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 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
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
[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
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
[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
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
Located west of the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 15 miles southwest of Blue Ridge, Ellijay is widely considered one of the best places to live in the Georgia mountains. The moderate elevation and temperate climate make it a perfect place for apple orchards, farms, and wineries. And of course, wherever there are fresh fruits and … Read more
For many metro Atlanta residents, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains can often mean a full-day commitment once you factor in driving times. But hiking at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Cumming GA offers numerous opportunities for hiking near Atlanta, all within 40 miles of Downtown. The other benefit of Sawnee Mountain hiking is that … Read more
Located in Southeast Tennessee, the Ocoee River is a 93-mile river that flows northwest through the southern Appalachian Mountains. It’s known as the Toccoa River in the state of Georgia, where it passes through the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. The river is world-renowned for its Class III-V rapids, which served as the dramatic … Read more
