There is nothing wrong with having a bucket list ready to go for when you’re ready to explore. Even just having the ultimate list of outdoor adventures handy will give you something to look forward to later in the season. We have come up with a list of 9 Georgia natural wonders that will be ready and waiting for you to adventure through when the time is right. Get ready, Georgians, the great outdoors await…
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
Flickr Rain0975 Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of natural Georgia is Tallulah Gorge State Park. This stunning natural wonder has been nicknamed the “Niagara of the South” with a two-mile-long river through the gorge that clocks in at 1,000-feet in depth. Hike around the rim and get in some truly magical views of the park. Also, make sure to check out the suspension bridge that is equally beautiful and terrifying.
- Cloudland Canyon
Flickr Anish Patel Cloudland Canyon is perhaps one of the most fascinating places in the American South. With epic overlook views, plus tons of hiking trails, you’ll be able to disappear for a weekend and take a load off in nature. Reserve a campsite or even one of ten yurts and enjoy an outdoor adventure in this natural wonder.
- Lake Lanier
Flickr G. DAWSON It wouldn’t be spring or summer without a trip to Lake Lanier in Georgia. This massive reservoir in northern Georgia might not be naturally made, but it was created when the Buford Dam was erected on the Chattahoochee River in the 1950s. Quickly becoming the go-to spot in Georgia for water activities, fishing, camping, and beyond, spend a weekend getting some sun and surf at this gargantuan park.
- Brasstown Bald
Flickr Anish Patel As the highest mountain in the entire state of Georgia, expect to find some pretty mind-blowing views of the state from this high. Brasstown Bald clocks in at 4,78 feet above sea level in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and if it’s a really clear day in Georgia, you’ll be able to see up to four different states from the highest point.
- Okefenokee Swamp
Flickr rjcox Many people might not immediately lump a swamp in with stunning natural beauty—but here’s the thing Okefenokee Swamp is not just like any ol’ swamp. As the largest blackwater swamp in the continent, exploring this area will give you a front-row seat to spectacular cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and rare wildlife that call this place home.
- Jekyll Island
Flickr Alexander Lerch Here’s the thing about Jekyll Island—there is so much to see and do, many visitors often forget to explore beyond just the beach. The Jekyll Island forest, for instance, is a magnolia-live oak forested canopy nestled on the beautiful barrier island. Jekyll itself spans nearly 6000-acres, with access to the Atlantic, hiking trails, salt marshes, and so much more.
- Radium Springs
Flickr G. DAWSON The largest natural springs in Georgia are located right here, and the history behind these springs is truly something. Back in the 1920s, a casino was built near the springs, and people would come from all over in order to take a dip in the springs which were said to have healing powers. While the casino no longer exists, visitors to the area can still check out the springs up close and enjoy the beautiful hued waters.
- Providence Canyon State Park
Flickr Richard This breathtaking beauty is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Georgia.” Hike throughout the park and explore the beauty of the canyon from the floor. There are a few backcountry campsites that you can set up shop in for the weekend, and if you really want to go deep into the gorge, then take the seven-mile trail to the more primitive sites that are perfect for those adventurous backpackers.
- Amicalola Falls
Flickr Lee Coursey Of course, if we’re talking about magical natural wonders in Georgia we have to mention the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi, right? With cascading falls dropping down over 700-feet, this is one waterfall not to miss. The name “Amicalola” means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee, which is the perfect representation of this wonderful waterfall.
Have you ever been to any of these Georgia natural wonders? Share with us your favorites in the comments section! Or if you want to keep this list going, add your own favorite natural wonders for your fellow Georgians to see.
Flickr Rain0975
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of natural Georgia is Tallulah Gorge State Park. This stunning natural wonder has been nicknamed the “Niagara of the South” with a two-mile-long river through the gorge that clocks in at 1,000-feet in depth. Hike around the rim and get in some truly magical views of the park. Also, make sure to check out the suspension bridge that is equally beautiful and terrifying.
Flickr Anish Patel
Cloudland Canyon is perhaps one of the most fascinating places in the American South. With epic overlook views, plus tons of hiking trails, you’ll be able to disappear for a weekend and take a load off in nature. Reserve a campsite or even one of ten yurts and enjoy an outdoor adventure in this natural wonder.
Flickr G. DAWSON
It wouldn’t be spring or summer without a trip to Lake Lanier in Georgia. This massive reservoir in northern Georgia might not be naturally made, but it was created when the Buford Dam was erected on the Chattahoochee River in the 1950s. Quickly becoming the go-to spot in Georgia for water activities, fishing, camping, and beyond, spend a weekend getting some sun and surf at this gargantuan park.
As the highest mountain in the entire state of Georgia, expect to find some pretty mind-blowing views of the state from this high. Brasstown Bald clocks in at 4,78 feet above sea level in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and if it’s a really clear day in Georgia, you’ll be able to see up to four different states from the highest point.
Flickr rjcox
Many people might not immediately lump a swamp in with stunning natural beauty—but here’s the thing Okefenokee Swamp is not just like any ol’ swamp. As the largest blackwater swamp in the continent, exploring this area will give you a front-row seat to spectacular cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and rare wildlife that call this place home.
Flickr Alexander Lerch
Here’s the thing about Jekyll Island—there is so much to see and do, many visitors often forget to explore beyond just the beach. The Jekyll Island forest, for instance, is a magnolia-live oak forested canopy nestled on the beautiful barrier island. Jekyll itself spans nearly 6000-acres, with access to the Atlantic, hiking trails, salt marshes, and so much more.
The largest natural springs in Georgia are located right here, and the history behind these springs is truly something. Back in the 1920s, a casino was built near the springs, and people would come from all over in order to take a dip in the springs which were said to have healing powers. While the casino no longer exists, visitors to the area can still check out the springs up close and enjoy the beautiful hued waters.
Flickr Richard
This breathtaking beauty is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Georgia.” Hike throughout the park and explore the beauty of the canyon from the floor. There are a few backcountry campsites that you can set up shop in for the weekend, and if you really want to go deep into the gorge, then take the seven-mile trail to the more primitive sites that are perfect for those adventurous backpackers.
Flickr Lee Coursey
Of course, if we’re talking about magical natural wonders in Georgia we have to mention the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi, right? With cascading falls dropping down over 700-feet, this is one waterfall not to miss. The name “Amicalola” means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee, which is the perfect representation of this wonderful waterfall.
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Address: Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, USAAddress: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USAAddress: Radium Springs, GA 31705, USAAddress: Jekyll Island, GA 31527, USAAddress: Providence Canyon State Park, 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USAAddress: Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia, USAAddress: Brasstown Bald, Georgia 30546, USAAddress: Amicalola Falls State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, USAAddress: Lake Lanier, Georgia, USA
