Enjoying the outdoors can entail numerous things, whether it be swimming in the clear waters of a lake, grappling over a football in the dirt, or setting up a tent in the middle of nowhere. To me, it involves unpaved road, canopies of trees and the shadows of branches crisscrossing between golden shafts of light. Just hearing "the outdoors" invokes images of well-worn yet only faintly marked paths through rough patches of ground, exposed among decomposing leaves and shrubbery. Enjoying such outdoors suggest long yet peaceful hours of walking along seemingly perfect trails that wind through nature, displacing me from the moorings of the comforts I take for granted. In other words, I think of hiking.Though I can't say I've walked them all, I can say that I've walked a fair number of local trails in Georgia. Below is a brief compilation of five of my favorite hiking destinations. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, you'll be sure to enjoy all of them.

1. Anna Ruby Falls

Located by Unicoi State Park near Helen, GA, Anna Ruby Falls remains a popular destination for both tourists and locals. There are three distinctive trails within Anna Ruby Falls. The first is fairly easy-to-travel; it's a half-mile walk from the parking lot to the double waterfalls which consist of the Curtis and York Creeks, falling 153 and 50 feet, respectively. The falls then merge to become a part of Smith's Creek, which flows to form Smith Lake at the center of Unicoi State Park. The second is Smith Creek Trail, a 4.6 mile trek from the falls to Unicoi State Park.The third is the Lion Eye's Trail, a gentle trail designed for the physically and visually impaired, complete with handrails and braille signs to allow for an easier yet equally rewarding experience.

2. Amicacola Falls

Amicacola Falls, located in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest, boasts of being the tallest cascading waterfall not only in Georgia but also the Southeast. Its trails are moderately difficult as they lead upward towards the crest of the falls by series of stairs, but are lined with plenty of benches and platforms to catch your breath. In addition to its trails, one can access the famed Appalachian Trail via an 8.5 mile walk from Amicacola Falls to Springer Mountain. Amicacola Falls also offers a number of recreational activities such as trout fishing and geocaching as well as accommodations that include mountain-top lodges, cottages and campgrounds.

3. Panther Creek

A personal favorite, Panther Creek is a beautiful destination for days when you're feeling a bit more adventurous. The trail itself is around six miles, and can be tricky to walk as it is characterized by steep inclines and descents with occasionally poor footing. It winds through diverse scenery, ranging from the green of its pleasant woods to the bareness of its steep, rocky cliffs. Along the way are a number of camping grounds that mark the path to its final destination: Panther Falls. At the end of an arduous walk is the spectacular sight of its waters cascading down into a wide, shimmering pool, the edges of which gently lap at where it meets the sand bed. Just a few feet away is a shady clearing perfect for camping, picnicking, and simply enjoying the view.

4. Cloudland Canyon

The trails of Cloudland Canyon are no doubt a few of the most beautiful in Georgia. It has three main trails: the Waterfalls Trail, West Rim Loop Trail and Sitton Gulch Trail. The Waterfalls Trail features the Cherokee and Hemlock Falls, both of which flow over recesses made in layers of shale and sandstone. The West Rim Loop Trail offers a breathtaking view of Cloudland Canyon from uncontested heights. The Sitton Gulch Trail descends from the canyon's eastern rim to the pleasantly shaded gorge carved by the Sitton Gulch Creek. Cloudland Canyon can be enjoyed year-round. Most people visit during the fall, but one of Cloudland Canyon's main attractions, winter hiking, invites many to enjoy a glittering sight of hundreds of icicles lining its canyon walls.

5. Tallulah Gorge

Tallulah Gorge is one of Georgia's most incredible hiking destinations. It offers two main trails: the Sliding Rock Trail and Hurricane Falls Loop Trail. Though the Sliding Rock Trail requires a permit and is relatively difficult to travel, it is well worth it, for hikers are rewarded with a close-up view of the Bridal Veil Falls as well as access to its gorgeous river pools. The Hurricane Falls Loop Trail is more moderate and gives hikers a chance to view the Bridal Veil Falls as well as the gorge itself. A defining feature of the Hurricane Falls Trail is the suspension bridge that extends across the gorge, an exciting and inevitable addition that eventually leads to a stunning view of the Hurricane Falls. An alternative trail is the Talullah Gorge Shortline Trail, a paved trip along the shores of the Tallulah River, that is perfect for easy walking, running and biking.