6 Famous Film Locations in Georgia's Great Outdoors
Even the big screen can't convey the beauty of these popular outdoor destinations.
Georgia's remarkably diverse landscapes set the scene for many favorite film moments. Explore more of the iconic mountain wilderness, vast stretches of scenic coastline and impressive forests featured in these films.
1. Amicalola Falls – A Walk in the Woods (2015)
"A Walk in the Woods" follows Robert Redford and Nick Nolte portraying two old friends hiking the iconic Appalachian Trail. The story begins at the 8.5-mile Appalachian Approach Trail in Amicalola Falls State Park. Aside from being the starting point of many Appalachian Trail thru-hikes, Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville is a gorgeous mountain retreat with spectacular scenery and adventure. See the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, zipline through the canopy and stay the night at the backcountry Len Foote Hike Inn.
2. Currahee Mountain – Band of Brothers (2001)
Three miles up, and three miles down! Currahee Mountain in Toccoa gained international fame in the war drama miniseries "Band of Brothers." The Col. Robert Sink Memorial Trail follows the historic grueling training runs immortalized by the film. The climb begins on a gently rolling, natural surface path, which becomes steeper and more strenuous toward the summit. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Toccoa Falls and the must-see Currahee Military Museum, Currahee Mountain offers beautiful, long-range views from the highest elevation in Stephens County.
3. Hard Labor Creek State Park – Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Hard Labor Creek State Park is known for its unique range of recreational activities and as the frightening camp in "Friday the 13th VI: Jason Lives." The park features one of Georgia's most challenging 18-hole golf courses, a popular lakeside beach, and 12.5 miles of mountain biking trails. Horseback riders enjoy more than 24 miles of trail, as well as stables and a horse campground. Hard Labor Creek in Rutledge is also a great place to view the night sky, with twilight lake paddles and open house nights at the Georgia State University Observatory.
4. Sweetwater Creek State Park – Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2013)
Peacefully winding through the forest, Sweetwater Creek State Park brings the beauty of mountain streams to Metro Atlanta. Sweet songbirds and rushing rapids fill the air for an easy, half-mile hike to the historic ruins of New Manchester Mill. The impressive five-story mill is recognizable from the films "Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" and "Killing Fields." Continuing on the red and white-blazed paths, hikers at the Lithia Springs park encounter an overlook of the rapids, more challenging terrain and breathtaking wilderness.
5. Tallulah Gorge State Park & Tugaloo State Park – Deliverance (1972)
Filmed in remote areas of Rabun County, "Deliverance" weaves the dark tale of an ill-fated canoe trip through the rugged wilderness of Northeast Georgia. The film's adventurers, led by Burt Reynolds, fight for survival on a trek through some of Georgia's most pristine and scenic wilderness. Now a National Wild & Scenic River, the untamed Chattooga is well-known for its role as the fictional Cahulawassee River. Scenes from Tugaloo and Tallulah Gorge state parks also appear in the movie. The parks offer camping, paddling, mountain biking and other challenging activities.
6. Wormsloe State Historic Site – Roots (1976)
The marshlands surrounding Savannah and the incredible salt flats of Wormsloe State Historic Site were used to portray Africa in the landmark mini-series "Roots." A picturesque scene unfolds beneath stately live oaks leading to Savannah's oldest standing structure, Wormsloe's tabby ruins. The site's interpretive nature trail follows along the marsh to the Colonial Life Area, where costumed interpreters interact with visitors and exhibit 18th-century life during special events.
