Hike or bike Pickens County’s beautiful hardwood forests and enjoy our babbling brooks and waterfalls while discovering glorious mountain foliage. Stop to experience our breathtaking mountain views. Visit our parks, wildlife management areas, and the trails waiting to be discovered.
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Spectacular scenery and hiking trails make this one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast. Visitors have choices on how to best view the tumbling waters, ranging from an accessible pathway to a challenging trail with staircases. Those who tackle the latter can join the park’s Canyon Climbers Club. An 8.5-mile trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. Numerous other trails provide shorter day hikes. Overnight visitors can stay in the campground, cottages, or the Lodge. Ziplining and Ranger programs available.
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Burnt Mountain Preserve, a county-owned 900-acre preserve, begins at the 2,500-foot elevation on the southern border along Rt 136 and extends southward toward Grandview Lake. The land drops off steeply to the south into Champion Creek valley in the bottomland of the Preserve. This area is part of the Long Swamp Creek watershed and is protected under a Conservation Easement to preserve the property from development and from impacts on the city of Jasper water supply. Seasonal wildflowers can be seen along the three trails. Some of the trails have interpretive signs with many tree species identified with signage for educational purposes.
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Explore the trails of Doris Wigington Park, the playground, tennis courts and dog park at Jasper City Park, the walking path at Lee Newton Park and more!
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Community Center with indoor gym, outdoor basketball courts, pavilions, public pool and sports fields.
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Mt. Oglethorpe was originally the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but the trail had to be relocated due to development in the area. The southern terminus is now on Springer Mountain, about ten miles northeast of Mt. Oglethorpe. There used to be a statue of James Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia) on his namesake mountain, but it has been removed because of damage. A restored monument now resides in a small park in Jasper, Georgia.
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Gibbs Gardens is a natural wonderland created by Jim Gibbs, a native of Georgia and well known landscape designer. His love of nature is revealed in every detail. The gardens have been his life’s passion. Each stone, flower, tree and bench has been planned by Jim. The property is 292 acres and the house and gardens include 220 acres, making it one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens. Each season brings beauty that is unsurpassed in any gardens you will ever see. From Daffodils in early spring to change in colors in the fall. The gardens seem to explode with color.
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Explore Walking and Hiking Trails in Pickens County and the Surrounding North Georgia Mountain Area
Just a Short Drive from Atlanta!
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300+ acres of outdoor adventures
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Talking Rock Nature Preserve is a 210 acre conservation property with +/- 10-mile trail system for bikers, runners, and walkers. Benches and picnic tables throughout. Environmental restoration and pollinator garden.