Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Georgia to Visit in 2025

dog and owner walking

Georgia is known for its southern hospitality, gorgeous scenery, and delicious food. However, did you know that the hiking trails in Georgia offer everything from waterfalls to wildflowers?

If you love hiking, you probably want to take your dog with you, but you must take them to a dog-friendly hiking spot.

In this guide, we’ll give you our picks for Georgia’s top 10 dog-friendly hiking trails. Join us and see if you agree.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Georgia

1. Raven Cliff Falls Trail

Address 3000 Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545
Open Times Year-round
Cost $5 parking fee
Off-leash allowed? No
  • Moderate difficulty may vary according to the weather
  • 9-mile round trip
  • One of the most popular hiking trails in Georgia
  • Features cascading waterfalls and plenty of flowers
  • Follows a gorgeous, rushing trout stream

2. Bear Creek Trail

️ Address 241 Bear Creek Camp Rd. Ellijay, GA 30540
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? No
  • 6.5-mile trail
  • Moderate difficulty, depending on the weather
  • This is a popular mountain biking and hiking trail
  • Free parking is available at the trailhead
  • Has no water, and RVs and pop-ups are prohibited

3. Emery Creek Falls Trail

Address Emery Creek Trail, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? No
  • 2-mile round trip
  • Difficult trail to hike; not for first-time hikers
  • Features double waterfalls
  • Parking is limited; this trail gets extremely busy when the weather is nice
  • Expect to get your feet wet on the way to the rapids

4. Hemlock Falls Trail

Address Clarksville, GA 30523
Open Times Year-round
Cost $5 parking fee, can purchase a $50 annual pass for all Georgia State Parks
Off-leash allowed? In some areas
  • 9-mile trail
  • Ideal for beginners
  • The conditions for this trail are often muddy due to the water coming from the springs
  • Features several rapids and small waterfalls
  • Gorgeous walk with lush vegetation

5. Rabun Bald Half Marathon Hike

️ Address Kelsey Mountain Rd. Dillard, GA 30537
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? No
  • 8 miles
  • Easy to difficult trails, depending on how far you go
  • Features a fire tower you can climb at the summit
  • Contains the 120-foot Holcomb Creek Falls and the 100-foot Amon Creek Falls
  • Lightly traveled but has very little water access until you get to the falls

6. Upper Falls Via Panther Creek Trail

Address Panther Creek Trail, Georgia 30523
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? In some areas
  • 3-mile trail
  • Moderate difficulty
  • Very popular for hiking, so there will be quite a few people
  • Be careful crossing the river, or you could get wet
  • The falls at the end of the trail are breathtaking

7. Panther Creek Trail

️ Address 4061 Old Historic U.S 441, Clarksville, GA 30523
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? In some areas
  • 5-mile trail
  • Difficult trail to hike
  • Bridges may be washed out
  • A popular spot for hiking, camping, and riding
  • May be crowded, especially in the warmer seasons

8. High Shoals Falls Trail

️ Address 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? In some areas
  • 6-mile trail
  • Moderate difficulty
  • Gorgeous views
  • Waterfalls are truly hidden gems
  • Some areas are wet, so wear good hiking shoes

9. Blood Mountain-Byron Reece Trail

️ Address Blood Mountain, Georgia, 30512
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? In some areas
  • 4-mile trail
  • Difficult trail with rough terrain
  • Uphill the entire trail, but well worth it
  • Lots of mud, so be prepared
  • Stunning views

10. Tennessee Rock Trail

Address Black Rock Mountain Pkwy, Clayton, GA 30525
Open Times Year-round
Cost Free
Off-leash allowed? No
  • 2-mile round trip
  • Moderate difficulty
  • State park with the highest elevation in Georgia
  • Gorgeous wildflowers
  • Scenic views

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Closing Thoughts

While hiking with your furry friend is fun and certainly gives you much-needed bonding time, it’s also important to make sure you clean up after your dog when you’re on these hiking trails. While some trails do not prohibit off-leash pets, take a leash with you, just to be on the safe side.

