The Top 5 Georgia State Parks

757 words, 4-minute read

Even though it was a gazillion degrees outside until recently, I spent the last 4–5 months traveling all over Georgia and visiting as many state parks as I could.

And I can confidently say: Georgia’s state parks are some of the hidden gems of the state.

If you love canyons, waterfalls, mountain views, rocky trails, and streams, and you like sweating profusely and questioning your life choices just enough to feel accomplished afterward, then a visit to a Georgia State Park is a must.

I’ve hiked, explored, climbed, sweated, and probably consumed my body weight in water at quite a few of them lately. While there are still plenty more on my list, these five have stood out to me the most.

My Top 5 Georgia State Parks

1. F.D. Roosevelt State Park

This was a recent visit for me, and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite trails I’ve hiked so far.

Located in Pine Mountain, F.D. Roosevelt State Park has beautiful mountain scenery, rocky trails, streams, and plenty of elevation to remind you that Georgia is not, in fact, completely flat.

I hiked the 4.2-mile Pine Mountain Trail to the waterfalls and back, and it had just about everything I love in a hike. It was challenging enough to feel accomplished when I finished, but beautiful enough that I was already thinking about when I could come back.

2. Providence Canyon State Park

If you told me there was a mini Grand Canyon hiding in southwest Georgia, I probably would have been skeptical.

And then I visited Providence Canyon.

The colorful canyon walls are the obvious star of the show, but getting down into the canyon and walking through it is what makes this park so fun. It feels completely different from the landscape you typically picture when you think of Georgia.

Just be prepared to get dirty and possibly wet. This is one of those hikes where the experience is part of the adventure.

3. Black Rock Mountain State Park

If mountain views are your thing, put Black Rock Mountain on your list.

Located in the northeast Georgia mountains, this park has some of the best scenery I’ve encountered in the state. The elevation also means you get some seriously beautiful overlooks, especially when the weather cooperates.

There are plenty of trails to explore, and this is a great park for when you want that I am definitely not in South Georgia anymore feeling.

Trail suggestions: Black Rock Lake Trail (very easy and only a 0.85-mile loop); Blackrock Mountain Waterfall Trail (I would say this was a bit harder than the loop and the waterfall payoff is worth it, 1 mile)

4. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon is probably one of the most impressive parks I’ve visited in Georgia.

The waterfalls alone are worth the trip, but the combination of canyon views, forest, rocky trails, and elevation makes this one of those parks where you can spend hours exploring.

The West Rim Trail is a favorite of mine, and if you’re looking for a hike that gives you a little bit of everything, this is a great place to start.

Also, hiking poles are your friend. Trust me.

5. Unicoi State Park

Unicoi State Park might be one of my favorite places to hike in the Helen area, especially because of the Unicoi to Helen Trail.

The trail connects Unicoi State Park with the town of Helen, giving you the best of both worlds: a beautiful wooded hike through the North Georgia mountains and the chance to take a break in the Bavarian town of Helen (without having to deal with traffic or parking)!

The trail winds through the woods, crosses streams, and gives you those classic North Georgia mountain views along the way.

And then, midway back to the car, you can stick your feet in the stream and snack because it was a long day!

Go Explore Georgia

One of my favorite things about exploring Georgia this year has been realizing just how much variety there is here.

You can hike through canyons in the southwest, climb mountains in the northeast, chase waterfalls, walk along creeks, explore historic ruins, and find some truly beautiful views without ever leaving the state.

And I still have a whole lot of Georgia left to explore.

So if you’ve been looking for somewhere to roam this fall, pick a state park, lace up your hiking shoes, pack some water, and go see what you’ve been missing.

xx,
Sami