12 Best Hiking Trails in Blue Ridge, GA | Ranked Easy to Hard

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge, GA, is a charming mountain town with abundant outdoor exploration opportunities.

From scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway to fishing in the Toccoa River, there is no shortage of adventure in this part of the country. But for those who prefer to get their adrenaline pumping on a good hike, Blue Ridge is a true haven.

With an abundance of trails offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain, hikers of all skill levels will find something to suit their taste. In this article, we’ll look closer at the 12 best hikes in Blue Ridge, GA, so you can confidently plan your next outdoor adventure.

Easy Hiking in Blue Ridge, Georgia

1. Long Branch Loop Trail

  • Length: 2.3-mile loop
  • Time Required: 1 hour
  • Elevation Gain: 288 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 7 miles

If you’re looking for a moderate hike that offers beautiful views of the North Georgia mountains, the Long Branch Loop Trail is a great choice for hikes near Blue Ridge GA.

Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this 2.3-mile trail features a well-marked path that takes you through a lush forest and a babbling creek. The trail is rated moderate due to some steep inclines and uneven terrain, but it’s still doable for hikers of all skill levels.

READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Savannah, Georgia

2. Toccoa Swinging Bridge via John Dick Creek Road and Toccoa River Road

Toccoa swinging bridge over the Toccoa River
  • Length: 2.3 miles out & back
  • Time Required: 1 hour
  • Elevation Gain: 278 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 23 miles

For a unique hiking experience, check out the Toccoa Swinging Bridge via John Dick Creek Road and the Toccoa River Road trail. This 2.3-mile trail in the Chattahoochee National Forest takes hikers across a suspension bridge that spans the Toccoa River.

It starts on forest road, which can sometimes be rocky and steep. However, the terrain flattens once you reach the Toccoa River, where you’ll find the swinging bridge.

The bridge can be challenging to cross, as it swings back and forth with the movement of hikers. But the views from the bridge are well worth it!

READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Atlanta, Georgia

3. Benton Mackaye and Shallowford Bridge Loop

  • Length: 2.1-mile loop
  • Time Required: 1 hour
  • Elevation Gain: 390 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 11 miles

Check out the Benton Mackaye and Shallowford Bridge Rd Loop in the Chattahoochee National Forest. It features steep inclines, rocky terrain, and creek crossings, so it’s recommended for experienced hikers.

The Benton Mackaye and Shallowford Bridge Rd Loop is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure. Just be sure to keep them leashed and bring plenty of water for both you and your furry friend.

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Athens, GA

4. Lake Blue Ridge Loop

  • Length: 0.8-mile loop
  • Time Required: 20 minutes
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 4 miles

The Lake Blue Ridge Loop is an almost 1-mile hike perfect for all skill levels. This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Blue Ridge and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is at Morganton Point Recreation Area, which offers picnic areas, restrooms, and parking.

The Lake Blue Ridge Loop is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your dog along. The trail is mostly shaded, making it an excellent choice for hot summer days. Pack a picnic and make a day of it at the Morganton Point Recreation Area after your hike.

READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Helen, Georgia

5. Lake Blue Ridge Campground Trail

  • Length: 1.1-mile loop
  • Time Required: 25 minutes
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 4 miles

The Lake Blue Ridge Campground Trail is a short, 1.1-mile, beautiful hike perfect for a quick outdoor excursion. It starts and ends at the Lake Blue Ridge campground and offers hikers stunning lake and mountain vistas perfect for Instagram photos.

Moreover, the trail is mostly shaded, making it a great option for hot summer days. After your hike, you can relax at the Lake Blue Ridge Campground and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake.

Dogs are allowed on the trail but must remain on a leash. There are garbage cans located at the campground for your convenience.

Moderate Hiking Trails in Blue Ridge, Georgia

6. Flat Creek Loop

  • Length: 6-mile loop
  • Time Required: 3 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 1,023 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 6 miles

Want another shot at a moderately challenging but best hike in Blue Ridge, GA? Head to Flat Creek. This 6-mile hike features several creek crossings, making for a challenging and rewarding hiking experience. Unfortunately, it’s not dog friendly, so leave your pooch at home.

On the bright side, the trail is mostly shaded, providing relief from the sun on hot summer days. Rock proper hiking shoes in readiness for the steep ascents and descents along the way. 

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Savannah, GA

7. Green Mountain Via Whissenhunt Loop to Toccoa River

Toccoa River near Blue Ridge, GA
  • Length: 5.3-mile loop
  • Time Required: 2h 44 minutes
  • Elevation Gain: 1,158 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 6 miles

Looking for a trail that poses a bit of a challenge while still providing beautiful vistas? Check out Green Mountain via Whissenhunt Loop to Toccoa River. Expect a mix of terrain, including steep climbs and descents and some rocky sections on the 5.3-mile-long trail.

But the hike will well be worth it because you’ll also hike alongside the Toccoa River, which provides a picturesque backdrop for pictures.

And when you reach the top of Green Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.  Overall, the Green Mountain via Whissenhunt loop to Toccoa River is an excellent option for hikers up for a bit of challenge and to experience some of the best scenery the Blue Ridge area offers.

