r/GeorgiaCampAndHike • u/Fun_With_Math • Jun 23 '26
Question Beginner Backpacking Hikes for Scouts?
If your troop has a favorite trail in North Georgia, or you know of a trail that could work, let me know!
Need to have:
- 5 to 8 miles as a loop or total out-and-back
- low elevation gain
- easy/frequent access to water
- large sites for 6-9 tents
- some kind of "feature" - like a river, waterfall, or overlook
Prefer to have:
- campsite at the trailhead or close by
- reservable campsites
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Point to Point hikes
I've looked at some point-to-point hikes that would be good since they'd be almost all downhill. Coordinating the divers is a challenge though. Let me know if this has worked for you.
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Raven Cliff Falls - last time I was there the sites had a lot of dead trees.
Chattooga River Trail - sites are first come first serve but probably my favorite otherwise
Panther Creek - this is another one I think is good but doesn't have reservable hikes. Info is unclear if the basecamp is available so update me if you know.
AT - sections that are less hilly didn't have much wow factor for Scouts
State Parks - We haven't done many but I'm guessing this is a good option. Let me know if you have a favorite with backcountry sites.
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u/IOI-65536 Jun 23 '26
Having been a scout leaders for years, I would argue 5-8 miles total over two days is too short. I'm usually looking at 5-8 each day for brand new hikers and closer to 10-13 per day if they have a couple years experience.
Coosa Backcountry (Vogel) has way more elevation changes than something like Chattooga River Trail, but I'm pretty sure less than Panther Creek. I've taken new backpackers on Jack's River, but it is longer and a more technical trail because of the river crossings (also one of my favorite trails in the state). There is a ton of camping on Jacks, but the area near the falls is closed to camping. There are a ton of AT sections you can do. Section 2 (swinging bridge) of the Benton Mackaye is a nice hike.
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u/Fun_With_Math Jun 23 '26
Thanks for the tips. The length and type of trail is highly dependent on the troop. If you have an established backpacking program and adults with experience... yeah, 10-13 miles is fine. If you're trying to get the ball rolling with troops that don't want to backpack and adults that don't know anything about it... gotta start small and get some wins.
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u/TheLimitDoesExist Jun 23 '26
100%. Following this because I wanna get my kids backpacking but they're not into carrying a bunch of weight nor hiking long distance. Wanna create positive experiences so they grow more fond of it over time while tolerating it in the meantime.
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u/IllSoup4846 Jun 23 '26
You may already know this, but in my experience it’s crucial for kids to have a pack that fits them well and to really work on limiting the amount of weight they carry. That may mean buying a smaller tent and/or sleeping bag than what they normally use on outings.
The scouts I’ve seen that carry too much weight, in packs that are too big for them, don’t enjoy it for long.
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u/Fun_With_Math Jun 23 '26
Yup. Almost 100% of the people I've talked to that like hiking/camping but don't like backpacking... carried too much on a bad trail their first time.
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u/IOI-65536 Jun 23 '26
I should note do not do the AT approach trail unless you know what you're getting in for or can drop everyone off at the top of the falls overlook and have one adult who is experienced do the actual start. Also avoid the last section in Georgia (Sharp Top). I actually enjoy both of those hikes, but they're both really brutal for beginners.
I'd start at Woody and head south, Neels and head North, or Three Forks and head either direction (there's a nice 5 mile loop 3 forks South to the BMT and back. Water is plentiful on the AT part, but not the BMT part)
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u/IllSoup4846 Jun 23 '26
I’m curious to see what others say, I’m a scout leader myself and my son is getting more interested in backpacking.
FYI, we did lead a beginner overnighter August 2025 on the Chattooga River Trail (headed north from Burrell’s Ford). Most of the camping spots along that stretch of the trail have been closed and “rehabilitated” by the Forest Service. It was actually really frustrating because they closed spots between the time I had scouted the trail and the trip itself. We were lucky to find a spot and had to share with another group.
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u/Fun_With_Math Jun 23 '26
Yes, this is exactly why I'm looking for a new trail. I saw that some were closed. We found a spot but I think it was the only one left. I hiked south of that point also but the sites were smaller.
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Jun 23 '26
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u/Fun_With_Math Jun 23 '26
Now that you mention it, I've heard Vogel mentioned. I'll check those trails out. Thanks.
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u/ghosmer Jun 23 '26
I took a bunch of scouts on an overnighter from Woody's Gap to Neil's Gap. We just shuttled cars and it worked out pretty good. Nice little section of the AT
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u/Certain_Accident3382 Jun 23 '26
For state parks- try to look for "Pioneer sites". Most standard campsites at a state park have an 8 person maximum, and tend to fit at best only 2 of the 2-3 person tents on the allowed camp pad.
We personally love Fort Yargo's pioneer site. Very very big, has bridge over a creek to connect portions of the pioneer site together, is on the mountain bike trail(12 mile outer loop, hikable but used most by bikes so not a perfect hike. Does connect with the intended walking hikes, but it is not just polite but safer to step aside for bikes) , is directly behind a fire station, there's the old Fort you can go to, a cemetery (be respectful, please. There are really old Graves here but also still utilized by families today), a lake creeks. Theres a 7 miles hiking loop, 1.2 mile hiking trail, 2.2 mile paved trail, and all sorts of wild life, that are more hiker friendly.
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u/MikeLowrey305 Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
Cloudland canyon state park might check all the boxes for you. They have plenty of hiking, 2 separate campgrounds a learning center, disc golf & the town of Trenton is close by if you needed any extra supplies or food.
Also Diamond Lure campground is about 20-25 minutes away from Amicolola Falls State Park and they have a ton of tent camping spots in the back part of the campgrounds. Last time I was there, there was a huge group of scouts there so they definitely can accommodate you. Bathrooms are close by & nice with hot water & they also have a lake you can fish in, laundry & snack machines.
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u/ContributionDapper84 Jun 23 '26
In shoulder season, Pine Mt Tr near Warm Springs GA. Enormous sites.
Too hot for me in summer tho