17 Dog-Friendly Hikes in North Georgia You Will Love

17 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in North Georgia

Dog-Friendly Hikes in North Georgia with Waterfalls

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Hikes with Mountain Views

When I hike, I like to know there’s a reward waiting for me at the end of the trail. And when I hike with my dogs, they love when that reward is a cool, refreshing swimming hole. While you and your pup can’t swim beneath all of these mountain waterfalls, you will not be disappointed when you see these sites! Below, I’ve included the meaning of the three terms used to describe waterfall access on our list!

Platform: hikers are limited to an observation deck or platform when they reach the waterfall and it is unsafe to try to get closer to the falls

Partial: hikers can get their feet wet at the base of the waterfall, but swimming is prohibited and/or potentially unsafe

Full: swim and explore the waterfall at your own risk

1. Panther Creek Falls

Trail Distance: 11.1 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: Near Turnerville, south of Tallulah Falls
Waterfall Access: Full

Panther Creek Falls is our absolute favorite dog hike!

The long, shaded trail is accompanied most of the time by the fresh mountain stream of Panther Creek. The path also traverses some granite boulders, levels out during the pleasant middle section of the hike, and then descends dramatically to the base of Panther Creek Falls, the largest of a a series of cascades you’ll see along the way.

You can walk right into a natural swimming area at the base of the falls and swim with your pup. It’s the perfect way for our dogs to cool off after such a long trek. We usually have snacks and rest on a rock or log before heading back out. It’s a wonderful day hike—though you can also camp down there by the falls!

The trail did experience some water damage recently that took out a few bridges and closed the area to the public for a bit. Fortunately, the trail is back open to intermediate and advanced hikers who don’t mind making a few stream crossings by foot! You can read recent hiker reviews on AllTrails to gauge the trail conditions.

2. Emery Creek Falls Trail

Trail Distance: 5.9 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: Northeast of Chatsworth
Waterfall Access: Full

This hike leads to two of the most secluded waterfalls in North Georgia and is a dog’s dream. The trail features 20 creek crossings, so you will need to wear your waterproof shoes! About 0.3 miles into the hike, you will reach the confluence of Emery Creek and Holly Creek, which is the hardest crossing of the hike. When water levels are high, it is not safe to cross so avoid visiting this trail after heavy rainfalls.

After a little over two miles, the trail splits. A shorter path to the left leads to the lower falls, which has a great swimming hole at its base. Returning to the fork, the other path leads to the upper falls. Hikers have said that the green trail blazes are sometimes difficult to see, so we recommend taking a map with you on this remote journey!

3. Lula Lake Classic Loop Trail

Trail Distance: 4.6 mi
Trail Type: Loop
Neck of the Woods: South of Lookout Mountain
Waterfall Access: Partial

This hike packs a real punch: hikers will see two waterfalls, a sparkling lake, and bluff views of the Chattanooga Valley! Lula Lake is one of our absolute favorite places, but the trail is part of a private land conservation trust so visitors need to plan ahead by securing a permit for one of Lula Lake’s open gate days. Fortunately, we’ve put together a post that includes everything you need to know about visiting Lula Lake!

4. DeSoto Falls Trail

Trail Distance: 1.9 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: North of Dahlonega
Waterfall Access: Full

This 2-for-1 waterfall hike has a great return on investment! DeSoto Falls Trail forks into two early in the hike, but don’t worry about getting lost! Head to the left first for a short-but-steep trek to the lower falls and then turn around when you are ready to return to the fork. From there, take the other path to the upper falls. It’s longer but follows a beautiful mountain creek most of the way, providing a peaceful ambience for your hike (and a bonus for dogs that love to splash).

Word on the street is that this waterfall got its name because a piece of armor from Hernandez de Soto’s expedition was found there!

5. High Shoals Falls

Trail Distance: 2.6 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: North of Helen
Waterfall Access: Full

This hike follows High Shoals Creek through a gorgeous forest of hemlock trees to a beautiful waterfall. But don’t miss the smaller Blue Hole Falls, a second waterfall that is often missed by day hikers who stop after they see the first! Both waterfalls can be seen from viewing platforms, but there’s a clear footpath where hikers have gone straight to the water. Rocks are slippery at the larger waterfall, so be careful! The smaller Blue Hole Falls, however, has a perfect spot to swim around (if you aren’t afraid of the cold mountain water)!

The access road to this trail is dirt and requires a creek crossing, which might be difficult for cars that are lower to the ground. We recommend avoiding this trail after heavy rainfall, due to accessibility issues. It can be harder to cross the stream with your vehicle and the trail can get muddy and slippery for hikers.

