Away from the Crowds in Georgia

Chateau Eland Winery and Resort has all the charm of a French chateau. It is located in North Georgia with more than 3,500 acres of vineyards, lush green countryside, and pinewood forests. Accommodations include inn rooms and suites, spa suites, and villas. This is the largest winery on the East Coast, with a selection of more than thirty wines.

Cloudland Canyon State Park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain and is one of the largest and most scenic parks in Georgia. Some of the highlights include thousand-foot-deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls, cascading creeks, dense woodland, and abundant wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking. Among the most popular trails within the park are the Overlook Trail, the Waterfalls Trail, and the West Rim Loop. Recreation includes disc golf, a fishing pond, trails for horseback riding and picnicking, and overlooks. For overnight accommodation, cottages, yurts, and other camping and backpacking options are available.

Indian Springs State Park is located near Jackson and Flovilla. The park was named for its several springs once used by the Creek Indians to heal the sick. The water from the spring has a sulfur smell and taste. It is the oldest state park in the US. Visitors can sample the spring water. You can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing. There are several buildings withing the park that were built during the Great Depression by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. There is also a lake that is well stocked with fish. Indian Springs also is home to a small museum with exhibits about the park’s natural history, the resort area, activities of the CCC, and the history and culture of the Creek Indians. Camping is available.

Lake Thurmond, also known as Clarks Hill Lake, is a large reservoir located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina. It was created by the construction of the Thurmond Dam on the Savannah River and is a popular destination for various recreational activities.

Minnehaha Falls are impressive waterfalls you can reach by hiking. This multi-tiered falls cascades over cliffs before reaching Lake Rabun. The sharp terraces and boulders that line the falls are a favorite of rock climbers. From overlooks, you can get close to the falls and watch the water tumbling down.

Sleepy Hollow Farm in Powder Springs is the place for families and outdoor activities. You can see the pumpkin patch and corn maze and enjoy tractor rides in the autumn. During Christmas it is a tree farm.

Visit the sheep, goats, donkey, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. There is a country store selling farm-made produce. The farm is available for birthday parties, corporate events, and field trips.

Sweetwater Creek State Park is where you can see the New Manchester Mill ruins. The ruins are surrounded by a green forest right on the edge of a creek. Enjoy nature and go hiking in their wilderness just outside of Atlanta.

The mill was a textile mill and was burned down during the Civil War, becoming part of the park with winding trails, forests, magnolias, and fields. Kayaking is available.

The Beach at Clayton County International Park in Jonesboro makes you feel like you're in the Caribbean. You can relax on the white sandy beaches and enjoy waterslides or beach volleyball.

There are hiking trails, and fishing is popular. The surrounding park includes a 17-court tennis center, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a fitness center, fishing lakes, walking and biking trails, and a group picnic area. Rent a pavilion or the party room, or have your picnic under the trees.