Unique Outdoor Adventures

from Newcomer Magazine | Fall 2022

by Killam Publishing, Inc.

Arts & Entertainment Guide

The Chattooga River is one of the popular spots for water sports in the South Carolina Upcountry.

EXPLORING THE GREAT

5 ADVENTURES JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM ATLANTA

By Tony Jenkins and Susan Flowers

ow that you’ve completed the adventure of moving to your new city, you’re probably ready for an all-new adventure that’s less stressful, but just as rewarding. Fortunately, there are numerous adventure-filled vacations within an easy drive of Atlanta. From whitewater rafting in the Smokies to hiking in the Okefenokee Swamp, exciting opportunities abound.

UPCOUNTRY SOUTH CAROLINA

If you just can’t wait to get outside, head to the Upcountry region of South Carolina, home to some of the state’s most gorgeous scenery and most exciting outdoor fun, just slightly over a two-hour drive from Atlanta.

The six-county area spans 3,954 square miles and includes 80,000 acres of national forest, 50 hiking trails and 13 state parks, with the closest ones from Atlanta being Lake Hartwell State Park and Sadlers Creek State Park. Activities range from hiking and mountain biking to hunting and fishing to swimming, boating, canoeing and kayaking. You can even scuba dive at Lake Jocassee, says Tim Todd, executive director of Upcountry SC, the tourism organization promoting the area.

The Upcountry also includes the Chattooga River, a whitewater rafting haven with Class III to V rapids that was the site for the film “Deliverance,” and the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (Hwy. 11), where you will find the state’s tallest mountain, Sassafras Mountain (about 3,500 feet). The area also boasts American Revolution and Native American historic sites to visit. There are numerous spots for a picnic, and both trailside and paved campsites for those who want to stay a while, plus cabins and other homes to rent. Meanwhile, downtown Greenville is a stone’s throw away for those who prefer urban comforts.

SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE

Known as the birthplace of Dolly Parton, Sevierville is a picturesque getaway less than four hours from Atlanta. Sevierville offers many activities that will please both adrenaline junk-

Whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River, Upcountry South Carolina.

The Visitor’s Center at Okefenokee Swamp Park

ies and nature enthusiasts. Start with fishing, camping and canoeing at Douglas Lake. Then check out the views of sparkling formations, grottos and a crystal-clear stream in the Forbidden Caverns. Next, take a rafting tour through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. And that’s just the beginning.

The town is only minutes away from America’s most visited national park: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is free to enter. Serious hikers will find plenty of options for challenging all-day or overnight adventures on more than 850 miles of maintained trails, while beginners will love the quick and easy choices. Whichever approach, the park has a universal appeal: sights that are better experienced than described.

For even more thrills, visit one of Sevierville’s several zip-lining companies for breathtaking mountain views as you zip along, hundreds of feet above the trees and streams.

OKEFENOKEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

With more than 400,000 acres of exotic wildlife and lush vegetation, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is an adventure-lover’s paradise only a five-hour drive from Atlanta.

Meaning “land of the trembling Earth,” the refuge was established in 1936 to conserve the Okefenokee Swamp, thought to be about 10,000 years old and teeming with deer, mink, otters, bobcats, tortoises, storks—oh, and a few larger animals as well. Paddle your canoe through the swamp and you might glimpse an alligator or a bear.

Of course, wilderness canoeing is an experience best reserved for those who can take on a challenge, so come prepared for strenuous paddling or pushing canoes at some points, as well as extreme temperatures and precipitation. Canoeists can camp at any of the designated campsites located throughout the refuge.

If you’re looking for something less taxing, guided boat tours are available, including a 90-minute trip through the Suwannee Canal and Chesser Prairie. You can also arrange for an extended or overnight excursion.

Hikers can enjoy many different trails. Take in nature’s wonders as you observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy plant life that surrounds you at every step. Walk the Upland Discovery Trail and photograph a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers. You may also enjoy cycling on the swamp’s paved roads, although bicycles are not permitted on hiking trails.

Fishermen can enjoy the refuge throughout the year—but you may have to compete with an alligator for your catch! The refuge features shallow water prairies, lakes and ponds, and fishing from a boat, kayak or canoe is permitted in various areas.

TOWNS COUNTY/ LAKE CHATUGE

If you’re looking for a mountain getaway close by, Towns County/Lake Chatuge is your place. Located on the Appalachian Trail and less than two hours from Atlanta, the lake has 132 miles of shoreline, some of which is in North Carolina.

Mary Ann Miller, the Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce’s membership and marketing coordinator, said the lake’s beauty is what sets it apart. While Chatuge offers boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing, hiking may be

African animals at Chehaw Park & Zoo

its biggest draw. There are a handful of trails near the lake on both the Georgia and North Carolina sides.

But Towns County, which also includes Blairsville, Hiawassee and Young Harris, has plenty more to offer, including golf, horseback riding, arts and crafts, antiquing, concerts, fairs and festivals. Lodging choices range from RV campgrounds to cabins and B&Bs to full-service resorts, such as Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. Brasstown Valley includes luxurious lodge guest rooms, a golf course, tennis courts, a spa, horseback riding and other activities.

