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As a Florida resident, you may feel far from striking mountain vistas and peaks. Luckily, some excellent mountain ranges lie just beyond Florida’s borders—no plane ticket is required! When you need a change of scenery from Florida's flat terrain, head to these nearby mountain ranges and summits for your next hiking, camping, or sightseeing adventure.

Hit the road to explore the 10 closest mountains to Florida that offer beautiful scenery and ample outdoor recreation. In this blog post, we’ll count down the closest mountain range to Florida and detail what experiences await at each one. Time to catch some fresh mountain air!

10 Closest Mountains to Florida That Awaits Your Arrival

1. Brasstown Bald, Georgia

Are you looking for the Georgia mountains closest to Florida? If yes, visit Brasstown Bald, Georgia. At 4,784 feet, Brasstown Bald ranks as both the highest peak in Georgia and the closest mountain to Florida. To soak in panoramic views of four different states from its summit, embark on the steep 0.6-mile hike on the Brasstown Bald Trail. Observation decks and walking paths circle the summit as well. For an overnight visit, book a site at the Brasstown Bald Campground, located right by the mountain.

2. Blood Mountain, Georgia

Part of the Appalachian Trail, Blood Mountain towers 4,458 feet over the Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia. Embark on the strenuous, 4-mile round-trip hike up Blood Mountain for breathtaking vistas at the summit. Spend the night at the well-equipped Blood Mountain Cabin for convenient access to the trails. Overall, this is one of the popular Georgia mountains closest to Florida.

3. Mount Yonah, Georgia

Standing at an elevation of 3,166 feet near Helen, Georgia, Mount Yonah offers wonderful hiking opportunities only a few hours from Florida. For panoramic views from the summit, take the strenuous, 5-mile round-trip hike on the Mount Yonah Trail. Or enjoy the views from overlook spots on the easier, 2.6-mile Yonah Mountain Trail.

4. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

In northeast Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park protects a stunning 1,000-foot gorge carved by the Tallulah River. Hike down the steep gorge rim trails to overlook the crashing river and waterfalls—a sight unique to the region. Or traverse 62-foot Hurricane Falls via one of the suspended bridges

5. Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia

Home to Georgia’s tallest waterfall, Amicalola Falls State Park makes for a refreshing mountain escape outside of Florida. The 729-foot waterfall is visible from the park’s west rim overlook. For more scenery, hike the steep, 1.2-mile route up to the ridge top. Stay the night in one of the park’s rustic cabins or campsites.

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee

Spanning over a half-million acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. With countless trails and 250 miles of the Appalachian Trail, it’s a paradise for hikers. Highlights include the towering 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome and scenic Cades Cove Valley. Historic lodges and campgrounds allow you to extend your visit. Don’t miss out on this closest mountain range to Florida this summer.

7. Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee

On the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Roan Mountain State Park is home to some of the world’s largest natural rhododendron gardens, in bloom each summer. Drive up to the park’s 6,285-foot summit for stunning long-range views. Hike through rhododendron-filled forests on Roan Mountain’s section of the Appalachian Trail.

8. Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina

Mount Mitchell State Park is home to the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains—the 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell. Hike up Mount Mitchell Trail, which travels over 6,000 feet in elevation gain through forests and rock outcrops. Or drive to the observation tower at the summit for easy viewing. Explore the 1,946-acre park through its extensive network of hiking trails.

9. Linville Gorge, North Carolina

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” Linville Gorge spans 12 miles and plunges over 1,400 feet. For stunning rim views, hike the strenuous 5.5-mile round trip hike to Wiseman’s View. Or descend the Linville Gorge Trail into the forested canyon. Camp at developed sites operated by the National Forest Service.

10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia features 200,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and the gorgeous 105-mile Skyline Drive for sightseeing. Don’t miss views of the Shenandoah Valley from 3,680-foot Hawksbill Peak. Other highlights include the 94-foot Lewis Falls and the historic Skyland Lodge, built in 1888. Undoubtedly, you can enjoy your day without any worries in this national park. And, this is one of the top-rated in the list of closest Mountains to Florida.