As promised, here’s the follow up from last week’s post “Daytrippin’ – City Edition“, wondering where you like to go when you need to get away from the Atlanta metro for a few hours, or perhaps a whole weekend.
Last week focused on towns and cities. This week let’s discuss more rural destinations. Secluded cabins, hiking trails, campsites, mountain biking trails, fishing spots.
Where do you go when you need a break from civilization?
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My husband and I havee been in Decatur on a permanent break from civilization ever since leaving NYC four years ago.
Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, NC. Go for the weekend. All meals are included with the rate, food is excellent, no TVs, no kids. Plenty to do if you want to be outside (canoeing, fishing, drive on the Tail of the Dragon), or you can sit like a bump on a log, nap and read all weekend.
but if we gave away all the secluded places, there’d be too many people there…
seriously though, many awesome hikes in N Ga, wonderful destinations.
My favorite State Parks (N Ga): Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Tallulah Gorge.
My favorite hike on the Appalachian Trail: to the top of Blood Mountain (crowded, but short and amazing views).
There are many amazing waterfalls in N Ga. I’ve made it to >60 so far myself. (Though many are not meant for family adventures with small children.) My favorite single trail for waterfalls in N Ga? Raven Cliffs Trail, near Helen.
Ha! I was going to suggest Raven Cliff Falls. It’s a great day trip!
Suches valley and Lake Winfield Scott.
If you’ve got a good vehicle, Lake Conasauga and Grassy Mountain. Many miles of forest road.
ah yes, the Cohutta Wilderness near Lake Conasauga is wonderful unspoiled wilderness! Just watch out for the wild boar up there…
The Len Foote Hike Inn, on the Springer Mountain approach trail to the AT. Overnight accommodations in bunk-style cabins, delicious meals, and an opportunity to demonstrate to the kids good eco practices with composting toilets, ktichen waste, water conservation, &tc. Hike from there to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail for a splendid view.
This is a great family weekend. Spend Friday night at Amicalola Lodge so can get early start Saturday morning, then hike up 5 miles with frequent rest stops and snacks, dinner at Hike Inn, relaxation, then back down Sunday. Have done it with a five year old twice–once with a boy and once with a girl. Not a problem as long as you have plenty of time and lots of snacks. One caveat–watch out for the months with a risk of freezing, e.g. December-March. One year, we hiked up in gorgeous sunny weather in the 50s and back down in wet, slushy, icey stuff. The two seven year olds made it down ok but a bit of crying and adult worry was involved. Of course, if people had worn their warm REI boots as I’d suggested…..and I’m talking to the male adults as well as the kids!
Except in December-March, you have to either reserve space way ahead OR call during the week and hope for last minute cancellations. Weekdays are often open, even during the summer, unless it’s a holiday week.
For the mountain bikers, Mulberry Gap, near Ft. Mountain. Cabins and a few camp sites, delicious meals, hot tubs. Ride out to the Pinhoti 1, 2, and 3 trails.
For the canoeists and kayakers, the boat-in campsites on Carter’s Lake, near Ellijay. Level tent sites, privy toilets, plenty of firewood. Notice: the lake’s water level fluctuates.
Those are great places. I ride the dragon quite often, but Like the cherohala as well.