Georgia Outdoor Adventure: 10-Day Itinerary

By Jim Morekis, author of Moon Georgia

For campers and green-minded adventurers, this hiking, rafting, paddling, and camping trip covers the most authentically unspoiled and scenic recreational offerings of the Peach State. Use this 10-day travel itinerary to plan your perfect Georgia outdoor adventure.

Day 1

Begin by setting up camp at amazing Cloudland Canyon State Park at the northwest tip of Georgia. Then head out for a day of canyon floor hiking and a guided cave tour. Consider joining the Canyon Climbers Club.

hiking trail under a large rock through trees — Take a hike in Cloudland Canyon State Park. Photo © Jim Vallee/iStock.

Day 2

This morning drive east to set up camp for a three-night stay at Vogel State Park, one of the first two state parks in Georgia. You’ll hike just south of here today throughout the Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area and will cross portions of the great Appalachian Trail. Don’t miss the falls!

Day 3

Drive up to Brasstown Bald to hike up to the tallest point in the state. If it’s a clear day you can see the Atlanta skyline from the summit. This evening treat yourself to a fun, touristy night out in the recreated Alpine village of Helen before heading back to Vogel State Park.

Day 4

Get up early for a long day of whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River where Georgia meets the Carolinas and where the movie Deliverance was filmed. Tonight head into downtown Clayton for the flatbread pizza and craft beer at Zeppelin’s before heading back to Vogel State Park.

two people in canoes on the Chattooga River — Head out on the Chattooga River for an afternoon of whitewater rafting. Photo © Jim Morekis.

Day 5

Break camp and head to Tallulah Gorge State Park, another Canyon Climbers Club location, where you’ll get your free permit to hike across the bottom of the gorge floor. Tonight, head south to the college town of Athens, splurge on a hotel room, and enjoy some nightlife and live music.

Day 6

Today is a long drive to the coast. Tonight you camp at the Hostel in the Forest near Brunswick to prepare for your paddle down the Altamaha River tomorrow.

Day 7

Today you meet with the folks at Altamaha Coastal Tours for your pre-arranged custom guided kayak trip through the amazing Altamaha River, including old-growth cypress stands and maybe even a picnic on a sandbar.

Day 8

Break camp and head to the great Okefenokee Swamp for a day of canoeing. You’ll set up at Stephen Foster State Park at the west entrance, where you’ll rent a canoe for your blackwater fun. Tonight, head into Folkston for an excellent and affordable buffet dinner at Okefenokee Restaurant.

woman sitting in a canoe in Okefenokee Swamp — Get out in a canoe to explore the Okefenokee Swamp. Photo © Gonepaddling/Dreamstime.

Days 9-10

Early this morning take the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore for an overnight camping stay. Spend today and part of tomorrow morning hiking through the maritime forest, beachcombing, checking out the Dungeness ruins, and looking for those famous wild horses before the ferry takes you back to shore.