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HIKING, FLY FISHING, HORSEBACK RIDING, TWO LAKES,WINERIES . . . DAY #1 RELAX AT THE CABIN, STROLL DOWN THE PATH ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE WATERFALLS, SOAK IN THE HOT TUB OR PLAY A GAME OF POOL
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DAY #2 GO TO FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK HIKING TRAIL MAPS AND FISHING  Fort Mountain State Park is in your back yard Fort Mountain State Park is a hiking paradise situated at the rugged southwestern end of the Cohutta Mountains. Within its boundaries are five distinct hiking trails totaling 14 miles, including some exciting history, great fishing, and 26 miles of recently developed mountain biking trails. About the park With more than 3400 acres of land located just east of Chatsworth, Georgia, Fort Mountain State Park is a rare combination of hiking beauty, ancient history, and fun, family-oriented camping. Within the park are 74 camping sites, including those for RV's and trailers, 15 cottages, miniature golf, boat rentals, picnic shelters and more than 100 picnic tables. Fort Mountain is 2,845 feet tall and is the tallest point within the park. Originally improved by the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Eton, Georgia, Fort Mountain was owned by former Atlanta mayor Ivan Allen, who donated the original land to the state. The state has added to the original donation on a number of occasions. The centerpiece of the park is an 855-foot "fort" that stretches around the southern mountaintop just below the peak. Currently, archeologists believe the wall was built by Woodlands Indians about 500 A.D. Other theories abound. For a complete discussion of this "enigmatic" wall, see About North Georgia's Fort Mountain State Park. About the trails Fourteen miles of trails make Fort Mountain a hiking destination. The Gahuti Backcountry Trail circles the perimeter of most of the park. This trail is an easy single day journey for experienced hikers, but the state includes five primitive camping sites for those who want to take their time on the 8.2 mile loop trail. For a short time the Gold Mine River Trail follows the river that creates the lake which is the centerpiece of Fort Mountain State Park camping area. This loop trail, which briefly shares its path with the Gahuti, explores the watershed of this creek. The Lake Loop Trail takes you around the lake created by the dammed waters of the creek. A wide, well-cushioned trail on the south side of the lake, the Lake Loop takes on an entirely different personality on the north side, at one point being displaced by a beach. Besides the beach, this trail can be used as access to the miniature golf course and some of the picnic area. Big Rock Nature Trail loop follows an old roadbed to the western boundary of the park, where it merges with the Gahuti. It continues to Gold Mine River where the trail ascends in a series of well-planned steps while the creek descends in a series of playful cascades. Although listed as "moderate" on the sign the trail is easy, with only one small portion that could be considered easy to moderate. At the top of Fort Mountain is a trail known variously as Mountaintop Loop, Old Fort Loop or Fort Mountain Loop. At just over a mile, this trail features some spectacular views, especially in winter. This leads to an old fire tower, one of the few remaining legacies of the CCC, which first developed the area in the 1930's. How to get there by car: From Bear Lodge Falls, go back out to take Route 52 head east for 2-3 miles. Park entrances will be on your left. Fort Mountain State Park is a fee-based area. Ther is a fee of $2.00/ day for the mountain biking trails .
This information is CREDITED http://www.georgiatrails.com/places/ftmountain   YOUR HIKING TRAILS AT FORT MOUNTAIN
0.5 mile loop. Rated moderate to difficult. The Big Rock Nature Trail travels from the ridgeline near the lake down into a mountain hollow, then crosses a dividing ridge and returns up Gold Mine Creek passing several small cascades and waterfalls. Wild- flowers abound in spring.  GAHUTI TRAIL 8.8 miles. Rated difficult to strenuous. The Gahuti Trail travels around the edge of the park, passing just below the summits of both Cohutta and Fort mountains. Ever changing, the trail is both beautiful and challenging in all seasons. Hikers should always be aware of changing weather. Four backcountry campsites are available for use by permit. LAKE TRAIL 1.2 mile loop. Rated easy. The Lake Trail loops around Fort Mountain’s lake and can be accessed from the campgrounds, cottage areas, picnic area and picnic shelter #5, and the Big Rock Trail parking area. Trail is most accessible traveled clockwise. In this manner, users descend the 75 lineal feet 20% grade. COMBINATION TRAILS: These trails are made by combining trails shown on the map.
