Georgia's Outdoors: No Filter Needed
Follow the Chattahoochee River, zip line through the mountains alongside the terminus of the Appalachian Trail, stand up paddleboard just off the pristine beaches of the Golden Isles or have a picnic on the edge of Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon." No matter your locale in Georgia, the state offers plenty of photo ops that need no filter.
One favorite destination of hiking and military history enthusiasts is Currahee Mountain just outside of Toccoa. The last mountain in the Blue Ridge chain, Currahee Mountain served as the site of the U.S. Army's first Parachute Infantry Training Center during World War II, as shown in HBO's "Band of Brothers." The views from the top of the mountain are stunning, and can be reached by car or by foot.
After taking in that breathtaking scene, make your way around Toccoa for additional adventures. Military buffs will enjoy the Stephens County History Museum & Currahee Military Museum, dedicated to the men who trained on the mountain. Paul Anderson Memorial Park pays homage to "The World's Strongest Man," Toccoa's 1956 Olympic gold medalist.
Strategically built in 1815 along the Unicoi Turnpike, Traveler's Rest State Historic Site shares the history of the southern Appalachian region. For those interested in exotic and classic vehicles, Miles Through Time is a "living auto museum" with displays donated and for sale by local car enthusiasts.
Sip award-winning wines with a stunning overlook of the vines and mountain at Currahee Vineyard & Winery. To make your journey to Toccoa an overnight retreat, check into The Simmons-Bond Inn, catch a show at The Historic Ritz Theatre and doing some shopping in the charming downtown. Of course, no trip to Toccoa is complete without taking photos at nearby Toccoa Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the Eastern United States.
You'll find many more picturesque destinations near Toccoa in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Continue your adventures throughout Georgia with these spring trip ideas.
6 Botanical Gardens You Can't Miss this Spring
Springtime warms up blooms at botanical gardens all over Georgia. Enjoy that special sweetness in the air as nature awakens with colorful displays. Stroll through Georgia's many botanical gardens, starting with Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground and then heading to others around the state. Read more.
7 Playgrounds Worth the Drive
Bring a picnic lunch, bubbles, a Frisbee and Fido for the perfect affordable weekend activity at these Atlanta-area playgrounds, such as Dunwoody Nature Center in Dunwoody. Read more.
4 Scenic Day Hikes in Georgia
Plan day hikes at these trails and experience Georgia's natural beauty from mountains overlooking Atlanta, shady rock gardens and enchanting waterfalls, such as at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn. Read more.
3 Must-See Places in the Spring
Georgia's scenic beauty, nationally known attractions and beautiful coast offer an array of vacation opportunities for college students and families. Explore Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain and many more offerings that are sure to make a spring getaway a memorable one. Read more.
12 Trails to Visit this Spring
Spend time outdoors meandering along Georgia's nature trails. Here are 12 to explore this spring, including Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta. Read more.
5 Parks for a Picnic
Seminole State Park, Donalsonville - Find the perfect spot under shady trees on the shores of Lake Seminole.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park, Summerville - Dine lakeside beneath the willow trees.
Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill - Relax on the banks of the Ogeechee River under the massive live oaks.
Dowdell's Knob Overlook at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain - Take in the beautiful view of Pine Mountain valley at a favorite picnic spot of FDR's.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park, Comer - Enjoy lunch with a view of the state's longest covered bridge.
