Take a Hike in Georgia
By Janet Slagell
From scenic overlooks along Lookout Mountain to the waves crashing on sandy shores or the towering buildings in Atlanta to historic bridges and battlefields, Georgia tourism has much to offer. However, if your idea of a vacation involves camping along a trail, fishing in a cold mountain stream or lake, while carrying a backpack, then there is are a number of opportunities in Georgia for this as well.
Someone once said, "The best way to see a country, unless you are pressed for time, is to travel on foot." Or, as Henry David Thoreau stated, "The saunterer, in the good sense, is no more vagrant than the meandering river, which is all the while sedulously seeking the shortest course to the sea." If you are looking for exploration and adventure in nature, then Georgia has an assortment of trails from which to choose.
There are the watery trails of the Altamaha River where you can load your gear onto a canoe or kayak, paddle your way to historic sites, scenic vistas and quiet fishing spots, and then come ashore to set up camp. The sights along this 137-mile river trail have earned it a listing as one of the 75 "last Great Places."
On Georgia's southern coastal region, there are 120 miles of trails and waterways known as the Bartram Trail. The region here was a favorite of botanist, William Bartram and the site of his studies for his book, Travels. You can opt for walking, cycling, boating, or-if you prefer, driving. If you love bird watching, then be sure your hiking itinerary includes some (or, if you have the time, all) of the 100 miles of the Colonial Cast Birding Trail which runs from St. Marys to Savannah. As you pass along marshes, woodlands, rivers and former rice fields you can see up to 300 species of birds. Additional bird watching can be done along the Southern Rivers Birding Trail (West Point-Donalsonville) where you will find 30 sites especially for birding.
Of course, no hiking plans for Georgia would be complete without hiking at least part of the famed Appalachian Trail. Beginning in Georgia, and heading north to Maine, this is considered by many hiking enthusiast as a "must hike" trail. The AT runs 75 miles through the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest.
So, as you think about being a part of the fun found with Georgia tourism, via the many backwoods regions found along the beautiful hiking trails, don't forget your hiking shoes, walking stick, backpack, binoculars and camera. There is so much to see, you will need to plan for more than one trip.
A visit to Georgia has much to offer. Consequently, Georgia tourism is an important part of the economy. Come see what Georgia hiking is all about.
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