From forest canopies to secret waterfalls, Murray County’s trails make it easy to trade traffic for tree line. These routes range from easy afternoon strolls to all-day climbs — all within an hour of Dalton. Grab your boots, pack a snack, and see home from a higher point of view. We spoke with Andrew Touchstone, originally from Dalton and now a Murray County resident, about his favorite spots to adventure close to home.
1. Gahuti Trail — Fort Mountain State Park
A quintessential North Georgia hike: 8.2 miles of rugged beauty, switchbacks, and sweeping mountain views. The trail loops through laurel tunnels, creek crossings, and Goldmine Branch Falls, before a short detour leads to Fort Mountain’s mysterious stone wall — a legend tied to the Cherokee “moon-eyed people.”
Need to Know: Moderate. Steep ascents (miles 2.4–5.6), rocky footing, orange-blazed.
Local Tip: Pack breakfast and catch sunrise from Cool Springs Overlook — coffee never tasted this good.
Directions: Enter via the park’s main gate; trailhead at Cool Springs Overlook parking area.
2. Songbird Trail — Lake Conasauga Recreation Area
Peaceful and family-friendly, this 1.7-mile loop winds through hardwoods and rhododendron to a boardwalk over a natural bog alive with frogs, otters, and native birds. Connect with the Grassy Mountain Tower Trail for panoramic views if you want extra miles.
Need to Know: Easy → moderate. Muddy spots near the bog; some overgrowth midsummer.
Local Tip: Spring brings the best bird chorus. Fall rains mean mushrooms galore.
Directions: From Chatsworth, take Hwy 411 N → Eton → right on CCC Camp Rd → continue 10 mi on FS18 → left on FS68 to Lake Conasauga.
3. Emery Creek Trail — Cohutta Wilderness
If you like a challenge, this one’s yours. 20+ creek crossings, 2,600 ft of elevation gain, and twin waterfalls reward every soaked boot. Follow Holly Creek to Lower Emery Falls (2.4 mi.) and Upper Falls (3 mi.) before the steep push up Little Bald Mountain.
Need to Know: Strenuous. Crossings can swell fast after rain — waterproof shoes a must.
Local Tip: Shuttle two cars (park one at Holly Creek Trailhead + one at Little Bald Ball Field) for a mostly downhill trek. This turns the route into a mostly downhill, one-way hike that still captures all the best features without the punishing climb.
Directions: From Eton → CCC Camp Rd → FS18; trailhead 1 mi past where pavement ends, left on hairpin turn.
4. Amadahy Trail — Carters Lake
Courtesy: Atlanta Magazine
Just over the county line but worth the detour. This 3.6-mile lakeside loop hugs Carters Lake, home to the largest earth-filled dam east of the Mississippi. Half forest, half shoreline, it’s scenic in every season and especially striking when winter leaves open the views.
Need to Know: Easy → moderate with gentle shoreline grades. Shared with cyclists.
Local Tip: Sunset from the lakeshore hits different — pack a flashlight for the walk back. Also, mountain bikers do share this trail, so keep that in mind as you hike!
Directions: From Ramhurst, Hwy 282/76 W 11.1 mi → right on Woodring Branch Rd → 3.2 mi to gravel lot (right).
5. Cohutta Springs Trail — Crandall
Quiet, quick, and crowd-free, this easy loop circles a 55-acre spring-fed lake inside the Cohutta Springs Conference Center grounds. Open to the public (check in first), it’s perfect for an unhurried afternoon surrounded by water and woods.
Need to Know: Easy, mild grades, short hills.
Local Tip: Pick up a free trail map in the lobby, then linger for a lakeside picnic.
Directions: From Eton → Hwy 411 N 4 mi → right on Cohutta Springs Rd → follow signs to conference center on left.
Andrew Touchstone enjoys hiking and camping across Northwest Georgia. He loves sharing tips on how to slow down, unwind, and savor this beautiful area we call home. For more information on the best waterfalls in Murray County, visit https://www.gawaterfalls.com/murray-county.html.
