Typically, when you hear someone say they’re visiting Georgia, it’s safe to assume that they are heading to Atlanta. The publicly proclaimed Black Hollywood is alluring with all its lights, celebrities, and glam. However, the state has a lot more than bright lights especially if you’re looking to commune with nature in Georgia.
Georgia has some of the most amazing nature scenes in the United States. From waterfalls and cliffside mountains to swamps filled with wildlife, the state is a natural wonder in the heart of the South. If you’re a nature lover headed South soon, make sure you visit a few of these spots to tap in and commune with nature in Georgia.
1. Helton Creek Falls
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Located in Helen, GA, Helton Creek Falls is a wonderful family-friendly park with a hike ending in a beautiful waterfall. The falls are just a short hike from the entrance and the sight of the water cascading down into the green valley is stunning. A short walk through the woods will take you to the two waterfalls and, if you walk a little further, you’ll find Vogel State Park hidden in the back. Helen Creek Falls is a fantastic place for a nice stroll or an evening picnic. The wooded forest is full of coniferous trees, mixed hardwood, and rhododendron as well as a host of flowers and other shrubberies.
2. Okefenoke Swamp Park
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Drifting lily pads, squirming amphibians, and over 600 species of plants are what’s in store for you on a visit to Okefenoke Swamp Park. This swamp is an incredible place for coming into contact with some of Georgia’s natural wildlife including the red-cockaded woodpecker, wood storks, and indigo snakes. The park sits on protected land and is a National Wilderness Area stretching over 353,981 acres.
Depending on where you enter the swamp, you’ll find different things to do. At the Waycross entrance, there is a small park where kids can engage in learning activities about the creatures in the park, see some gators, and take a boat ride. A short drive away at the Folkston entrance, you’ll find a historic homestead where many Native American tribes lived centuries ago. Many visitors also fall in love with the Chesser Island Board as they cross the wooden bridge under a cloud of tree branches. The swamp is the largest blackwater swap in North America and there’s plenty to see in the park.
3. Tallulah Gorge State Park
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Tallulah Gorge State Park is home to one of the most beautiful canyons in the US and a great place to commune with nature. The hiking trails in the park are a bit strenuous so be prepared for a workout. A suspension bridge hangs 80 feet above the rocky canyon below providing wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. The river and waterfalls can be seen from such heights and you can even get a permit to hike the bottom of the canyon floor. There’s a path for mountain biking, kayaks on the water, and a gift shop.
4. Panther Creek Trailhead
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Panther Creek Falls is one of North Georgia’s most popular waterfalls. The falls are a mystical beauty hidden seven miles into the Chattahoochee National Forest. The water cascading down over the rocks look like a carefully crafted desktop background. Picture perfect indeed, Panther Creek attracts large crowds year round and has grown in popularity as a camping site for travelers. Backpackers also have taken a liking to the falls and the sandy shores beneath them have turned into a great spot for an afternoon chill session. Panther Creek is also near a few other great hiking trails including Yonah Dam, Bartram Trail, and Lake Burton.
5. Amicalola Falls
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The third largest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, Amicalola Falls is a true Georgia wonder Like Panther Creek, the falls are in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest. It stands 729 feet tall and is only 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail. The waterfall is connected to the Amicalola Falls Adventure Lodge which houses a ton of activities and accommodations. From 3-D archery and ziplining to lounging in rooms with spectacular views, this park is a must-visit for all nature lovers in Georgia.
6. High Shoals
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Mossy creeks, winding paths, and two beautiful waterfalls are what’s in store if you venture out to High Shoals near Helen, GA. High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls stand tall deep in the lush forest and many travelers come here annually to hike. There’s a two-mile hike to the falls and, along the way, you’ll pass a plethora of walking trails, camping grounds, and creeks. There used to be a bridge crossing High Shoals Creeks but it was damaged during a storm. So be prepared to get your feet wet as you hop across rocks crossing the creek.
7. Rock City Gardens
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Not far from Chattanooga, Rock City Gardens is an amazing wonder towering 1700 feet above sea level. A 100-foot waterfall drops down through Look Out Mountain and travelers can look down at Lover’s Leap and see seven states at one time. The famous Swing-A-Long bridge is also located in Rock City Gardens and the gardens host many festivals throughout the year.