6. Long Creek Falls Trail

Trail Distance: 1.9 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: East of Ellijay (at Three Forks in Chattahoochee National Forest)
Waterfall Access: Full

This incredible hike follows a stretch of trail where the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails merge, so the first section of trail is marked by the AT’s white blazes and the BMT’s white diamonds. After about 0.8 miles, the trail splits into three. Follow the blue blazes to continue to Long Creek Falls, where a gorgeous waterfall awaits you and your pup. There’s a calm pool of water at the base of the falls, as well as a smaller path that will take you to the top of the falls!

The trailhead is accessible from an old logging road (Forestry Rd 58), which is a long gravel road. However, hikers say they haven’t had trouble reaching the trailhead even with 2WD vehicles. Cell phone service is not reliable so make sure you have downloaded trail maps!

7. Dukes Creek Falls Trail

Trail Distance: 2.3 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: West of Helen (along Russell-Brasstown Scenic Highway)
Waterfall Access: Platform

Dukes Creek Falls is a gorgeous double waterfall hike that descends in elevation alongside Dukes Creek to an observation platform where you can take in the sights of Davis Creek Falls and Dukes Creek Falls as they merge into one stream. It’s a dramatic site, but do not try to get any closer to the water. Leaving the platform is a recipe for disaster, leaving you at the mercy of muddy steep grades and slippery rocks. Trust us on this one.

You really earn your dinner on the hike out, as you head back up a couple hundred feet in elevation to the parking lot, which offers a perfect view of Yonah Mountain in the distance. For fungi fanatics, keep an eye out for trailside mushrooms. They were everywhere when we hiked this trail!

8. Hemlock Falls Trail

Trail Distance: 1.9 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: Southwest of Clayton (west of Lake Burton at Moccasin Creek State Park)
Waterfall Access: Full

Hemlock Falls Trail is accessible near the entrance of Moccasin Creek State Park (the state park fee is $5 at the gate). There is a gravel access road that is marked by an inscribed stone. The trail follows the beautiful Moccasin Creek upstream. The creek is a picturesque mountain stream with no shortage of smaller cascades and smooth stone. However, dogs should be kept close! The rocky, rushing stream could be dangerous for pups that get caught in a current. It doesn’t take long to reach the main attraction: Hemlock Falls, which rushes over a small cliff and into pool area that is perfect for getting your feet wet!

Brave hikers have continued further upstream to find Upper Moccasin Creek Falls, which is visible on maps but lacks a clearly marked trail. As a result, the upper falls are rarely visited, though they are reportedly even more beautiful than Hemlock Falls. However, we do not recommend venturing to the upper falls with your pup. Even if you have excellent survival and orienteering skills, the absence of a maintained trail makes snake encounters more likely for you and your dog. After all, you are near Moccasin Creek!

9. Bear Creek Trail

Trail Distance: 6.4 mi
Trail Type: Loop
Neck of the Woods: Northwest of Ellijay (in Colhutta Wildlife Management Area)
Waterfall Access: Full

While Bear Creek Trail does not lead to a major waterfall, the trail runs adjacent to a flowing mountain stream and several smaller cascades. You can also see the Gennett Poplar, the second largest tree in Georgia! Bear Creek Trail is usually not very busy, giving you and your dog full access to the trail and the water. Continue to practice good trail etiquette though, because this trail is open to mountain bikers as well!

The hike can be as short as 1.9 miles for those who hike to the Gennett Poplar and back. But for those who hike the full loop, the journey is longer. There is directional signage along the trail but be sure to have a map accessible to you when you go. On your way to the trailhead, don’t doubt yourself when you leave the main road: the final leg of the route is a rough, 2-mile long gravel road!

10. Helton Creek Falls Trail

Trail Distance: 0.3 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: South of Blairsville (east of Vogel State Park)
Waterfall Access: Full

This is barely a hike at 0.3 miles, but the double waterfall payout is well worth the visit! The short trail leads to the lower falls first, and then continues to a an observation deck, where a footpath around the side of the deck allows hikers to access a swimming hole at the bottom of the falls. The access to the water and natural beauty make Helton Creek Falls a short-but-sweet stop that is perfect for you and your pup!

The access road to the trailhead is gravel and can be very narrow at times. Hikers have reported having an easier ride in using the entrance off of US-19 (instead of coming in from 348).

11. Raven Cliff Falls

Trail Distance: 5.8 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: West of Helen (in Smithgall Woods State Park)
Waterfall Access: Partial

Raven Cliff Falls is a challenging but popular trek! After about 2.5 miles, hikers reach the falls where Matthews Creek spills over Raven Cliff. Along the way, several smaller falls are visible from the trail and the stream remains accessible for dogs to get a drink of fresh mountain water. The trail is easy to follow and marked with red blazes. The only possible issue is a river crossing earlier in the hike. There used to be a footbridge, but now hikers have to traverse through the stream or balance their way on a big tree trunk! I doubt your pup will mind the challenge.

