Adventure Outdoors Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 120

White County,
Georgia
Unicoi Gap to Hog Pen Gap is a combination of chal-
lenging and moderate terrain that sets the tone for the
entire 2,200-mile AT hike from North Georgia to Maine.
Smoky Mountain Outfitters, an AT Conservancy Certi-
fied outfitter in Cleveland, and Helen’s Unicoi Outfitters
and Blackhawk Fly Fishing have all the right gear for
everything from trout and fly-fishing to hiking, climbing
and repelling.
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
off-road 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 one of the
state’s two adventure lodges, Helen, Cleveland and
Sautee Nacoochee can satisfy your wanderlust.
An adventurers’ paradise, 90 minutes or so north of At-
lanta, you will find a popular 14-mile section along the
Appalachian Trail.
Unicoi Adventure Lodge is one of the focal points of
outdoor challenges. Just north of the Alpine Village of
Helen, near the graceful Anna Ruby Falls, the state park
offers mountain bike and hiking trails, 3D archery, pad-
dle boarding, slackline and kayaking. Eleven zip lines
and seven suspension bridges provide birds-eye
views of the lush forest and lake at the 1,000-acre state
park. Camp in barrel cabins or at a primitive campsite
under the stars, or relax in the comforts of the newly
renovated lodge.
The Chattahoochee River winds through downtown
Helen, home of Oktoberfest. Cool River Tubing and
Helen Water Park & Tubing offers colorful inner tubes
to float in the sparkling waters while zip liners soar
across the river in the trees above.