The Great Escape: A Peek at the Great Outdoors of Georgia
Amicalola Falls –
The word Amicalola is a Native American word for “tumbling waters”, aptly named for the refreshing cascades of water which rush down approximately 729 feet below. As a matter of fact, this particular fall is the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. On one afternoon, I had the pleasure of taking a rather breathtaking drive up to Amicalola. A route beginning on I-75 North and I-575 to Jasper is quite an enchanting little trip. The closer you get to the mountains, the more narrow the roads become. The trek along the mountain can be a bit scary, but the view is simply marvelous. There are other routes that will take one up that hefty stretch of hills and mountains, like 400-North to Highway 53. Either direction makes for a lovely day trip.
However, if you’re planning something a little bit more lengthy, perhaps an overnight stay-then there is a beautiful lodge atop the mountain where one can experience both the natural beauty, and all the conveniences of modern lodging. My visit happened to coincide with brunchtime. The dining area of the lodge was warm and had a cozy feeling, despite its no-frills buffet style. The fare was incredibly straightforward with a few southern breakfast touches tossed in for good measure. What I found really impressive was the attention to detail. The dining room itself had a wall of windows facing the trees. But standing on one of the patios facing the rear of the resort, I could have sworn that I had taken a trip out of the country – the view of the foliage alone was mesmerizing from that height.
There are many different activities to take part in, including nature hikes, horseback riding, white water rafting and much more. An online visit to www.amicalolafalls.com will afford one a detailed peek into all the formalities of a visit to the park. But to really enjoy this wonderful place, all you really need to do is get out of your car and start walking.
Helen, Georgia Wildlife and Resorts –
For a really otherworldly experience, you might want to consider a drive up to the Blue Ridge mountains on the Chattachoochee River. Helen, GA is recognized for its “alpine village”-like feel. With the quaint cobblestoned paths, and picturesque architecture, many people who visit feel as if they’ve stepped into a small Dutch or German town. As a matter of fact, a few of the restaurants in the area offer German provisions like schnitzel, sauerkraut, or wurst-topped off with an imported beer. On the other hand, those who seek more traditional dishes can opt for Southern country meals that they’re used to.
As far as lodging is concerned, you’ll definitely do well to check out the website www.helenga.org for all the lodging and vacationing options. In addition to the typical motels dotting the area, there are cabins designed specifically for those who want to experience all the ruggedness and beauty that Helen, GA has to offer. My own visit to the Bavarian Inn, was more than a treat. The rooms (or “cabins”) at this resort are charming and snug. They have king-sized, or double beds, jacuzzis, and fireplaces, and even cable TV. But true nature lovers will want to take advantage of the outdoors either by going on one of the many hiking trails, or even just hiking through the quaint town. In addition, one of the most popular events taking place in Helen is “Octoberfest,” which begins on September 14th and continues through the end of October.
Kennesaw Mountain Park –
For a taste of the outdoors, a long mountain trek to north Georgia is not always necessary. For many people living in metro Atlanta’s Cobb County, a nature hike is simply a 10-15 minute drive away. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is comprised of a series of trails. Don’t be surprised if during one of your hikes, you happen to see a bit of wildlife. Many deer have been spotted in the area, and sometimes venture out towards the road and/or trails. The park itself can be accessed by traveling north on I-75 and exiting at Barrett Parkway (exit 269.) Barrett Parkway is a highly trafficked main road but connects to Old 41 Highway. From there follow the various signs to the park.
There are no parking or entry fees into the park. But the mountain road is closed every weekend and on holidays. Because this park is used primarily for hiking, it’s very important to know how long it will take to hike to particular point. Though there are operating hours posted at the park, one should consult a ranger, or visit the Welcome Center for specific details, as it’s a frightening thing to become lost in the “wilderness” as the sun begins to rapidly set.
Since Kennesaw Mountain Park is a day park, there are no lodging facilities. However, visitors of the metro Atlanta area can find plenty of lodging options along Barrett Parkway. This expanse of territory is popular amongst families who wish to picnic or nature watch. It’s a beautiful section of the city, but is a bit restrictive in its space and range of activities.
Stone Mountain Park –
For the more pampered nature lover, Stone Mountain Park is a popular option. The park itself is comprised of different areas, all catering to various themed activities. Stone Mountain actually offers approximately 3200 acres of natural terrain, right outside the city limits of Atlanta. For hiking purposes, there are 15 miles of wooded trails to explore. Or, you can climb the 1.3 mile trail to the top of Stone Mountain. This trail is open to the public from sun-up to sun-down, and is fairly easy to follow along, as there is a yellow line to guide visitors on the way. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a mini-oasis featuring restrooms, a snack bar, and souvenir shop. It should be noted that this 1.3 upward hike isn’t for everyone. Those who aren’t in the best of shape, or have specific limited health conditions should probably consult a physician prior to attempting the hike. Also, the mountain is very slippery when wet. So, proper footwear and clothing should definitely be worn.
Additionally, there are campgrounds where you can park an RV, and enjoy all the beauty of the park, including fishing. Those who prefer to brave the outdoors during the day, but be pampered at night, might choose to stay at the Stone Mountain Inn, where there is a spa, two golf courses, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. For more structured fun, check out the many different activities that the park has to offer for children. There are Sky Lift rides, a Duck Boat tour, and of course the laser light shows which are featured against the rocks of Stone Mountain’s Park.
The key to determining which natural getaway is for you, is in figuring out your perfect balance between comfort and “roughing it.” Whichever locale you choose, make sure that you wear comfortable protective clothing and footwear. Try to travel in groups or with a friend; hiking alone is strongly advised against, no matter where you decide to visit. Check out lodging accommodations prior to visiting; and make sure that you consider any health issues, as immediate medical attention may not always be obtainable. Whether your choice is a relaxing day hike, a mountaintop brunch, or an otherworldly trip to a quaint village, Georgia has quite a few hidden gems in natural entertainment.
