Spring brings new life to our area in the North Georgia Mountains. The birds return in the beginning of March and the wild rhododendron begin to bloom.
Though many come for the drive into and through the Great Smoky Mountain park, just as many come to hike the trails. The Appalachian Trail begins its northbound trek to Maine’s Mount Katahdin in the southern Appalachians of North Georgia. Beginning the northbound journey through fourteen states. The trail travels 78.6 miles in Georgia, starting at the southernmost point, Springer Mountain. On the Springer summit, a bronze plaque, placed in 1959, commemorates the trail’s southern beginning. At 3,780 feet above sea level, Springer Mountain is the most southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountain chain.
The Trading Path that became the Unicoi Turnpike began at Tellico Block House on the Federal Road. Entered the Tennessee Mountains at Unicoi Gap, traveled east to the area of present-day Murphy, North Carolina. From here the path turned south, followed the Hiawassee River to its headwaters just below the northern entrance to Georgia’s Unicoi Gap. Follow the Georgia section of the Unicoi Road using Google Earth.
Not looking to spend 6 months on the trail? How about a less than six mile hike. Let’s take a look at a few
3 Forks to Long Creek Falls 1.9 Miles
3 Forks is named because 3 waterfall filled trout streams converge to form Noontootia Creek. Hiking, backpacking, fishing and camping are all available in this valley and on this hike.
Tesnatee Gap to Cowrock Mountain 2.25 Miles roundtrip
Dog Friendly, this rocky hike explores Raven Cliff Wilderness just north of Helen. The view from the summit is worth the moderate difficulty of this hike.
Although the Appalachian Trail is our most well know trail there are many more and something for everyone. Try taking a look at where the people of long ago carved their stories into the rock at the Track Rock Gap Petroglyph Site.
Or maybe one of the Trout Adventure Trails that weave through the national forest about an hour and a half North of Atlanta and 45 minutes from Blairsville. This trail offers individual hikers, families and organizations the opportunity to hike, learn and even earn a commemorative patch as recognition of the commitment to outdoor education, conservation and accomplishment.
No matter your level of activity or interest there is a trail, a mountain top or a valley here in North Georgia just waiting for you to explore this spring? Come to visit, find that vacation home or even that forever home in the mountains. Either way, thanks for spending a little time with us today, watch for our next installment and as always…
WELCOME TO THE MOUNTAINS