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"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." ~Jawaharlal Nehru
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Amicalola Falls - Amicalola is a Cherokee word meaning "tumbling waters." The beautiful falls plunge 729 feet in seven cascades. Amicalola is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
Okefenokee Swamp - Okefenokee is a vast 396,000 acre bog inside a huge, saucer-shaped depression that was once part of the ocean floor. The swamp now lies 103 to 128 feet above mean sea level. Native Americans named the area "Okefenokee" meaning "Land of the Trembling Earth". Peat deposits, up to 15 feet thick, cover much of the swamp floor. These deposits are so unstable in spots that trees and surrounding bushes tremble by stomping the surface.
Providence Canyon - Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.” Wildflowers, as well as the pink, orange, red and purple hues of the soft canyon soil, make a beautiful natural painting at this unique park.
Radium Springs - On the southern outskirts of Albany, the largest natural springs in Georgia, has waters that are consistently 68 degrees flowing at 70,000 gallons per minute. These waters, which contain traces of radium, were a popular stop for travelers headed to Florida who bathed in the springs for their “therapeutic” effect.
Stone Mountain - World's largest exposed granite monolith with relief carving of Confederate notables, surrounded by attractions and recreation in a natural environment.
Tallulah Gorge - As word of Tallulah Falls' beauty spread in the mid-nineteenth century, more visitors started making the trek to the north Georgia mountains. Tallulah Falls was actually a series of four main cataracts and several smaller rapids that dropped approximately 350 feet over the course of a mile. Georgia Power built a dam in the early 1900’s but, the gorge remains one of Georgia’s most visited attractions.
Warm Springs - The warm mineral springs drew settlers to the area, and in 1832 when David Rose built the first "resort area" in Warm Springs, its popularity grew. Later in 1893, Charles Davis built the Victorian 300-room Meriwether Inn. Made famous as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second home during the 30’s & 40’s.
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Alabama - Talladega National Forest - Camping, fishing, ATV trails & shooting ranges.
Fort Payne, AL- Little River Canyon National Preserve - Waterfalls, canyons & bluffs, cultural heritage, scenic drives and recreational activities.
Georgia - Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests - Camping, hiking, fishing, OHV trails, horseback riding, picknicing, waterfalls, canoeing & whitewater rafting.
Atlanta, GA - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - Hiking, rafting & fishing.
Atlanta, GA - Carter Library and Museum - Presidential Library and museum covering the life of the only U. S. President from the state of Georgia.
Harpers Ferry, GA - Appalachian National Scenic Trail - The trail traverses the ridges and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains for more than 2,174 miles through fourteen states.
Plains, GA - Jimmy Carter National Historic Site - Carter Boyhood Family Farm with exhibits, Rosalynn Carter Gallery, Plains High School, Plains Train Depot and the Plains Historic District are all part of this National Historic Site.
North Carolina - Nantahala National Forest - Camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, white water rafting, waterfalls & OHV trails.
North Carolina - Pisgah National Forest - Camping, hiking, fishing, and beautiful mountain scenery abounds.
Cherokee, NC - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - America's most visited National Park. Over 800 miles of hiking trails, over 700 miles of fishable trout streams, camping, horseback riding, ranger led programs and home to over 1,500 black bears.
Tennessee - Cherokee National Forest - The heart of the Southern Appalachian mountain range. Cherokee National Forest runs from Chattanooga to Bristol along most of the North Carolina border and offers camping, hiking, OHV trails and horseback riding.
Gatlinburg, TN - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - See above.
South Carolina - Sumpter National Forest - Camping, white water rafting, and birding highlight this national forest.
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The Atlantic Ocean probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think of Georgia. But, Georgia’s coastline is made up of barrier islands which, in addition to being rich in colonial history, are also some of the most pristine anywhere. Several of these islands are home to exclusive resorts, some are National Wildlife Refuges, while others are private and closed to visitors. Georgia’s coastline is the western end of a massive ocean funnel. Therefore, tides here rise higher (6'-8'), and faster, than anywhere else on the Atlantic seaboard. The last of the original 13 colonies (and the 4th state) the area boasts America’s second oldest city, St. Mary’s, the country’s fourth largest (and fastest growing) seaport, Savannah, and between the two, a diverse marsh ecosystem supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, upscale resorts, pristine beaches and an array of historical sites.
