It’s time to lace up those hiking boots, throw on your swimsuit, grab your fishing gear, pack up your picnic basket, and get ready for a great day in the state parks of North Georgia! There are SO MANY to visit, offering tons of outdoor fun for families, couples, and groups. So start reading to find the perfect North Georgia state park for YOU on your getaway! And be sure to check out our gorgeous North Georgia cabins where you can kick back and unwind after a long day exploring the parks!
Amicalola Falls State Park
Dawsonville, GA
Just 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail, Amicalola Falls State Park sits within the Chattahoochee National Forest and is one of the most popular state parks in the southeast. The star here is the 729-foot Amicalola Falls waterfall – the 3rd-highest east of the Mississippi. But this state park is much more than just hiking. It’s a family fun wonderland, with ziplines, 3D archery, GPS scavenger hunts, birds of prey and reptile meet and greets (Saturdays and Sundays), suspension bridges, and more!
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Mountain City, GA
Boasting the place of highest state park in Georgia, Black Rock Mountain invites visitors to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains – from way up high. Stop at overlooks along the way for 80-mile views, visit waterfalls, hike past streams, enjoy rhododendrons and old oak trees, let the kids play on the playground, or make your way to the summit visitors center for picnicking and shopping at the gift shop. The park also features a lake for fishing and a walking trail.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Rising Fawn, GA
Set on the edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the larger state parks in Georgia. As its name suggests, it’s home to stunning canyons. On hiking trails through this park, enjoy views of sandstone cliffs, creeks and waterfalls, caves, wildlife, and deep woods. There are also many opportunities for biking, including Overlook Trail, West Rim Loop Trail, and Waterfalls Trail – along with mountain biking at the Five Points Recreation Area. More outdoor fun includes a disc golf course, fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking.
Don Carter State Park
Gainesville, GA
Boasting the title of the only state park located on Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park is also the newest in Georgia. It’s a waterfront dream, with a swimming beach, bath house, boat ramp, and more. Hikers and cyclists will enjoy the trails through the hardwood forest, and there are campsites available as well.
Fort Yargo State Park
Winder, GA
A historic site including a log fort built in 1792, Fort Yargo is a popular park for yurt camping, picnicking, and swimming, fishing, and boating on the 260-acre lake. Visitors also love the disc golf course and often host parties and weddings here.
Fort Mountain State Park
Chatsworth, GA
Located near the Cohutta Wilderness, Fort Mountain State Park is a must-see gem along the Hwy 52 scenic drive. A unique historic site here is the 855-foot-long wall that is believed to have been built by Cherokee Indians. Spectacular views are a treat for along the miles of trails, from hiking trails to biking trails. Enjoy thickets of blueberries, streams, wildflowers, mountain views of the North Georgia mountains, and more. There is even a swimming beach for summer and a lake for boating.
James H. Floyd State Park
Summerville, GA
Hikers can make their way along 3 miles of loop trails around the lakes at this lovely park surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. Take a nice nature trail to the 60-mile Pinhoti Trail for a longer hike, feed ducks lakeside, and enjoy the natural beauty of the hardwoods, wildlife, and more all around.
Moccasin Creek State Park
Clarkesville, GA
Set on the banks of Lake Burton, Moccasin Creek State Park is another great North Georgia park to visit on your Blue Ridge getaway! Fish for trout from the creek, open for seniors 65 and older, children under 11, and fishers of all ages who hold a Georgia disability fishing license. The fairly flat park is ideal for those needing a less mountainous terrain, and Lake Burton offers opportunities for kayak and boat rentals, fishing, and more.
Red Top Mountain State Park
Cartersville, GA
Not too far from Atlanta, a spot on Lake Allatoona means plenty of water fun for visitors to Red Top Mountain State Park. Fish, boat, and swim; stroll along lovely nature trails within the park; enjoy a picnic by the water or under a pavilion, and more.
Smithgall Woods State Park
Helen, GA
Perfect for fishers, Smithgall Woods State Park is home to Dukes Creek, considered one of the best trout streams in North Georgia. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing, 5 miles of trails, 18 miles of roads, and opportunities for hiking and biking.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Falls, GA
Visitors can hike the rim or get a permit to visit the gorge floor at Tallulah Gorge State Park. It’s home to a favorite waterfall – Tallulah Falls – along with many great overlooks into the canyon, a suspension bridge 80 feet above the gorge floor, a paved path along an old railroad bed, and a 10-mile mountain biking trail. Guests can also visit the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to learn more about the history of the area and visit the gift shop for something unique to take home.
Unicoi State Park
Helen, GA
Set on Lake Unicoi, Univoice State Park offers easy access to Anna Ruby Falls, Smith Creek – a tributary of the Chattahoochee River, great trout fishing, and some lovely trails. Other unique activities include archery, fly fishing, paddleboarding, ziplines, and more!
Vogel State Park
Blairsville, GA
Vogel State Park is one of the oldest state parks in Georgia, located at the base of Blood Mountain. Fall is a great time to visit for the colorful leaves along Blood Mountain Trail. Other popular hikes here include Bear Hair Gap Loop and Coosa Backcountry Trail, a challenge for backpackers! Vogel State Park also has a 22-acre lake, beach, and historic buildings.
