Providence Canyon photo by Andrew Apharis
Andrew Apharis

Providence Canyon photo by Andrew Apharis

6 Adventurous Challenges that Explore Georgia's Greatest Places

Mix and match these incredible outdoor challenges for exciting adventures through Georgia!

Did you know that Georgia has 32 peaks higher than 4,000 feet in elevation? Or 40 state parks with waterways to paddle? Plan a series of trips throughout Georgia to explore all of them and more! Whether you prefer hiking, biking, paddling, or geocaching, these challenges can help answer the question, "What do you want to do this weekend?"

Sunrise at Brasstown Bald. Photo by @nickthedobby
Sunrise at Brasstown Bald in Hiawassee, Georgia. Photo by @nickthedobby

Hiking

Georgia 4000 Challenge

Presented by Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC), GA 4000 challenges hikers to reach the summit of 32 Georgia peaks that rise to more than 4,000 feet in elevation. From Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak, to Blood Mountain, the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, and many more that range from difficult to easy to access, the scenery on this challenge will keep you going back for more. GATC offers a series of group hikes to help participants reach more remote summits, and individuals receive a commemorative patch for completing the challenge at their own pace.

Related: Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Georgia: Where to Go and What to Bring

 

Tallulah Gorge State Park. Photo by @mrclark3
Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia. Photo by @mrclark3

Canyon Climbers Club

Georgia State Parks invite hikers to explore beautiful canyons and waterfalls as part of the Canyon Climbers Club. The challenge includes four fascinating hikes around Georgia. Join the club for $20, and get a t-shirt to wear while you explore Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls, and Providence Canyon.

Related: Providence Canyon: A Must-See in Winter

 

Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Photo by Candy Cook
Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Photo by Candy Cook

Paddling

Park Paddlers Club

Water enthusiasts are invited to join the Park Paddlers Club and wear their members-only t-shirt for paddling 12 of of 32 participating Georgia State Parks. Scattered throughout Georgia, the Park Paddler waterways include a breathtaking blackwater swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, gentle lakes like at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, and flowing rivers like at Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Newnan.

Related: Great Places to Kayak in Georgia

 

Mountain biking at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, Georgia
Mountain biking at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, Georgia

Biking

Muddy Spokes Club

Grab a membership to the Muddy Spokes Club and wear your member t-shirt as you conquer 12 trails in 18 of the participating scenic Georgia State Parks. From Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Lookout Mountain, trails range from easy, paved paths to heart-pumping thrill rides.

Three Gap Fifty/Six Gap Century

Start training for the official Six Gap Century Bike Ride in September. This incredible test of endurance challenges cyclists with the toughest climbs in the Southeast, covering 11,200 feet of climbing over 104 miles in the North Georgia mountains.

Related: Seven Must-See Landmarks on the Silver Comet Trail

 

Geocaching at Georgia State Parks
Geocaching at Georgia State Parks

Geocaching

Parks GeoTour & History Trail GeoTour

Nearly 50 geocaches are waiting to be discovered in Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. These special containers can be hidden at historic markers, scenic overlooks, and beautiful trails. Each cache contains a special stamp collected in a GeoChallenge Passport that earns souvenir geocoins after 15, 30, and 40 finds. Can you find them all?

Published: January 2020
Written by: Candy Cook
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