The days are cooler. The trees are ablaze with color. There’s just no better time to be out hiking in the North Georgia Mountains than now. So, book a room at the Inn—we’re a great base for day hikes—and spend a few days soaking in all the beauty. To get you started, here are a few of our favorite treks.
During autumn Richard Russell Scenic Highway is even more scenic and you’ll find two nice, easy hikes along here that reward you with waterfalls. The 2.5-mile Raven Cliff Falls trail offers switchbacks and gentle up and down grades through lovely scenery on its way up to one of the prettiest falls in the area. Off the same highway is Dukes Creek Falls, about a 1-mile trail through hemlock and rhododendron to an observation deck that offers a great view to the lower falls.
One of the area’s most popular short hikes is the Anna Ruby Falls trail. Just ½-mile long, the easy walk is good for most levels, and leads to two observation decks.
If you like to be wowed, tie on your hiking boots and head to Tallulah Gorge State Park. Several trails, ranging from ¾-mile to six miles, offer great views of the spectacular 1,000-foot deep gorge.
Yonah Mountain Trail near Cleveland will get you sweating as you walk towards the 3,166-foot peak, but it’s worth it. Along the way you’ll cross a small stream, go along switchbacks and up two sets of stone stairs. The semi-strenuous trail is 2.2 miles from start to summit, where you can rest and savor the stunning, sweeping view before returning via the same route.
Want more pretty terrain and waterfalls? You’ll find both on the Bartram Trail in the Chatahoochee National Forest. The trailhead is at the Russell Bridge on Highway 28. Though the trail is long and continues into North Carolina, you can pick a 9.3 round-trip route that goes through forested areas and follows the Chattooga River for a stretch. Near the start of the hike, follow the sign to Dick’s Creek Falls for a glimpse of the impressive cascade.
Honestly, you could spend several weeks at Lucille’s (we would love it!) and still never run out of wonderful hikes to take. In between all that hiking you could enjoy a soothing massage, and end the day with a glass of wine and a sweet dessert. Sound great? Give us a call.