Read more about the article Quarantine Quest – Red Top Mountain State Park, GA

Quarantine Quest – Red Top Mountain State Park, GA

Life was going along smoothly with several college visits planned during the spring of 2020. In mid-March, the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to all travel plans as shelter in place orders dominated the global landscape. Seven weeks later, the state of Georgia is opening up and we’re slowly venturing outdoors to enjoy hiking near the Atlanta area. 

Located about 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Red Top Mountain State Park had fallen off of our radar. Before having children, we took our dogs on frequent hikes there with a dog hikers group. For whatever reason, we hadn’t been to the park in many years and felt this was the best time to explore the area. 

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Read more about the article Balanced Rock Trail – Big Bend National Park
On the trail

Balanced Rock Trail – Big Bend National Park

We started our last day at La Posata Milagro where my brother-in-law recommended. Not only did we have great breakfast outside (70 degrees) but we ordered meatloaf sandwiches for a picnic later.

La Posata Milagro

Once we entered the park, we took a side road to Balanced Rock trail. The 7-mile gravel road was primitive and we wondered if the rental car would make it. After a slow drive, we found the parking area. (more…)

Read more about the article Day Trip to South Carolina – Yellow Branch Falls

Day Trip to South Carolina – Yellow Branch Falls

Another weekend arrived and we wanted to take the dogs on a hike. We’ve done a lot in North Georgia and decided to try South Carolina instead. Since we’d gone to Lake Keowee for the Solar Eclipse, we decided to explore the surrounding area. Our travels lead us to Yellow Branch Falls in the Sumter National Forest.

Since we were also trying to get some practice driving for our teenagers, we drove up to Clayton and then on a windy road to Mountain Rest. There, we stopped at a local restaurant called the Rooster’s Call for burgers. Since we had the dogs with us, one of us stayed in the car with the dogs (and AC running) while the others ordered. I had the pimento cheese burger which was hearty.

Just about five miles down the road, we parked at Yellow Branch Falls. The trail is about 1.5 miles to the falls. As we climbed up and down, dodging tree roots along the rugged path, we passed friendly hikers and other dogs.  After 1.5 miles, we came to the falls.

There were several things I particularly liked about these falls. First, you could walk right up to the rocks. There was no dedicated platform where people were squished together. We had fun climbing the rocks and one person was napping on one of the ledges. (more…)