Day hikes in NE GA

“I recently moved to Athens, GA. I am used to living in Clemson, SC, where day hikes, waterfalls, and mountain beauty abound. Does anyone know any good parks, trails, rivers, etc. near Athens GA? I've been stuck in city limits too long, and I'd really like to find a place close enough to go in the afternoons for 4-5 hours. Thanks!”

“Hang around, several Gawgin's around these parts. Tilt, Skully, Goose to name a couple.”

“We're still trying desperately to decide where in northern GA we're going to go next weekend. So many options...it's hard to pick one.

If you're looking for something close by try Clark Hill Lake (aka Strom Thurmond Lake). There are literally hundreds of possible dayhiking trails on both the GA and SC sides.

And of course, North Carolina and Tennessee are such a short drive away.

I'm also new to the area so I'm probably not the best person to ask for specifics. Oh Tiiiii-iiiiiilt...

Of course, you could just pick up a hiking/trails book for GA. Or start here if you'd rather use internet sources. I don't know if the university library would have any guide books so internet may be the way to go if you're on a student budget.

Good luck! Holler back if you need more help or want someone to hike with.”

“hmmmm...

I'm trying to think what's close-in to Athens. There's Sandy Creek and the Botanical Gardens I can vouch for, though they're not really big hiking locations.

This site looks promising. Elicott Rock Wilderness is up in the northeast corner and has some easy hikes (but don't expect much: the Rock itself is only about the size of a breadbox, <G>).

For more strenuous hiking activities, there's always Cohutta Wilderness just west of Elijay, due north of Atlanta. There are LOTS of interesting trails through there. As you go southeast towards Augusta, the land only gets flatter and flatter, and flatter... LOL

More GA hiking links.

Here are some other goodies, general info, etc.”