For the past few years, if you’ve been following this website, you’ll know that I’ve traveled the entire state of Georgia, visiting every city, beach, lake, and archaeological site. I also hiked almost every mountain, waterfall, canyon, and gorge.
In my time, I gathered a list of the 10 must-see places, in the state of Georgia. But before I began this venture, I never even heard of about half of these, so you’ll likely find a new place for a family or friend day trip.
1. Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach is located on the Georgia coast of Jekyll Island. This stunning natural wonder is a popular tourist destination famous for its writhing driftwood sculptures on the shore and distinctively eroded rocky formations.
My guess is most of you have never even heard of this place. And believe me, like everything on the list, it’s so much more amazing in person. Driftwood Beach is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including shorebirds, small mammals, crabs, and many different types of sea creatures. When I was here I even saw a couple getting married.
2. Tallulah Gorge
Next up, is Tallulah Gorge. Tallulah Gorge is a roughly 1,000-foot deep and two-mile-long canyon in northeast Georgia. It was created by the Tallulah River cutting through the surrounding high-elevation land.
Not only is it one of Georgia’s 7 natural wonders, but it also provides many hiking trails. Some are on the rim of the gorge where you can cross the famous suspension bridge and view many overlooks of the gorge. And another where you can go within the gorge floor.
The gorge extends nearly two miles from the Tallulah Dam to a point just below the Tallulah Falls Lake. The floor gorge also provides many waterfalls such as Hurricane Falls and the Sliding Rock.
But the best time to view the gorge is during autumn. Also, if you simply want to see the gorge but not hike, Overlook One is one of the best views of the gorge and is located behind the visitor’s center.
3. Amicalola Falls
Coming in at number 3, Amicalola Falls. Yet another one of Georgia’s 7 natural wonders, Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot (222 m) tall cascading waterfall located within Amicalola Falls State Park, in Dawsonville, Georgia.
With 7 beautiful Cascades, it is fed by Amicalola Creek and not only is it the largest waterfall in the state, but it’s also the 3rd tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River and considered to be the highest cascading waterfall in the southeastern.
Also, the hiking trails leading to Amicalola are also neat, with many cool landmarks including Hagrid’s tree, and breathtaking nature, especially in autumn.
4. Savannah
But what if you’re not much of a hiker or beachgoer? If that’s the case, another must-see place in this state is one of America’s oldest cities and the very first planned city in the country, Savannah Georgia. Along with the fascinating history, the downtown square is one of my all-time favorites.
Primarily due to the cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped oaks, 18th and 19th-century architecture, neat riverwalk, and Victorian District and the Savannah Historic District.
Visitors also flock to Savannah for its exquisite restaurants, outdoor recreation, historic sites, shopping, and boutique hotels. Not only that, but the coastal city is also near a beach located on Tybee Island. Overall, it’s an amazing place to visit.
5. Mount Yonah
Next up at number 5 is my favorite mountain hike in the state, mount Yonah.
There are many things I love about this trail, the journey up has many cool landmarks, split-offs to cool places, quiet nature, fun hiking terrain, and one of the best summit views of the Appalachian Blueridge mountain range.
It’s known as the Jewel of the Southern Appalachians” due to its dramatic beauty. You can also rock climb the rock face.
6. Lake Chatuge
Almost visible from the top of mount yonah in Hiawassee Georgia, lake Chatuge. This lake within the Appalachian mountains is absolutely breathtaking. You wouldn’t believe it was in Georgia.
The clear lake is surrounded by mountains and best of all, it’s not yet an overcrowded lake. It provides a public beach, a rope swing, and many cool islands where you can set up camp.
After seeing every lake in the state, lake Chatuge is, in my opinion, the most beautiful by a long shot.
7. Cloudland Canyon
Next up, is the underrated and underappreciated cloudland canyon. Located in the very rural northwestern tip of the state, cloudland canyon provides an absolutely epic view and three amazing hiking trails.
One where you hike to 2 fantasy-like waterfalls within the gorges, another where you’re in the middle of the canyon where you’ll find many ancient boulders from the making of the canyon, and another where you can hug the canyon rim with many overlooks, and one in front of the notable rockface of cloudland canyon.
Overall, this is one of Georgia’s most hidden gems since there are usually not too many people here and many people haven’t even heard of it. By the way, if you’re liking this video and think some of your friends and family can benefit from it, be sure to share it.
8. Helen
At number 8, is the German Bavarian Alpine Village in north Georgia, Helen. The city Helen is inspired by the traditional German mountain towns of Europe and has been referred to as the “Little Germany” of Georgia.
Almost every building, shop, and restaurant features Bavarian-style architecture with a steep-roofed alpine chalet design. The overall video here is amazing and from what I see quite happy here.
Along with the city’s architecture, another huge attraction here is the tubing throughout the region, and the hosting of several festivals throughout the year, including the popular Oktoberfest in October. You’ll also find plenty of put-put mini golf and the Helen Waterpark.
9. Etowah Indian Mounds
Next in line, and the only archaeological site on the list, is the ancient Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville Georgia. The site was inhabited by indigenous peoples of the South Appalachian Mississippian culture from 1000 AD–1550 AD.
These massive mounds are situated near the Etowah River, and the culture is characterized by its temple mounds, platform mounds, and constructed earthworks, and is notable for its craftsmanship in jewelry and pottery. The Etowah Indian Mounds include several preserved etchings of bird and snake motifs, depictions of a totem pole, and burial shafts.
The Great Temple Mound is the largest and tallest of the mounds, reaching more than 60 feet in height. I’ve been to every archaeological Indian site in the state, and The Etowah Indian Mounds are my favorite by a long shot.
10. Providence Canyon
And last but certainly not least, is the most mysterious place to visit in Georgia, Providence Canyon. Providence Canyon in south Georgia is one of the most unique places I’ve ever hiked.
But why is it mysterious? Well, even though it’s one of Georgia’s 7 natural wonders, the canyon isn’t very natural as it was made by poor farming practices in the 1800s which led to significant land erosion exposing the colorful Georgia soil.
You hike the rim and then within the canyon floor along the stream path, but steer clear from the quickly eroding sides as it can fall at any moment.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it. Those are the 10 best places to visit in the state if I were to be as honest as I can possibly be. I hope this video helped with new places for your family and friends to visit. Thank you so much for watching. Have a blessed day.