Step into a world where nature’s grandeur takes center stage, where emerald forests meet cascading waterfalls and winding trails lead to breathtaking vistas. Tucked away within the heart of Georgia lies the enchanting expanse of many hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest, a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
1. Panther Creek Via Upper Falls
Panther Creek Via Upper Falls is a very popular hiking trail. If you add all of the split-off trails that lead to fascinating landmarks, you’re looking at one of the most difficult, but rewarding waterfall hikes in Georgia.
2. Mount Yonah
Yonah Mountain trail is an incredibly scenic hike from beginning to end. It’s a 4.4-mile round trip with a mixture of rocky trails, dirt trails, scenic overlooks, split-off trails to cool landmarks, and steep inclines.
Best of all, the summit provides one of the most stunning views out of most mountains in Georgia. You’ll also appreciate the vast size the rock face summit provides, leaving enough room for a large group of people.
3. High Shoals Falls & Blue Holes
High Shoals Falls is near Hiawassee & Helen. Along with many campsites, it has a swimming waterhole near a waterfall, and later a much larger waterfall. Blue Hole Falls (1st waterfall with a swimming hole) has a swinging rope.
4. Fall Branch Falls
Fall Branch Falls is one of the short peaceful waterfall hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Afterward, enjoy the day at the nearby mountain town, Ellijay. A notable gem in North, Georgia.
5. Blood Mountain
Hike North Georgia’s Blood Mountain within Blood Mountain Wilderness to an epic summit view on the Appalachian Trail. Legend has it, that this mountain got its name from a bloody battle between the Creek and Cherokee Indians.
6. Helton Creek Falls
Helton Creek is one of the very short waterfall hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s a nice waterfall but has a large shallow pool at the bottom you can play in during the warmer months.
7. Dukes Creek
Hike North Georgia’s Dukes Creek Falls To a large waterfall. Near Yonah Mountain which is visible from the trailhead and Tourist town Helen, this hike makes a great addition to a weekend trip.
8. Brasstown Bald
Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, North Georgia’s tallest mountain at Brasstown Bald. The path is short by only 0.7 miles one way on a steep incline from a paved trail. The peak has a vast man-made overlook featuring a museum and mini-movie theatre showcasing a Brasstown Bald documentary.
9. Anna Ruby Falls
Hike North Georgia’s Anna Ruby Falls Trail for one of the most scenic but short half-mile stretches to 150-foot twin waterfalls. 0.9 Miles Total 219 Elevation Gain Trail
10. De soto Falls
Here is another one of the amazing and legendary hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Legend has it, that DeSoto Falls got its name because a plate of armor was found at the base of the falls in the 1880s and rumored to be Hernando de Soto’s armor.
11. Raven Cliff Falls
Hike North Georgia’s Raven Cliff Falls to a unique waterfall splitting through a cliff. Along the way, you’ll find various waterfalls along Dodd Creek before Raven Cliff Falls.
12. Cowrock Mountain
Hike North Georgia’s Cowrock Mountain near Helen to a nice summit view on a rock face within the blood-mountain wilderness. This is another one of the amazing mountain hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Final Thoughts | Hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest
Overall, there are many incredible hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest. If you are interested in seeing a video of both Yonah Mountain and Anna Ruby Falls in Autumn, see that here.