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Writer's pictureNewell Collins

Summer on the Run!

8/13/2018

With Summer on the run, we prepare for Fall!

Let’s begin with Dahlonega Trail Fest! because it celebrates all things outdoors! Dahlonega is a quaint town at the terminus of the Appalachian Trail, also known for its beautiful Christmas traditions when the town celebrates the holiday season. This festival will have music, speakers, and displays of all things outdoors like mountain biking and hiking to name just a few. Make plans to check it out Sept 7 thru the 9th

[url/https://365atlantatraveler.com/north-georgia-mountains-120-things-to-do/]North Georgia Mountains[/url], so many things to do!

I like to list bunches of things to do in the North Georgia Mountains because they are so close to the town of Murphy! Just a short drive opens up so many things to do and see just across the border into Georgia. This site is great for planning a day trip into the lovely North Georgia Mountains!

I know I share with you many of the things to do in the area and I will certainly still highlight those festivals and restaurants, and events that are worth the effort to see. But sometimes we forget how beautiful, peaceful and quiet the area truly is! Try the experience of just sitting on the porch and enjoying God’s creation. The birds, squirrels, and even a bear on occasion, that crosses our view is just a joy to behold. So in the middle of going and doing, take time to just sit and take it all in. Enjoy watching the sunset or sunrise if you’re an early riser. Listen to the birds sing and watch them come to visit your feeders. Visit a Bald (Brasstown or Wayah to name just two) and let your eyes take in the grandeur of miles of sky and mountains. I’m listing a couple of day drives in and around the area for you to experience. Stop and see places off the beaten path. Grab some sandwiches at the local deli and wind your way thru mountains and across streams. Stop in the woods by a creek or at the top of a mountain and just take in the scene around you.

Cherohala Skyway This adventurous road is such a beautiful drive! Many places are available to pull off for scenic overviews and a picnic. And in the fall, it’s simply magnificent!

https://scenicbyways.info/byway/11612.html]Nantahala Byway[/url] Straight out of Murphy is where this adventure begins! Be sure to stop at the pull off areas and watch the rafters. The Gorge is beautiful at any time of year but fall is just stunning!

Blue Ridge Parkway What more needs to be said about this drive thru God’s country? Like the Appalachian Trail, you can do segments and still enjoy the splendor and history of this drive. Even a short drive on the Blue Ridge is soul restoring.

Indian Lakes Byway Local drives are the best! This loop takes you to the beginning of the Tail of The Dragon which is a road not for the faint of heart! You won’t be driving the Tail on this one but the sights of the Fontana Dam and the Cheoah Dam and Lake Santeetlah are superb!

Waterfall Byway A fantastic fall drive! Any time of year is great for waterfall sightseeing. This drive is a long one but you hit so many falls it’s a definite do for many visitors!

Just one last suggestion! I stumbled upon this and just have to share it: The Brown Mountain Lights This IS kind of random but it’s too cool not to include. Check this site out and read about the strange lights that appear on Brown Mountain. Explanations abound but nothing is for sure. Legend, fact, and conjecture surround these lights. I love the folk lore of the mountains! Read all about it!

I encourage you to pick up a trail map of this area or any number of surrounding areas. You can find a map of Forest Service Roads and fire service roads for many areas at the bookstore in town. Many of these roads you can drive and some are for hiking only. I’m still exploring many new places and trails by vehicle and foot! As Fall approaches, these drives become panoramic scenes of riotous color! The leaves begin their display in the upper elevations and as the weeks pass, color descends down the mountains! So no matter when you make the trip to our area, with just a small bit of planning, you can see leaves and sights with glorious color! I’ve experienced Wayah Bald when it was engulfed in a crystalline frosted wonderland while the lands below were unaffected by what is happening in the higher elevations! So go and do and explore! You never know what you may see and experience in Western North Carolina!



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