Mountain Escape through Georgia and South Carolina

Snug inside the Chattahoochee National Forest, you’ll find Dawsonville, a mountain haven that’s a quick escape from Atlanta. Amicalola Falls State Park is the place to hike evergreen trails, discover tumbling waterfalls and relish the solace of the mountains. Want to hike part of the famed Appalachian Trail? Amicalola leads to its southernmost point. You don’t have to leave the park to dine either – savor classic American and Southern cuisine at The Maple Restaurant located right inside the Lodge. In town, take a tour of the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery. Learn the history of moonshine and taste test this old-timey spirit; the Georgia Apple Pie moonshine is a delight to sip. Head to Fausett Farms Sunflowers Trail for a sunshine-drenched stroll through five hectares of towering sunflowers. Sign up for a leisurely horseback trail through the farm for lovely views of the Northeast Georgia Mountains. When you’re ready to hit the road, drive Main Street until it turns into U.S. Highway 19 and head north to neighboring Dahlonega.

White clapboard churches, towering oaks and historic brick buildings make this a dreamy and delightful little Southern town. Time moves slow here, so you should too. Get the lay of the land with a trip to the historic downtown district where you can shop in trendy boutiques and wander into cafes for leisurely meals. Be sure to make reservations at the restaurant inside of The Smith House Historic Inn known for its family-style country fare. Favorite Southern dishes you might find on your visit include fried chicken, baked ham, creamed corn and fried okra. Outside downtown, channel your adventurous spirit into a thrill ride down the Ocoee River – sign up with an outfitter for whitewater rafting, kayaking or tubing. You can also hike another portion of the Appalachian Trail just outside of Dahlonega at Springer Mountain. You’ll feel great checking both adventures off your outdoor travel to-do list before the cultural discoveries of your next stop.

Just under a 45-minute drive from Dahlonega puts you into Helen, a tiny Bavarian-inspired alpine village in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shop for gifts while wandering cobblestone streets, and eat schnitzel at Old Heidelberg Restaurant. This town celebrates in such an enchanting way that the Hallmark Channel has used it as a Christmas movie location. This mountain hamlet also has easy access to an assortment of outdoor activities. Put Anna Ruby Falls on your itinerary; it’s an easy hike on a paved trail that leads to cool, misty waterfalls. Want to get out on the water? Hop in a tube at Helen Tubing and Water Park for a relaxing float trip down the Chattahoochee River. The mountains will be your backdrop and cool breezes your soundtrack as you gently drift downstream. Take the night to stay in a cute hotel or rustic cabin before continuing your road trip.

Ready for some lakeside adventure? Travel another 45 minutes east into Tallulah Falls, home to Lake Rabun, a tranquil haven in the Chattahoochee National Forest that guarantees fun on the water. Stay at the historic 1922 Lake Rabun Hotel, a lodge on the lakeshore right in the heart of things. Cast a line at Glen-Ella Springs, where you can sign up with an outfitter to learn the ins and outs of fly fishing for trout. Another lodging option is Glen-Ella Springs Inn, a charming historic hotel with 16 unique guest rooms and an inviting dinner restaurant. Best of all, you’re only 15 minutes Tallulah Gorge State Park, a scenic mountain oasis with pretty lakes, six cascading waterfalls and a stunning gorge ideal for exploration. Take the Falls Loop trail that includes a suspension bridge, breathtaking views of the gorge, waterfalls and surrounding dense forest. The hike provides endless beauty to ponder as you make your way into South Carolina.

After leaving Tallulah Falls and crossing into South Carolina, jump on Scenic Highway 11 and cruise this verdant byway to Table Rock State Park. As you hike to the summits of the Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains, open your eyes to the wonder of rushing waterfalls and clear mountain streams. The park is a must-explore while you’re in the Greenville area. What makes Greenville unique is the natural wonders aren’t only on the outskirts of town; they are smack dab in the middle of it. Venture to Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville’s downtown city park, that features trails, lovely gardens, a pedestrian bridge and, of course, the falls. Explore even more urban nature on wheels: Rent a bike and strike out on Swamp Rabbit Trail that runs through the heart of Greenville, past Falls Park and along the Piedmont River. Embrace your artsy side in West Greenville (The Village), formerly an industrial area now revitalized by local artists. Survey local art in the main and community galleries of The Greenville Center for the Creative Arts, then sample small plates and a glass of wine at The Anchorage, an elegant farmhouse restaurant. Drop by The Village Grind, a café and coffee shop to caffeinate yourself for the two-hour trip south to Aiken, South Carolina.

Aiken is rich in history and tradition with an abiding love of equestrian life. Start your adventure here with a trip to Hitchcock Woods. Ride on horseback through one of the largest urban forests in the USA or explore on foot. Either way, there are 112 kilometers worth of trails to discover. Visit on the last weekend in March, when Hitchcock Woods is also the site of the highly regarded Aiken Horse Show, which has been taking place for more than 100 years. Downtown Aiken has a refreshing collection of independent shops and restaurants. Visit Laurens Street and the Alley for a wonderful mix of restaurants and shops. Consider Trio Bar & Kitchen, known for its pimento cheese wontons, and Aiken Dry Goods, the perfect place to gear up with a large selection of leather boots. Spend the evening people watching and sipping craft beer at a sidewalk table at the Aiken Brewing Company. Get immersed in equestrian culture with a stay at The Inn at Rose Hill, a historic mansion sprawling over a city block, and have dinner at The Stables Restaurant – yes, a former horse stable. Absolutely do not leave town without a ride along iconic South Boulevard, an awe-inspiring, oak-canopied street that’s so worth cruising.

Drive another two hours west back into Georgia to end your trip in Athens, a classic beauty of a college town. After you peek around the University of Georgia campus, head to the eastern campus to The Georgia Museum of Art. Reserve plenty of time here – there are 10,000 works of art from various mediums. After you’ve gotten your art fix, head to the nearby State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a magical place highlighted by lush trails winding through various gardens. And for a true taste of what makes Athens such a cool college town, visit Five Points. This 1920s-era neighborhood will charm you with its fun-loving and creative culture. Hot spots include Avid Books, an indie bookstore with strong community ties and ADD Drugs, an old-time pharmacy and lunch counter. Also, make a stop at the award-winning Five & Ten restaurant and explore the Five Points Bottle Shop for a hefty selection of beer, wine and spirits. Breakfast lovers should fortify themselves at Ike and Jane Café and Bakery for made-from-scratch biscuits, breakfast sandwiches and homemade doughnuts before venturing back on the road 1.5 hours to Atlanta to fly home.