North Georgia Mountains

Hi Everyone,

Time to introduce myself! I'm a Philadelphia, PA Native that has "permanently snowbirded" to Tampa Bay, Florida. I'm still exploring the "Sunshine State" but I'm also in Love with Georgia's Mountains and the Appalachian Trail in general.

Two years ago my wife and I discovered Helen, Georgia and now we're completely hooked! Planning on another excursion to North Georgia in late summer or early fall.

Does anyone have suggestions for this area? We are particularly looking at the Northwest next time - Dahlonega and Fort Mountain State Park near Ellijay.

Happy Travels!

Derestanne

Its only been 13 months since I was riding my bike up around there every weekend. But already I seem to have gone rusty on the names of places. I hate to send you out of state, but really my vote would be for Cashiers and Ashville in North Carolina. Way out class N Ga in every way.

Having said that. Dahlonega and Ellijay are definitely good little places, and further north you have Blue Ridge Lake, which is really nice. There's also Amicalola Falls state park and Vogel State Park for some great hiking.

If you can, rent a convertible to really make the trip perfect.

Hi Dodger,

Looks like I triggered a pleasant memory or two for you! Thanks for your advise!

My wife and I have been to Asheville, NC several times for some of the Holistic Health Fairs. We particularly love the Botanical Gardens and the views on the West End near Interstate 40. At one point we were thinking seriously about moving to Asheville but instead chose Florida to call home.

We may have passed through Cashiers but I don't seem to recall it well. We also followed the Blue Ridge Parkway one spring from Blowing Rock, NC to the Cherokee Indian Reservation. It was a tremendous experience! I expected Little Switzerland to resemble Helen, Georgia. When we arrived there, Little Switzerland was - well - little! The wife really loved the Blue Ridge Soap Works between Little Switzerland and Spruce Pine, NC. Who could resist a fragrant bar of homemade soap with names like "Stud Bubbles"!?

But regarding Northwest side of Georgia above Atlanta, we are definitely going to Amicalola Falls. Then there is the "North Georgia Premium Outlets" for shopping, which will be be "civilization enough" for us! What we are really looking for are low key places closer to the great outdoors!