| The Appalachians stretch from Pennsylvania to | | | | state of mind within the cozy confines of a canoe. |
| Georgia, and as seasoned mountaineers are well | | | | If you like your water-time a bit more |
| aware, the eastern portion of these mounded, | | | | nontraditional, then take note of the fact that |
| rounded beauties is known as the Blue Ridge | | | | there are five distinctive waterfalls near Blue |
| Mountains. This narrow band becomes | | | | Ridge. By hiking the most popular trails, you'll easily |
| not-so-narrow once it hits Georgia, where it | | | | come across the hidden gems that will thrill you |
| blossoms into wide, sweeping, vacation-worthy | | | | with the unfamiliar and exhilarating sounds of |
| phenomena like rushing rapids and hike-worthy hills. | | | | crashing and splashing. Long Creek, Falls Branch, |
| For a getaway unlike any other, head to the hills; | | | | and the other falls will plunge and cascade their |
| head to Blue Ridge. | | | | way into your memory, and will certainly end up |
| Northern Georgia might not be the first place you | | | | being standout pleasures of this trip. |
| think of when you have an urge for adventure, | | | | And while we're on the subject of thrills, don't |
| escape, and supreme beauty. However, the long | | | | miss the opportunity to weave your way through |
| history of this place as a haven for tourists | | | | the Blue Ridge Mountains by means of a raft |
| proves that there's something worth noticing | | | | equipped to speed through whitewater rapids. The |
| within the folds of the craggy terrain. In particular, | | | | Ocoee River makes a great venue for rafters |
| nature lovers will find themselves surrounded by | | | | and kayakers to test their skill and feel the |
| some of the richest displays of trees, streams, | | | | exciting sensation of gut-wrenching drops and the |
| wildlife, and general splendor as they tour the | | | | spray of the world-class waves. March to October |
| area. Hopefully, you'll be able to stay a while, as | | | | marks the perfect time to join the fun, so strap |
| seeing all the hidden bounties available might take | | | | on a helmet and prepare to ignite your trip with |
| some time. | | | | this pulse-pounding diversion. |
| In particular, the Chattahoochee National Forest is | | | | The wondrous scenery makes the perfect |
| a good place to start your journey. Not only is it | | | | backdrop for many more activities, including horse |
| fun to say, it's fun to visit as well. Thousands of | | | | back riding, golfing, and wandering through the |
| acres of untamed land, dozens of recreation | | | | ever-growing selection of antique and specialty |
| areas, and miles and miles of trails will tempt you | | | | shops. Breathe deeply as you enjoy the sight of |
| to get lost in the cool canopy of ancient trees | | | | the wide-open sky, and do whatever it is that will |
| that have amazed generations of people from | | | | make you happy to be alive. Sometimes, this will |
| near and far. Between the swimming beaches and | | | | end up being a mere walk or a simple meal with |
| picnic sites, you'll be content to while away your | | | | your loved ones, so don't feel the need to craft |
| days in the most leisurely way possible; by letting | | | | elaborate plans in order to achieve a satisfying |
| the rhythm of nature replace the quick-paced | | | | Blue Ridge vacation. |
| nonsense of your previous life. | | | | On this note, be sure to reserve accommodations |
| If you consider no vacation to be complete | | | | that will allow you and yours to squeeze as much |
| without some time spent on the water, then be | | | | contentment as possible from this trip without |
| sure to dip your toes into Lake Blue Ridge. Boat | | | | squeezing each other out of your comfort zones. |
| ramps, marinas, and lots of public swimming areas | | | | A vacation rental, lodge-styled and hidden behind a |
| will delight everyone in your traveling party, as will | | | | grove of tall trees, would be the perfect way to |
| the inherent peacefulness of watching the sun | | | | have some privacy and space. With activities near |
| glint from the aqua surface. Get some exercise | | | | by, you won't feel totally isolated, and a short car |
| by waterskiing, pump up your adrenaline by | | | | ride will take you to the town for dinner or a |
| hopping on a tube, or paddle away to another | | | | show after the sun goes down. |
