This is a beautiful, incredible state park that is so worth the trek (driving and walking wise)…read more There are a couple different lookout spots you'll want to check out, and at the security hut they give you a map so you know where to go. All of the workers were so friendly and helpful here. The hike at the very top was perfect- about a mile or so, the scenic lookout is about halfway through so you can take a break if you need. There's a good amount of elevation to get your heartbeat going but then it calms down after awhile. At the outlook, it would be easy to sit and enjoy the few for a long time. It's stunning. You can also take a fork in the path to visit the Fort that's here (thus named Fort Mountain). There are some info signs explaining the mysterious origins of the fort and it's pretty interesting.

Fort Mountain State Park is one of few favorites places to visit, especially in the spring or in…read morethe fall. The scenery is simply picturesque. Despite the harsh cold winds of winter, we had the sun which made it bearable and our hike was splendid on the day we visited. Our first stop had to be the visitor center to get a new annual pass & patches. The attendants helped us secure the pass that best matched our needs. The visitor center has restrooms and a gift store. For my girlfriend, it's always difficult to resist the items --- t-shirts, stuffed animals, historical books, camping supplies, snacks --- they sell there. If I am not mistaken, I believe they also sell firewood and ice for those looking to camp. If you need a map of the park, it can be found here as well. We then headed to the lake to hike the trail that circles it. It's an easy trail, so it makes for a nice walk for chatting and stopping to admire the views of the lake and mountainside. The beach at the lake is relatively small, but the facilities there are nice, with boat rentals, playground, picnic tables, and putt-putt golf. Im assuming a lot of these services are seasonal because we saw no one using them. I did like that there was a ramp that led from the parking lot to the beach for visitors that may have mobility issues. We hiked several different trails, and all were well blazed. The trails that led to fire tower and the stone wall had informational signs. Unfortunately the fire tower can only be viewed from the outside. I would love to see the view from the top! But if it's views you are interested in, checkout the overlook trail! The view is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! We also did the Big Rock Nature Trail (trailhead is near the lake dam). The 3/4-mile trail led to a beautiful waterfall. We didn't touch the Gahuti Trail this time, but we plan to do it next time we come back; it's challenging but very beautiful from what I have read about the trail. I would recommend it if you have a day for a hiking adventure. Snacks and water are required. The cabins and cottages all look well maintained from the outside and are located in beautiful areas of the park. We didn't check out the campground, but it's near the lake, but Fort Mountain State Park seems to have something for everyone!

December 13, 2020…read more Approximately 8 miles north of Elijah, GA on highway 76 shortly before entering the town of Cherry Log, you'll turn right onto Rock Creek Connector which takes you to a regular looking two lane road called Rock Creek Rd. Almost immediately upon making the right hand turn on Rock Creek road is the sign "Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area" and my cell reception (meteo PCS) dropped again. Following Rock Creek Road eventually turns into a crushed gravel road with a stream running next to it and past several farms including a small horse farm. This was my third time to this area in the past month, and thankfully my final time. My goal was to summit Tickanately Bald, a peak that was nearly 4000 ft tall and nestled 0.7 miles south of Rich Mountain. This time I went up FS295 to the end and hiked the rest of the way. The 4000 ft challenge led by the Appalachian Trail Club has less than 10 members who have ever climbed all 32 peaks. And there is a good reason why. You might think...hey, these peaks aren't Mt Everest. What's the big deal? You wouldn't be wrong, however, plan accordingly, if you want to attempt it. Be warned: this activity is not without risk. Climbing walls of vegetation only to encounter brambles that want to cut you, is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. In many cases, there is no good footing. Especially after a rain. Stream crossings or hopping is a skill and balancing yourself across rocks to ford a small spring also is an art form, especially if your heart is pounding out of your chest from climbing 1000 ft. And finally, it's very easy to get yourself turned around. If your phone dies, runs out of battery, or you simply smash it while slipping on a patch of leaves covering a slick rock, well you are SOL, especially without cell phone service to call for help. And better have a back up plan. Don't go out there without a secondary GPS device. Pack water, pack a snack. Put something on your windshield in writing notifying people you are out for a walk and expect to be back. Give someone a clue where you are going too. Weather can change quickly, and the terrain difficult to navigate. While these mountains aren't huge, they are still fairly remote compared to the usual urban park you may have encountered. Plan ahead an be safe! Suffice it to say, I had fantastic weather. (Winter is the best season to get out and conquer your Georgia 4K peaks! And Limited Vegetation). I brought my phone and my GPS watch and a bottle of water and although the distance to the peak was 2.5 miles I gave myself 6-7 miles and plenty of daylight to climb this peak by leaving at noon. FS295 is approximately 4 miles from the beginning of Rock Creek Road and begins steadily up for 2 miles right at the Hunter Checkin Station. It's fairly navigable and I managed it in my Prius at 4-6 mph! There are a couple of nice choice camping spots along the way. At the top, I parked and ran 1.2 miles down to Little Rock Creek. From there I picked a line and started hiking up, and pretty much kept this up for 1300 ft or 1.5 miles till I reached the top of Rich Mt where there is an old chimney from an old house that once was. There is no benchmark (the geodesic marker often installed by the US Forest Service to denote the high point) to be found anywhere on Rich Mountain, unfortunately. There is an old unmaintained trail to the West (facing south) which leads you directly to Tickanately. Unfortunately, I went down the wrong side of Rich Mountain and had to adjust. Translation...climb back up to the top of Tickanately, then stumbled upon the path which I took back to Rich, before descending the same 1300 ft I had climbed----this time it was weeeeehaww and nimbly bounding down hill till I got back to Little Rock Creek. The total elevation gain was 2400 ft in 2.5 hours and my glutes got worked big time. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming. Seven 4K peaks done and 25 to go!

