The best outdoor adventures in Georgia

Stef Zisovska
Enjoying the putdoors
Enjoying the putdoors

The lush green beauty of the state of Georgia has been underrated through the years and people are not really aware of the real potential of “The Empire State of the South”. If you are an outdoor activity enthusiast and you’re looking for a new adventure, then maybe now’s the time to check what’s going on in and around Georgia’s capital, Atlanta. Biking, fly fishing, hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, or spelunking, the surroundings of Atlanta have it all and more. Get ready to meet your new favorite outdoor adventure destination.

Rock climbing in Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge as seen from an overlook – Author: Thomson200 – CC0
Tallulah Gorge as seen from an overlook – Author: Thomson200 – CC0

Tallulah Gorge is about two miles long, and it’s known as one of “The seven natural wonders of Georgia”. The gorge features 1,000 ft. high quartzite cliffs that are perfect for rock climbing. The region has become popular among rock climbing fans from the Southeast of the country who are challenged by the many difficult climbing routes, including Digital Delight, Mescaline Daydream, Flying Frog, and Punk Wave. All of these routes are rated between 5.8 to 5.10 which makes them extremely difficult and close to the maximum of 5.15. If you decide to go rock climbing in Tallulah, make sure you get your permit on time because the park only allows 20 permits per day.

Hiking Panther Creek Falls

The northern part of Georgia is known for its stunning waterfalls, but what many people don’t know is that the area also offers a 6-mile hiking trail through a picturesque forest with 100 ft. tall trees, moss-covered boulders, and flowering bushes. The most beautiful part of the trail is Panther Creek which drops almost 1000 feet on its way to the Tugaloo River.

The hike can be challenging and long for some people, but the jaw-dropping views are worth the effort. If you like to take photos, this is the perfect place to get some epic shots.

Fly Fishing the Chattahoochee River

Chattahoochee River in Norcross, Georgia – Author: Mike Gonzalez – CC BY-SA 3.0
Chattahoochee River in Norcross, Georgia – Author: Mike Gonzalez – CC BY-SA 3.0

All the anglers from Atlanta know where to look for freshwater trout and that’s Chattahoochee River. The river is fed by the cold waters of Lake Lanier at the Buford Dam. Beside fly fishing in fine natural surroundings, you will get to see various animals like beavers, raccoons, and white-tailed deer. If you have no experience in fly fishing, you can hire a guide to show you the hot spots and teach you some fishing tricks. With or without catching a trout, you will have a great time in the wilderness.

Biking the Silver Comet Trail

From the northwest Atlanta suburb of Smyrna all the way to the Alabama state line there’s a 61.5-mile trail, once known as the route of the passenger train Silver Comet. The trail is well-known for its scenic vistas and countless bridges and wetlands paths.

Spelunking in Northwest Georgia

Spelunking
Spelunking

If you are a cave lover considering trying a new hobby, then you’ll enjoy exploring the underground passages of Northwest Georgia. Spelunkers from around the world visit Pigeon Mountain under which hides labyrinths of limestone caves and paths. Pettijohn’s Cave has 6 miles of mapped passage network that’s easy to follow if you have at least a little bit of caving experience. In the 13-mile long Ellison Cave you can visit the 440-foot deep Incredible Dome Pit and the 586-foot deep Fantastic Pit. If planning on this kind of adventure, make sure you have all the proper gear and never go alone. Underground activities can be dangerous if undertaken without the right preparation and equipment.

If you weren’t sure where to spend your next adventure trip, visit Atlanta and its surroundings to see what an active outdoor life really is. Good luck!

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We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it. Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoors.

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival