Helton Creek Falls – North Georgia

I’ve heard so much about Helton Creek Falls that we made a trip of it after hiking at nearby Vogel State Park. The well-marked entrance is located on Hwy 129/19 just one mile south of Vogel.

However, we thought we were in the wrong place driving through a residential neighborhood of houses perched alonside a creek. Soon, the road turned gravel and a hand-painted sign announced the falls were just 2 miles ahead.

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The road seemed to go nowhere.

The most difficult part of the trip was the bumpy, rocky dirt road. In the distance, we saw the falls and came to a parking area. For such an out of the way place, there were 6 or 7 cars. The total loop to the falls is just 1/3 of a mile. We climbed down the path and the temperature was instantly cooler. When we reached to the falls, we took a left to descended down the wooden stairs to the base of the lower falls. (more…)

Morningside Nature Preserve – Atlanta

  • Sandy Beaches
  • A Suspension Bridge
  • Wooded Trails

— All on one hike in the heart of Atlanta.

With its 34 acres of land, Morningside Nature Preserve is a quick getaway from the city, without leaving it. It is perfect for families with children, older adults and dogs. The new wooden, suspension bridge crossing South Fork Peachtree Creek is a favorite for photographers while the sandy beaches of South Fork Peachtree Creek (a tributary of Peachtree Creek) are popular with dogs. (more…)

Arabia Mountain – Lithonia, GA

Springtime has come to Atlanta so hubby and I took the dog to Arabia Mountain for Monadnock Madness Month.

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We parked at the Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve to use the restrooms, get a map and visit the nature center. The guide on duty suggested we walk the 1-mile path (mostly on a boardwalk along Klondike Road) to reach the mountain since parking at the mountain is usually at capacity on the weekends. (more…)