WANDERER Wonderings of th e

9. Tallulah Gorge State Park, along the county line between Rabun and Habersham counties, offers those willing to climb a spectacular view. You can see the falls with a short walk. For those capable, doing the entire circuit, 1,000 feet down and back up again, absolutely is worth the effort. Before you go, check the schedule for days they’ll be opening the spillway over the dam. Seeing the torrent of water rushing through the gorge just might be the most exciting outdoor activity Georgia has to offer.

10. Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn offers more challenging hikes and the beautiful Hemlock Falls as a reward for navigating elevation changes.

11. Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia, has a steep trail from the parking lot to the observation deck in Hiawassee. There also is a shuttle to the top, so even those who prefer to wander or amble, not undertake a challenging hike, can get the full experience.

12. Bell Mountain has a rather narrow, switchback drive to the top of the rugged mountain, with observation decks and an incredible panoramic view of Lake Hiawassee.

13. Mount Oglethorpe, right next door to Cherokee in Pickens County, is the original southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. At 3,288 feet, it is the southernmost peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has observation areas and a trail circuit that can be as easy or as challenging as you’d like.

14. Springer Mountain, the current terminus of the Appalachian Trail, is for serious hikers. As with all these hikes, make sure you do your research first, especially to ensure you are up for this one.