We recommend arriving earlier in the day, as the small parking lot can fill up quickly when busy. There is a $5 fee to park at the trailhead. If planning a winter hike, make sure the trail is accessible by calling Smithgall Woods State Park.

12. Anna Ruby Falls Trail

Trail Distance: 0.9 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: North of Helen (near Unicoi State Park)
Waterfall Access: Platform

Anna Ruby Falls Trail is a popular hike because of its convenient location and accessibility. Technically, the trail is not part of Unicoi State Park, but you have to enter the park to access the trailhead. The trail is a paved path leading to a beautiful double waterfall! Given that it’s a short hike and is usually busy, this hike isn’t ideal for those looking for a challenging distance or to get away from crowds. But it makes for a great stop to work into your day if you are already near Helen. It is also a great option for beginner hikers and pups.

Remember that the state park fee is $5 at the gate!

Dog-Friendly Hikes in North Georgia with Mountain Views

13. Mount Yonah Trail

Trail Distance: 4.5 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: Northeast of Cleveland

Even though it is usually busy, Mount Yonah is one of our favorite hikes because of its closer proximity to Athens. You don’t have to venture too far north to get to this trail, which rewards determined hikers with stunning views from Yonah’s iconic rock-faced summit. In total, this hike takes you up over 1,400 feet in elevation! It can be challenging hike, but it is totally doable for those who pace themselves.

About halfway up, there is a clearing that offers a preview of the even better view you’ll get at the top. Keep going up and you’ll soon find yourself on top of the mountain, where our dog Louie loves zooming through the beautiful grassy meadow on the bald top of Yonah. You can also enjoy views from all sides of the mountain, including from right above the rock face that is Yonah’s signature feature. Please be careful around the edges of the mountain because there are not any safety rails or fences to prevent falls!

14. Blood Mountain and Freeman Loop Trail

Trail Distance: 5.7 mi
Trail Type: Loop
Neck of the Woods: South of Blairsville (south of Vogel State Park on US-19)

This challenging hike follows the Appalachian Trail up to the summit of Blood Mountain, the sixth highest peak in Georgia. The hike does include some minor rock scaling, but nothing that your pup shouldn’t be able to handle! At the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can also check out the Blood Mountain Shelter and explore the unique rocky outcrop beside it.

After summiting the mountain, continue past the shelter until the Appalachian Trail and Freeman Loop Trail diverge. Then, follow the Freeman Loop Trail (to the left) back to the parking lot! Before you head out, stop by the nearby Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center, which offers a general store, bunks for thru-hikers, and is known as the only location where the Appalachian Trail passes through a man-made structure.

15. Tennessee Rock Trail

Trail Distance: 2.2 mi
Trail Type: Loop
Neck of the Woods: North of Clayton (at Black Rock Mountain State Park)

Tennessee Rock Trail summits Black Rock Mountain at 3,640 feet and includes a beautiful overlook at Tennessee Rock. It’s a beautiful place to hike, especially during the fall foliage season. We also found a small side trail that led to a stream, where our dogs could splash around while we had a snack!

The trail is inside Black Rock Mountain State Park, so be ready to pay the $5 entrance fee. Stop by the visitors center, where you can enjoy another beautiful view from an overlook!

16. Springer Mountain

Trail Distance: 1.9 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: East of Ellijay (south of Three Forks)

Springer Mountain is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and is the place where northbound thru-hikers begin their trek. This short trail will lead you to Springer’s summit, where you can see the plaque that marks the AT’s trailhead. Some of the best views on this hike come when you reach Owen’s Overlook.

The trail is pretty rocky, but shouldn’t stop you and your pup from conquering Springer. This is a must-hike trail, given Springer’s fame and prestige in Appalachian Trail hiking community!

17. Preachers Rock from Woody Gap Recreational Area

Trail Distance: 2.0 mi
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Neck of the Woods: North of Dahlonega (near Suches in the Blood Mountain Wilderness)

The 1-mile trek up to Preachers Rock is no joke. You gain over 400 feet in elevation, much of it in the final climb to the overlook. But the views are not disappointing! This is a popular hike for people with dogs. We saw a ton of good pups on our last visit to this trail!

There’s several great hikes accessible from the parking lot, so try to get there earlier in the morning before the parking lot fills up.

Conclusion: Dog-Friendly Hikes in North Georgia

We hope this guide is helpful as you explore the best dog-friendly hikes in North Georgia with your pup. Whether you’ve got a young gun full of energy or an old boy who needs an easier trail, the mountains are calling and they’ve got something good in store for you and your pack!