The best walks and hikes in Pickens County

The Garland Mountain: East Side Loop offers a pleasant escape into the North Georgia mountains, winding through 4.0 miles (6.4 km) of rolling terrain. You'll experience a mix of natural beauty, with some sections featuring uneven ground, small hills, and occasional roots, giving it a varied feel. Despite these minor challenges, the trail remains an easy hike, perfect for those who appreciate a peaceful journey through the 940-acre landscape without overly strenuous climbs.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trails are well-marked with blazes and maps, ensuring you can navigate with ease. Parking is typically available at the trailhead, and there are no permits or fees mentioned for accessing the Garland Mountain Horse and Hike Trails. To make the most of your 1 hour and 45 minute outing, consider starting early in the day or visiting during the shoulder seasons for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

This trail is part of an extensive network of multi-use paths, catering to both hikers and horseback riders, which adds a unique dynamic to your experience. The ongoing maintenance and development of these routes are largely supported by the dedicated efforts of the Friends of Garland Mountain organization. This community involvement ensures the trails remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone, highlighting the local commitment to preserving this natural gem in Cherokee County, GA.

The Wildcat Creek Trail is an easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) hiking route that offers a delightful escape into nature, perfect for a leisurely outing. With only 199 feet (61 metres) of elevation gain, you can expect a relaxed journey through varied terrain, from shaded creek beds lined with bay laurels to open grasslands. It's a great option if you're looking for a short, rewarding hike that takes around 1 hour and 32 minutes, providing a refreshing break from city life.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible from the Alvarado Staging Area, which also provides convenient parking and facilities like restrooms. The Wildcat Creek Trail is dog friendly, making it a popular choice for pet owners. While beautiful year-round, spring offers the added bonus of vibrant wildflowers, and you might want to check weather conditions during winter as some sections can become muddy.

This trail is notable for connecting Wildcat Canyon Regional Park and Tilden Regional Park, offering extended exploration opportunities if you wish to venture further. Beyond the natural beauty, you can also discover historical remnants like old stone walls and fruit trees from a former sanitarium, adding a unique layer to your hike. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including mule deer and gray foxes, especially in the quieter grassland areas.

The Fall Creek Trail offers a serene and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a refreshing outing. You'll find yourself immersed in a peaceful forest setting, with the gentle sounds of the creek accompanying you as you make your way to the beautiful Fall Creek Falls. This easy route covers 2.2 miles (3.5 km) with a minimal 120 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain, making it a fantastic option for a leisurely walk that takes just over an hour.

When planning your visit, remember that this is a beginner friendly trail, suitable for most fitness levels. While specific parking and trailhead information for this particular Fall Creek Trail is not detailed, it's always a good idea to check local resources for current conditions and access points. Consider visiting during the spring or fall for the most comfortable temperatures and potentially more vibrant waterfall flows.

This Fall Creek Trail, located in Pickens County, Georgia, provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a scenic waterfall without the demands of a longer or more challenging trek. It's a great example of how a relatively short hike can still offer significant natural beauty, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick escape into the outdoors.

The Nitro North, South and John’s Corner Trail offers a delightful mix of terrain within the Talking Rock Nature Preserve, near Jasper, Georgia. This easy 1.7-mile (2.7 km) hike, with only 85 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 43 minutes to complete. You'll find yourself amidst dense forests and rolling hills, with vibrant wildflowers in season, and can expect a varied experience from the rugged, rocky sections of Nitro North to the smooth, flowy paths of John's Trail. It's a great option for a quick, accessible nature walk.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trails are typically open from sunup to sundown. This multi-use system is popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers, so be prepared to share the path. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for accessing these trails, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous outdoor adventure. Always check local conditions before you go.

This trail system is notable for its natural beauty, particularly the dense forests and rolling hills that characterize the area. It's part of a larger network, allowing for connections to extend your hike if you're looking for more mileage. The inclusion of John's Trail, known for its smooth and gradual nature, makes this a particularly family-friendly option within the broader Nitro trail system, offering an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

Step into a verdant, shaded sanctuary on the Fern Dell Trail, a unique green oasis within Los Angeles's Griffith Park. This easy 0.9-mile (1.5 km) hiking route winds through a lush landscape filled with over 50 species of ferns and tropical plants, accompanied by a year-round running stream with charming terraced pools and cascades. It's a delightful, short escape that feels miles away from the city, perfect for a quick nature fix or a family outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is easily accessible and takes only about 22 minutes to complete, with a minimal 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain. Parking is available nearby, though it can fill up quickly on busy days, so an early start is recommended. The Fern Dell Trail is also a popular starting point for those looking to extend their hike to iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory.

What makes this trail truly special is its distinctive environment, often described as a 'tropical rainforest' due to its abundant vegetation and flowing water, even when other parts of Griffith Park are dry. You'll also notice historic infrastructure, including walls built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and charming faux bois railings, adding to the trail's unique character. It's a tranquil, family-friendly option for beginners or anyone seeking a peaceful stroll.