Bring your best friend or gather
the family to explore the natural
beauty of White County. From
the Appalachian Trail to handicap
accessible trails, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and
two state parks offer adventure
and recreation for all.
Gear up for Outdoor Adventure in
White County, GA
Where Mother Nature Comes to Play
By Pamela A. Keene
Pack it up this fall and get ready for some
high adventure in White County, Georgia.
Named Georgia’s official Outdoor
Adventure Destination, White County
continues to grow outdoor offerings, so
there’s always something new to whet
your appetite. With 28 miles of National
Forest hiking trails, some of the most
scenic and challenging on- and offroad motorcycling and bicycling in the
Southeast, 14 miles of the Appalachian
Trail, four treetop zip line courses, more
than 20 waterfalls, three state parks,
golf, horseback riding, year-round trout
and bass fishing and one of the state’s
two adventure lodges, Helen, Cleveland
and Sautee Nacoochee can satisfy your
wanderlust.
118 Fall 2016 Adventure Outdoors
White County is nestled in
the foothills of the Blue Ridge
Mountains. It’s part of the 40,000acre
Chattahoochee-Oconee
National Forest. Known for its
natural beauty, Northeast Georgia
offers activities for seasoned
adventurers and novices alike.
Brilliant fall colors paint the foothills
of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where
visitors will find an adventurers’
paradise, 90 minutes or so north of
Atlanta. Elevations ranging from
1,400 to 3,500 feet produce notably
cooler fall temperatures than the
rest of the state and create scenic
backdrops for adventure.
in the 1996 Olympic Mountain
Bike competition. It’s often the site
of regional and national cycling
events, or you can just ride for fun.
The switchbacks, elevations and
hairpin curves of the Richard Russell
Scenic Parkway give motorcyclists
and cyclists alike exhilarating thrills.
Also known as State Route 348, this
part of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic
Byway provides easy access to two of
the area’s most popular trails – Dukes
Creek Fall and Raven Cliffs.
White County claims a 14-mile trek
along the Appalachian Trail, which
begins nearby. One of the most
popular stretches is from Unicoi Gap
Experience the thrill of the 7.5-mile to Hog Pen Gap, a combination of
course used by world-class athletes
challenging and moderate terrain that