Ocoee, Tennessee

Start this hike from the parking lot of the Chilhowee Day Use Area (here you must remember to bring $3 cash to pay the day use fee). To begin, walk along the path to the left of the facilities until you come to the trailhead.  Start here continuing along the left-side of the lake. After passing t...

Very little elevation gain leads to an easy hike along a river right outside of the Ocoee river region. First .7 miles is very flat, then leads to some slight elevation gain but nothing too serious. This trail traverses through the lush forest for a short distance when you come across a small cre...

Starting at the parking lot, head up the trail (Clemmer #302/Scenic Spur #78) and it should say "1.7 miles to waterfalls". At the top of the hill in approximately 0.1 miles, veer to the right on trail #78. Continue for another 0.6 miles trail - #86 cuts across but continue straight on #78. From t...

Jacks River Falls is one of Georgia's most impressive waterfalls.  Containing several cascades that combine to an 80 foot waterfall, this destination provides spectacular views and refreshing pools to take a dip in.  You can approach the falls from either Jacks River Falls trail or the Beech Bott...

This location showcases the Ocoee river and the area used in the 1996 Olympics. This area is beautiful and has some amazing views. The drive to the whitewater center is called the Ocoee Scenic Byway and is the first national forest byway. The drive is gorgeous and features some amazing mountain v...

Turtletown Falls Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Farner, Tennessee.

The hike to the five waterfalls on the Emery Creek trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in Georgia. This trail is moderate in climb, yet secluded in the Cohutta Wilderness and challenging enough to keep crowds away. Two things to note about this trail: it is wet (there are 20 creek crossing...

Fort Mountain State Park is filled with horse trails, biking trails, walking trails, camping sites, and a lake. Once you arrive at the park you pay a $5 entrance fee and will receive a park map. While visiting I walked the West Overlook Trail and came back down the CCC Tower Trail. This is a 1 mi...

Fort Mountain rises prominently from the plateau to the West, serving as the start of the Blue Ridge Mountain range in Georgia. The Gahuti Backcountry Trail circumnavigates the mountain, with several overlooks with views in all directions.  At 8.1 miles, this hike is moderately difficult, but can...

Getting to the trailhead can be a challenge if there has been any heavy precipitation or icy conditions due to the fact the last two miles are one mile of broken pavement and the last mile a dirt road. You should be fine in good conditions in any car; however, just make sure to take it easy on th...

Stone Fort sits atop the Cumberland Plateau just half an hour from downtown Chattanooga, and is one of the premiere bouldering locations in the Southeast. One of the three sites of the annual Triple Crown Bouldering competition, Stone Fort offers a wealth of climbing problems for any climber's a...

After an easy 25 minute drive from Chattanooga you will reach North Chickamauga Gorge on Montlake Road in Soddy Daisy. Park any where in the gravel loop just make sure other cars can get through. From the Montlake Road Trailhead Kiosk the trail begins on an old mining road. Hogskin Upper Loop Tr...

Stripmine Falls is not the biggest waterfall in the area, but it is both beautiful and accessible with just a short and easy out-and-back (or loop) hike.  The additional attraction of cool swimming pools along Chickamauga creek make this an ideal destination for a day full of relaxation and adven...

Morganton Point Campground is one of the most well-maintained campgrounds in North Georgia. There are sites available for both RVs and tents, but the tent section is separate from the RV area so don't worry about any noisy generators!  I camped at Site F, a tent-only campsite. This campsite (and ...

The Laurel-Snow Trail was the first National Recreation Trail designated in Tennessee and at just under 35 miles from downtown Chattanooga, it is perfect for a day hike, for a day of climbing, or for setting up basecamp for the weekend. The 2,000 acre area sits along the Walden Ridge of the Cumbe...

Just North of Carters Lake lies one of its tributaries, Tails Creek.  The Tumbling Waters Trail follows along a scenic stretch of this creek as it cascades its way towards the lake.  This trail is moderately trafficked and considered a local favorite. The Tumbling Waters trailhead also contains a...