[Updated October 28, 2024] It’s been 13 years since the first Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. And over time, the Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas lights have grown into one of our favorite things to do in North Georgia. Located next to Piedmont Park in Midtown, the 30-acre garden has been a popular Atlanta attraction for … Read more
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
From the minute I first step foot onto the trail at Raven Cliff Falls, hear Dodd Creek flowing nearby, and see how quickly the forest swallows me, my breathing begins to normalize. I know I’m in for some breathless moments on this moderate hiking trail in North Georgia, but my immersion into the forest canopy … Read more
Traversing 2,190+ miles in the Appalachian Mountains across 14 different states, 8 national forests, and 6 national parks, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic and popular hiking trails in the world. Because of its incredible length, it typically takes adventurous thru-hikers 5 to 7 months to tackle the entire trail. And while … Read more
From basic items like extra clothing, food, and water to survival gear, read on for our 10 hiking essentials packing list.
Helen GA is a relatively small mountain town, measuring just 2.17 square miles, with a population of around 600 people. Yet it attracts around 3 million annual travelers with its unique shops, delicious restaurants, intriguing roadside attractions, and quirky reputation as “Georgia’s Alpine Village.” The town is also home to Oktoberfest, one of the longest-running … Read more
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cartersville GA, the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is considered the most intact Mississippian culture site in the Southeastern US. The prehistoric archaeological site contains one of the largest Indian mounds in North America. So it’s designated as a National Historic Landmark– one of just 49 … Read more
[Updated April 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why Horse Trough Falls is one of the least visited waterfalls in Helen GA once you decide to explore the area for yourself. The Horse Trough Falls trailhead is located at the back of the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, which is tucked about 5 miles off … Read more
[Updated December 30, 2021] Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, about an hour north of the I-285 perimeter, Helen GA is known for its Alpine architecture, quirky character, impressive array of hiking trails, and annual Oktoberfest festival. There are lots of great attractions and activities in “Alpine Helen.” But until recently this unabashedly unusual … Read more
[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
