Our weekend getaway included several hikes. It was cold when we went and I wished I had taken leggings to go under my pants and a toboggan for my head, especially when we got to the top of the mountain. The view was spectacular. The shuttle was not running so we hiked the 0.6 miles to the top. It was a hike up, but an easy stroll down. Most everyone wore masks even outside and in particular around someone. I think in all, it took an hour and a half to complete this hike, take pictures, visit with people, and totally enjoy the scenery. Well worth the hike. Oh, due to the cold weather, running water bathrooms were not working. The elevator was not running. There were what we call “thunder pots” available in the parking lot for bathroom emergencies. Fee to use the park was $3.00 per person.See more..
4.5Sawnee Mountain Preserve(320 reviews) - Good place for enthusiastic hikers Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Mountains
Sawnee Mt. Preserve is a very confusing place. There are two parts of it: the Indian Seat part is at its north part, the trail is shorter, about 2-3 miles, the south part has larger parking lot, and playground and other facilities, the mountainside loop trail is about 5 miles, no visitor center. The two parts are separated by Bettis Tribble Gap Rd. Both parts are excellent for families, but south part is less favored by photographers. I usually go to the south part for hiking. To start correctly, you need to find the trailhead near the entrance, not the one near playground, that's exit. My favorite route is twisted loop like 8, total is about 6.1-6.3 miles. If you really enjoy hiking, you will love it. This is my preparatory site for AT. In the shadows of corona virus, I was not expecting many visitors, to my surprise , the parking lot was almost full, I was glad to see many enthusiastic hikers like me, we will get over the dark moments together by not talking to each other:)See more..
4.5Bell Mountain(252 reviews) - Best view in the world! Mountains
I’ve seen views all over the world from Fiji, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Iceland and more. In the moment you’re always thinking this is the greatest view I have ever seen. In the moment when I was looking at the view from the top of Bell Mountain I thought it was the greatest view I had ever seen. Driving up to the summit makes this opportunity to view this epic overlook easy for anyone. I highly recommend going here to snap some pictures around sunset but then putting your phone in your car and just taking in the moment at peace.See more..
You hear that? The sounds of nature? Good. Let's do this! Whether you've lost track of all the times you've summited Pine Mountain, or it's your first time here...we promise you'll dig this Cartersville hike.See more..
4.0Eagles Rest Park(34 reviews) - Free parking, worth the drive up Spent 1-2 hours Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
We were enjoying a drive up the gorgeous Burnt Mountain area and happened to see the little brown sign with binoculars and hiking logo, and thought, why not try it? We didn't have time to hike as it was getting late but we made it to the top by car before it was too dark. They have a great picture spot at the top. Free parking. And it's well paved for most of it until you arrive near the lot. Not like some where it's hard to get to and you constantly have to move aside for another car. We had no trouble when it was time to pass people. The oranges were stunning for fall leaves in the whole area, including the drive.See more..
4.5Springer Mountain(11 reviews) - Historically worth it! The worst part is the drive up. Mountains
The Appalachian Trail, at least this stretch, is very well maintained. The hike up from Springer Mountain Parking is steep as everyone has said. Think of it as one mile up a continuous flight of stairs. Decide for yourself if you can do that. It is not technically challenging, but may tax your endurance. But it is the terminus of the AT and worth it for that reason alone! :-) There is one "privy" on the way up, but otherwise expect no "services." The drive to the parking is an adventure. The AT Conservancy tries to talk hikers into starting from the State Park 8.5 miles south instead of driving up to the parking. Our GPS tried twice to get us to just drive off into the woods off the side of a mountain. It had no idea where to go. (However, there are really no intersections, so just follow the road.) The road is barely more than one lane in places, on winding gravel/rocks. There are no guard rails and not all oncoming traffic want to share the road.See more..
