Why Georgia Is Awesome, Part 2

I think we have already established that Georgia has beautiful beaches for both wildlife and people in Why Georgia Is Awesome, Part 1.  People treasure the west coast states for having both mountains and oceans, but I'd argue that we have better swimming beaches and scenic mountains of our very own right here in Georgia.  South of Atlanta, the land seems to flatten out into the low country.  North of Atlanta, it rolls gently into foothills before the steep ascent to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Georgia even contains 75 miles of the Appalachian Trail.  I've had the pleasure of taking numerous beautiful hikes in North Georgia.  While I am a lover of the ocean and enjoy living near it, hiking in North Georgia is definitely my favorite way to spend a weekend during this time of year.  Georgia has both gentle and strenuous hikes suited for any fitness level.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Amicalola Falls is a destination about an hour and a half outside of Atlanta.  It is well worth the trip, and the view from the top of the falls is a must see.  The park here has an 8 mile long access trail to the Appalachian Trail.  The waterfall itself is 729 feet of steeply rushing cascade and you can climb steps to the top.  I highly recommend taking the steps up for the view.  However, they tend to attract a lot of hikers on beautiful weekends.  Make a detour to the approach trail for the AT or hike one of the ridges on your descent to get some peace and quiet.  They tend not to be very crowded.  This is a photo I took about halfway up the fall.

Cloudland Canyon lies just north of Lookout Mountain.  It's about two and a half hours from Atlanta and has miles of waterfall trails.  Some of the trails include steps.  Take the 1 mile long trail to approach a fall with a nice pool.  My little dog loved splashing around in the catchment pool beneath this fall.  Take the longer trail into the gulch to see more great views and to get away from the stairs.  My little dog bounded nimbly down the steps, but my big dog was skeptical of them because they are made of grated metal-- he could see the open air beneath his feet and wasn't such a big fan of it.  Once your off the steps the trail is both beautiful and remote.  Catch the falls after a lot of rain to watch them flow vigorously.  If the weather has been dry prior to your expedition, I suggest hiking the rim.  The views are incredible.

Another favorite of mine is Indian Springs which is south of Atlanta.  According to legend, Creek Indians believed it to be a place of physical and spiritual healing.  I don't know if there's any scientific basis for these beliefs, but it definitely heals my soul to splash around in the springs.  This one is an easy hike and a great swimming spot.  It's perfect for a hot, summer day in Atlanta.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of this spot, but I'm sure you'll find loads of great shots if you search for them.

Happy trailblazing, and just remember that Georgia really does have the best of both worlds-- mountains and beaches in the same state!!