Backpacking/Camping in Atlanta, GA

The Chattooga River Trail offers spectacular river opportunities for Atlantans who want a short 2 hour drive to a secluded untamed destination for adventure.

Take a weekend backpacking trip to the Southern section of the Bartram Trail. This 27-mile trail is only 20 miles from Augusta and a majority of the hike borders the J. Strom Thurmond Lake. You’re in for a secluded and flat hike through lush pine forests.

Cooper Gap to Woody Gap is an 8.3 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail. The hike dips and rises over gaps and ridgelines within the first 20 miles of the AT, where you'll see scenic vistas and sprawling forests.

Pine Mountain is an anomaly in the relatively flat topography found south of Atlanta. At just over 1,300 feet, Pine Mountain is a rare puncture into the southern Georgia skyline. With little elevation gain across 23 miles, the Pine Mountain Trail (PMT) lends backpackers a relief from the continuous climbs of the southern Appalachians on this backcountry trail.

Upon completing the 12.9 mile Coosa Backcountry trail, you’ll have hiked three peaks and clocked more than 5,000 feet of elevation.

A moderate 2-mile hike climbs to the summit of Siler Bald. The view is almost 360 degrees, and you’ll catch sight of several other notable peaks like Standing Indian and Brasstown Bald.

Fort Mountain State Park is home to the Gahuti Backcountry Trail, which rolls through the Cahutta Wilderness and offers scenic vistas of Chatsworth. Despite being in the state park, this trail feels primitive and withdrawn into the wilderness.

Located in the heart of the Cohutta Wilderness, Jacks River Falls is a lovely area for both day hiking and camping. With a couple different trail options, the hike down to the Falls itself is 9-miles over multiple creek crossings.