Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Suches, GA

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a dog-friendly outdoor space in Suches, GA. This forest spans nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties and features thousands of miles of clear streams and rivers, 850 miles of trails, dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas and spaces rich in natural scenery, history and culture. Hikers bringing their dogs on the trails must keep them under verbal or physical restraint at all times and be sure to use a leash in crowded areas. Pet guardians should be aware that they may run across horseback riders, mountain bikers and four-wheelers on the trails. When in the campgrounds, dogs must be on a leash or tethered in a shady spot and given lots of attention to minimize barking. Visitors are advised to check the Forest's website and social media before planning their outing for wildlife warnings and other notices which may require dogs to be leashed at all times for safety.

Leashed dogs are permitted on four pet-friendly "Chimp Trails" at Project Chimps, an attraction in Morganton, GA. The main trail parking is just past the green mailbox #2031 on the right, from there you can take the Blue Trail to the trailhead. The four trails (Blue Trail, Nature Trail, Yellow Trail and White Trail) are accessible from dawn until dusk and are a great place to view wildlife or hear the sounds of nearby chimps within the sanctuary. There's also a 1-acre off-leash dog park adjacent to the trails, featuring separate areas for small and large dogs. A donation is requested per hiker.

Leashed dogs are allowed at Amicalola Falls State Park, a pet-friendly natural space in Dawsonville, GA. The waterfall the park is named for is the main attraction, as it is 729 feet of beautiful cascading water, and the third tallest east of the Mississippi River. There are also many hiking trails you and Fido can explore. Pet parents should be aware that some of the trails leading to the falls include metal grate steps to make them non-slip for humans, however canines may find these challenging. Please keep your pup on a leash no longer than 6 feet and remember to clean up any messes they leave behind.

Fido is welcome to explore Unicoi State Park in Helen, GA. This dog-friendly park features 1,029 acres of adventure activities, a 53-acre lake nestled between mountaintops and gorgeous trails to Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. There is even a small, fenced dog park next to the park's main office. Visiting pets must be friendly and on a short, sturdy leash. Dog owners must be courteous to other patrons and clean up after their pets in all areas of the park. There's an entrance fee per vehicle.

Popular with locals and tourists alike, the Mount Yonah Trail is a pet-friendly trail in Cleveland, GA. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners as they hike through a forest, past wildflowers, steep drop-offs and exposed rock outcrops to panoramic views at the summit. The hike is roughly 4 miles round trip and is a moderately strenuous hike.

Take your leashed pup to explore the pet-friendly Dukes Creek Falls trail in Helen, GA. Located inside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this path follows a 300-foot waterfall through an out-and-back trail about two miles long. Please note that there is a fee for entering the forest (cash or check only).

Leashed dogs can visit the pet-friendly Vogel State Park in Blairsville, GA. This local recreation area offers an array of amenities for parkgoers, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, a playground and more.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans in certain areas of Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen, GA. There are 28 miles of pet-friendly trails that your pup can enjoy if they are on a leash under six feet. If you get tired on one of the trails, you can stop for a rest at one of the many picnic shelters. The park is also a very popular fishing destination.

Preacher's Rock is a pet-friendly hike in Suches, GA. As you walk the trail, you’ll be treated to incredible views for miles across tree-covered peaks and valleys. The biggest payoff is at Preachers Rock, which offers views to Big Cedar Mountain and beyond. During spring and summer, wildflowers line the pathway to add a bit of color to the pathway. This beautiful hike is also one of the easier stretches of the A.T. in the Peach State at just 2 miles roundtrip and takes 1-2 hours to complete. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Unicoi to Helen Trail is a 3-mile, one-way, pet-friendly pathway that leads from Unicoi State Park into Helen's bustling Bavarian downtown. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on this moderate, heavily trafficked hike, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them and they remain on a short leash.

Lake Chatuge Recreation Area is a pet-friendly spot in Hiawassee, GA. Fido is welcome to tag along for a day out on the water to go kayaking or boating. A trail to visit with your furry friend is also on-site, about a mile long, and takes you around the lake.

Raven Cliffs Trail is a dog-friendly trail in Helen, GA. This trail is home to a trout stream, 40-foot waterfall, mossy areas, and acres of wildflowers. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you on the trail, but he must be picked up after to adhere to the Leave No Trace practices of the park. Please check their website for current rates of admittance.

Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center is a pet-friendly attraction located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Hiawassee, GA. Pets are welcome on the shuttle that takes you up to the visitor center, the highest point in Georgia at 4,784 feet above sea level, but note that pets aren't permitted inside the visitor center. Enjoy exploring various trails with your leashed pup. The entry fee allows access to the day-use area and visitor center shuttle.

Take Fido for a leisurely stroll that ends at a view! Cupid Falls, located in Young Harris, GA, offers a short, even, pet-friendly trail that is perfect for young children and dogs, making this a great stop for the whole family. The trail leads to a small waterfall. There is an area where you may enter the water to cool off.

Leashed dogs are welcome on Blood Mountain Loop, a pet-friendly trail in Blairsville, GA. You and Fido can hike on this over 4 mile out and back trail along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This trail is rated difficult, but the views at the summit are worth it. You can access the trail from the Byron Reece Trailhead parking area south of Vogel State Park.

Yahoola Creek Reservoir is a pet-friendly spot in Dahlonega, GA. Your leashed furry friend can tag along as you explore the area and admire Lake Zwerner. A parking area along the bypass provides easy access to the dam and a hiking trail that creates a loop around the reservoir, totaling about 3.2 miles. Boating and fishing opportunities are also on site.