Blackbeard Island - Owned and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This island has no structural improvements other than the boat dock. Boasting pristine beaches, dunes and savannah, Blackbeard also has miles of trails through the Live Oak Maritime Forest. Access is limited to private boaters. Kayaking or canoeing from Sapelo Island is an easy one hour paddle across Blackbeard Creek and marsh.
Cumberland Island - Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island is home to Cumberland Island National Seashore. You can walk or bike through pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes without hearing another human sound. Over its history, Cumberland has been inhabited by Native Americans, explorers, and wealthy industrialists. JFK Jr. was married here. Limited access.
Jekyll Island - One of Georgia’s Golden Isles along with Little St. Simons, St. Simons and Sea Islands. A group of northern industrialists purchased the island in 1886 and formed the Jekyll Island Club. Pulitzers, Astors, Rockefellers and Morgans wintered at their retreat on Jekyll. The state of Georgia purchased the island in 1947 and in 1978, Jekyll Island was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Today, with the original Clubhouse and many of the original member’s cottages have been restored, Jekyll is still a playground destination.
Little St. Simons Island - Limited access. Reservations are required and island is accessible via the Hampton Point Marina on the north end of St. Simons Island. Explore the natural wonders and experience the enchanting beauty of pristine, maritime woodlands and seven miles of wide, untouched shell-filled beaches. Interpretive nature and wildlife tours are available.
Ossabaw Island - Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. Like all of Georgia’s barrier islands, its beaches are open to public use during daytime hours but, visiting the interior of the island requires permission from the Georgia DNR.
Sapelo Island - Other than the African American community of Hog Hammock, the island is entirely state owned and managed. It is home to the Sapelo Lighthouse and Reynolds Mansion, and the University of Georgia Marine Institute which includes the Sapelo Island Microbial Observatory, the Richard J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area, and the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. The latter two are administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Sea Island - Much of Sea Island is residential, but, it is also home to The Cloister, an internationally acclaimed five star, five diamond resort and honored as one of the world's great hotels and golf communities. Built by industrialist Howard E. Coffin in the 1920’s. Coffin was engaged in large scale agriculture, sawmilling, and seafood harvesting but, was most noted as the inventor of the Hudson automobile.
St. Catherines Island - Owned and managed by the St. Catherines Island Foundation. In cooperation with the New York Zoological Society, the island's interior, not open to the public, is a survival center of last resort for endangered species before returning the animals to the wild or zoos.
St. Simons Island - The largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons is a resort and retirement community. Historical highlights include Fort Frederica National Monument, Battle of Bloody Marsh battle site and St. Simons Lighthouse.
Tybee Island - Also known as Savannah Beach due to its proximity at the mouth of the Savannah River, Tybee is primarily a resort community. Local events include arts, food, and music festivals held at Tybee Pavilion; the annual Beach Bums Parade along Butler Avenue; and the Polar Bear Plunge swim in the Atlantic Ocean each New Year's Day.
Wassaw Island - Home to the Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge which includes Wassaw Island, Little Wassaw Island and several hammocks. Wassaw Island is the least disturbed by human intervention because it’s forests were never cleared of timber for agricultural use.
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Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Public lands, hunting & fishing regulations, research & management.
Alabama State Parks - Golf, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, nature craft, biking, horseback riding, family fun, and just plain ole' relaxin'. There are great places to stay and great places to eat plus beaches, mountains, and everything in between. 23 state parks to explore.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Fishing & hunting regulations, cultural & natural resources, historic sites & preservation.
Georgia State Parks - 64 state parks and historic sites offer camping, boating, golf, hiking and beautiful lodges.
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Hunting & fishing regulations, museums, educational forests & a whole lot more!
North Carolina State Parks - 39 state parks, lakes & recreational sites.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency - Hunting & fishing regulations, boating opportunities and maps of Wildlife Management Areas including stocked trout streams.
Tennessee State Parks - 53 state parks offer a variety of recreational opportunities including some great lodges and inns.
Tennessee Valley Authority- Over 100 recreation areas which provide opportunities for water skiing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, swimming, hiking, nature photography, picnicking, bird watching, and camping.
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