The best walks and hikes in Fannin County
4.8
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1,186
hikers
48
hikes
Hiking in Fannin County explores the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, with a significant portion of the area situated within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The terrain is characterized by forested hills, river valleys, and access to long-distance paths like the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail. Elevations vary, offering routes that range from gentle lakeside paths to more demanding ascents on mountain ridges. The region is rich in water features, including Blue Ridge Lake and the Toccoa River, and features…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
12.6km
03:47
400m
390m
Embark on the Three Forks Loop, a moderate hiking adventure that takes you through the diverse North Georgia mountains. You will traverse 7.9 miles (12.6 km) with an elevation gain…
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
12.6km
03:47
400m
390m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Three Forks and Springer Mountain via Appalachian Trail, a 7.9-mile (12.6 km) route that takes you through diverse forest landscapes. You will gain…
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6
hikers
11.6km
03:23
320m
300m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Appalachian Trail from Three Forks to Hawk Mountain Shelter, covering 7.2 miles (11.6 km) with an elevation gain of 1066 feet (325 metres).…
2
hikers
5.79km
01:50
200m
230m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Benton MacKaye & Duncan Ridge Trail to Toccoa River, a 3.6-mile (5.8 km) route that takes you through the diverse North Georgia wilderness.…
1
hikers
7.76km
02:28
350m
310m
Embark on the Rocky Mountain via Stanley Gap Trail for a moderate hiking experience through classic North Georgia singletrack. This route spans 4.8 miles (7.8 km) and involves a significant…
1
hikers
3.37km
00:59
80m
80m
Embark on an easy hike along the Benton MacKaye and Shallowford Bridge Road Loop, a route that takes you through the scenic Southern Appalachian landscape. This 2.1-mile (3.4 km) loop…
1
hikers
17.9km
05:49
830m
710m
Prepare for a difficult hiking challenge on the Benton MacKaye Trail: GA 60 to Wilscot Gap, a route spanning 11.1 miles (17.9 km) with an elevation gain of 2721 feet…
1
hikers
6.60km
02:05
180m
390m
Embark on the Panther Creek Falls via East Cowpen Trail, a moderate hike that leads you through a vibrant forest. You will find towering trees, abundant ferns, and colorful wildflowers…
1
hikers
3.93km
01:17
240m
90m
Embark on an easy hike along the Benton MacKaye Trail, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 km) with a gentle ascent of 784 feet (239 metres). This segment, estimated to take about…
1
hikers
3.24km
00:51
10m
70m
Embark on an easy hike along the Jacks River Trail, a pleasant 2.0-mile (3.2 km) route through North Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness. You will gain a gentle 28 feet (9 metres)…
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Popular around Fannin County
Hiking in Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area
Hiking around Blue Ridge
Hiking in Cohutta Wilderness
Hiking around Morganton
Benton MacKaye Trail — Hiking from Georgia to the Smokies
Duncan Ridge Trail — Conquering Georgia’s toughest terrain
Running Trails in Fannin County
MTB Trails in Fannin County
Road Cycling Routes in Fannin County
Cycling in Fannin County
Tips from the Community
The Benton MacKaye Trail crosses the Toccoa River on a long suspension bridge, one of the highlights of the route. It’s a peaceful spot to rest by the water, listen to the current, and enjoy the surrounding forest before continuing on.
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A peaceful spot where three mountain streams come together in the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area. The sound of rushing water makes it a perfect place to pause, refill your bottles, or even camp nearby. The shaded forest and cool air from the streams offer welcome relief on a long day of hiking.
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Like much of the Duncan Ridge Trail, the terrain around Licklog Mountain is characterized by steep ascents and descents. At 3,472 feet, you are at one of the highest peaks of the area. There are too many trees to really enjoy the views, but some scenery does peak through.
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Wallalah Mountain and the surrounding Duncan Ridge area provide beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Taccoa River valley, especially when the trees are bare. It's quite a hike to get here, but well worth it!
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From this point, you have access to Duncan Ridge Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail, which follow the same trail for quite some distance. South to Toccoa River or north to Rhodes Mountain. The approach involves a particularly steep ascent, but you are rewarded with amazing views along the way, although they may be partially obstructed by trees, especially in the summer. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the trail, but there is an established campground less than a mile west on Morganton Highway, called Skeenah Campground.
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A large campsite with over 30 pitches and private parking. However, you have to go down a long way for water.
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Springer Mountain is essentially a small rocky plateau with a few views, known for being the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. The trail from Amicalola Falls State Park is beautiful. Camping is not permitted on the summit plateau, but the Springer Mountain Shelter is just 600 feet to the north.
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You can leave your bike at the parking lot and walk this super short trail down to the swinging bridge that crosses the Toccoa River. There are some small cascades on the side of the river that you can spot here, too. This is worth the quarter-mile hike down from the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there easy, family-friendly hikes in Fannin County?
Yes, Fannin County offers several easier trails perfect for families. A great option is the Long Branch Loop, a gentle 2.2-mile (3.6 km) walk through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest that's well-suited for all ages.
What are some good waterfall hikes in the area?
Fannin County is known for its beautiful waterfalls. A popular and highly-regarded choice is the hike to Fall Branch Falls, which features a series of cascades leading to a 30-foot drop. The trail is a relatively short out-and-back walk through a lush forest.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Fannin County?
Most trails within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests and the Aska Adventure Area are dog-friendly, but it's required to keep them on a leash. Always check specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike and be prepared to clean up after your pet.
Are there any challenging hikes with rewarding views?
For a more strenuous day out, consider the Brawley Mountain Lookout Tower loop. This 5.4-mile (8.7 km) hike involves significant elevation gain but rewards you with panoramic views from the tower area.
How can I access the famous long-distance trails in the area?
Fannin County is home to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT). You can experience a section of the AT on the hike to Springer Mountain, the official starting point. Many local trails intersect with both the AT and BMT, offering great day-hike opportunities on these legendary paths.
Which trails offer views of Lake Blue Ridge?
To enjoy views of the water, the Lake Blue Ridge Out and Back trail is an excellent choice. This 8-mile (13 km) route follows the shoreline, providing beautiful perspectives of the 3,290-acre lake.
What kind of hiking is available in the Aska Adventure Area?
The Aska Trail System is a popular network of intersecting loop trails just outside of Blue Ridge. It offers over 17 miles of trails for both hiking and mountain biking, ranging from easy one-mile loops to more moderate routes that climb to ridge tops with scenic views.
Are there any good circular or loop trails?
Yes, there are many loop trails so you don't have to retrace your steps. The Benton Mackaye Trail loop is a 4.1-mile (6.6 km) option that provides a varied experience through the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area.
Where can I park for hikes in the Aska Trails system?
There are several designated parking areas for the Aska Trails. The Aska Trails Parking Lot at the Long Branch Loop Trailhead on Shady Falls Rd is a common starting point. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as these lots can fill up quickly.
How many hiking trails are in Fannin County?
There are over 300 miles of trails in the region, with this guide highlighting over 30 curated routes. They range from easy waterfall walks to difficult mountain ascents within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Fannin County?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained trails, the beautiful forest scenery, and the variety of hikes available, from serene river walks to challenging mountain climbs.
Can I reach the trailheads using public transport?
Public transportation options to trailheads in Fannin County are very limited. The trail systems are spread out within national forest lands, and accessing them almost always requires a personal vehicle. Some trailheads are also located on unpaved forest service roads.
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