CHEHAW PARK & ZOO

Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany bills itself as “nature’s playground,” and it definitely lives up to the nickname. The park was founded on the principles of conservation, preservation and education, and it continues this mission with about 800 acres of unspoiled conservation land, a wild animal park and the state’s only accredited zoo besides Zoo Atlanta.

Chehaw boasts more than 10 miles of mountain bike trails, designed in loops of one mile or less in length so riders can create their own routes. For BMX racers, there’s a racing track open to the public that hosts sanctioned races, along with an adjacent practice track. Disc golfers will want to try the 18-hole, par-54 disc golf course. If you’re feeling more sedate, hop aboard the Wiregrass Express for a scenic tour of the native South Georgia landscape, or the African Veldt ride to view the seven species of animals that roam the 40-acre exhibit in natural herds.

The Veldt is part of the zoo at Chehaw, housing more than 230 specimens representing more than 73 species, including cheetahs, meerkats, lemurs, camels and more. Participate in a feeding or chat with a keeper as part of your weekend visit.

There’s so much to do that you’ll want to spend more time, so camp out at one of the park’s 40 RV sites, 18 tent sites or airconditioned camper cabins, accessible to laundry and dump facilities and equipped with hookups and a fire ring to grill the fish you catch in the lake.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Chehaw Park & Zoo 229-430-5275 chehaw.org Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge 912-496-7836 fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee Sevierville, Tennessee 888-738-4378 visitsevierville.com Towns County/Lake Chatuge 800-984-1543 golakechatuge.com Upcountry, South Carolina 800-849-4766 upcountrysc.com

GETTING STARTED

GETTING STARTED HERE TO THERE

MARTA

Mass Transit

One way to avoid long commutes is to take advantage of the city’s local transit system, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Offering both train and bus service, MARTA is a convenient way to travel to downtown or the airport. The fee for traveling one way is $2.50 including transfers, and payment is even easier now with the Breeze limited-use and extendeduse cards. Weekly and monthly passes can be obtained at discounted rates. For fares, schedule and route information call 404848-5000 or visit itsmarta.com. MARTA Rail Service

Vehicle Emission Inspection

Vehicles that are 24 model years old and later (except the three years prior to the current year) must be checked yearly for emission standard compliance. Visit a statedesignated inspection station for the service. Call 800-449-2471 or visit cleanairforce.com.

Driving Tips

The Georgia DOT provides daily updates of road work, road closings and traffic delays, which are helpful when commuting. Updates can be obtained by calling (toll free) 877694-2511, by dialing 511 or by visiting dot.ga.gov.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Cherokee County Schools Board of Education 770-479-1871 cherokee.k12.ga.us

Elementary Schools Middle Schools 23 7

High Schools Centers

6 4 Per-pupil expenditures $9,149 School & bus information 770-720-2112

Avg. SAT Scores

Cherokee Co. Georgia National 1115 1048 1039

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES &

CONTACTS

ELECTRICITY

Amicalola EMC 706-253-5200

Cobb EMC Georgia Power Sawnee EMC 770-429-2100 888-891-0938 770-887-2363

GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV

AT&T att.com

Cobb EMC Comcast (Xfinity) Direct TV

cobbemc.com xfinity.com directv.com Dish Network dish.com ETC Communications etcnow.com Spectrum spectrum.com TDS Telecom tdstelecom.com Windstream windstream.com

WATER

Cherokee County Water Authority 770-479-1813 City of Ball Ground 770-735-2123 City of Canton 770-704-1500 City of Waleska 770-479-2912 City of Woodstock 770-592-6006

HOSPITALS

Northside Hospital-Cherokee 770-224-1000 Wellstar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000

Cherokee County

QUICK INFO

County cherokeega.com Neighborhoods cantonga.gov woodstockga.gov cityofballground.com hollyspringsga.us cityofwaleska.com Median household income: $75,477 Median age of residents: 38 Population: 235,896 Sales tax: 6%

Old Sixes Mill

Located northwest of Atlanta, Cherokee County gets its name from the original inhabitants of the area, the Cherokee Indians. The county seat, then called Etowah, was established in 1833 and renamed Canton in 1834. Today, the city is enjoying its greatest economic boom in its history since more than $60 million was invested in residential and commercial development in 1998. Despite developing its own industrial base, Cherokee County remains idyllic and serene. Farming, especially poultry processing, remains a leading industry.

Canton and the neighboring community of Woodstock have seen tremendous growth as subdivisions crop up to accommodate newcomers. In fact, nearly 60 percent of the county’s population are commuters. According to Zillow.com, the median value of homes is $283,573. Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farm, BridgeMill and Towne Lake Hills.

Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92 traverse the county, affording residents easy access to Atlanta and the nearby attractions of Town Center Mall, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Mountains. Other great places to live, work and play in Cherokee County include the cities of Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska.

Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County 770-345-0400, cherokeechamber.com Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $21.46; Incorporated Cherokee County, $21.46. Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400

Neighborhoods Canton

Canton was incorporated in 1833 and renamed in 1834 at the request of two founding fathers who had visions that the town might become a silk center similar to what existed in Canton, China. Canton did become famous for its “Canton Denim,” known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills.

