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Community Corner

Winter Adventures Around Northwest Georgia

Celebrate the season with these winter getaways.

Written by David Rice

Bundle up and hit the road. These local winter wonderlands are full of adventure—and are less than a tank of gas away.

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Whitesburg, GA 30185

(770) 834-9149

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Why go? Georgia has the largest continuous zip line canopy tour in the world—and has a Guinness World Record to prove it. Just 45 minutes from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport, Screaming Eagle Zip Line Canopy Adventures features more than 9 miles of course in the trees.

Insider tip: The newly-installed Power Tower is home to the tallest freestanding climbing wall in the world. (And you can even take a leap with a 100-foot free fall).

Must-do: The Extreme Zip Line tour includes a new 3,400-foot zip line, half-mile long ziplines and extreme tours, and Sky Trek bridge at 600 feet long and 190 feet high.

The fine print: Open Sunday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m; Saturdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. See prices here


Blue Ridge Fly Fishing

490 East Main St.
Blue Ridge, GA 30513

706-258-4080

Why go? Situated on the north slope of the southern Appalachian mountain chain, Blue Ridge is the home of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness area. There's no experience necessary to go on one of the year-round fly-fishing trips. Guides bring everything from boots and waders to rod and reel, and even flies—at no additional cost.

Insider tip: A cooler and ice is provided for any food or drinks you want to bring.

Must-do: If you're a newbie, take a two-hour introductory class that covers everything from choosing a rod and reel, tying knots, making the cast, and presenting the fly. 

The fine print: Bring a valid Georgia fishing license with trout stamp. Book a guided tour here.

Appalachian Trail

East Ellijay, GA 30540

(706) 635-7400

Why go? The Appalachian Trail in Georgia extends about 75 miles through the rugged parts of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Although rising at times to elevations of more than 4,000 feet, the trail is mostly along ridges at elevations of about 3,000 feet. It offers unlimited hiking adventure of exceptional challenge and variety.

Insider tip: A series of white blazes (a trail marking) indicate the Appalachian Trail, while blue blazes designate side trails and trails to water. 

Must-do: The trail's southern terminus is located atop remote Springer Mountain, near Forest Service Road 42 in Gilmer County. Because this area is difficult to reach by automobile, an 8.8-mile blue blazed "approach trail" begins at Amicalola Falls State Park on GA 52. Look out for these peaks along the trail: Big Cedar Mountain, Blood Mountain, Cowrock Mountain, Rocky Mountain, and Tray.

The fine print: Before you head out, check for hiking trail updates here.

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