My home state of Georgia has so many beautiful state parks and most of them are very dog-friendly. Whether you are looking for some coastal vibes, lake views, or mountain trails, Georgia has you and your trail buddy covered. Here are what I consider five of the best dog-friendly hikes in Georgia state parks.
Gahuti Trail at Fort Mountain
I’m not going to lie. This is a challenging trail! The 8 mile loop has backcountry campsites if you’d rather backpack and split it over two days. It’s not as brutal as the John Edmunds trail at Black Rock Mountain, but there is a lot of elevation change and it’s long. However, if you and your adventure buddy are up for it, the views are rewarding and the peacefulness of this trail is gratifying. I like it best in the spring, fall, or winter. Summer can be hot and humid! Keep an eye out for snakes and black bears while you are on this trail.
Location: Chatsworth, GA
Skidaway Island
Skidaway Island has flat, easy trails and marshy areas to explore on a boardwalk. The Sandpiper Loop (1 mile) and Avian Loop (1 mile) are my favorites at this park, providing lwildlife viewing opportunities in a coastal setting. At low tide, you can watch fiddler crabs on the exposed mud flats!
Location: Savannah, GA
River Loop at Watson Mill Bridge
A 2.5 mile easy to moderate loop takes you by the shoals of the river and through the woods. This park has a historic covered bridge you can walk across to begin your hike! Some of the trails at Watson Mill Bridge State Park are designated for equestrian use only, so be sure to ask at the park office if you aren’t sure which trails are dog-friendly.
Location: Comer, GA
Canyon Loop at Providence Canyon
There are a several dog-friendly hikes at Providence Canyon. The Canyon Loop Trail is 2.5 miles, and the Backcountry Trail is a 7 mile loop. I prefer this hike in winter or early spring when the humidity is low and the weather is cool. The Backcountry Loop is challenging while the Canyon Loop is easy to moderate. The unusual landscape at this park is actually caused by antiquated farming practices in the early 1800s that led to massive erosion, creating the gullies you’ll explore on your hike!
Location: Lumpkin, GA
The Yellow Trail at Fort Yargo
The Yellow Trail is an easy to moderate 7 mile loop that takes you around the lake. Be prepared to share this trail with mountain bikers. Most of the trail is near the shores of the lake, so you’ll have serene views almost all the way around. Navigating the portion of the trail that goes through the campground was a little tricky the first time we went, but keep a sharp eye out for trail and you should be ok. We like it best on weekdays when it’s less crowded!
Location: Winder, GA
Enjoy exploring Georgia trails with your dog
Most of the state parks here in Georgia welcome leashed dogs on the trails. The state parks here have parking fees of $10/day (well worth it for themaintained trails and the clean bathrooms!) or you can pick up an annual pass. I usually buy the annual pass because it pays for itself after a few visits.
Have fun on your adventures, and say hi if you see me and Hemingway!
