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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 be careful to take the dog 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.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Georgia
1. Raven Cliff Falls Trail
Moderate difficulty may vary according to the weather
9-mile round trip, approximately
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
9 to a 5.9-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
2-mile round trip
Difficult trail to hike; not for first-time hikers
Features double waterfalls
Parking is limited, as 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
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 and lush vegetation
5. Rabun Bald Half Marathon Hike
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
3-mile trail
Moderate difficulty
Very popular for hiking, so there will be quite a few people
Be careful with crossing the river, or you could get wet
The falls at the end of the trail are breathtaking
7. Panther Creek Trail
5 miles
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
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
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
2-mile round trip
Moderate difficulty
State park with the highest elevation in Georgia
Gorgeous wildflowers
Scenic views
Conclusion
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 allow these trails to be dog-friendly for many years to come, so don’t forget, and above all else, have fun!
Featured Image Credit: Blazej Lyjak, Shutterstock
Written by
Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.