Tallulah Gorge – N. & S. Rim Trails, Stoneplace Trail, & High Bluff Loop Trail

The gorge itself is beautiful.  Make sure you do the North and South Rim Trails if you visit.  I would completely skip the Stoneplace Trail & the High Bluff Loop Trail because they’re aweful.  I think they must share the trail with 4x4s or something because that is what it looked like.  Plus, it is completely flat and there isn’t anything to see on them except for a pretty lake at the ‘end,’ which you can drive to because there is a boat ramp right there and you can see Georgia Power’s hydroelectric plant, which isn’t pretty.  Even if you want the exercise, I would tell you to just walk the North and South Rim Trails twice.  Haha.  Visit the gorge though because it is really beautiful.

Tallulah Gorge

Check out the other video here.

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Cloudland Canyon – Sitton’s Gulch Loop Trail, West Rim Loop Trail, Waterfalls Trail, & Overlook Trail

There are some beautiful views from the West Rim Loop Trail and the Overlook Trail in Cloudland Canyon State Park. Both trails are fairly easy (calling the Overlook Trail a trail is actually a joke) and not too long. If you want a little more strenuous hike, though I would still classify the trail as easy, then try the Sitton’s Gulch Loop Trail. You pass by both waterfalls on the way to the trailhead, which are absolutely beautiful. Beware, that you walk down and up a 600-step staircase to get in and out of the canyon on this trail. It isn’t really hard, but if you have any problems with your knees, it could end up being a really long climb back out.

Cloudland Canyon

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Vogel – Coosa Backcountry Trail

This was by far one of the best hikes I’ve done in Georgia.  The actual trail is about 12.9 miles long, but don’t let the short length deceive you.  It might have been the weather (we had an arctic storm), but this was a fairly strenuous hike.  The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the snow and ice just added to it.  It took about 5 3/4 hours to complete.  I highly recommend this hike and it is great for winter too.

Here are 2 pictures from the hike.  One is of me and the other is of my hiking buddy Tom.

Me on the Coosa Backcountry Trail in Vogel State Park Tom on the Coosa Backcountry Trail in Vogel State Park

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Unicoi – Smith Creek Trail

I hiked the Smith Creek Trail up in Unicoi State Park yesterday.  It it beautiful there this time of year.  Most of the leaves have fallen off of the trees so you have an unobstructed view.  It was very peaceful, I didn’t see a single other person the entire time I was there.  I guess it is too cold for most people, though I wasn’t really cold at all except when I stopped for a snack at Anna Ruby Falls.  It was pretty freezing then I must say.   If you look at a trail book it will tell you the hike is 10 miles round trip, will take 6 hours, and is strenuous.  It is best to just not look at these things.  It was actually just under 9 miles, took me about 3 hours, and I would probably rate the trail as easy or lower if the scale went any lower.  If anyone is looking for a little space to get out and clear your mind, I highly recommend this little trail.

Here are some pictures and a video of the falls.

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CrossFit Kennesaw

CrossFit KennesawIf anyone is looking for a facility to help them get in shape, I have the perfect place. My good friend Chris recently opened up a new CrossFit facility in Kennesaw. You get hands on instruction by a certified trainer every single time you go. There is plenty of room, at 6,000 square feet, to spread out and do your workout without worrying about bumping into someone else. If your on the fence or are not sure, stop by and try it out a couple times before you make the decision. If your anything like me, you’ll also benefit from Chris holding you accountable to your workout and following up with you to make sure you don’t just stop coming. Check out the website and sign up for a trial session.  http://www.crossfitkennesaw.com

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