How to Get to the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area Near Helen GA

DeSoto Falls near Helen GA, photo by Jason Dominy

[Updated September 30, 2021]  Some experts suggest there are as many as 700 waterfalls in Georgia, although many of these remain remote and inaccessible to all but the hardiest of bushwhackers. Other than accessibility, there are a lot of other factors that play into the relative popularity of a given GA waterfall.  Some folks focus … Read more

The Mysterious Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC

Looking for Brown Mountain Lights at the Brown Mountain Overlook near Morganton NC

The history of the Blue Ridge Mountains is riddled with Appalachian folklore, including the Mysterious Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC.  They range from various age-old superstitions to mythical monsters such as Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Snallygaster, a half-bird, half-reptile chimera that reportedly terrorized 18th century German immigrants. One of the more famous Appalachian folktales … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton, GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)

Downtown Clayton GA Shopping

[Updated November 26, 2021]   Cities like Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Helen, and Dahlonega GA have all earned accolades among the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA. But after our visits to the city of Clayton, Georgia, we believe this gem of Northeast Georgia also deserves a place near the top of that list. The extensive … Read more

The 15 Best Waterfalls Near Helen GA

Horsetrough Falls Near Helen GA

[Updated September 13, 2021] Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” Helen is a beautiful mountain town that offers a charming bit of Bavaria in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although the town is relatively small (2.17 square miles, population around 600), travelers come from all over to experience a taste of the Alps in the southern … Read more

The 15 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore

Boone NC Hiking Trails

[Updated August 3, 2021] The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Boone NC is best-known for its Christmas tree farms and outdoor recreation opportunities, offering everything from mountain biking and rock climbing to whitewater rafting and snow skiing. The county seat of Watauga County has a population of around 20,000, which is pretty big for the Western … Read more

Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes In Georgia (Identification Guide)

Snakes In Georgia

“Why’d it have to be snakes?!?!”  This memorable line– spoken by Indiana Jones in the 1984 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark– reveals a bizarre truth. Even a badass, jungle-roaming, whip-cracking Nazi hunter can have an irrational fear of slithering reptiles. Just hearing the word “snake” can evoke feelings of fear in otherwise intrepid adventurers. Which … Read more

Things to Do at Center In The Square in Downtown Roanoke VA

Center in the Square in Roanoke VA

Encompassing 43 square miles, with a population right around 100,000, Roanoke is the largest city on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with loads of great shopping, museums, and other attractions. In our eyes, Roanoke is one of the must-see mountain towns for anyone taking a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip. Downtown Roanoke is home to Virginia’s … Read more

The 15 Best North Georgia Mountains for Hiking

Sunrise on the Blue Ridge Mountains in Black Rock Mountain State Park

[Updated July 18, 2021] If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, soak in stunning views, and tackle unforgettable outdoor adventures, look no further than the majestic mountains of North Georgia. Hiking through lush national forests along wildflower-strewn paths, crossing sparkling streams, and around mossy boulders has always been one of our favorite things to do in … Read more

Things to Do at the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area (Near Linville Falls NC)

Things to Do at Linville Gorge Wilderness Area near Linville Falls

Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are renowned for their rugged beauty, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area ranks among the most dynamic places to see it. This 12,000-acre section of Pisgah National Forest is locally referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the East.” It is one of only two wilderness gorges in the … Read more

The Roundhouse Rental Cabin in Helen GA (Little Andy Mountain Cabins)

Exterior Shot of Roundhouse Rental Cabin in Helen GA

As a tiny mountain town (just 2.11 square miles) that receives some 3 million annual visitors, there are plenty of Helen GA cabin rentals to choose from.    Whether you want an Alpine inn or B&B in the heart of downtown or a cozy cottage in the surrounding mountains, there’s a Helen vacation rental for … Read more