Great little park just outside the heart of historic Jasper. It has a decent amount of space, a…read morenice paved walking trail, and this cool tower. The park is connected to The UGA center and the chamber of Commerce so you can get a lot of information about the area if you are so inclined. They have benches, tables, and a fair amount of shade. If you need to stretch your legs, this is the place

Jessie James playground in Dalton needs its own YELP profile! Cause it is amazing!…read more Giant playground with parameter fence to keep little humans incarcerated... Er... I mean safe. Awesome slides, fancy newly built structures & older quality structures. Sprawling playground o' fun that has plenty of room even when crowded. Very similar to Warner Playground by the Zoo in Chattanooga. Very nice!

If I could give them ZERO stars I would! Came here last…read moreMonday and didn't have a swimsuit so asked if I could swim in my clothes, they said that's fine. Came back today same way and now they're saying I can't swim!? Sooooo now I have to sit in the hot sun while my friends and her children swim and that's Bs! This place is garbage!

Such a cool forest. Hiking and all kinds of nature. Deer bear geese ducks hawks. And running…read morerivers. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It's so beautiful watching the fog lift in the morning and the early morning frost melting away. And the outside cooking adds so much to the experience.

The river is beautiful, but there is no public hiking trail here. We drove here for 15 minutes only…read moreto find there was nowhere to park or hike. Private homes only.

We've been on a dozen rides here with one or more of our grandkids. This time Liz was our guide…read more As always, it was a great experience. perfect for the level of whichever rider we bring with us.

It was an amazing ride, Jess was a great tour guide and the horses were amazing. They all followed…read moresuit with each other, were very calm and all stayed together. My husband, my son and I took the 2 hour Valley River Ride. My son and I have never been on a horse before and Jess made me feel so comfortable riding with her instructions and passion that I didn't feel nervous at all. It seemed like the horses were perfectly matched with each of our personalities as well. The prices are fair, the horses are well taken care of and trained, the staff are awesome and it was just an all around great experience. It was a beautiful ride and if we are in the area again I will definitely use Cowgirl Up Stables again.

Loved this playground so much. Easy parking. A walking trail next to it, big and little kid…read moreequipment, mostly fenced in, restrooms, and a pavilion with tables. Negatives were all of the litter as well as the teens (after the high school across the street let out, they flicked to the park in large numbers) that were loudly fighting and swearing at each other at the restrooms next to the playground. I support and applaud them using a public space instead of getting into trouble elsewhere, but wish they would go to the other side of the park away from the playground swarming with young kids if they are going to fight and cuss. The women's restroom was out of order, which was also a bummer. We will definitely be back here whenever we visit Ellijay . We will just go well before school dismissal. :-)

Fun, Variety Filled, Good Sized Park…read more This was our first trip here and this is a really great park! Lots of slides, different types of swings, playground platforms and activities, Merry go round, even a 4 person side by side teater totter! I like the cool metal slides the most, you don't seems them anymore that often but they are the best in my opinion. They also have gym rings, a rocking boat, monkey bars and lots of other stuff too! This is a great spot! - 1 Star: The only downside here is that the gazebo/picnic structures seems to have suffered roof damage years ago and now the wood is rotting since it didn't get fixed so before long it will be super expensive to repair when it would have been comparatively inexpensive to fix earlier. It's a bummer those were left to disrepair so long.

Great park... but it needs some work…read more The Children's playground had several broken plastic rides and slides. Potentially can create a sharp cut if you child unknowingly falls or steps on different areas. The Walking track is nice at 1/4 mile and rarely crowded provides a nice run. However if you're like me and want something with a tad bit more scenery there's a path that runs from the park to the area behind Walgreens on Battlefield Pkwy. Several shelters are set up through out the park for birthdays, parties, or Halloween costume parties which I have seen recently.