The Best Trail Running Routes in Georgia

The Dauset Nature Trails are one of the most venerable mountain bike trail systems in the Atlanta Metro Area. Despite having been around for decades, the local SORBA chapter has been diligent with trail building and maintenance over the years, and newly built or refurbished trails help keep Dauset fun and entertaining....

The East Palisades trail is one of the most scenic Atlanta trails found inside the perimeter, or ITP, as the locals say. The main leg of this run traverses along the banks of the Chattahoochee River's Palisades section, "one of the river’s most scenic in metro Atlanta," according to [AtlantaTrails....

This trail run pairs an excellent overlook to a beautiful waterfall and shares part of the route with the 330-mile-long Pinhoti Trail. There are several variations to this loop, and there is no wrong way to run it....

Located in the far northwest corner of Georgia lies one of the state's best-kept secrets: Cloudland Canyon State Park. Situated slightly west of Lookout Mountain, this 3,500-acre state park is a quick drive from Chattanooga and a perfect day trip from Atlanta....

If you are looking for a getaway close to home, the Sope Creek Trail is a great option for hiking, biking, or running. This trail takes you to the historic ruins of a Civil War-era paper mill on the banks of a scenic creek, and then to a serene pond surrounded by wildflowers....

If you're looking to visit the North Georgia Blue Ridge, this is an excellent trail running loop with plenty of options for extra miles. According to atlantatrails.com, this loop is one of the top hiking loops near Ellijay and has a little to offer for everyone....

Trail 301 is the the two best ways for trail runners to explore Fort Mountain State Park - the other being the Gahuti Trail. Just over 13 miles in length, this loop follows old roadbeds around the perimeter of the mountain and offers multiple vistas, beautiful flora, and several landmarks from historic mining operations....

Translated as 'Mother Mountain' in the Cherokee language, the Gahuti Trail is one of the best trail runs within the state park. Compared to Trail 301, another popular route, this is a foot-traffic only trail that highlights Fort Mountain's best features....

Less than an hour from Ellijay or Chatsworth, Emery Creek Falls is a beautiful trail run through historic logging areas leading to a large two-part waterfall. Summertime offers the best weather to visit the falls, but they are still accessible year-round....

With backcountry hiking trails, historical landmarks, mountain biking, horseback riding, and plenty of camping, Fort Mountain State Park is sure to have something for everyone. This short loop is often paired with the Gahuti Trail and explores several of the park's iconic landmarks including a lush overlook, 40' stone fire tower, and the ruins of a ancient rock wall....

The Bartram Trail is an epic long-distance backpacking (or fastpacking) route through the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina. If you're not feeling up for a thru-hike, many sections of this trail can be used for day hikes or trail runs....

The Georgia Loop tours some of Southern Appalachia's finest peaks along the Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and Duncan Ridge trails for a rugged 57-mile circuit packed with epic views along beautifully-kept singletrack....

If you're an experienced trail runner looking for a challenge, you've found it. This loop offers big mountain elevation, plenty of views, endless wildflowers, and follows part of the Conasauga River Trail through one of its most beautiful sections....

The Conasauga River Trail slices through the heart of the Cohutta Mountains and offers trail runners an epic run through the wilderness with opportunities for loops, shuttles, or out-and-backs. There are no known FKT (Fastest Known Time) attempts of the trail, but that shouldn't sway you away from enjoying this spectacular section of North Georgia wilderness....