Mountain Creek Lake Loop

We camped a few nights in the F.D. Roosevelt campground in our Airstream before setting out for two nights in the backcountry. Our first stop was at the Visitor Center to talk with the ranger and plan our route. Some of the campsites are limited and must be reserved in advance with the ranger, so we figured we needed to see what was available.The ranger on duty was incredibly helpful providing ...

Few places in the southeast have as wide a range of mountain biking as CSP, which includes standard XC trails, a well groomed and extensive dirt jump area, flow trails, and a wicked feature area complete with a massive wall ride and Oregon-downhill-style 2x4 ramp features. Everything is ridable on a standard mountain bike, but drop that seat low (or off completely) for the dirt jumps! Also, cal...

Miniscule compared to the Grand Canyon, this vibrant-colored canyon offers a unique adventure unlike any other in Georgia. The most popular way to explore the canyon is through the 4.8 mile Canyon Loop Trail in the Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area. ($5 for parking) The White Blaze Canyon Loop Trail circles nine of the canyons. To hike canyons 1–5 from the Visitor Center, hike ¼ of a m...

Parking areas are on the opposite side of the road where the trailhead is located and the fee is $5. If paying for parking isn't in your agenda, there is a gas station down the road on the same side as the trailhead where free parking is occasionally available. The trail begins off High Falls road, indicated by a sign. At the beginning, the trail descends along several wooden stairs. There are...

Trail Overview Distance: 17 miles loop Elevation Gain: 2,172 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (steep sections 8-12% around Lake Carroll) Surface: Paved asphalt, 10+ feet wide with yellow centerline Time: 5-6 hours full loop Dogs: Allowed on leash (off-leash in some areas) Fees: Free Best Season: Year-round What Makes This Trail Special Georgia's largest paved loop trail system, compl...

The Smith Mountain Fire Tower is the perfect location to get a glimpse of the vastness of one of the largest man made lakes in the United States. From the parking lot, the stroll up to the base of the fire tower follows a steep pathway for about a half mile. The hike is very easy to follow and there is plenty of parking. In addition to the fire tower, there is also several boulders for climber...