Thursday, March 8, 2012

Experience Spring in Blue Ridge Ga


Spring is just beginning but thankfully it's coming faster than usual.  Already the Bradford Pear Trees are blooming, forsythia, quince and fruit trees brighten the countryside.  Soon, a million shades of green will fill the forests as a backdrop for wild flame azaleas, dogwood and mountain laurel blossoms, among ferns springing back to life. The first wildflowers pop up in April and May before the forests reach full canopy. For a relaxing scenic drive, try our 3 Scenic Drive self-guided tours click here.
To experience a true Blue Ridge Spring you really need to go hiking. Try Fall Branch Falls for a short, beautiful hike up the Benton MacKaye Trail. A double waterfall with mountain laurel and rhododendron growing along the trail and creek bank. The hike to the falls is about 30 minutes round trip. In Blue Ridge, follow Aska Road south for eight miles. Turn right on a paved road (Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is on the left). The trailhead is about three miles on the right (.2 miles from where pavement ends).

Ready for more challenging hike? With 106,000 acres in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia's Blue Ridge has some of the most famous and challenging hikes in the South, including the famous Appalachian Trail which begins here.on Springer Mountain. Our self-guided hiking maps are available here: Hiking Trails Access or Waterfalls.

The US Forest Service has a great website full of useful information at: USDA Forest Service Chattahoochee NF plus you want to be sure to Leave No Trace, check out : www.LNT.org

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