I managed to visited numerous Waterfalls & Trails of Georgia in 2023. For comparison, all State Parks have an entrance fee, something that's not up North. But in the South, we can visit all year round without freezing off, atleast when not slippery. Here are my notes on 7 of these places.
(1) Amicalola Falls & Trails
There are 3 major overlook points for Amicalola. If with family, its faster to drive up to each of those points.
Trails between these points are completely uphill with safe steps built in. I am yet to explore the trails. Someday.
Beautiful view from the Lodge, of Fall sunset.
(2) Anna Ruby Falls & Unchoi State Park
Anna Ruby falls is somewhere near Helen. It has ample parking area with all facilities. Then a walk up to the falls. Though they have a closing time of 5pm - something that brings out a shrug & surprise.
Next, drive down to Unchoi State Park beach. Great place on a hot day.
(3) Tallulah Gorge State Park
Now this was a unique experience. Rec center is at the top of the mountain. There are numerous overlooks giving gorgeous views of the Gorge from different angles.
Then its the thousand steps taking down to the bridge and further down the Gorge.
We went here during the Thanksgiving week. There are campgrounds here too, I want to explore camping here someday.
(4) Sweet Creek Trails
What a fun day it was ! Went there impromptu with a friend. Turns out a lot of Hunger Games & other movie shooting happened in this park.
We picked the White Trail 5M loop, as that was the only open one that day. Most beautiful woods.
At exactly the mid-point, there is water; stream with lot of stones. Perfect for pictures..
We stopped every few meters for pictures. That's why it took nearly 2 & half hour to complete the 5 miles.
(5) Cauley Creek
Address: 7255 Bell Road
It was a bit hard to find. GPS doesn't take us to the entrance of the park, to its parking lot, let alone to the walking trail. But when I eventually found it, oh what a perfect trail it was.
The route was exactly 5K loop. The trail was made of soft rubber material; extremely gentle on treads & knees. Took through lovely varying views, including a bridge with enchanting river view.
(6) Jones Bridge Trail - part of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Address: Jones Bridge Unit Access Rd, Jones Creek, GA 30022
Went in Nov 2022 and again in February 2023. In the Fall, the drive through the Reserve was gorgeous fall colors. And in Spring, the driving route to the Reserve was lovely, with multiple trees with white Dogwood flowers.
One of the first trails I went to. It has a $5 entrance fee. The very beginning has a lovely step down to the river. It was briming that day, after a week of rain.
The path then takes through heavy overgrowth and almost slippery clay path. Then at a mile point, goes through woods, a sort uphill, to cross-over to the other side of woods.
Fun path.
(7) Indian Seats, Suwanee Mountain
Address: 2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd, Cumming, GA 30040.
Went in Oct 2022 and then again in February 2023 on a warm afternoon and was greeted with a magnificent view at the top of the mountain.
It has the perfect parking lot.
This trail is marked strongly by incline. The path winds up the mountain, but gradually so. Its completely clay path. This trail is the one that convinced me to buy dedicated hiking shoes - the ones with spikes on sole for grip.
This is the trail that got me into Hiking Georgia; so I love it so.
