Hiking & Camping at Fort Mountain State Park Near Ellijay GA

Cool Springs Overlook at Fort Mountain State Park near Ellijay GA (1 of 1)

Everyone has their favorite North Georgia State Parks, whether it’s the massive gorge and waterfalls of Cloudland Canyon or the far-ranging Blue Ridge Mountain vistas of Black Rock Mountain.  But if you’re interested in state parks primarily for camping, hiking, or history, Fort Mountain State Park deserves to be right up there at the top … Read more

Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions

Sasquatch aka. Bigfoot - Appalachian legends and folktales

Stretching from Alabama and North Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian mountain range was formed millions of years ago before being settled by Native Americans and, later, Scots-Irish, English, German, and Polish immigrants. Since settling in the mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries, Appalachian people have developed a unique blend of cultures that has its own … Read more

8 Great Wineries in Dahlonega GA

Dahlonega Winery

One of the oldest Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Georgia, Dahlonega has grown into a major tourism hotspot in the North Georgia mountains. Originally best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia Gold Rush, Dahlonega is now beloved for its diverse array of outdoor activities, historical attractions, festivals, shops, restaurants, and wineries! It’s also … Read more

Exploring the Utterly Unique Rock Garden in Calhoun GA

City of Bethlehem at Calhoun Rock Garden

The Rock Garden in Calhoun, Georgia was intended to be a quick stop on our way home after spending several days in Cloudland Canyon State Park and James H Floyd State Park.  We didn’t know much about the place, other than the fact that it was a quirky attraction, and it was located about 7 … Read more

52 Best Georgia Hiking Trails for the 52 Hikes Challenge

View from Brasstown Bald Mountain

If you’re ready to improve your physical and mental well-being, explore new landscapes, and reconnect with yourself and nature, check out our list of the best Georgia Hiking Trails for the 52 Hike Challenge. This global challenge encourages people to get outside and get active by completing 52 hikes in a year, which is one for every … Read more

The 20 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains

Fisherman at Moccasin Creek State Park in Clarksville, GA

[Updated 2/8/2022] North Georgia is known for its stunning landscapes, with majestic mountains for hiking, the lush Chattahoochee National Forest, and wondrous waterfalls seemingly everywhere you turn. Nestled among it all, you’ll also some truly beautiful North Georgia lakes, whose tranquil waters offer mirrored reflections of the natural beauty that surrounds them. Whether you’re looking … Read more

The 10 Best Places for Ziplining in North Georgia

ziplining in Georgia

If you’ve ever spent any time exploring North Georgia, you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the region’s exceptional natural beauty. And while seeing the region from the ground may be rewarding in its own right, getting a bird’s eye view of the dynamic landscape offers an entirely different perspective. Zipping through the canopy of the forest, at speeds up … Read more

Pet-Friendly Cabins at Forrest Hills Resort in Dahlonega GA

Interior of Forrest Hills Resort Cabins in Dahlonega GA

From the historic Smith House Inn and Old Storehouse Inn to Barefoot Hills and the Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa, there are lots of different hotels in Dahlonega GA for visitors to choose from.  But for our money, the Forrest Hills Mountain Resort & Conference Center ranks among the best places to stay in … Read more

The 7 Best Restaurants in Dahlonega GA for Foodies

Montaluce Winery and Restaurant

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 25 miles southwest of Helen, Dahlonega is one of the oldest mountain towns in North Georgia.  The small town of around 7,500 residents is best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia gold rush, which predated the California gold rush by 21 years and … Read more