Raven Cliff Falls

Raven Cliff Falls is a 5.8 mile out and back trail located near Helen in North Georgia. The trail is considered moderate. It is relatively easy for much of the hike. The bridge was out at the beginning of the trail so we walked across a log. From there, you are strolling along the stream with several rolling waterfalls. At the end of the trail, you must rock climb to see the main waterfall which is hidden between two large rock faces. Be careful in this area. It is slick. There is a $5 fee and a privy. I don’t know why, but the privy smelled worse than any other privy experience I have had. Hopefully its not always that way. We had a great time hiking and the gravel roads in and out were fun too.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is near and dear to my heart because I feel that my career as an Occupational Therapist and my love for animals is tied up in this one place. At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, they rescue sick and injured sea turtles and try to rehabilitate them. If possible, they will release them into the wild. My understanding is if you are there when they are releasing the turtles, you can watch. I’ve been a few times and haven’t caught a release day yet but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

The center is open daily from 9-5 and includes a kind of interactive museum and the rehab facility itself. In the museum, you can complete your journey as a sea turtle from egg, check-out the viewing area where they assess and treat turtles, and explore various exhibits. I tend to lose track of time in the rehab facility reading about how each turtle ended up there and learning about interventions they are providing. I have seen a blind turtle that is using cues to find its way around the tank. I have seen a turtle that injured its swim bladder that allows it to maintain various depths, so the staff was trying different weights. There are several that come in with hypothermia and need some extra attention before they are released. They also work on hatching eggs. I love going here. If you love animals, I would make a stop here.

Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island

Driftwood Beach is a short out and back trail on Jekyll Island in Georgia. It is just 0.3 mi with unique views. While the trees are there as a result of decades of erosion, it is truly a spectacular place to visit. We were there in February and it was pretty chilly. The mist and fog created a mysterious feeling. I was a little disappointed at first, but then I reveled in the contrast between the dark wood and the thick fog. It was truly beautiful. I honestly don’t think there could be a bad time of day to go to Driftwood Beach. I’m certain that sunrise and sunset would be spectacular here. It would also make a great spot for a picnic while taking a bike tour of the island. We hopped on the North Loop Route because it started just outside of the campground, our home while we visited the island. This route is 9 miles total, although we did not complete the entire loop. Jekyll itself has over 20 miles of bike trails to explore with a variety of scenery. Driftwood Beach is a popular spot and parking is limited, so riding a bike there alleviates any possible issues with parking. I highly recommend checking out Driftwood Beach and adding it to a bike ride around the island. You will not be disappointed!

The Great Stone Door

Smalls and I went exploring on one of our kid free weekends and ended up in Tennessee. We went to Fall Creek Falls on Saturday and camped at the campground there. The next morning we were trying to decide where to hike before heading home and stopped at Sam’s Corner in Coalmont, TN to get some breakfast. The food was good and the store was fun and nostalgic. Apparently they are known for their BBQ but we didn’t get any this day. The owner gave us the history of the store and the area. He recommended that we go to the Great Stone Door.

Without any knowledge of the trail, we were delighted at the gorgeous views and amazing rock formations. The Great Stone Door trail is a 1.8 mi out and back trail. It is paved until you reach the first overlook. The trail is fairly easy until you reach the narrow stone steps.

We highly recommend going out to hike the Great Stone Door and hope to return for a backpacking trip and more mileage for exploration.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Standing at 256 feet tall Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee. While you are at fall Creek Falls State Park you can also see multiple other falls including Cane Creek Falls, Piney Falls, and Cane creek cascades. At 29,800 acres fall Creek Falls State Park has unlimited possibilities. Located on the eastern top of the Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls was an absolutely beautiful experience.

Providence Canyon State Park

Growing up on southwest Georgia, we frequented Providence Canyon for some hiking with actual elevation and unique scenery. Also known as the Little Grand Canyon, Providence Canyon is one of Georgia’s 7 natural wonders. It was created by poor farming practices in the 1800’s. The hiking opportunities are the biggest attraction here. Canyon Loop Trail is 2.5 miles and rated easy to moderate. This is the trail we completed when we all went in the winter. The Backcountry Trail is a difficult 7 mile trail that takes you through all of the canyons. I highly recommend going here in the cooler months. Winter here is fairly mild and gives you a break from the bugs. Also, bring a change of shoes. The canyons are typically a little wet due to high water table and any amount of rain makes it muddy. You will not want red clay on all of your shoes. There are 6 primitive campsites at Providence Canyon and Florence Marina State Park is close by and has both cabins and car camping sites. The closest big city is Columbus. We went up to FDR State Park to camp from here. This is definitely a fun and unique hike.

Wild Animal Safari

The Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, GA is amazing! We rented one of their vehicles for about $30, a must do, and drove through. You can take your own vehicle if you want. They used to have bus that you could ride complete with a tour guide but I believe they stopped this due to COVID–or at least it was not an option when we went. Tickets are $29 for children over 13 and adults or $26 for children and seniors–online. Buy way more animal food than you think you could ever use. The road is 3.5 miles with over 75 species. We were one of the first the day we went so we were swarmed by all kinds of animals except the giraffes, it was too cold for them. We all loved it!

Hiking with….Llamas!!! WHAT?!?!!

We went to Cosby, TN to do something we never really considered doing: hiking with llamas. Steve, the owner, took us for a 1 mile hike on a trail around his property that he blazed himself. Everyone had their own personal llama to hike with and we got a background story on each. They were so docile and well adapted to people. It was so awesome!! I highly recommend!

https://smokymountainllamatreks.com

Gibbs Gardens

Gibbs Gardens is located in Ball Ground and is 336 acres making it one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens. Gibbs was created and designed by Jim Gibbs and includes 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings, and 19 waterfalls. The land already had a stream, ferns, native azaleas, mountain laurel, and dogwoods when Mr. Gibbs purchased it. He planted 20-30 year old plants and trees in the 1980s to give the property instant age and character. Japanese maples, American hollies, and willow oaks are just a few of the trees he added the already beautiful property. There are 16 gardens and something is in bloom year round Gibbs is open from mid February, depending on daffodil blooms, to early December. Adult tickets are $20 and children $10. Tickets are only sold online. Each January, they offer a BOGO deal on annual memberships for $50. Currently, the tram is not running due to COVID restrictions. There is a cafe onsite. I always go to see the tulips and daffodils. I even caught the Japanese Maples in bloom last year. I really want to go when the hydrangea are in bloom but I haven’t made it yet. Gibbs is truly beautiful!

Chimney Rock State Park

We visited Chimney Rock Park in Chimney Rock, NC in June and the weather was perfect. The 315 foot spire features views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Gorgeous views! There are tons of great hiking trails there, but the kids were not up to it. We cheated and took the elevator to the top. There are 10 hiking trails there. Two are considered easy, child friendly trails. Most are strenuous. In addition to hiking, there are opportunities for mountain biking, fishing, and climbing. There are many areas to picnic but also a concession stand and restaurant. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-15. Beautiful park! I would definitely return and take advantage of more of the activities there.