North Georgia is a lot of things. It’s a fantastic romantic getaway, filled with charming mountain towns to visit, packed with great wineries, and, perhaps above all else, an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all types. Myriad State Parks in North Georgia cater to a wide variety of interests and activities, all of which have driven tourism to this gorgeous part of the state for years. Among these State Parks in North Georgia is one of the oldest and most beloved, Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is just minutes from our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast and, like most state parks in the area, offers breathtaking scenery and plenty of ways to break free from the busy demands of city living and embrace a quieter, more restful getaway surrounded by nature. Other fantastic State Parks in North Georgia worth visiting include Vogel State Park, Amicalola Falls State Park, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Unicoi State Park, and more. All of these and more are 90 minutes or less from our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast, making us the perfect home base for your time in this scenic part of the state.
Whether you’re looking for an invigorating hike, a quiet afternoon fishing, kayaking, enjoying the many lakes in North Georgia, or simply driving through and admiring the local scenery, we know you’ll love every second of your time in the North Georgia Mountains. That’s especially true when you stay with us at our historic Inn. Our charming accommodations have welcomed guests for over 100 years and still stand as a testament to exceptional Southern hospitality. As you plan your trip to this vibrant region, consider making Glen-Ella Springs your home base. Book your room today!
These are the Best State Parks in North Georgia
One of the best things about getaways to North Georgia is that, in what seems like no time at all, you can be free of the loud, busy din of city noise and immersed in a tranquil retreat. Our Bed and Breakfast, located near Clarkesville and Clayton, is only about 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta.
At once, you’ll feel like you’re in another world – in all the best imaginable ways. North Georgia is a nature lover’s paradise, filled with exceptional opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and more. Of course, the best places to do these activities are at the many and diverse State Parks in North Georgia.
Six of the state’s most picturesque and inviting state parks are within 90 minutes or less of our Inn, each offering a veritable playground for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
- Tallulah Gorge State Park is just a short drive from our Clarkesville Bed and Breakfast and is renowned for its namesake gorge. The Tallulah Gorge is two miles long, nearly 1,000 feet deep, and positively breathtaking. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge 80 feet above the gorge floor.
- Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest-elevation State Park in North Georgia. As you might expect, this park offers spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains and a fantastic range of hiking trails.
- Vogel State Park is one of the oldest Georgia State Parks. It is located in the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest. To get there, you’ll pass the Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia. The park offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall, but the hiking and other activities here are perfect for year-round exploration.
- Though there are many incredible waterfalls in North Georgia, one of our favorite places to view them is Amicalola Falls State Park. It’s also located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The namesake waterfall, Amicalola Falls, is a breathtaking 729-foot tall, which makes it the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
- A little closer to our Inn, you’ll find one of our favorite State Parks in North Georgia, Moccasin Creek State Park, on the shores of Lake Burton. This is perfect for anyone looking to spend a day on or around the water. There are also some easy hikes here, including one to Hemlock Falls, as well as fishing and boating.
- Finally, don’t miss Unicoi State Park near Helen, Georgia. This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in Unicoi Lake. The park is also known for its beautiful lodge, zip-lining, and educational programs.
These State Parks in North Georgia do more than give you access to beautiful natural scenery – they offer exceptional places to experience nature at its finest and enjoy some outdoor recreation visitors here have been enjoying for decades! Whether you’re a hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking to unwind in a beautiful setting, these state parks offer something for everyone.
Don’t Miss Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park has long been one of the most visited state parks in North Georgia, and at one point, it became the focal point for resort communities in the North Georgia Mountains. It’s easy to see why so many people have come to see this one impressive park, too. It’s one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern part of the country, dropping an impressive 1,000 feet to the river below.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a magnificent testament to the power of Mother Nature, as the landscape has been sculpted out by natural forces over millions of years. The two-mile-long chasm known as the Tallulah Gorge was carved by the relentless flow of the Tallulah River and now stands as one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks, not to mention one of the most popular State Parks in North Georgia. As the river thunders through the gorge, it pools and cascades in waterfalls, adding to the park’s breathtaking beauty.
Whether you’ve come to marvel at the depths of the gorge or hike your way from rim to floor, there’s something at Tallulah Gorge State Park for everyone. There are hiking trails throughout the park that vary in difficulty, each affording spectacular views of different aspects of the gorge, its waterfalls, and the surrounding scenery. Consider taking the north or south rim trails for relatively easy hikes. Each trail offers overlooks from which you can admire the gorge below.
For a more challenging hike, take the Hurricane Falls Loop Trail. It descends 1,099 steps to the floor of Tallulah Gorge, offering visitors an up-close experience with the gorge’s raw beauty and power. If you want something even more exhilarating than standing at the base of this deep chasm, we recommend walking across the park’s suspension bridge. The bridge stands an impressive 80 feet above the rocky bottom, swaying gently in the breeze and offering unparalleled views of the river and falls.
If you’d like to learn more about one of the most famous State Parks in North Georgia, we recommend starting your visit at the park’s interpretive center. This center provides insight into the area’s history, ecology, and geology. You’ll gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of this natural wonder. There are also picnic tables around the park, making a lovely addition to your adventure.
When you’re done exploring Tallulah Gorge State Park, you’re just a short drive away from a relaxed afternoon at our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast. Unwind by the pool, meander our gorgeous seasonal gardens, and relax with your favorite book. In the evening, dine with us at our top-rated restaurant, where you’ll enjoy the perfect ending to your day before returning for a comfortable night of sleep in our home away from home.
Whatever your plans are, there’s no better place to stay in North Georgia. Book your room today!
