The first official day of summer is June 20, the longest day of the year. My family has great summer memories over the years that include tent camping and wonderful hikes at various locations in our state.
One of my favorite places to camp and hike is Vogel State Park, located near Blairsville. It offers a lakeside beach where you can swim, non-motorized boating, fishing, and has cabins for rent, as well as campgrounds for tents, trailers, and RVs. For a nearby hike, try the Bear Hair Gap Loop and Brasstown Bald, our highest peak.
For more information about North Georgia, consider visiting Amicalola Falls State Park and its 729-foot waterfall, the third tallest east of the Mississippi River. The park is also the starting point for many looking to hike the Appalachian Trail. If you’re looking for a good hike and overnight adventure, consider the Hike Inn. A 5-mile walk leads to the inn where you can reserve a night’s accommodation.
I’ve always loved waking up from a night in a tent, smelling breakfast cooking over the fire, and then walking out to some beautiful views. One of my favorite hikes is Yonah Mountain. This hike covers over 4 miles with an ascent of 1,500 feet in just over 2 miles. The reward is a stunning view and a glimpse of the Atlanta skyline on a clear day.
Just outside of Atlanta is Stone Mountain. This is a much easier and shorter hike. It has a positive gradient of about half of Yonah but also offers wonderful views. It certainly offers a much closer view of the Atlanta skyline than the Yonah hike.
Consider our “Little Grand Canyon” just below Columbus at Providence Canyon State Park, where massive ravines reach up to 150 feet deep. These ravines were created by poor agricultural practices during the 19th century, but today they provide some of the most beautiful photographs in the state. The rare plum-leaf azalea grows only in this region and blooms during July and August, when most azaleas have lost their color.
In northwest Georgia, consider traveling to Cloudland State Park. There are hiking trails, waterfalls and beautiful cliffs to see and plenty of camping/cabin opportunities. This park’s West Rim Trail has been rated one of the best hikes in the US.
If you’re more into coastal Georgia, try Skidaway State Park near Savannah. Wander through coastal forest and marsh areas that are home to deer, raccoons, egrets and other wildlife. They offer about 7 miles of biking or hiking trails and plenty of camping opportunities.
Enjoy your summer and get outdoors!
Keynote USA
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