Walking in a winter wonderland sounds nice, but hiking to a frozen waterfall is wonderful. Get your steps in this season while you get into the seasonal spirit. North Georgia’s spectacular mountain vistas take on an ethereal quality with sparkling crystals on frozen evergreens, snow-covered boulders along rushing rivers and expansive views through sparse leafless forests.
Check out these five festive winter hikes. Begin a new holiday tradition with a “First Day Hike” or plan a frosty bucket list adventure with friends. You can still wear ugly sweaters and celebrate with a cold craft beer.
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in Georgia. With thousand-foot-deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls and cascading creeks, there is always something special to see.
One of the most popular hiking paths is the short but strenuous Waterfalls Trail. Burn off Christmas cookie calories when you hike down (and back up) 600 stairs to see two stunning waterfalls covered with ice crystals. Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls spill over massive, curved outcrops into the canyon’s boulder-filled depths. The holiday hike back to the rim is an incredible workout, but the pristine beauty of these two potentially frozen falls makes it magical. gastateparks.org/cloudlandcanyon
- Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
Toast your trek with a hot toddy and a more leisurely stroll to see Rock City. Just minutes away from Cloudland Canyon, the Enchanted Garden of Lights celebrates 30 years of making spirits bright with more than one million colorful lights artistically installed on Lookout Mountain. Rock City Gardens is a fantastic 4,100-foot walking trail showcasing soaring rock formations, authentic caves, and botanical gardens. See seven states from Lovers Leap and cross a 180-ft long suspension bridge for an incredible view of the Chattanooga Valley. Save $5 on advance online tickets to experience the event through Jan. 4, 2025. seerockcity.com
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
One of the most spectacular canyons in the east, Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Beginners can hike rim trails for an easy walk to view spectacular scenes at multiple mountain overlooks and experienced adventurers can obtain a permit to hike to the gorge floor. Along the popular Hurricane Falls Trail, thrill-seeking hikers cross a suspension bridge that’s sways 80 feet above the rocky gorge bottom, providing impressive views of the river and waterfalls. Tightrope walkers have twice crossed the gorge, and visitors can still see towers used by Karl Wallenda.
Celebrate Christmas At The Gorge on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1 – 3 p.m. Create holiday crafts, enjoy Christmas music, and take a hayride. Start the new year on the right foot by joining a park ranger on a guided First Day Hike. gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge
- Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an appropriate name for the 729-foot falls, the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
A guided waterfall hike begins at the famous stone archway that marks the unofficial start of the Appalachian Trail: a 2,193 mile trek that ends in Maine. Follow the blue blazes of the Appalachian Approach Trail along peaceful Little Amicalola Creek. The sounds magnify from a whisper to a roar as you approach thundering Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia. amicalolafallslodge.com/adventures/guided-hike/
For an amazing overnight experience, book a room and follow the moderate, five-mile path starting from the top of Amicalola Falls to the Len Foote Hike Inn. The beautiful and diverse two- to four-hour hike crosses small streams, spans scenic ridges and ambles through the wintery mountain terrain. The Hike Inn’s secluded location allows guests a rare opportunity to enjoy the peace and beauty of the mountains without the trappings of modern life. The rustic sustainably designed inn offers twenty private guest rooms, hot showers, fresh linens and home-cooked meals. hike-inn.com
- Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail, named for the originator of the Appalachian Trail, crosses the AT about 15 miles south of Blue Ridge and features the longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi River. A popular destination for day-hikers, Benton MacKaye Trail thru-hikers, and paddlers making the journey down the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, the Swinging Bridge spans 260 feet across the Toccoa River. Trails to access the Swinging Bridge are located on each side of the river and provide short, pleasant walks. bmta.org/
- And Our Favorite Place to Warm Up after a Winter Hike
After a romantic hike with your Valentine, impress your hot date with an unforgettable celebration at the Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off and Craft Beer Festival on Main Street in charming downtown Blue Ridge on Feb. 15. The outdoor gallery features artisan-carved ice sculptures and live music creates a festive vibe, giving couples a good reason to cuddle up and chill with someone special. blueridgemountains.com
