganton, GA, Long Creek Falls offers a moderate hike along the Appalachian Trail with immaculate scenery and a stunning waterfall. The hike is a manageable two-mile trek and follows along Noontootla Creek, which has multiple smaller waterfalls.

 

Amicalola Falls State Park

Photo Credit: Michael Hicks via Flickr CC2.0

Dawsonville, GA

https://gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls

Amicalola Falls State Park is unique in that it is identified as a state park but it's managed by North Georgia Mountains Authority and a hospitality group. Because of this, there are many opportunities for exciting adventures.

Amicalola is perfect for adrenaline-seekers with opportunities to partake in zip-lining, climbing walls, and archery. If you're looking to connect more closely with nature they offer guided trail runs and hikes, survivalist camp, and classes on birds of prey.

In addition to organized classes and activities, the park hosts the tallest cascading waterfall East of the Mississippi, at 729 feet.
 

Fort Mountain State Park

Photo Credit: fortmountainstatepark via Instagram

Chatsworth, GA

https://gastateparks.org/FortMountain

Fort Mountain State Park is located along a scenic route at the Southwestern end of the Cohutta Mountain range. Another area rich in early history, Fort Mountain is home to a mysterious stone wall over 850 feet in length.

There are still some questions around its origin, but it is believed to be developed by the Cherokee tribe for either fortification or ceremonial use. In addition to the stone wall, there is also a stone fire tower, recently rebuilt in 2015, which pays homage to the previous fire tower that assisted in forest fire prevention efforts. Fort Mountain also offers a 17-acre lake with a sand beach, swimming and water activities and rentals.

Hiking opportunities are aplenty at Fort Mountain, as well as horseback riding, each with more than 25 miles of trails.

 

Chief Vann House Historic Site

Photo Credit: J. Stephen Conn via Flickr CC2.0

Chatsworth, GA

https://Gastateparks.org/chiefvannhouse

If you're looking to connect with the early history of Georgia and the Cherokee Nation, the Chief Vann House is the perfect place to explore for the day. This historic site offers a glimpse into the life of James Vann, a Cherokee Indian leader, and a wealthy businessman.

The site includes the historic mansion, 137 acres of property, a nature trail and a guided house tour. In addition, they offer a rotation of seasonal historical exhibits on various subjects including Cherokee baskets, historical maps, and quilts.