FUN things to do in North Georgia
Are you looking for fun things to do in North Georgia? From hiking and horseback riding to tubing and ziplining, North Georgia is abundant with outdoor adventures and activities. In this post, we’ll explore fun things to do in the North Georgia outdoors and share recommendations to make the most of your day!
Hiking in North Georgia
Hiking in North Georgia is a low-cost, fun way to connect with nature and spend a day. Explore diverse trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes. From the rugged Appalachian Trail to popular hikes at Amicalola Falls, Desoto Falls, or Black Rock Mountain State Park, there’s something for everyone. To research hikes near you, I recommend All Trails. You can find all all the specifics, see pictures, and even read the most recent hiker reviews. Soak in the picturesque landscapes of North Georgia and breathe some fresh mountain air.
- Short hikes (under a mile): Anna Ruby Falls, Toccoa Falls
- Waterfall hikes: Amicalola Falls, Helton Creek Falls, Desoto Falls, Minnehaha Falls
- Hikes with Views: Tennessee Trail at Black Rock Mountain State Park, Preachers Rock, Indian Seats, Brasstown Bald, Tallulah Falls, Yonah Mountain (difficult but worth it)
- Hikes over 5 Miles: Panther Creek Falls, Raven Cliff Falls, Blood Mountain Loop, Cloudland Canyon
Ziplining
Zip through the trees on a guided canopy tour for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. With no shortage of zipline courses in North Georgia, you can find a course and enjoy a day of heart-racing fun!
Popular zipline locations include:
- Sunburst Adventures, Clarkesville
- Nachoochee Adventures, Helen
- Picture Perfect Adventures, Ellijay/ Blue Ridge
- Highlands Aerial Park, Scaly Mountain
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding offers a unique way to explore the mountains and valleys of North Georgia. Explore the countryside as you wind through forests, fields, and alongside rivers. From beginners to more experienced riders, North Georgia has a horseback riding adventure suitable for everyone.
Popular Horseback Riding:
- Sunburst Stables, Clarkesville
- Dillard House Stables, Dillard
- Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides, Blue Ridge
ATV Tour
Test your off-roading skills and explore the North Georgia mountains with a thrilling guided ATV tour. Riders can explore the wilderness, view wildlife, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Whether it’s a leisurely ride through scenic valleys or an adrenaline-pumping journey across rocky terrain, ATV riding in North Georgia is an unforgettable experience.
Popular ATV Tours:
- Sunburst Adventures, Cleveland
- Picture Perfect Adventures, Ellijay
- Highlands Aerial Park, in Scaly Mountain, offers fully guided UTV Tours if you’d prefer someone else to drive.
North Georgia River Tubing
Nothing is quite like enjoying a leisurely float on a hot summer day! Drift along with gentle currents. Enjoy views of surrounding mountains and lush forests. Some of the best places to go river tubing in North Georgia are Helen, Dahlonega, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge. Tubing Outfitters have tubes for rent, and many offer shuttles to get you back to your car! Check with your tubing outfitter for reservations and age requirements, and enjoy a fun day river tubing!
Popular Tubing Outfitters:
- Cool River Tubing, Helen
- Helen Tubing & Waterpark, Helen
- Appalachian Outfitters, Dahlonega
- Chestatee River Adventures, Dahlonega
- Toccoa River Tubing, Blue Ridge
Kayaking
Kayaking is a fun thing to do in North Georgia that beginners can easily enjoy. Whether kayaking calm lakes such as Lake Lanier or Lake Rabun or enjoying a leisurely float on the Chestatee River, kayaking is a great way to enjoy a day outdoors.
Popular kayaking outfitters:
- Appalachian Outfitters, Dahlonega
- Chestatee River Adventures, Dahlonega
- Bear Gap Outfitters, Lakemont
- Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking, Blue Ridge
Other FUN Things to do in North Georgia
Fishing
Fishing in North Georgia is a favorite pastime. With numerous rivers, lakes, and streams teeming with trout, bass, and other freshwater species, cast a line and stay for a while. Whether fly fishing in the Chattahoochee River or casting a line in Lake Lanier, fishing in North Georgia is a great outdoor activity.
Camping
Camping in North Georgia is a fun experience. From a serene lakeside retreat in a state park to an adventurous hike-in camping site, there is a camping spot for every camper’s preference. Enjoy a peaceful escape and embrace nature with North Georgia camping.
White Water Rafting
Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Chattooga River or Ocoee River. Rivers offer a range of difficulty levels and are an unforgettable outdoor experience. Popular white water rafting outfitters include Southeastern Expeditions on the Chattooga River and Ocoee Rafting, located just across the state line.
Biking
From paved greenways and park trails to mountain biking off-road terrain, biking is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in North Georgia. With miles of trails winding through the mountains and valleys, bikers of all skill levels can enjoy scenic rides.
Wildlife Viewing
Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just exploring North Georgia’s great outdoors, be on the lookout for wildlife such as deer, birds, or perhaps even a bear.
Scenic Drives
Taking a scenic drive in North Georgia is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. From the changing leaves of fall to the wildflower meadows of spring, any time is a good time for a scenic drive. Enjoy picturesque drives along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway or the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Picnicking
North Georgia’s mountains provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing picnic, with many parks and overlooks offering breathtaking views. Popular picnic locations include Tallulah Gorge State Park, Amicalola Falls State Park, Unicoi Park, and Black Rock Mountain State Park.
Guided Nature Tours
Take a guided tour with a local expert and learn about the local area and wildlife. At Amicalola Falls State Park, naturalists lead guided hikes and provide information on the park’s plants, geology, and animals. Check with your local state park for educational events, tours, and the Junior Ranger program.
Photography
Capture stunning photos of North Georgia’s landscape and wildlife. Photographers can find inspiration everywhere, from pictures of Georgia’s tallest waterfall at Amicalola Falls State Park to the panoramic mountaintop views from Preachers Rock.
Stargazing
Escape to the North Georgia mountains and away from the lights of the big cities. Spend a night under the stargazing in North Georgia and enjoy unobstructed night sky views. Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, is an excellent place for stargazing, but another popular location is the Cohutta Wilderness.
Final Thoughts
There are so many fun things to do in North Georgia. From paddling down a river to an afternoon hike, there is something for every nature-loving outdoor enthusiast. It’s time to start planning your North Georgia adventures!
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