My top 10 natural places to visit in the state of Georgia

Crurned here!

In another entry of my blog, I will discuss my top 10 places to visit in the state of Georgia. I will start from number 10 and ending into number one. I may have mentioned a few places before in this list. Here we go!

10. Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald has the highest elevation in the whole state of Georgia. Georgia is at the bottom of the Appalacchian Mountains and the Appalacchian trail, which starts at the northernmost part of the state. Georgia as a whole is mountainous at the north, mostly hills at the center and flat at the bottom, which connects with Florida. I ranked it at the 10th place because it is still an important part of the geography of the state, there is a shuttle that can bring you to the top or you can hike around half a mile on a steep slope, there is a museum at the top with very interesting things about the region, and on a clear day, it is a beautiful view from the top and you can see all the way to Tenessee, and maybe even South Carolina. There is an observation tower at the top, but sadly it is permanently closed.

9. Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park formed as an effect of improper farming techniques on the 19th Century. Extreme erosion caused by water redirected to irrigate crops accelerated the formation of this canyon. The entrance fee is 5.00 USD, and I highly recommend to visit during late fall or early spring, during summer is hot and humid, and there may be a lot of mosquitos.

8. Helton Creek Falls

Helton Creek Falls is at the side of a dirt road, entrance is free as far as I can recall, last time I went there was in 2020. I highly recommend to visit before winter, the trail going to the falls had a lot of ice last time I went there on January.

7. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon, unlike Providence Canyon, it is a natural formation. It is unique to Georgia, the first time I visit the canyon, it was like I was teleported to Upper State New York, looking at the solid rock walls and the waterfalls flowing thru them. It is a magical place I am planning to visit once a year.

6. Amicalola Falls

Amicalola Falls is more than meets the eye. Like Brasstown Bald, it is also located at the Appalacchian Trail. I was there at a very stressfull time in my life, as the native brothers and sisters say, it was good medicine for my soul. There is a hotel at the top of the falls, and it was just perfect to spend the morning on top of the mountains and see these falls after having breakfast. Highly recommended.

5. Blood Mountain

Blood mountain is located at the Appalacchian Trail. From the parking to the top is a steep, muddy and rocky trail with a few creeks and rivers flowing in between. However, once you are done, it felt refreshing and even a therapeutic experience. It took me 4 hours to hike all the way to the top and back to the parking lot. As it is at the lower end of the Appalacchian Trail, expect a lot of hikers. 

4. Anna Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls is near the tourist town of Helen. The falls are located within a campground complex, and there are a lot of tourists coming from Helen, as well as locals. The hike to the falls is a bit steep, but the trail is well maintained and is made of asphalt.

3. Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach is located in Jekyll's Island, as the name says the beach is populated by petrified trees. I believe these trees were part of a forest in the past, and due to erosion and high tides and storms, ended up uprooted and adrift in this beach. It was a nice walking experience.

2. Raven Cliff Falls

Raven Cliff Falls is one of those trails that is not about the end of the trail, but the journey. It was an exhausting trail, but the sense of accomplishment is simply overwhelming. Last time I was there, the water flow wasn't as strong as in this photo.

1. Cumberland Island

I mentioned this island on a previous blog entry, and is still my top place to visit in Georgia. There is a ferry that picks you at the mainland in the town of St. Mary's. You can stay on this island as long as your resources allow you to stay. I hicked the lower half of the island in 2021, and I intend to come back and hike the northern part. Overall it is a 15 plus miles to cover the whole coastline of the island by foot. 

So that's it, this is my very own top 10 natural places to visit in the state of Georgia. Of course, if I discover other spots I may let you know next year. As always, safe travels!