These 8 Hikes in Georgia Have the Best Views in the State
The North Georgia Mountains are absolutely stunning, and one of the best ways to take in their beauty is by hitting the trails! I’ve put together a list of the best hikes for mountain views in North Georgia. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy stroll or a more challenging adventure, there’s something here for everyone.
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Preacher’s Rock
Difficultly: Moderate
Trail Length: 2.1 mile
Located at Woody Gap, about 20 minutes from Dahlonega this trail is a moderate hike with some elevation gain near the top. Preacher’s Rock is one of my favorite trails in Georgia, especially for catching a sunrise! At the top you are rewarded with rolling mountain views that are definitely worth the hike!
For more details about this hike, check out this article!
Brasstown Bald
Difficultly: Moderate
Trail Length: 1.4 miles
Located near Blue Ridge, GA, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to take in 360° views of the North Georgia mountains. You can either take a shuttle to the top or hike the 1.4-mile round-trip trail from the parking lot. This spot is super popular, especially on weekends. so I recommend arriving early to avoid long lines and snag a good parking spot.
Bell Mountain
Difficultly: Easy-Moderate
Trail Length: ~100 feet
Bell Mountain is located in Hiawassee, about 30 minutes north of Helen. The final two miles of the drive are steep and winding, so take it slow and watch for oncoming traffic. From the first parking lot, it’s a short but steep walk to reach the main overlook.
From there, you’ll get sweeping views of the North Georgia mountains, Hiawassee, and Lake Chatuge. For an even better perspective, climb the 115 steps to the very top for a breathtaking 360° view, I definitely recommend it!
For more details about this hike, check out this article!
Cowrock Mountain
Difficultly: Easy/Moderate
Trail Length: 1.8 miles
At just 1.8 miles round trip, Cowrock Mountain is the perfect morning hike: short, scenic, and satisfying. This trail offers sweeping views of the North Georgia mountains, and on a clear day, you can even spot Mount Yonah in the distance! It’s conveniently located about 20 minutes from the town of Helen, making it an easy adventure to add to your mountain getaway.
For more details about this hike, check out this article!
Yonah Mountain
Difficultly: Hard
Trail Length: 4.4 miles
Located in Cleveland, this is the most challenging trail on the list. It’s a very steep trail that will definitely get your heart pumping, but the views make every step worth it. One of the best parts? You’ll get not just one, but two scenic overlooks along the way, each offering a different perspective of the North Georgia mountains.
Ramrock Mountain
Difficultly: Easy/Moderate
Trail Length: 2.9 miles
Ramrock Mountain is a relatively easy trail with only a bit of elevation gain near the end. The trailhead starts at Woody Gap, just across from the Preacher’s Rock Trailhead, about 20 minutes from Dahlonega. It’s usually quiet and less crowded, making it the perfect spot if you want to enjoy the views without having to deal with the crowds
Cool Springs Overlook
Difficultly: Easy
Trail Length: 0.1 mile
Cool Springs Overlook is located in Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth. While the park offers several great trails, the best views can be found just a short walk from the parking lot at Cool Springs Overlook
. Another great trail to check out while you’re here is the West Overlook and CCC Fire Tower Trail. It’s about a mile long and rewards you with even more beautiful views of the surrounding North Georgia mountains.
For more details about Fort Mountain State Park, check out this article!
Tennessee Rock
Difficultly: Moderate
Trail Length: 2.2 miles
Located in Black Rock Mountain State Park, the Tennessee Rock Trail offers sweeping mountain views and a peaceful forest setting. The full loop is 2.2 miles, but if you’re short on time, you can follow the trail to the left at the start and turn back the way you came to shorten the hike while still enjoying the scenic overlook.
For more details about this Black Rock Mountain State Park, check out this article!
What to Bring on Day Hikes
Water- the climb up is relentless so be sure to bring at least 1-2 liters of water to stay hydrated. I prefer to carry a hydration bladder, they make it so much easier to stay hydrated on the trails without lugging around a massive water bottle.
Hiking Poles– on the way up, it helps distribute your weight, on the way down, they provide stability and reduces the impact on your knees.
Hiking Boots– If you enjoy hiking regularly, you should definitely invest in hiking boots or trail shoes. A good pair will offer you ankle support, protection from mud and streams and better tread for hiking all terrain. For trails that are mainly flat a good pair of tennis shoes will do but once you move into different trails and increasing elevation, hiking shoes are a must.
Bear Spray– One thing I hope I never need to use, but always have on hand! It’s not necessary on all hikes, but if you’re heading in bear country you should definitely have it easily accessible.
Snacks– depending on how long the hike is, I might just bring a few cliff bars, trail mix or fruit. For longer hikes I like to have something more substantial, such as a sandwich and some beef jerky.
Best Hikes in Georgia
And that’s a wrap on some of Georgia’s best hikes for incredible views! Whether you’re catching a sunrise at Preacher’s Rock or soaking in the 360° views from Brasstown Bald, these trails combine gorgeous scenery with just the right amount of adventure.
If you’ve hiked any of these before, let me know which is your favorite below!
