Kandis Owens

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a wonderland of lush pine forests, arid rocky terrain, boiling lakes, snow-capped peaks, and extremely diverse wildlife.  I recommend at least a week to explore this underrated national park, but if you are only driving through, you can still enjoy some of the wonder! There are several hydrothermal areas of the park, but if you are short on time, Sulphur Works i...

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...

Big Trees is truly a backyard beauty. The entrance connector brings you through to the beginning of the trails. If you are low on time, try out the Big Trees Loop (1/2 mile) which appears slightly before the major Backcountry trail system. Without going too deep into the preserve, you can still enjoy a peaceful getaway under the towering canopies of dogwoods and oak trees alike.If you choose to...

The Silver Comet Trail is one of Georgia’s premier multi-use greenways, stretching approximately 61 miles from Smyrna to the Alabama state line. While every section has its charm, the segment from Coots Lake to Rockmart stands out as one of the most scenic and rewarding portions of the trail — especially loved by cyclists, runners, and walkers seeking a quieter, more natural experience. ...

Keown Falls Trail is a moderate loop perfect for a Spring day (especially after those April showers).  The trailhead is located in the Keown Falls picnic area which is very spacious spotted with several picnic tables. This would be a great place for a family gathering and is spacious enough that the next family would not be within earshot.  The trail starts out as a fairly flat trek through fal...

Walk amongst some of the oldest trees in Atlanta in this scenic nature preserve located in the heart of East Point. This is a great spot for birding with some sightings including Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and more. The main loop is about a mile long, but there are a few alternative inner loops that yo...

This 1.7 mile loop is almost entirely on a wide pebbled road making this hike perfect for getting families and friends outdoors. Though there is some elevation gain, the Marble Mine Loop is quite an easy walk. Go during the Fall and the trees are boasting all the reds, oranges, and yellows of the season.  About halfway through (circa .85 mi), the trail meets an old abandoned mine site with acce...

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...

Tugaloo State Park in Lavonia, Georgia, offers an excellent kayaking experience on the scenic waters of Lake Hartwell. Known for its quiet coves, open water, and stunning shoreline views, the park is ideal for both beginner and experienced paddlers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or a family-friendly day on the water, Tugaloo delivers a memorable outdoor experience.  Keep in mind...

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is located directly off of the heavily trafficked Roswell Road in Buckhead.  The preserve boasts seven acres of greenery, wetlands, meadows, wildlife, and wildflowers.  There is even an educational facility located on the grounds for those extra curious explorers.  This park is dog-friendly, but be sure to bring doggy waste bags if your furry companion is tagging alon...

Manzanita Lake campground is located about 1/2 mile past the Northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park.  The trailhead is located just before the campground sites about 0.1 mile off of the main road and marked with a sign (including a  map) and a few parking spaces.   The trail starts out fairly simple alongside the bustling Manzanita Creek before turning northward at about 0.5 mi.  T...

The Chamblee Rail Trail is a scenic, fully paved multi-use path that stretches for just under 2 miles between Keswick Park and Peachtree Road in Chamblee, Georgia. Designed with both recreation and community in mind, this hidden gem offers a relaxing green space for walkers, runners, and cyclists just outside of Atlanta. Along the trail, visitors will enjoy colorful murals, native plants, ...

To avoid the regret of cutting your trip too short, go ahead and book a campsite. Come as a walk-in or reserve your site.  Either way, you will have to check in at the Park Office.  Upon check-in, you will receive your map and general information.  Check-in time for camping is 2PM. The only public access to this pristine lake is through Devil's Fork State Park in Salem, South Carolina.  The par...

Morganton Point Campground is one of the most well-maintained campgrounds in North Georgia. There are sites available for both RVs and tents, but the tent section is separate from the RV area so don't worry about any noisy generators!  I camped at Site F, a tent-only campsite. This campsite (and pretty much all of the tent-only sites) has a beautiful view of Lake Blue Ridge. If you've got a kay...

Deepdene Park is the eastern most segment of the Olmsted Linear Park system that borders Ponce de Leon Avenue, connecting the Poncey-Highland community to the Druid Hills neighborhood. The parks included in this system are Springdale, Vigilee, Shadyside, Dellwood, and lastly, Deepdene.  While the other parks offer large fields, shady trees, and park benches, Deepdene stands out with over 20 acr...