What to do and see in Georgia, Georgia: The Best Outdoor Activities

April 25, 2022 Kandra Bartel

While Atlanta is the anchor and capital of Georgia, you can aim in any direction to find distinctly different regions – from the tail of the Appalachians in the North to the rolling Piedmont hills and on down to the seaside marshes in the East. Atlanta lays claim to the state’s number one attraction – Stone Mountain State Park. They say it best - “Serious fun. Endless adventure.” Just 15 minutes from downtown, the world’s largest exposed granite dome is surrounded by 3,200 acres of natural beauty and stimulating activities for every member of the family – sky rides and hiking paths, laser shows and pedal boats along Stone Mountain Lake. Golfers tee it up, while red foxes dash across the fairways in a state where the Masters Golf Tournament creates revered green-jacket memories every year. It’s a long downhill ride down to historic Savannah, a ‘stone’s throw’ from the Atlantic and a virtual step back in time to Southern architecture and stately squares. St. Simon’s and Jekyll Islands offer barrier island beauty and a wonderful combination of outdoor activities, historic sites and artistic culture. Originally the private winter playground of wealthy northeasterners, Jekyll Island stretches along 10 miles of coastal beaches and inland marshes. Cycling and walking paths wind under moss-laden oaks, and a tour of Millionaire Village takes you back to those Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan days. The kid-friendly Summer Waves Water Park adds man-made fun to natural water sport activities. Coastal golf courses and sophisticated St. Simon’s Island appeal to moms, dads and vacationing couples.
Restaurants in Georgia

1. Appalachian Trail

GA
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Appalachian Trail

2. Eastside Trail

8201 Hazelbrand Rd NE, Covington, GA 30014-1510 +1 770-787-9080 [email protected] http://www.newtontrails.org/#!eastside-trails/c1835
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Eastside Trail

Running 2.5 miles from downtown Covington to Eastside Highschool, the Eastside Trail is Newton County's newest multi-use greenway trail. Opened in early 2013, the 10-foot-wide concrete path begins off Ramsey Drive in Covington, just west of the Newton County Public Library. The first .6 miles meander through a woodland area behind the library and the Newton County Health Center. After winding gently though the woods over rolling terrain, the trail drops down to cross Martin St at the intersection with Hazelbrand Rd. The trail features four wooden boardwalk sections that traverse forest wetlands and a tunnel beneath the Covington Bypass Rd that allows pedestrians and cyclists to pass safely beneath the traffic overhead. On the east side of the bypass, the trail continues east and then runs between pasture land and woods south to the high school. At the northern endpoint parking is available behind the Newton County Health Center (8203 Hazelbrand Rd NE, Covington, GA 30014). Visitors walk through Chimney Park to access the Eastside Trail. At the southern endpoint visitors can park at Eastside High School (10245 Eagle Drive, Covington, GA 30014) when school is not in session.

Reviewed By kathyrie - Vidalia, United States

Well maintained paved bike path. Shaded 2 1/2 miles til it dead ends. Easy to miss entrance if not paying attention.

3. Raven Cliff Falls

3000 Richard Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545 http://www.georgiatrails.com
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 296 reviews

Raven Cliff Falls

Many hiking trails bordered by scenic mountain streams, waterfalls and other scenic vistas abound throughout this 9,115-acre natural reserve.

Reviewed By Igorek007 - Savannah, United States

This hike is about 5 miles round trip. I would call it moderate. Nice waterfall at the end with multiple good places for rest and pictures on the way. Parking is limited on weekends. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. $5 fee for the park.

4. Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway

GA http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/13739
Excellent
56%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway

This scenic and winding drive leads to Brasstown Bald Mountain.

5. Lake Oconee

Excellent
76%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Lake Oconee

Reviewed By CAYTLien - Roswell, United States

One of GA's larger lakes with plenty of boat launch points and public beaches. Nearly all the beaches have picnic tables and public charcoal grills. Traffic on the lake can sometimes be busy, depending on time of year. Public safety officers are on regular patrol and this keeps the boat etiquette on point.

6. Silver Comet Trail

Cobb County Access, Smyrna, GA 30339 +1 770-528-4381 [email protected] http://silvercomet.tripod.com/
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 335 reviews

Silver Comet Trail

Reviewed By Runnerny2244 - Smyrna, United States

This is an excellent place to get out and ride, run, or walk. It’s paved and pretty flat. Use to be an old train track. Park over by Nickijak Elementary School in Smyrna. Shady and pretty nice path.

7. Long Creek Falls

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Long_Creek_Falls
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 305 reviews

Long Creek Falls

Reviewed By amync1111 - Smyrna, United States

The drive in was the hardest part! The trailhead is 5+ miles down a narrow gravel road with many hazards. Once we got to the trail it was an easy and scenic hike ending with a beautiful waterfall where the kids played in the creek. It’s 2 miles out and back and was no problem for us and our five and seven year olds. There’s a little incline on the way in but nothing strenuous.

8. Tybee Island Beach

Tybee Island, GA
Excellent
55%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,520 reviews

Tybee Island Beach

Reviewed By WalterMacken - Knoxville, United States

We go to Tybee for the beach. It is beautiful, not too crowded, even during spring break, and the water is warm. We were there in March. The locals say that it is cold, but for California refugees, it is warm (63 degrees). The air temp was a bit cool for swimming, though (68 degrees). The only drawback: parking is tight, and you may have to pay to park, unless you want to walk a bit.

9. North Georgia Wildlife Park

2754 Paradise Valley Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528-7311 +1 706-348-7279 [email protected] http://www.northgeorgiazoo.com/
Excellent
77%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 576 reviews

North Georgia Wildlife Park

Alligators To Zebras! Over 400 animals, 2 attractions in one! Come visit a working farm with over 200 rare breed and miniature farm animals. Feed, pet and learn more about animals from mini pig,cows,goats to water buffalo and camels. Take a guided Wildlife Walk to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals such as Lemurs, Cougars, Kangaroos, monkeys, Wolves and more! Other options include animal shows, camel encounters, pony rides and more!

Reviewed By AJinMilton

Me and my three girls had a ball! We did the baby encounter, which was adorable, and we did the sloth encounter - totally amazing. When do you ever get to feed sweet potatoes to sloths?! We'll be back for more encounters!

10. Driftwood Beach

Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,897 reviews

Driftwood Beach

Reviewed By NJSparky2

One of the most picturesque beaches on the coast. Be sure to bring your camera and visit at both low and high tide to capture some truly spectacular shots.

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