Georgia’s diverse landscape hosts seven particular wonders that captivate visitors from all over the world. Cascading waterfalls, vibrant water holes, and vast gorges all lie within the state.
Amicalola Falls
Located near Dawsonville, the Amicalola Falls are striking. You’ll have to forge through a scenic 7.5 mile walk from Springer mountain to reach the astounding water feature; and it’s so worth it. From the falls, the 5 mile Hike Inn Trail guides adventurists to the Hike Inn, a cozy lodge only accessible by foot. It’s a rewarding treat to end your long trek; delicious food and warm beds welcome exhausted travelers.
Okefenokee Swamp
Right along the Florida Georgia line lies thousands of acres of wetlands, which are rich with foliage and wildlife. North America’s largest blackwater swamp, the Okefenokee, is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, thus housing everything from Florida Black Bears, alligators, birds to various reptiles. There are many reasons to visit Okefenokee, including guided motorboat tours that allow you to experience the rugged waters. Brave and experienced travelers can camp along three islands dotted throughout the swamp.
Providence Canyon
“Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” may be much smaller than the one out west, but it’s magnificent in its own right, with openings reaching depths of 150 feet. Farming in the 1800s led to massive erosion in the earth, forming gorges and cliffs with walls of red, white, pink, and even purple. Trails weave inside and out of the canyon, all of which begin at the visitor’s center. Camping experiences are available too; more convenient pioneer camps offer basic necessities, while backcountry is for the truly seasoned outdoorsman.
Radium Springs
From an underground cave, 70,000 gallons of crystal clear water gush into a Caribbean-like pool. What once was a bustling resort is now an ecological and environmental park; you can still explore the ruins of the former hotel and casino which were destroyed by floodwaters years ago. The chemical element, radium of course, gives the spring its luminescent, turquoise color. Walk along the stone pathways or through the gardens to peer into history and nature all at once.
Stone Mountain
One of Georgia’s most beautiful natural wonders, Stone Mountain is the largest chunk of exposed granite in the world, and is famous for its enormous, and often controversial, Civil War carving. But during the summer, lasers light up the massive rock, and festivals and events keep the area hopping year-round. Visitors can ride a cable car, or take a short hike, to the top of the mountain. The views are unbeatable; you can even see the Atlanta skyline.
Tallulah Gorge
Peering into the 2 mile long and 1,000-foot deep gorge can be a bit intimidating; the Tallulah River carved the massive valley and it remains the focal point of Tallulah Gorge State Park. Descending into the Gorge is a task that should be taken with great caution, but there are some stairs along the way. You’ll also find a sliding rock and swimming hole along the floor.
Warm Springs
Native Americans were known to have sought healing via the waters of Warm Springs located near Pine Mountain. Franklin D. Roosevelt took notice of the therapeutic benefits and spent much of his time there during the 20s. While tourists can no longer enjoy a soak in the bathing pools, Roosevelt’s Little White House now serves as a historical museum. The large pools are empty, but the spring at the bottom still bubbles a little water through the ground.