While there are many different opportunities to hike in Georgia, some of the best trails are the ones that throw you for a loop. Literally. Loops trails are some of the best ways to see the state while making a round trip through the area. Ditch those old out-and-backs and take these circular paths and see some of the best that Georgia nature has to offer.
- Slaughter Mountain
Flickr JR P Slaughter Mountain has quite a few loops trails that are worth trekking through. But the Lake Winfield loop which takes hikers through Slaughter Mountain might be a fan favorite. Get your fill of flora and fauna in this one-of-a-kind loop. At just under 6 miles roundtrip, get those hiking boots on.
- Sope Creek Trail - Mill Ruins & Pond Loop
Flickr Wayne Hsieh Sope Creek Trail is a heavily-trafficked trail just shy of 2 miles. There will be various terrain in this hike which will change in elevation, too. Make sure you not only stay on trail but also keep your eyes open! There is so much to see on this one, it is truly a special experience.
- Long Branch Loop Trail
Flickr Joshua Long Branch Loop Trail is a 2.3 mile trek through Blue Ridge, Georgia. This loop trail is a perfect option even for beginners, with very little change in elevation. If you hit the Long Branch Loop during springtime get ready for some stunning Georgia wildflower viewing.
- Black Rock Mountain - James E Edmond
Flickr Alexander Lerch The Black Rock Mountain James E Edmond Trail is a bit of a doozy for those who aren’t used to hiking. At between 7-8 miles, this hike will take some time to tackle, but it’s definitely a worthwhile adventure. Spend the better part of day on this trailhead and make sure you prepare accordingly!
- West Rim Loop Trail - Cloudland Canyon
Flickr Stephen Rahn Perhaps one of the most popular loop trails in the state, the West Rim Loop Trail in Cloudland Canyon park sure is a beaut. At just shy of 5 miles roundtrip, this one might be a bit more difficult than the others. However, the views of the canyon are always worth it.
- Unicoi Lake Trail
Flickr mouse The Unicoi Lake Trail is one of the most scenically stunning loop trails in the state. At just around 2 miles roundtrip, hikers take to the shores of the lake and get water views throughout. This is a great trail hike for beginners, or for those who are just looking for a slower pace.
- Blood Mountain and Freeman Loop Trail
Flickr Anish Patel While this loop trail might be a bit more excessive in terms of length, the views throughout make it the much more worth it. Clocking in at 6 miles roundtrip, hikers can take to the heavily-trafficked trails near Blairsville, Georgia and enjoy mountaintop nature like never before.
- Cochran Shoals Trail
Flickr Shawn Taylor Just on the outside of Atlanta you’ll find a more urban hiking trail deep in the woods. Cochran Shoals Trail follows the west bank of the Chattahoochee River and brings hikers along for just shy of 4 miles. Many hikers, joggers, and families take to this trail, which is accessible all year round.
- Arabia Mountain Rock Trail
Flickr G. DAWSON The Arabia Mountain Mile Rock Trail and Forest Trail are some of the best ways to see Arabia Mountain. This is a very kid-friendly hiking trail, which falls around the two mile mark. Make sure to take a trip during the springtime for an enjoyable way to see the wildflowers.
- Laurel Ridge Trail
Flickr G. DAWSON The Laurel Ridge Trail along the east part of Lake Lanier and the Buford Dam is a perfect way to see the lake from a whole new vantage point. With just under 5 miles of trail, this loop is moderately trafficked but offers some seriously sensational views.
Ready to keep this list going? Add some of your favorite loop trails to the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more unique nature opportunities in Georgia, take a look at You’ll Want To Plan A Day Trip To Georgia’s Magical Butterfly House.
Flickr JR P
Slaughter Mountain has quite a few loops trails that are worth trekking through. But the Lake Winfield loop which takes hikers through Slaughter Mountain might be a fan favorite. Get your fill of flora and fauna in this one-of-a-kind loop. At just under 6 miles roundtrip, get those hiking boots on.
Flickr Wayne Hsieh
Sope Creek Trail is a heavily-trafficked trail just shy of 2 miles. There will be various terrain in this hike which will change in elevation, too. Make sure you not only stay on trail but also keep your eyes open! There is so much to see on this one, it is truly a special experience.
Flickr Joshua
Long Branch Loop Trail is a 2.3 mile trek through Blue Ridge, Georgia. This loop trail is a perfect option even for beginners, with very little change in elevation. If you hit the Long Branch Loop during springtime get ready for some stunning Georgia wildflower viewing.
Flickr Alexander Lerch
The Black Rock Mountain James E Edmond Trail is a bit of a doozy for those who aren’t used to hiking. At between 7-8 miles, this hike will take some time to tackle, but it’s definitely a worthwhile adventure. Spend the better part of day on this trailhead and make sure you prepare accordingly!
Flickr Stephen Rahn
Perhaps one of the most popular loop trails in the state, the West Rim Loop Trail in Cloudland Canyon park sure is a beaut. At just shy of 5 miles roundtrip, this one might be a bit more difficult than the others. However, the views of the canyon are always worth it.
Flickr mouse
The Unicoi Lake Trail is one of the most scenically stunning loop trails in the state. At just around 2 miles roundtrip, hikers take to the shores of the lake and get water views throughout. This is a great trail hike for beginners, or for those who are just looking for a slower pace.
Flickr Anish Patel
While this loop trail might be a bit more excessive in terms of length, the views throughout make it the much more worth it. Clocking in at 6 miles roundtrip, hikers can take to the heavily-trafficked trails near Blairsville, Georgia and enjoy mountaintop nature like never before.
Flickr Shawn Taylor
Just on the outside of Atlanta you’ll find a more urban hiking trail deep in the woods. Cochran Shoals Trail follows the west bank of the Chattahoochee River and brings hikers along for just shy of 4 miles. Many hikers, joggers, and families take to this trail, which is accessible all year round.
Flickr G. DAWSON
The Arabia Mountain Mile Rock Trail and Forest Trail are some of the best ways to see Arabia Mountain. This is a very kid-friendly hiking trail, which falls around the two mile mark. Make sure to take a trip during the springtime for an enjoyable way to see the wildflowers.
The Laurel Ridge Trail along the east part of Lake Lanier and the Buford Dam is a perfect way to see the lake from a whole new vantage point. With just under 5 miles of trail, this loop is moderately trafficked but offers some seriously sensational views.
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