Mount Oglethorpe

Adventurers access the falls through the state park entrance. From the parking lot, hikers follow the clearly marked signs to the base of the falls. The incline begins by the pond at the base of the falls. From the pond, follow the incline along the cascading portion of the falls to the stairs. At the stairs, ascend to the first viewing platform and snap a few shots of the falls. Continue onwar...

Begin your journey from Amicalola Falls State Park. Despite the steep climb, you should park at the base of the falls and climb the steps for a great view of one of the grandest falls in the South. (For more on that hike, see: "Climb the Stairs to Amicalola Falls"). From the top of the falls, follow signs to the Appalachian Approach Trail.The trail is clearly marked by blue blazes on rocks and ...

To get there you can use Google Maps or Waze to “Upper Observation Platform” – W Ridge Staircase, Dawsonville, GA 30534. The other option is to start at the visitor center. If you start at the visitor center, it will add about a mile to your hike so parking in the upper parking lot like us will save you some steps if that’s what you’re looking to do.  Behind the visitor center is the popular s...

From the parking lot, walk about 500 feet to the check-in office to let the receptionist know that you would like to visit the falls.  This campground operates as a retreat select times throughout the year and is closed to the public during those times so prior to visiting, be sure to call and find out whether it is open for public access.  After a day of kayaking, my partner and I lucked up on...

Just North of Carters Lake lies one of its tributaries, Tails Creek.  The Tumbling Waters Trail follows along a scenic stretch of this creek as it cascades its way towards the lake.  This trail is moderately trafficked and considered a local favorite. The Tumbling Waters trailhead also contains a boat ramp for recreational use.  A daily fee of $3 is required to use these facilities and the mone...

The Sawnee Mountain Preserve is easy to get to with a GPS and offers plenty of parking. To get to the Indian Seats Trail you will start down a short (.17 mile) trail that will take you to the trailhead. The Indian Seats Trail is a loop so once you reach the marked trail you can go either left or right (all roads lead to the Indian Seats). The trail will take you around to the backside of the mo...