From the Appalachian Trail's southern terminus to the coastal marshlands, Georgia has long been a favorite destination for explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Cherokee Indians were the first to traverse this land, followed by European settlers who established numerous trails and routes for trade and travel.
In the 20th century, Georgia became a haven for hikers, hunters, fishermen, and campers. The creation of the Chattahoochee National Forest in 1936 opened up vast areas for public recreation. Today, it encompasses over 750,000 acres of wilderness teeming with wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear.
Fishing has been a staple in Georgia since Native American times. With over 4,000 miles of trout streams and countless lakes filled with bass, catfish, and crappie, it's no wonder why anglers from across the nation flock here annually.
Georgia's coastal region offers unique opportunities for exploration as well. The Golden Isles are home to pristine beaches perfect for shell collecting or bird watching while the marshlands are ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding.
Whether you're an avid hunter seeking out big game in Georgia’s vast forests or a fisherman casting your line in one of its many rivers or lakes, Georgia offers an unrivaled experience steeped in history and natural beauty.
Popular outdoor activities in Georgia
Georgia, the Peach State, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests. Hiking is particularly popular in Georgia, with over 2,000 miles of trails including the famous Appalachian Trail. The state's numerous state parks such as Amicalola Falls State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park provide excellent hiking opportunities with stunning views.
For those who prefer water-based activities, Georgia's coastline and rivers offer great options for fishing and boating. The Chattahoochee River is renowned for trout fishing while the coastal waters are teeming with redfish, sea trout, and flounder. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular on Georgia's many lakes and rivers.
Hunters will find an abundance of game in Georgia's forests. Deer hunting is a favorite pastime in the state, along with turkey hunting in spring. The state also has several Wildlife Management Areas where hunters can pursue quail, dove, waterfowl, and small game.
Georgia is a large agricultural state with $9.5B of ag production, and roughly 90.3% of the land privately owned by farmers and ranchers. The major crops are broiler (chicken) and egg production, cotton and peanuts. When planning hunting trips to Montana on private lands like farms & ranches, it's important to understand some key dates for farmers and ranchers.
Ranchers in this region usually focus broiler production in the cooler months, and may raise multiple flocks per year. During these times, they can be extremely busy and may be harder to communicate with, so plan ahead. Farmers in Georgia grow cotton and peanuts between April and October, with harvests sometimes spilling over into December.
Popular counties for outdoor activities in Georgia
Nestled in the heart of the South, Georgia is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Among its top counties for outdoor activities is Rabun County, known for its stunning landscapes and three major lakes - Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, and Lake Seed. These bodies of water are havens for fishing enthusiasts seeking bass, trout, and catfish. The county also boasts the Chattooga River, a popular spot for whitewater rafting.
Another must-visit is Fannin County, dubbed as the "Trout Capital of Georgia". With over 100 miles of rivers and streams available to anglers, it's a paradise for fly-fishing aficionados. The county also offers numerous hiking trails that weave through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
For those who prefer hunting or birdwatching, Worth County is an ideal choice. Known as the "Peanut Capital", this county is home to several wildlife management areas teeming with deer, turkey, quail and dove. Its diverse habitats make it a hotspot for bird species like Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Bachman's Sparrow.
Finally, there's Glynn County which offers coastal adventures with its pristine beaches on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Kayaking through marshes or exploring maritime forests are just some activities you can enjoy here.