The Best North Georgia Hiking Trails Near Ellijay
Cradled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just an hour's drive north of Atlanta, Ellijay, Georgia offers visitors a warm welcome with its breathtaking natural scenery, delightful small-town atmosphere, and hospitable mountain culture. The region provides numerous opportunities to revel in the great outdoors, with a plethora of exciting activities to choose from. For those seeking an active adventure, Ellijay's hiking trails are a must-see, as well as options for mountain biking and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy thrilling experiences such as river rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, and indulge in some of the country's best bass and fly fishing.
Ellijay Hiking
Ellijay is the epicenter for some 29 North Georgia trails ranging in length from 0.2 miles to 75.4 miles. Five of the most popular Elijay hiking trails (ranked by level of difficulty) include:
Lake Conasauga Songbird Trail: Check out this 6.0-mile loop trail near Crandall, Georgia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 36 min to complete. This is a popular trail for camping, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in some areas.
Long Creek Falls Trail: Experience this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Suches, Georgia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 52 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Emery Creek Falls Trail: Enjoy this 5.9-mile out-and-back trail near Eton, Georgia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 38 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in some areas.
Amicalola Creek Trail: Explore this 2.5-mile loop trail near Dawsonville, Georgia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Amicalola Falls Trail: Enjoy this 0.3-mile out-and-back trail near Dawsonville, Georgia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 22 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Amicalola Falls Trail via East Ridge: Check out this 2.0-mile loop trail near Marble Hill, Georgia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Amicalola Falls, Frosty Mountain, Springer Mountain Loop: Discover this 17.5-mile loop trail near Marble Hill, Georgia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 9 h 13 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Pinhoti Trail - Mulberry Gap to Heddy Creek Campsite: Check out this 28.5-mile out-and-back trail near Ellijay, Georgia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 47 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Tumbling Waters Trail: Head out on this 1.0-mile out-and-back trail near Ellijay, Georgia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Things to Do in Ellijay:
Ellijay offers an array of exciting activities beyond just hiking in the woods. Visitors can enjoy challenging golf courses, award-winning wineries, antique and craft shops, spas, craft breweries, and excellent restaurants. The region hosts special events and festivals throughout the year, making each season unique. Known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia," Ellijay's thousands of apple trees produce a stunning floral display during the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival each spring. In the fall, the mountains come alive with breathtaking colors, attracting leaf peepers and festival lovers to the annual Georgia Apple Festival. Summer is a bustling season with the Ellijay Farmers Market, the Plein-Air Art in the Mountains Show, and the Gilmer Country Fair. In the winter, visitors can enjoy snowcapped mountain views, the festive holiday season, an official Chili Run, and the highly anticipated Wine About Winter Weekend, featuring games, food, tastings, tours, music, and more. Whether your preference is searching for Bigfoot, seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting, or simply unwinding in a comfortable cabin, Ellijay and its surrounding areas have something to offer every kind of adventurer. Book a mountain resort cabin with us at Mountain Resort Cabin Rentals and experience the wonderland of adventure waiting for you.
