Trails Near The Hideaway at Mystic Falls: Hiking and Biking in Covington and Beyond

When people visit Covington, Georgia, they’re usually here for the filming locations—the historic courthouse square seen in In the Heat of the Night and My Cousin Vinny, or Mystic Falls landmarks from The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies. Fans snap photos outside Mystic Grill, the Lockwood Mansion, and the clocktower, while Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias has most recently transformed the square into the fictional town of Serenity.

A stroll through downtown and you half-expect to bump into a pair of immortal brothers arguing on the steps of Mystic Grill. But Covington isn’t just the Hollywood of the South—it’s also home to some of Georgia’s most inviting trails, places where you can trade tour schedules and selfies for fresh air and quiet scenery.

At The Hideaway at Mystic Falls, we’re lucky to be surrounded by opportunities to get outside—whether you want a quick morning walk nearby or a short drive to bigger views.

This series will guide you through four of our favorites:

Walkable & Local Trails (Covington)

Cricket Frog Trail

A paved rail-to-trail conversion within walking distance of The Hideaway. Flat, scenic, and full of character with wetlands, birds, and even cattle crossings.

Eastside Trail

A neighborhood greenway in Covington that’s perfect for families, strollers, and casual walks.

Scenic Trails Within a Short Drive

Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge)

About a 30-minute drive. Known for its protected granite outcrops and Alexander Lake, Panola offers both paved and unpaved trails. You can loop the lake, join a ranger-led hike up the mountain, or explore the PATH system through forests and meadows.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (Lithonia)

Around 40 minutes away. Arabia’s granite domes feel otherworldly, especially in spring when the rock bursts with red diamorpha blooms. Alongside its paved and natural trails, the area is home to a natural waterfall, historic ruins, and sweeping views that make it one of Georgia’s most unique landscapes.

Why Add a Trail to Your Visit?

Covington is famous for its square, shops, and cinematic history—but the trails reveal another side of the region.

• Local trails are perfect for a fresh-air start before exploring Mystic Falls filming spots.

• Scenic short drives lead to granite domes and wetlands, where cranes glide low and sunsets glow across the stone.

• Together, they bring balance to a trip that can feel full of tours, photos, and schedules—offering space to recharge in between all the sightseeing.

First up in our series: the Cricket Frog Trail—just steps from The Hideaway.