Four Georgia Backcountry Trails to Hike this Spring
These four backpacking trails feature some of Georgia's most remote mountain forests, spectacular views and surreal landscapes.
Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia. Photo by @patelsnaps
Gahuti Trail at Fort Mountain State Park
The Gahuti Trail offers four backcountry campsites along a strenuous, shaded 8-mile trail through the forest of Fort Mountain State Park. Stream crossings, exposed rock faces, and amazing views make this backpacking trail a must-see. The park also features a mysterious stone wall and one of the most challenging mountain bike trails in Georgia State Parks' Muddy Spokes Club.
Hike Inn in Dawsonville, Georgia. Photo by @wandernorthga
Trail to the Hike Inn from Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
The Len Foote Hike Inn is a remote, backcountry eco-lodge in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The environmentally friendly lodge lightens the backpacker's load by offering 20 rooms complete with dinner and breakfast in a delightful dining hall. The gorgeous five-mile journey begins at Amicalola Falls and winds along a family-friendly trail before arriving at the mountainside lodge.
Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, Georgia. Photo by @gljohnson
Backcountry Loop at Providence Canyon State Park
The surreal canyon loop trail leads to Providence Canyon's seven-mile backcountry loop. After leaving the branching trail that explores the canyon floor, the backcountry loop winds along a creek bed leading backpackers to a strenuous ascent, rugged terrain and six secluded campsites. Views overlooking the canyon and breathtaking starry nights make this trail worth the challenge. Hikers must have a permit to access the backcountry loop.
Waterfall on the Benton MacKaye Trail in North Georgia
Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) begins at Springer Mountain and rambles through forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 91 miles before continuing into Tennessee. The BMT features challenging terrain through some of the most remote backcountry of Georgia's mountains. There are numerous access points for customizing a hike using intersections with other trails, but the trailhead is located at Springer Mountain, making Blue Ridge the official Benton MacKaye Trail Town.
