The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta)

Couple watching Sunset atop Stone Mountain GA

From the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail to an endless array of State Parks, WMAs, and waterfalls scattered throughout the region, North Georgia is an amazing place for anyone who loves hiking.  But even if you can’t make the drive to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains of North GA, hiking in Atlanta offers a surprising … Read more

The Top 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC

Bell Mountain Overlook of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee GA

[Updated Sept 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why so many people love taking getaways to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch 550 miles from North Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. From hiking trails that lead to sensational scenic vistas and breathtaking waterfalls to pastoral valleys filled with wildflowers and wildlife, there’s something mesmerizing about exploring this … Read more

The 15 Best Haunted Houses in Georgia to Visit

Haunted Houses in Georgia

With its endless assortment of majestic mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, trout-filled rivers, and forests filled with flora and fauna, the state of Georgia can be a breathtakingly beautiful place.  But once the seasons change and the chilly winds of autumn come rolling in, the woods outside metro Atlanta can begin to take on an eerie air.  As … Read more

Hiking the Lula Lake Land Trust Near Lookout Mountain GA

Lula Lake Land Trust Waterfall

The first time I saw a photo of the Lula Lake Land Trust, it stopped me in my tracks.  It was a breathtaking aerial drone photo featuring a massive waterfall surrounding by brilliant fall colors. It looked as if Niagara Falls had had a baby, and the baby had moved to the state of Georgia. … Read more

Hiking the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge Near Blue Ridge GA

Toccoa River Swinging Bridge in Blue Ridge GA

Adventures in the great outdoors almost always offer a reward of some sort.  Maybe it’s a waterfall, or a scenic mountain overlook. Maybe it’s a cool cave, spotting some interesting wildlife, or a trail through a meadow filled with North GA wildflowers.  Last week I took an excursion to see a bridge. Specifically, the swinging bridge over the … Read more

Fall in the Mountains of North Georgia: 25 Places to See Fall Colors

Lake at Fort Mountain State Park

[Updated August 10, 2022] The infamous heat of summer in the Deep South will soon start to wane, thankfully replaced by the cool, crisp air that signals autumn’s arrival. This is that magical time of year when more and more people are increasingly inclined to explore outdoor adventures in North Georgia. Fall in the mountains … Read more

The 10 Best Restaurants in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA

Patio at Happy Hawg BBQ, one of the best restaurants in Hiawassee GA

Hiawassee GA is a tiny town of around 1,000 residents that’s located right on the North Carolina border.  Pretty much everything in Hiawassee is centered around Lake Chatuge (which it shares with the town of Hayesville NC), which is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the region.  The neighboring town of Young … Read more

The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

When we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re lucky enough to get a chance to experience the rich culture of the Cherokee Indians. The mountains offer a glimpse into their unique world, which is full of mythological stories and supernatural beings.  Many of the supernatural beings in Cherokee legends mingle with humans, or even part … Read more

The 24 Best Pumpkin Patches in Georgia to Visit (2023)

Best Pumpkin Patches in North Georgia

[Updated 8/16/2023]  When the autumn leaves begin to transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, many avid “leaf peepers” start getting excited about all the fun activities where you can experience Fall in Georgia.  From apple picking and corn mazes in Georgia to simply enjoying the exquisite natural beauty of the Blue Ridge … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA

Panorama View at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris GA

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains less than 4 miles from the border with North Carolina, Hiawassee GA is a relatively small town (2.07 square miles) on the shores of Lake Chatuge. Known as “Georgia’s Lake and Mountain Paradise,” the town was named after the Cherokee word Ayuhwasi, which means meadow. It was settled circa 1820, … Read more