Today, Canton is attracting new industry and residents. As a result, the city is reinvesting in its downtown. As part of its Streetscapes program, downtown Canton will be restored to its historic look and features a newly designed theater on Main Street. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is a prime location for development.

Woodstock

Located 12 miles south of Canton, Woodstock is one of Georgia's top 10 fastest-growing cities and a community recently named one of the Top 50 Cities Places to Live in the U.S. by Money magazine.

Residents also enjoy easy access to 575 and 92, allowing short commutes to Cobb and Fulton counties.

While affording convenience to big-city attractions, Woodstock still maintains its small-town appeal. Buildings dating back to 1879 characterize the downtown area, where antique and other specialty shops are located.

Various golf courses are located in Woodstock, including Arnold Palmer’s Eagle Watch, a course with wooded countryside views that is considered to be one of the top places to play in Atlanta. The 11,860-acre Lake Allatoona provides additional recreation. Woodstock is also convenient to more than 13 state parks. N

Truist Park

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Cobb County

Cobb County came into being in 1832 when the state redistributed land once part of the Cherokee Nation. Named after Thomas Willis Cobb, the county experienced a devastating setback during the Civil War when most of it was destroyed during the famous Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

Today, Cobb County, located northwest of Fulton County, is one of the state's most thriving counties. With a diverse economic base that includes jobs in the service, retail, aerospace and technology sectors, Cobb County offers a quality of life unsurpassed in the Southeast. Nearly $900 million has been spent on transportation improvements in recent years, allowing residents easy access to Atlanta and the commercial districts of Vinings Overlook, Cumberland Parkway and the prestigious Platinum Triangle in the popular Galleria area.

A variety of housing options exist in Cobb County, including luxury apartments and condos near

QUICK INFO

County cobbcountyga.gov

Neighborhoods austellga.org mariettaga.gov smyrnaga.gov kennesaw-ga.gov cityofpowdersprings.org smyrnacity.com

Median household income: $75,654

Median age of residents: 36.6

Population: 755,754

Sales tax: 6%

Chamber of Commerce

Cobb County 770-980-2000, cobbchamber.org

Property Taxes

The property tax is $33.84 per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000 Cumberland Mall, secluded subdivisions in East Cobb and horse ranches in the northwest corner of the county. The small towns of Marietta, Vinings, Smyrna and Austell still retain their Southern charm amidst urban settings. According to the Census Bureau, the median value of homes in 2018 was $237,800.

Neighborhoods Kennesaw

One of Family Circle magazine’s Ten Best Towns for Families, Kennesaw takes pride in its smalltown atmosphere and boasts abundant parks and greenspace, exceptional recreational programs and top-notch schools, including Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw’s historic downtown features shopping, dining and attractions such as the Smithsonianaffiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens and nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Smyrna

Rapidly defining what’s new and progressive in quality of life and citizen services, Smyrna delivers an amazing sense of style and love of life. The Market Village district, home to fabulous restaurants, bars and upscale shops and services, is the final piece of a master plan for success. Call it “Main Street USA” or “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its charm and ability to offer the best in fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N

For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Website at

newcomeratlanta.com

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Cobb County Schools Board of Education 770-426-3300 cobbk12.org

Elementary Schools 67

Middle Schools 25

High Schools Magnet Charter

17 6 1 Per-pupil expenditures $8,833 School and bus information 678-594-8000

Marietta City Schools Board of Education 770-422-3500 marietta-city-org

Elementary Schools 8

Middle Schools 1

High Schools Sixth-Grade Magnet

1 Per-pupil expenditures $10,542 School and bus information 770-429-3110

Avg. SAT Scores

Cobb Co. Marietta City Georgia National 1114 1056 1048 1039

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county. UTILITIES & CONTACTS

ELECTRICITY

Acworth Power 770-917-8903

Cobb EMC

770-429-2100 Georgia Power 888-891-0938 GreyStone Power Corp. 770-942-6576 Marietta Power 770-794-5150

GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com. TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV

AT&T att.com

Cobb EMC cobbemc.com

Comcast (Xfinity) Direct TV xfinity.com directv.com

Dish Network Spectrum

dish.com spectrum.com

WATER Austell Water 770-944-4300 Cobb County Water System 770-419-6200 Marietta Water 770-794-5150 Powder Springs Water 770-943-8000 Smyrna Water 678-631-5338

HOSPITALS WellStar Cobb Hospital 470-732-4000 WellStar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000 WellStar Windy Hill Hospital 770-644-1000

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Fulton County Schools Board of Education 470-254-3600 fultonschools.org

Elementary Schools 59

Middle Schools 19

High Schools Charter

18 10 Centers 4 Per-pupil expenditures $10,609 School & Bus Information North 470-254-2970 South 470-254-6060 Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education 404-802-3500 atlantapublicschools.us Elementary Schools 49 Middle Schools 12 High Schools 14 Charter 18 Alternative 4 Per-pupil expenditures $11,263 School & bus information 404-802-5500

Avg. SAT Scores