How to Get to Hooker Falls NC (in DuPont State Forest)

Hooker Falls NC

[Updated August 12, 2021] If you’re looking for challenging North Carolina waterfalls to hike, Hooker Falls is probably not for you.  Located between Brevard and Hendersonville in DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Hooker Falls Trail is one of the shortest (.9 mile round-trip), easiest (164 feet of elevation gain), and most accessible waterfall hikes in … Read more

Review of Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast in Asheville NC (Montford Area)

Exterior of Pinecrest Bed aBreakfast in Asheville NC

[Updated July 29, 2021] You don’t have to look very hard to find great bed and breakfasts in Asheville NC. In fact, the Montford Area Historic District– one of the city’s oldest and most architecturally impressive neighborhoods– is chock full of them.   The area boasts a whopping 600+ houses listed on the National Register … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA

Downtown Summerville GA

Chances are the city of Summerville GA probably isn’t on your list of must-see Blue Ridge mountain towns.  Located 24 miles north of Rome, just 10 miles east of the Alabama border, the town has a population of around 4,200 people, which marks a 17% decline over the last 30 years.  It doesn’t have the … Read more

Exploring the Dark History of the New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun GA

Vann Tavern at New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun GA

[Updated on 7/20/21] Though most Georgia residents have never heard of it, the New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun GA is one of the most important indigenous sites in the United States.  In 1825, the Cherokee Nation established New Echota as its capital, building the “New Town” right at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River.  … Read more

Inside the Utterly Unique Unicoi State Park Barrel Cabins in Helen GA

Unicoi State Park Barrel Cabin

[Updated October 26, 2021] Georgia State Park cabins are arguably among the best deals you’ll find for cabin rentals in North Georgia. Most cost around $160 a night for a 2-bedroom cottage with a full kitchen that can sleep 6 to 8 people.   And when it comes to Unicoi State Park lodging, their rental … Read more

Things to Do in Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton

Lake Burton Boathouse at Moccasin Creek State Park

[Updated on November 26, 2021] After becoming empty nesters in 2019, my lady and I decided that we wanted to start the process of looking for our future home.  I’d grown up hiking in the North Georgia mountains with my family, spending many a memorable summer day at my grandparents’ humble cabin on Lake Hartwell.  … Read more

How to Get to Panther Falls & Angel Falls GA (at Lake Rabun Beach Campground)

Panther Falls GA at Lake Rabun Beach

[Updated November 26, 2021] If you spend much time exploring outdoor attractions in my native state, you’ve gotta wonder who’s responsible for naming the countless waterfalls in Georgia. And more importantly, why aren’t their names more distinctive? For instance, the Angel Falls Trail leads to one of our favorite waterfalls in Rabun County GA. But … Read more

Cloudland Canyon State Park Cabins Review (Rising Fawn, GA)

Foggy morning at Cloudland Canyon State Park Cabins

[Updated on 7/20/21] I can remember my first visit to northwest Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon State Park like it was yesterday, despite the fact that it was nearly 27 years ago. That trip was the first time I went camping with my family as an adult, nearly 20 years after we hiked the Georgia section of … Read more

Goats On The Roof: Family Friendly Fun Near Clayton GA

Remote Feeding a Goat at Goats on the Roof in Tiger GA

Although I’ve been exploring the North Georgia State Parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails near Blue Ridge and Helen since I was a boy, for some reason the town of Clayton never really popped up on my family’s radar. It wasn’t until late 2020 that we finally explored northeast Georgia’s Rabun County in depth, and we were … Read more

Things to Do in Black Rock Mountain State Park Near Clayton GA

Clayton GA seen from Black Rock Mountain State Park Visitor Center

[Updated on 7/16/21] From Amicalola Falls and Red Top Mountain to Unicoi and Vogel, we’ve explored quite a few of the state parks in Georgia in the 12 years we’ve been traveling together. But our trip to Black Rock Mountain State Park last September firmly established the 1743-acre park near Clayton GA as our favorite. … Read more