Cleaning up after and monitoring your dog closely will ensure that these trails remain dog-friendly for many years to come, so don’t forget, and above all else, have fun!

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Blazej Lyjak, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Hearing Loss in Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Causes, Signs & What You Can Do

Age-related hearing loss is one of the more common types of hearing loss in dogs. However, dogs can experience it at any life...

Fluff & Tuff Toy Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Fluff & Tuff is a family-owned and -operated dog toy business based in Michigan. Its toys are designed by a team of highly...

10 Top Dog Influencers: Highest Earning Pets on Social Media in 2025

Dogs are becoming some of the most popular media influencers. A survey found that two out of five people fill their social media...

Dog Skin Discoloration: Vet-Reviewed Causes & Treatment

Many of us don’t regularly see the majority of our dog’s skin because of their fur coat. You may get a glimpse at...

More related

Fleas & Ticks On Dogs in the Northwest: Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

If you live in the Pacific Northwest with a dog that loves nothing more than adventuring outside, you need to educate yourself on...

How Aggressive Are Shiba Inus? Temperament & Personality Traits

Shiba Inus originated from Japan and was originally used for hunting. However, because they are independent, aloof with strangers, and loyal, they were...

How Do I Know if My Dog Has Parasites? Vet-Approved Guide

Dog ownership is one of the most rewarding experiences for pet lovers. Unfortunately, having a dog means dealing with both internal and external...

Do Dachshunds Shed a Lot? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

If you’ve thought about getting a Dachshund, you may wonder whether they shed. Dachshunds come in long-haired, wire-haired, and smooth varieties, all of...

Keep reading

Is Lamb Dog Food Good for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Benefits & FAQ

There are a host of dog foods out there to choose from when it comes to feeding your dog and many different meat options available to tempt your pet’s palate. While a good majority of dog foods will contain chicken,...

dachshund dog eating from elevated bowl

10 Best Dog Foods for St. Bernards in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Finding the right dog food is essential and can also be frustrating. You have to work through reviews and clever marketing strategies to determine what’s best for your dog based on its age, activity level, breed, and size. Chances are...

Saint Bernard sitting in meadow

RAWZ Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary The RAWZ pet food brand is relatively new and is making waves in the industry as one of the most committed brands in terms of quality and taste. Most of their ingredients are sourced either in the United...

Dogster_RAWZ Dog Food Review

Fromm vs Acana Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

When you’re faced with a choice between two trustworthy dog food brands with excellent ratings, it can be a bit bewildering. Fromm and Acana both produce high-quality dog food and have solid reputations in the dog food markets, but does...

Dogster_Dog Food Fromm VS Acana

Organ Meat for Dogs: Vet-Verified Safety & Preparation Tips 

Organ meats from animals that are raised properly and safely, such as farmed chickens, turkeys, ducks, cows, and sheep, can be a healthy and nutrient-rich treat for your dog. However, while dogs can technically eat organ meat, it’s crucial that...

Cooked chicken livers and gizzards in hot cast iron pan

Can Dogs Eat Cupcakes? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

People love to eat all kinds of sweets, including cupcakes. Most dogs are also tempted by sweets, so if you have a furry companion, you may wonder if they can eat cupcakes. In general, dogs can technically eat cupcakes just...

Can Dogs Eat Cupcakes

Pro Pac Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo: What to Choose in 2025, Pros & Cons

Choosing the right food for your beloved canine companion can be a real headache! In fact, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by the myriad options available in the dog food market. How do you choose a good diet...

Dogster_Dog Food Pro Pac VS Blue Buffalo

How to Cook Chicken Liver for Dogs: Vet-Approved Recipes & FAQ

Chicken liver is commonly used in many dog treats and dog food formulas. This delicious organ meat is a great way to add some nutritional value to your dog’s diet 1, so whether you are looking to serve it plain,...

Raw chicken liver in bowl on white table