Northeastern Georgia is just 2 hours north of Atlanta and is home to the southern portion of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. So many summits just waiting to be explored amongst an abundance of charming, small towns.
My trip to north Georgia was in January, and the weather was pleasant (40s/50s) for hiking Black Rock Mountain State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park, as well as exploring the pleasant and interesting towns of Clayton and Helen.
Things to do in North Georgia for a Quick Trip Adventure
Explore Clayton, Georgia
The small town of Clayton, Georgia, is situated perfectly for adventure, even in winter. Clayton is halfway between Black Rock Mountain State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park which both require a minimum of a day for exploration. Each park has activities including hiking and walking, in all seasons, and swimming, fishing, and white water rafting in the warmer months.
The quaint town of Clayton has charming, local stores including upscale boutiques, home decor and down-home stores from days-gone-by. I would say it takes more than a day to see all that the town has to offer.
This quiet, small town is actually the Farm to Table Capital of Georgia with an abundance and variety of restaurants! The Hush Cuban Kitchen and Bar was a complete surprise! What authentic and delicious Cuban meals in a very clean and efficiently run restaurant. Highly recommended.
As far as accommodations go, I stayed on top of Screamer Mountain which provided a beautiful mountain view in the mornings and evenings. However, if you are squeamish about driving on windy one-lane roads with limited visibility and steep drop off points, then I would not suggest lodging on Screamer Mountain. It did stress me out, TBH. Check VRBO.
Other options for activities near Clayton include wine tasting at: Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Stonewall Creek Vineyards which are both just a few minutes outside of Clayton.
Explore Helen, Georgia
I took the 45-minute pretty and safe drive through the mountains to the small, Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia. I was interested in seeing this little German town nestled in the mountains that is so popular. Unfortunately, I found the town to be much too touristy for my taste. I imagine it would be a great time during festivals (Oktoberfest, for sure) and events, but in January it just seemed to exist to sell t-shirts and trinkets.
To be honest, I did eat German food at Bodensee and their German giant pretzel was out of this world. Unfortunately, the entrees were meh*. (*I usually like absolutely every food on this earth.) So take that opinion for what it’s worth and carry on.
Hiking in North Georgia
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia’s highest state park at 3,640 feet and part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hiking the Tennessee Rock Trail at Black Rock Mountain State Park
There are 4 hikes within the park. I opted to do the park’s most popular hike, the Tennessee Rock Trail, only 2 miles long, which provides stunning views from the Tennessee Rock overlook. The trail meanders through large, shady trees and paths surrounded by rhododendron and even passes the Eastern Continental Divide!
It is recommended to do the trail counter-clockwise which means to go to the right at the beginning of the trail so that you get to the summit toward the end of the loop hike. (uh…I thought that counter-clockwise was left…it’s not…but that’s the way I went.) Go right.
Bring $5 cash to the park as there is no one to give you change, and you must put the card in your car after you pay the fee at the trailhead.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
I was very impressed with the Tallulah Gorge State Park as Georgia Parks has provided many observation opportunities for views of the gorge from above, below and all around it.
Tallulah Gorge has an impressive Interpretive Center, at the entry to the park, with interesting information about the formation and history of the area, as well as wildlife within the park. There are many employees who are more than helpful with educational information and hands-on activities.
- Paths, paved and gravel, are all around the gorge
- A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the beautiful gorge with gorge-ous views of the many waterfalls.
- 1,000+ grated stairs lead all the way down to the bottom of the gorge where there is a large flat area to view the floor (like a deck)*.
- Fortunately, there are platforms, that break up the stairs, for those who need a breather going up or down.
*One can reach the gorge floor most times of the year, but permits are required to actually walk in the water of the gorge.
In the warm months, the park issues 100 permits per day to walk the gorge floor. My visit was in January and permits were not issued; however, the gorge floor was completely covered with several feet of fast-moving water at the time.
Water flow is maintained by the Tallulah Falls Dam (built in 1914!) and dependent on weather, rain and activities in the park (e.g., white water rafting days).
Hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park
North Rim/South Rim/Hurricane Falls Loop Trail Hike
Combining these 3 short hikes will give you the most bang for your buck – meaning that you’ll see almost all there is to see of Tallulah Gorge in one sweep of 3 miles. Views from all different directions are provided on this hike including the descent to the bottom of the gorge (and back up), a suspension bridge, and a visit to the Tallulah Falls Dam.
Start the hike right behind the Interpretive Center and watch for overlook signs for the most impressive views of the gorge and waterfalls within it. After viewing overlook #2, head down the 1,099 stairs along the Hurricane Falls trail to the floor of the gorge (permit not required). I was here just as a rainbow was arching above the falls - magical.
After ascending the stairs continue on the loop trail (north/south rim). At one point you will need to cross near a highway, but you will get views of the cool Tallulah Falls Dam here.
The trail loops around and ends at the Interpretive Center; although, I did continue past the center for another viewpoint a bit further down. Well worth it as the tower from tightrope walker, Karl Wallenda, is at this point.
Bill and Dustie MacKay Trail (Formerly/Formally ‘Shortline Trail’)
An easy 3 mile out and back, paved and shaded trail through the Appalachian forest with opportunities for additional hikes on paths through the forest (toward the beginning of the trail). It is an easy and accessible old railroad trail that meanders along the Tallulah River.
Option to pay for entrance/parking at the manned booth in the main part of Tallulah Gorge State Park ($5), across the main road of US 23/441. The booth will provide change, if needed, or a credit card option. Otherwise, $5 exact change is needed for parking if you go directly to the trailhead.
