Rando Reflections: The Georgia Mountains

After the Reunions, Clif, Valerie, Chloe, and I headed for the mountains of North Georgia. We had 2 full days of driving. Being Valerie was so close to home, she opted to leave the next morning. She was home by 2 pm. Clif on the other hand had stated before leaving on our trip, "the mountains are calling!" We spent 3 nights in Dalton, GA as it was close to the interstate, and all the sights were within easy driving distance.

Our first stop was Fort Mountain State Park. It was only about 35 minutes from our hotel. The drive was scenic. This park offers camping and cabin rentals, lots of hiking trails, canoe rentals, beach area, putt-putt golf, and a beautiful picnic/playground area.

The first trail we took was to see the Western Overlook and the Fire Tower. The path was fairly easy and not very strenuous. This was probably the most challenge we had.

Once we got to the overlook, the views were pretty.

Just too bad it was so hazy outside.

We did have a lot of stairs to climb on our way over to the fire tower. At least there weren't as many as Amicalola Falls!

It was a nice structure. We were hoping it was open for viewing, but it wasn't.

Sometimes as you hike along, you happen upon "trail hazards"!

Nothing we couldn't handle though. (I never know what Clif is taking pictures of until he hands me the SD card for me to download and blog! Geez!

The hike was tranquil though.

I thought it was different that their trail markers were maple leaves with numbers on them.

We happened upon an area of boulders.

Clif went up for a closer look. Nothing really up there. I think it's just natural for a guy to want to climb! As for me, I'd rather stay on the marked trail.

Once we finished this small hike, we ventured on even a shorter one. I think it was called the Clay Springs overlook. It was about the length of a football field to get to it. It is handicap accessible. We took our tripod.

Next up, by the cabins, there was a waterfall trail. This also was short. Took only 1/2 hour to walk and that was taking pictures. We were a bit puzzled when we finished because the sign said walking time 1 hour. People must REALLY walk slow if that be the case!

You do have to pay attention to the blaze markers though because if you don't, you would end up on the trail that goes for 7 miles! We eventually came to the waterfall. It is fed by the runoff of the upstream lake.

We spent quite a bit of time taking different shots. Clif said he liked his model. I don't know how models enjoy posing. I felt a bit awkward. He had fun though.

Once finished here, we hiked around the lake.

There was even a snake on the trail. Clif had good eyes to spot this one. I marched right on by oblivious to it.

Pretty views were seen from all sides.

Once we were done, we went to the picnic area for lunch. Which was right behind the beach to the left.

After this, we decided to head to Ellijay. But on the way was an overlook. We decided to venture around to have a look. It obviously isn't used much. The one way drive was overgrown and brush smacked the truck as we drove through. The trail wasn't much better. We clapped our hands because we didn't want any surprises from wildlife!

But once to the top, the view was gorgeous.

We spent a couple hours exploring the shops of Ellijay before moving onto the town of Blue Ridge. We were hoping to be parked and in the store before the rain fell.

Yes, we did make it, but unbeknownst to us, the shop owners close down when rains come because I guess they think shoppers aren't out in the rain. They don't know us Floridians very well do they.

The next day, we started off with the intention of seeing some Civil War sights. First stop Dug Gap where some famous battle was fought. It was only 5 minutes from the hotel. We weren't too impressed with it. There weren't any signs explaining the significance. We found out later that the sign for it is at the convention center down the street. That seemed a bit odd!

Good thing we were hiking along the ridge. We lost the trail a few times so you knew if you just adjusted to the middle of the ridge, you'd eventually find it again.

I thought this was a cool shot of the dew drops.

Next up was the historic Railroad Tunnel.

Okay, so we had a little fun and acted like kids.

We walked clear through the tunnel to the other end. It was a mile each way.

Whoopty Doo. This is what was on the other end of the tunnel.

See that little itty bitty white spot in the middle of the tunnel? That is the end we had just walked from!

After this we decided to ditch the rest of the Civil War sights and head back to the mountains. We went to Brasstown Bald. It was 2 hours 15 minutes from here on scenic mountain roads. We have been here before when the boys were in high school. It took me that long to convince them mountains do exist in Georgia!

The trail going up from the parking lot to the peak is now paved. And I was surprised how out of breath Clif was going up. Last time we hiked, he and the boys would have to wait on me. This time around the role was reversed. I guess you can say working out at the gym 5 days a week has paid off.

A look from the truck....