Dahlonega in Georgia is nestled among mountainous scenery which offers some superb hiking areas. The trails are rated from moderate to difficult so there’s something to suit people of most abilities. Here are four of the best trails that enable you to make the most of the majestic landscape.
The Appalachian Trail to Long Creek Falls
A stretch of the Appalachian Trail (AT) heads through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the Three Forks Creek valley. The hike to Long Creek Falls is only a two-mile round trip, although it’s rated as moderate because of the change in elevation. The trail takes you through a lush valley and at the end, you are rewarded with the rushing cascade of the waterfall.
Hiking through the beautiful forested valley, you’ll see steep cliffs with blankets of moss, wildflowers, and possibly a variety of wildlife. Three boulder-strewn trout streams converge in the valley giving it the name. The trail to Long Creek Falls begins at a trailhead on Forest Road 58.
Springer Mountain Loop
This hike is a 4.7-mile loop taking in stretches of the AT and Benton MacKye Trail (BMT) that takes you to the summit of Springer Mountain. The gain in elevation requires a reasonable degree of fitness and is rated as difficult. The hike takes you through a hardwood forest and a shaded valley with a mossy, burbling creek lined with rhododendron bushes.
You’ll join the trail on Forest Road 42 and follow the AT white rectangular blazes. As you climb towards the summit of Springer Mountain, you can experience the stunning views from multiple overlooks along the way. On the return, you pick up the BMT following the white diamond trail markings. This is a beautiful hike in any season.
Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain
For a longer day hike or maybe an overnight camping adventure, taking the Appalachian Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain is a 15.5-mile round trip. Rated as difficult, the hike begins near the top of Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall in Georgia. The waters cascade over multiple tiers to create a dramatic sight.
You start out at the AT Approach trailhead and follow the blue blaze markers. This trail takes you through stunningly diverse forests, crosses creeks, and offers superb vistas from scenic overlooks. On the return leg, you can change the route by taking the Hike Inn Trail, although that adds 1.7 miles to the hike.
Woody Gap to Preachers Rock
One of the easiest, but most rewarding hikes starts at the Woody Gap trailhead on Highway 60 and climbs to the rocky outcrop of Preachers Rock near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. It’s only a two-mile round trip that follows a short section of the AT with its white rectangle markers. It offers some of the best views you’ll see, particularly in fall and springtime, and exemplifies the majesty of the mountains.
At any time of year, these hikes give you the opportunity to enjoy some of Georgia’s most amazing scenery.
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