READ MORE: Best Waterfalls Near Helen, Georgia

8. Rocky Mountain Via Stanley Gap

  • Length: 6.1 miles out & back
  • Time Required: 3 1/2 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 1443 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 7 miles

Rocky Mountain via Stanley Gap is yet another challenging but rewarding hike near Blue Ridge GA. The 6.1-mile trail features stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a mix of rocky and smooth terrain perfect for intermediate hikers. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not dog-friendly, so you’ll have to leave your furry friend at home.

The trailhead is at the end of Stanley Creek Road, with a small parking area available. The hike starts with a gradual incline from there before becoming steeper as you approach Rocky Mountain. The trail is well-marked and maintained, but some rocky sections require careful footing.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the area. The descent can be challenging, so wear sturdy shoes with good traction.

9. Benton MacKaye Trail

Benton MacKaye Trailhead near Blue Ridge, GA
  • Length: 278.4 miles point to point
  • Time Required: Varies
  • Elevation Gain: 61,036 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 27 miles

The Benton Mackaye Trail, or the BMT, stretches over 300 miles from Georgia to Tennessee. It’s a pet-friendly trail, so bring your furry friend along. Although it’s a popular hiking trail, it’s not heavily trafficked, so you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature without feeling crowded.

The BMT is also quite diverse, providing various landscapes and terrains to explore. It winds through lush green forests, streams, rivers, and rocky outcroppings. Hikers can expect to encounter a few steep climbs, but the pleasant views make the effort worth it.

The trailhead for the BMT in Georgia is near Blue Ridge, ending at Springer Mountain. Along the way, hikers can explore some of the most beautiful parts of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, including the acclaimed Cohutta Wilderness area.

Whether you prefer a short-day hike or have no problem sweating out and crave a multi-day backpacking adventure, the Benton Mackaye trail in Georgia is an excellent option for hiking in Blue Ridge, GA.

Difficult Hiking Trails in Blue Ridge, Georgia

10. Panther Creek Falls

Panther Creek Falls hiking trail near Blue Ridge, GA
  • Length: 8.1 miles out & back
  • Time Required: 4 1/2 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 1,978 feet
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 24 miles

Looking for a refreshing escape from the summer heat? Look no further than the Panther Creek Falls, one of the many stunning waterfalls in Georgia.

Located just over 20 miles outside of Blue Ridge, this 8.1-mile out & back hike boasts one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the area, with cascading waters that tumble down into a serene pool at the base.

The best part?

You can dip into the cool, crystal-clear water and bask in the beauty of one of North Georgia’s most stunning waterfalls. But the beauty of the trail isn’t limited to the fall. Before you hit the falls, the hike will take you through a lush forest alongside a babbling creek and up a series of switchbacks with rocky outcroppings.

The route can be busy, especially on weekends, so be prepared to share the path with other hikers. Ready? Grab your gear, pack lunch, and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget!

READ MORE: 10 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Clayton, Georgia

11. Jack River Loop with Spur to Falls

  • Length: 16.1-mile loop
  • Time Required: 7 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 2,316 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 18.5 miles

Looking for a hike that takes you through various landscapes and leads to a stunning waterfall? Look only as far as the Jack River Loop with Spur to Falls trail in North Georgia. It offers everything from river crossings to towering hemlocks. The trail leads to the stunning Jacks River Falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear, cool waters after tiring yourself out on the course.

This hike near Blue Ridge, GA, is located off of Forest Service Road 22, about a 40-minute drive from Ellijay and 15 miles from Blue Ridge. It is well-marked and maintained, with several river crossings along the way.

Keep an eye out for the old iron bridge, a historical relic that adds to the charm of the hike. While pets are allowed on the trail, it’s important to note that the river crossings and rugged terrain may make it difficult for them to navigate.

Additionally, the trail can be moderately trafficked, especially during the summer months. If you fancy a longer hike, consider the full 10-mile Jack River loop with Spur to the Falls, but if you don’t like strenuous hikes, Spur to the Falls is a shorter, 4-mile round trip option.

12. Appalachian Trail: Springer Mountain to North Carolina Border

Appalachian Trail near Blue Ridge, GA
  • Length: 78 miles point to point
  • Time Required: 7-10 days
  • Elevation Gain: 18,389 ft
  • Distance from Blue Ridge: Approximately 19 miles

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the United States, spanning over 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. This legendary trail passes through 14 states and provides hikers with some of the most breathtaking views of the eastern United States. But for those who need more time or stamina to tackle the entire trail, the section from Springer Mountain to the North Carolina border is one of the best hikes in Blue Ridge.

Beginning at Springer Mountain in Georgia, this section of the Appalachian Trail takes hikers through the stunning Appalachian Mountains, passing through dense forests, rocky outcroppings, and picturesque streams. They will encounter a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to exposed ridges with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

One of the highlights of this section is the breathtaking view from Blood Mountain, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

Note that this section of the trail is approximately 80 miles long and typically takes hikers around 7-10 days to complete. So, ensure you’re ready for backcountry camping and pack all necessary supplies as the trail passes through remote areas with limited access to amenities.

Explore the Great Outdoors in Blue Ridge

From easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs, Blue Ridge’s stunning scenery and natural beauty make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker, the 12 trails near Blue Ridge we’ve ranked in this article will surely provide you with an unforgettable adventure.