Fernbank Forest Is A Fairy Tale Old Growth Forest In Georgia

There aren’t too many places left in the country that are undisturbed. This is why when we come across a place that would use the term “ancient” in its description, it’s hard not to be impressed. This ancient old-growth forest in Georgia, for example, is not only a historical wonder, but it’s also stunningly beautiful – almost as if it popped right out of a storybook. And the best part is, you can visit Fernbank Forest any time you’d like.

Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre-old-growth forest located outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Shawn Taylor/Flickr

The term “old-growth” means that much of the area has yet to be disturbed, harvested, or cleared and remains a natural occurrence.

Shawn Taylor/Flickr

There aren’t too many ancient, old-growth forests left in Georgia—in fact, only two remain on the list.

Shawn Taylor/Flickr

But Fernbank Forest is truly a marvel, allowing for an unrivaled experience through nature when you visit.

Shawn Taylor/Flickr

As part of the Fernbank Museum, guests are able to explore over two miles of paths winding through the forest, with towering trees 16 stories high, swaying with the breeze.

Jeremy Brooks/Flickr

Depending on when you visit, flowers might be in bloom, wildly sprouting up in various corners throughout the forest.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History/Facebook

Fernbank Forest is truly a gift from Mother Nature.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History/Facebook

Wind your way to Huntemann Pond and snag a look at various amphibians, reptiles, and even some mammals which call this forest home.

Shawn Taylor/Flickr

There is also an abundance of plant species worth observing along the way that thrives in the forest.

Nate Steiner/Flickr

Fernbank Forest is an absolutely magical place and is a wonderful family-friendly experience for visitors of all ages.

Shawn Taylor/Flickr

Learn more about what makes Fernbank Forest so unique in this video from the Fernbank Museum of Nature:

Fernbank Forest closes daily at 5 pm but is open rain or shine. It is open year-round for self-guided tours allowing you to explore its 65 acres of an ancient forest. If you’re looking to plan a trip to this old-growth forest in Georgia, you can visit the Fernbank Museum website for events and current museum exhibits.

Shawn Taylor/Flickr

Jeremy Brooks/Flickr

Fernbank Museum of Natural History/Facebook

Nate Steiner/Flickr

Learn more about what makes Fernbank Forest so unique in this video from the Fernbank Museum of Nature:

Have you ever visited Fernbank Forest before? Are there any old-growth forests near you? Share with us your experience in the comments! Or if you’re looking for other nature hideaways in Georgia, take a look at the hiking trail hiding in Georgia that will transport you to another world.

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Address: Fernbank Forest, 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

More natural areas in Georgia February 11, 2023 Chris Muras Where is a forest in Georgia with hiking trails? GA forests are some of the best in the nation. And pretty much all of them have hiking trails to explore. Here are a few of the best forests in Georgia with hiking trails:

Bartram Trail, Milledgeville, GA: The Bartram pine forest has a beautiful trail to explore with towering pine trees and lake views. The Bartram Trail itself is about 9 miles in total but it is easy to only do smaller portions if you want a quicker hike. Grassy Mountain Tower Trail, Conasauga Lake, GA: Hiking the beautiful Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is an experience you’ll always remember. The pristine Lake Conasauga and a tall steel fire tower lookout are some of the highlights of this trail. Edge of the World, Dawsonville, GA: The Amicalola River Trail leads through the forest over wooden boardwalks to one of the best swimming holes in Georgia. With rapids, small waterfalls, and plenty of open pools of water this is a forest adventure with a big payout at the end. East Palisades Trail, Sandy Springs, GA: This spectacular hiking trail takes you through a portion of the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area. In addition to a heavily forested trail, you’ll also experience a rare treat in Georgia - a bamboo forest. Bear Creek Trail, Ellijay, GA: The second biggest living tree in Georgia stands tall along this old-growth forest trail. The Gennett Poplar tree is a giant among other giants in a forest that has been a popular place to explore for ages. It is like stepping into a lush rainforest when spring rains come pouring down.

The OIYS Visitor Center

More natural areas in Georgia

February 11, 2023

Chris Muras

Where is a forest in Georgia with hiking trails? GA forests are some of the best in the nation. And pretty much all of them have hiking trails to explore. Here are a few of the best forests in Georgia with hiking trails:

Bartram Trail, Milledgeville, GA: The Bartram pine forest has a beautiful trail to explore with towering pine trees and lake views. The Bartram Trail itself is about 9 miles in total but it is easy to only do smaller portions if you want a quicker hike. Grassy Mountain Tower Trail, Conasauga Lake, GA: Hiking the beautiful Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is an experience you’ll always remember. The pristine Lake Conasauga and a tall steel fire tower lookout are some of the highlights of this trail. Edge of the World, Dawsonville, GA: The Amicalola River Trail leads through the forest over wooden boardwalks to one of the best swimming holes in Georgia. With rapids, small waterfalls, and plenty of open pools of water this is a forest adventure with a big payout at the end. East Palisades Trail, Sandy Springs, GA: This spectacular hiking trail takes you through a portion of the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area. In addition to a heavily forested trail, you’ll also experience a rare treat in Georgia - a bamboo forest. Bear Creek Trail, Ellijay, GA: The second biggest living tree in Georgia stands tall along this old-growth forest trail. The Gennett Poplar tree is a giant among other giants in a forest that has been a popular place to explore for ages. It is like stepping into a lush rainforest when spring rains come pouring down.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

GA forests are some of the best in the nation. And pretty much all of them have hiking trails to explore. Here are a few of the best forests in Georgia with hiking trails:

• Bartram Trail, Milledgeville, GA: The Bartram pine forest has a beautiful trail to explore with towering pine trees and lake views. The Bartram Trail itself is about 9 miles in total but it is easy to only do smaller portions if you want a quicker hike.
• Grassy Mountain Tower Trail, Conasauga Lake, GA: Hiking the beautiful Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is an experience you’ll always remember. The pristine Lake Conasauga and a tall steel fire tower lookout are some of the highlights of this trail.
• Edge of the World, Dawsonville, GA: The Amicalola River Trail leads through the forest over wooden boardwalks to one of the best swimming holes in Georgia. With rapids, small waterfalls, and plenty of open pools of water this is a forest adventure with a big payout at the end.
• East Palisades Trail, Sandy Springs, GA: This spectacular hiking trail takes you through a portion of the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area. In addition to a heavily forested trail, you’ll also experience a rare treat in Georgia - a bamboo forest.
• Bear Creek Trail, Ellijay, GA: The second biggest living tree in Georgia stands tall along this old-growth forest trail. The Gennett Poplar tree is a giant among other giants in a forest that has been a popular place to explore for ages. It is like stepping into a lush rainforest when spring rains come pouring down.