Three Winter Hikes for Georgia Families
Hiking in winter affords views of the Georgia mountains that are not available when the foliage is full. Rocks, tree trunks and nature's architecture offer a different perspective that can be just as beautiful as a newly bloomed flower of spring.
Here are three of our family's favorite winter explorations in Georgia.
Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia. Photo by @carlosophotography
1. Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth
Fort Mountain State Park has amazing views and great historical markers, like the tower and wall. It's a perfect place for viewing in the bare winter season.
There are plenty of hiking trails for the entire family at Fort Mountain, so you might consider making a weekend of it. We stayed at one of the cabins, which are just spectacular.
Blood Mountain in Blairsville, Georgia. Photo by @jckschaefer
2. Blood Mountain in Blairsville
Blood Mountain in Blairsville easily comes to mind as a great winter hike because of the diverse rocky terrain and the fun shelter at the end of the trail. Add to that an amazing panoramic view, and you've got a winter hike like no other!
Blood Mountain is about 4.5 miles, and it is a climb. I would not recommend it for a kid's first hike. It's great for kids that hike regularly (my son was 6 years old when he first completed it without being carried) or teenagers. If you have hiking poles, this is the perfect hike on which to use them.
George L. Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia
3. George L. Smith State Park in Twin City
Explore a different kind of winter trail at George L. Smith State Park: a water trail. Wind your way through black water and bare cypress trees, which reflect off the lake like towering giants reaching for the clouds.
You can explore the grist mill and dam from 1880. Nearby is Magnolia Springs Park, where you can explore a Civil War POW museum and see a natural spring.
