Though most Georgia residents have never heard of it, the New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun 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. In 10 years, the … Read more
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 cabins in Helen GA (many … Read more
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. So documenting our search for … Read more
[Updated March 15, 2021] When you explore the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, you’re bound to run across stunning waterfalls tucked away in remote parts of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Tumbling over massive rock outcrops and spilling into meandering streams lined with towering trees, mossy boulders, and beautiful wildflowers, these natural wonders are … Read more
North Georgia is known for its stunning landscapes, with majestic mountains, lush national forests, and wondrous waterfalls seemingly everywhere you turn. Nestled among it all, you’ll also some truly beautiful lakes, whose tranquil waters offer mirrored reflections of the natural beauty that surrounds them. Whether you’re looking for a scenic lakeside hike, a day of … Read more
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 the Appalachian Trail … Read more
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. Located on the … Read more
More than 20 years ago, I practiced my budding photography skills while exploring many of the hiking trails with waterfalls in Georgia. From Amicalola Falls and Anna Ruby Falls to Tallulah Falls and Panther Creek Falls, these North Georgia waterfall hikes tapped into my lifelong love of nature and eventually inspired me to travel all … Read more
Growing up in Atlanta, the mountain town of Helen, Georgia seemed like another world, with its bizarre Alpine architecture, biergartens, bratwurst, and annual Oktoberfest celebrations. But even as a kid I was much more attracted to the natural beauty of Unicoi State Park, which is located just a few miles away from the kitschy town. From … Read more
Vogel State Park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Located just 10 miles south of the quaint town of Blairsville, GA, this beloved North Georgia park is a popular place for hiking, fishing, family gatherings, and viewing the area’s spectacular fall foliage. Operational since 1931, Vogel … Read more