With Georgia’s favorable weather, you must make the most of the outdoors if you’re living here. The Peach State was also recently named the second-best state to retire in. Georgia’s affordability coupled with its mild climate catapulted it to the top of the rankings.
Did you know Georgia also has seven official natural wonders? You can visit these naturally formed displays at official state parks such as Amicalola Falls and the Tallulah Gorge. With nearly 50 state parks to choose from, we’ve conveniently rounded up the top 10 based on Google review rankings.
Here are the top 10 state parks in Georgia.
Amicalola State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Just 57 miles from Atlanta is Amicalola Falls State Park, a breathtaking park that is home to the highest waterfall in Georgia. Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot waterfall that has also been dubbed one of the seven official natural wonders of the state, along with the Okefenokee Swamp, Providence Canyon, Radium Springs, Stone Mountain, Tallulah Gorge, and Warm Springs. Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a great option to reside in as it has a low cost of living and endless activities to do.
The entry fee for the state park is about $5. There are many hiking options available and it will take about half an hour and around 1,000 steps to climb from the base to the top. Alternatively, you can park at the top of the trail and make your way down 425 steps (which is doable for kids)! The views of the Blue Ridge mountains at the top of the falls are simply amazing.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Want a calf workout and phenomenal views? Look no further than Tallulah Gorge State Park which is about 97 miles from Atlanta. Be sure to arrive early to grab a permit for the gorge as there’s a limited amount given out per day. At the gorge, there’s also a small museum to learn about the history and the wildlife in the area. To see the gorge in all its glory, be prepared as there are many stairs (about 620 to be exact). Take your time, hydrate, and rest if you need to!
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Cloudland Canyon State Park is another hike with plenty of stairs, but the trek is 100% worth it! There are waterfalls, streams, trees, boulders, well-marked trails, and benches to rest. This hike is not for the faint of heart, there are around 600 steps one-way. Bring lots of water regardless of the season as you will need it! No swimming is allowed, but backcountry camping is permitted.
Vogel State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Vogel State Park is perfect for a weekend of family and pet-friendly fun in North Georgia. This park is the second oldest state park in Georgia and is just about an hour and a half drive north of Atlanta. The hike around the lake and down to the falls is a must, along with swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, and relaxing at the beach. There are mini-golf, fishing, swimming, kayak, and cabin rentals. Campers will be delighted to find that the bathroom facilities include several individual bathrooms with a private shower, toilet, and sink.
Fort Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Fort Mountain State Park is the place where you may encounter some bears. This 3,712-acre state park is a wonderful spot for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Founded in 1938, Fort Mountain is named after the ancient 885-foot-long rock wall located on the peak. The rock wall is quite mysterious. It was built around 500-1500 CE by the Moon-eyed people, according to Cherokee folklore. Nobody is certain whether the rock wall was intended for fortification or spiritual purposes.
Fort Mountain is in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is around a 90-mile drive from Atlanta. Most reviewers agree that the trails are moderately difficult and quite easy overall. Conversely, mountain bike trails are very tough and not for the faint of heart.
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Black Rock Mountain State Park is only about a 30-minute drive from Tallulah Gorge State Park (ranked second on this list) and two hours from Atlanta. This beautiful state park is a dog-friendly, tranquil place to reconnect with nature. Follow the Ada-Hi Falls Trail, a moderate excursion that leads you to a small cascading waterfall at the end of the trail. The park’s most popular hike is the Tennessee Rock Trail, a 2.2-mile loop that winds through high, lush forests. The most difficult hike is the James E. Edmond Trail as the last two miles of the trail are all uphill. Remember to bring plenty of water as the views are worth it!
Watson Mill State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
This state park is named after the Watson Mill Bridge, the longest original-site covered bridge in Georgia, which spans 229 feet across the South Fork of the Broad River. The bridge was built in 1885 by famous bridge builder Horace King. At one point, there were over 200 covered bridges in Georgia, but less than 20 remain today.
Nowadays, Watson Mill State Park is considered a hidden gem. Camping areas are clean, and trails are well-maintained, making it a lovely destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Visitors often play in the cool river shoals below the bridge during the summer. Watson Mill Bridge has become a popular destination for horse owners who have their camping area near stalls.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Fifteen miles from downtown Atlanta is Sweetwater Creek State Park, named after the creek that runs through it. This site was once home to the Sweetwater Cotton Mill back in the mid-19th century. The mill ruins remain a beautiful slice of history, and you can hike towards them to get a closer look. There are lots of parking spaces available for $5 and many trails to explore. This dog-friendly park is the perfect place for family hikes and swimming.
Red Top Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
About 40 minutes from Atlanta is Red Top Mountain State Park, a beautiful park where you can swim, water ski, fish, and camp. The campsites are well kept and have plenty of space for your needs. A guided hike with a ranger is recommended, where you can learn more about the park’s fascinating history. Red Top Mountain was once an important mining hub, and the name comes from the rich red-colored soil of the area.
Jekyll Island State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Once a private island playground for millionaires, Jekyll Island was purchased by Georgia in 1947 and established as a state park thereafter. Today, Jekyll Island State Park is about an hour and a half drive south of Savannah just off the GA-520E. On the barrier island, there are a vast array of magical landscapes including dunes, maritime forests, marshes, creeks, and salt flats. There are campsites available at the north end of the island, but if you want something a bit more comfortable, there are a variety of hotels as well. The cost of parking is around $8 per day per car.
Thinking of moving to Georgia? Check out the best places to live in Georgia and, when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
*All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of Google reviews.
Rakini Bergundy was born in a little surf town called Houhai in China and loves writing. She’s passionate about dogs, home renovations, and politics.