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10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Georgia You Can Visit in 2024 (With Pictures)

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

Small dogs in a dog park

Georgia has everything from gorgeous beaches to waterfalls and mountainous regions. However, if you enjoy hiking in the state and want to take your dog, you may wonder if they’re allowed on the trails.

There are quite a few hiking spots that allow canines; some have areas where they can be off-leash, and others do not. We’ll give you 10 of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Georgia you can visit in the guide below, so join us.

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The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Georgia

1. Panther Creek Falls

🗺️ Address: 📍 Clarksville, GA 30523
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In some areas
  • 1-mile trail is considered to be moderate in difficulty
  • Full waterfall access
  • You can walk into the natural swimming area and swim with your dog
  • There has been recent damage that was repaired, so it’s best to take this trail if you’re an intermediate or expert hiker

2. DeSoto Falls Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍Georgia, 30528
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • 9-mile trail is considered easy to hike
  • Can swim and visit the waterfall
  • The trail forks around but is ideal for beginners
  • Stunning views

3. Hemlock Falls Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍Clarksville, GA
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: $5 parking free, $50 for annual pass to every Georgia State Park
🐕 Off-Leash: In some areas
  • 9-mile trail is considered easy
  • You and your dog can swim and explore the waterfall
  • Has several small waterfalls and rapids
  • Lush vegetation and stunning views

4. Anna Ruby Falls Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍Georgia, 30571
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: $5 at the gate
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • 9-mile trail is considered easy
  • Platform access to waterfalls
  • A very popular hike due to its location and easy accessibility
  • Great for beginner hikers and their pups, but the trail gets busy

5. Mount Yonah Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍GA-75, Cleveland, GA 30528
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In some areas
  • 5-mile trail is considered challenging
  • There are no safety rails to prevent falls, so please be careful
  • You can see stunning views from the top and all sides of the mountain
  • Has a gorgeous grassy meadow for your dog to run

6. Tennessee Rock Trail

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAoaBDJA1TE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

🗺️ Address: 📍Blackrock Mountain Parkway, Clayton, GA 30525
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • 2-mile round trip with a moderate difficulty
  • A loop trail type
  • Highest elevation in Georgia
  • Gorgeous scenery
  • Features a small side trail that leads to a stream

7. Springer Mountain

🗺️ Address: 📍Georgia, 30513
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • 9-mile trail is considered moderate to challenging
  • A short trail leads you to the mountain’s summit
  • Gorgeous views when you reach Owen’s Summit
  • Perfect trail for a day hike

8. High Shoals Falls Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍1333 Indian Grave Gap Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In some areas
  • 6-mile trail has moderate difficulty
  • Full waterfall access, so be careful
  • Has a large and a small waterfall
  • Wear good hiking shoes, as trails are often wet

9. Rabun Bald

🗺️ Address: 📍Kelsey Mountain Rd. Dillard, GA 30537
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • 8-mile trail is easy to moderate
  • Features a fire tower with stunning views from the top
  • Lightly traveled and isn’t as crowded as other trails
  • Has very little water until you reach the falls, so bring water with you

10. Raven Cliffs Falls Trails

🗺️ Address: 📍3000 Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours all year
💲 Cost: $5 for parking
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • The 8-mile trail is ideal for more experienced hikers
  • Has partial waterfall access
  • Follows a gorgeous trout stream
  • Features cascading waterfalls and stunning scenery

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There are several dog-friendly hiking spots in Georgia, and most of the trails we discussed can be hiked in a day. Before leaving for your trip, remember to pack food, water, poop bags, and a leash to keep your dog safe. It is also important to clean up after your dog when you are hiking so that these trails will stay open for you, other pet owners, and their pets.

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Featured Image Credit: Alis Leonte, Shutterstock

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