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?"
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
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
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
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
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?