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About Sara Noto

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So far Sara Noto has created 3 blog entries.

Community Spotlight: Hiawassee & Young Harris

Summer Fun Nestled in the picturesque North Georgia mountains, the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris offer a perfect summer escape for those seeking outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and a tranquil lakeside atmosphere. From hiking trails, water sports, vineyards, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone in this charming region. Whether you’ve come for a weekend or want to stay longer, everyone is greeted with small town friendliness in the Enchanted Valley. With natural beauty surrounding the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris locals are always ready to share their knowledge of the best hiking, fishing, and magnificent views from the highest mountain tops. Surrounded by 50,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves with choices of hiking trails offering varying levels of difficulty. Head to Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia, for panoramic views of four states from the observation deck. The Brasstown Bald Visitors center, with museum is Located on Hwy. 180 and has a paved trail to the top or shuttle available. For more views, take a drive up to Bell Mountain or more rugged road to High Shoal Falls. For a more leisurely stroll, explore Cupid Falls by Young Harris College, where a cascading waterfall awaits at the end of the path. For hikers the famous Appalachian Trail crosses Unicoi Mountain at Hwy. 17 /76 west of town. This trail  draws hikers nationwide to see nature at it’s finest. Also known by many is that Towns County has another 7,000 acres of waterfront owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which built Lake Chatuge in 1941. Lake Chatuge’s many activities can be found at public parks, picnic areas and beaches. A variety of swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, & canoeing awaits. Rent a pontoon boat and cruise along the serene waters, or try your hand at fishing for bass, trout, and catfish. For adrenaline junkies, jet skiing and wakeboarding offer thrills against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Many accommodations can also guide visitors to outdoor time at one of the many golf courses, horseback riding stables or white water rafting adventures. For many years, Hiawassee is known to be the home of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds that host numerous events throughout the year with Live Concerts, Shows at Anderson Music Hall, Pioneer Village & Local Craft Events. Treat the kids to a day of fun at the Georgia Mountain Fair in August, where they can enjoy carnival rides, petting zoos, and interactive exhibits. The  nearby Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are also open year round with more than 3,000 plants surrounding the shoreline of Lake Chatuge. Enjoy summer evenings in the city of Hiawassee on the Square including First Friday Markets with live music, food, & games held the first weekend of the month May - October.  Saturdays also offer Music on the Square for visitors to bring a lawn chair and listen to a variety of country, bluegrass, and easy listening for your enjoyment Memorial Day - Labor Day Weekend. Star Gazers will appreciate Rollins [...]

Community Spotlight: Hiawassee & Young Harris2024-06-17T17:37:12-04:00

Road Trip to Blue Ridge

From Atlanta, GA 93 mi From Chattanooga, TN 83 mi From Asheville, NC 135 mi From Greenville, SC 153 mi The town of Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Blue Ridge was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. Because of the railroad, Blue Ridge developed as a center of business and in 1895 the county seat was moved from Morganton to Blue Ridge. The historical Main Street now features shops and small eateries where visitors can sit a spell on the benches along the way. Spend a day exploring the many unique shops, and galleries that line the town. Taste local homemade pies and jams from the areas many orchard farms. The weather in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is simply stunning. Blooming flowers in Spring & Summer and cool days and crisp nights in the Fall. During the winter days are highs 50’s, can be freezing at night. Snow usually blankets the mountains 3 or 4 times a year. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, peace of mind, or a little excitement, Blue Ridge has history, scenic beauty, and a small town atmosphere with many activities. The Blue Ridge Depot & Scenic Railway- This historic railroad depot remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge and although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. Enjoy a train ride from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and experience gorgeous foliage in the fall and a ride with Santa and his elves for Christmas. The train route consists of a 26-mile round trip through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River. Baugh House- is owned by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation located at 411 West First Street. It is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00. The home was built by James Baugh in 1890. The Art Center / Historic Fannin County Courthouse- built in 1937 and is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Arts Center where visitors can view the galleries see rotating exhibits. Lake Blue Ridge- The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia’s most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area offers boating, swimming, hiking camping, picnicking, water skiing and fishing. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service. Toccoa River- The north-flowing river feeds Lake Blue Ridge. The river flows soothingly for about 15 miles north of the dam. The dam-runoff from the reservoir provides great trout fishing; fishermen should only wade-fish the Toccoa River below the dam when TVA is not generating electricity. The Toccoa River becomes hazardous quickly when they release, so be sure to check the dam release schedule before planning your trip. Morganton Point Recreation Area is the place to take the kids to the “beach” on Lake Blue Ridge. [...]

Road Trip to Blue Ridge2024-06-17T17:37:08-04:00

Waterfalls of North Georgia

Amicalola Falls The highest waterfall in Georgia, falling 729 feet in seven cascades. At the base of the falls, there is a parking area, a reflection pool, and 3/10-mile paved trail leading to an observation deck at the top of the falls. Directions: from Dahlonega, Amicalola State Park’s entrance is on GA Highway 52, east of Ellijay or west of Dahlonega. Anna Ruby Falls Curtis Creek falls 153 feet and York Creek drops 50 feet down the slopes of Tray Mountain in twin waterfalls. The very steep 4/10 mile Anna Ruby Falls Trail is paved and has benches along the trail for sitting or resting while enjoying the beauty of the area. Directions: from Helen, take GA 75 North one mile. Right on GA 356 for 1.5 miles, left on the entrance road to the falls. Becky Branch Falls The 20 foot Becky Branch Falls is easily observed from a wooden bridge which crosses the stream. Becky Branch Falls is accessed via the Bartram Trail. Directions: From Clayton, Georgia go east on Warwoman Road (County Rd. 5) for just less than 3 mile to Poll Creek Road. Park on left side of road by a small branch. Follow the trail on the right side of the branch for about 200 yards to a bridge at the base of the falls. Blood Mountain Falls & Falls on Waters Creek This beautiful waterfall is located on Blood Mountain Stream. The stream flows almost 20 feet through a rock cut, creating a churning sluice of water. Directions: From US 19/129 (Turners Corner), go west on US 19 for approx. 1/2 mile to Waters Creek Recreation Area. Turn right, go approx. 2.8 miles and park in the lot to the right. Across the road is a path to the viewing area. Cowrock Creek Falls Cowrock Creek Falls is ab out 30 feet high. Directions: From the junction of Hwy 19 and 129, travel 1.4 miles on Hwy 19/129 North to FR 443 and turn right. Travel 2.3 miles on FR 443. Park & walk on the old logging road for 0.6 miles. DeSoto Falls Three falls along a 3 mile section of the DeSoto Falls Trail are maintained for the hiker’s viewing convenience, and are designated as the lower (cascading 20 feet), the middle (falls about 80 feet) and the upper (about 200 feet) DeSoto Falls. Directions: From Dahlonega travel north on US 19 for 13.5 miles to Turners Corner. At this intersection, turn left and proceed on US 129 for 4.2 miles. Shortly after the Walasi-yi Center is a left turn for the park. Dukes Creek Falls A well-designed trail winds its way into Dukes Creek Gorge, ending at the base of the falls which drop about 150 feet down sheer granite canyon into Dukes Creek. Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left on GA 356 (75 Alternate) for 2.3 miles to the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right, go 2 miles to Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area. [...]

Waterfalls of North Georgia2024-06-17T17:37:04-04:00
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