Whether you want to spend a day hiking through scenic forests, enjoying a sun-drenched day on the lake or river, or experiencing Fall in the North GA mountains, there are numerous state parks that offer countless outdoor adventures. When your day of exploring is done, many of these Georgia State Parks offer cottage and cabin rentals. … Read more
[Updated on 7/20/21] We honestly didn’t know much about James H Floyd State Park (a.k.a. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park) before our first visit to Summerville GA. But the 561-acre park’s laid-back blend of immense natural beauty and rich (some would say colorful) history won us over within minutes after we pulled through the gate. … Read more
[Updated on 7/14/21] Growing up in a lower middle class family in metro Atlanta, the North Georgia mountains were our playground. My parents led the youth group at our church when I was a young boy, and I can recall countless trips hiking and camping on Blood Mountain, Springer Mountain, and Brasstown Bald (the highest … Read more
[Updated on 7/20/21] 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 … Read more
[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 cabins … Read more
[Updated on 7/16/21] 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 … Read more
[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
[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
[Updated September 24, 2021] 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 … Read more
[Updated on 7/20/21] 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 … Read more