301 BIKING TRAIL 14.6 mile loop. Rated difficult to strenuous.  The East-West Bike Loop is rated by many as one of the most beautiful and challenging bike trails in the southeastern United States. Users travel from mountain ridge top to valley floor, through pine and scrub laurel thickets, upland hardwood and cove forests, by old mines, then waterfalls and rhododendrons along Hassler’s Mill Creek before returning up the mountain. HORSE TRAILS: More than 25 miles of horse trails offer loop rides varying from 3 to 16 miles. Riders must bring their own horses and register at the stables. First-time riders must attach a photocopy proof of a negative Coggins test. Parking is at the stables access (west side of the park). Check the website or call ahead for trail closings during bad weather. The horse trails pass through varied environments, from lush forest coves to wind-swept ridge tops. Wildflowers catch the eye in early spring, green foliage is bountiful during summer, changing leaf colors welcome fall, and spectacular vistas arrive with winter. Cliffs, waterfalls, old mines (some that provide natural “air-conditioning” during summer and warm air during winter), and abandoned mining equipment add interest to the trails. Horse watering stations are at approximately two-mile intervals. The shorter loops, which begin at the stables and go past waterfalls, are the easier trails, with most at a 20% or less grade. Basic rules apply: riders must stay on marked trails; no trail riding between sunset and sunrise; no reckless or fast riding; and horses should not be left unattended or unbridled. Anyone found in violation of these rules will face criminal prosecution (OCGA 12-3-10) and be banned from use of horse trails at all state parks. Click on the map below to download a pdf file of the trail map brochure for Fort Mountain State Park. Printed trail map brochures are also available at the park office.   DAY #3 FLY FISHING FOR TROUT IN COHUTTA Hike Name: Cohutta Wilderness - Conasauga River Country: United States State / Region: Georgia Nearby Town: Chatsworth Rating: Directions: (USFS 630): From the intersection of GA 52/US 411 in Chatsworth, follow US 411 north for 7.3 miles to Grassy Street. Turn right onto Grassy Street just after the Crandall Post Office. Follow Grassy Street until you cross a set of railroad tracks, then turn right onto Crandall-Ellijay Road. Follow it for only 0.1 miles, then turn left onto Forest Service Road 630 (which is also known as Mill Creek Road). Follow FS 630 (which turns to gravel in about 0.5 miles) for about 9 miles to a four way intersection with Forest Service Road 17. Do not turn onto FS 17, continue straight across FS 17 on FS 630 to find the parking area. Total Hike Distance: 3.20 miles Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Permit Required: No Hike Starts: U.S. Forest Road 630 Hike Ends: U.S. Forest Road 630 Trails Used: Hickory Creek Trail Hike Type: In and Out, Backtrack Hike Back Country Campsites: Yes Back Country Water Sources: Streams, Rivers Management: U.S. Forest Service Contact Information: Cohutta Wilderness Area National Forest Service 401 Old Ellijay Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 (706) 695-6736 Best Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall Users: Hikers, Dogs, Horses Hike Summary: The Cohutta Wilderness at 36,977 acres is the largest National Forest Wilderness in the southeast and combined with the Big Frog Wilderness in Tennessee the area is some of the most pristine and isolated in the South. Both the Conasauga and Jacks Rivers are stocked with trout and have great fishing. There's also numerous sand bars, waterfalls, pools, and campsites along the rivers which makes this a very popular overnight destination. I've hiked this wilderness numerous times, and really like the Conasauga River area where we usually do some backpacking, swimming and trout fishing. It's an easy descent to the river from the parking area at U.S. Forest Road 630, and the hike to the Conasauga is only a few miles in length which makes for an easy day or overnight hike. Road Conditions: Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads, Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads  - - OR - - FOR THE ADVENTURERS, TRY WHITE WATER RAFTING ON THE OCOEE RIVER WITH QUEST EXPEDITIONS. WWW.QUESTEXPEDITIONS.COM
DAY #4 GENTLE HORSEBACK RIDING- you are never to old for these horses!            STABLES HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS HIGH ATOP BEAUTIFUL FORT MOUNTAIN ,
Chatsworth Georgia 30705
Gentle Horses / Experienced Guides 10 Trails totaling over 65 miles for your riding pleasure, in the tranquility of the Fort Mountain Wilderness with Numerous Mountain Streams, Breath Taking Views and Abundant Wildlife. Group lessons provided.  OTHER ACTIVITIES TO SUIT YOUR STYLE FAMILY FUN FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES 
RUBY FALLS http://www.rubyfalls.com/index/html
Ruby Fall underground caverns and rivers is the perfect answer for the whole family. View the worlds tallest underground waterfalls
This activity is all indoors and not weather dependant. Great for children. In nearby Chattanooga. Click on the link for more info.
TENNESSEE AQUARIUM - RIVER JOURNEY AND OCEAN JOURNEY
Your Tennessee Aquarium experience, which will take at least two hours, includes admission to both River Journey and Ocean Journey. For express entry purchase tickets in advance or become a Tennessee Aquarium member. Add an IMAX movie for just $5!
THE LOST SEA ADVENTURE
America's largest underground lake. This begins with a walking tour and ends in Glass Bottom Boat Rides. This lake is 140 feet below ground level. Shops, gem mine, glass blower and restaurant on premises.  http://www.thestriperguide.com CHECK OUT MARK'S WEB SITE. HE OFFERS FISHING GUIDES ON CARTER'S LAKE. CARTERS LAKE IS JUST 10 MINUTES SOUTH OF CHATSWORTH ON RT #411 
Open 7 Days a Week - 6:00AM to 9:00PM
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 http://www.carterslake.com/BoatRentals.htm CARTERS LAKE MARINA WILL RENT YOU A PONTOON OR HOUSE BOAT FOR THE DAY  Try Hang Gliding once, for memories that last a lifetime! Soar like an eagle in this the purest form of flight! No experience necessary. Fly with a certified instructor pilot by your side for a birds eye view of beautiful Lookout Mountain. All tandem flights are towed to altitude by a special ultra-light aircraft. In-flight photos available. Fly to 2,000 feet for 12 to 20 minutes of flying time. Health age and weight restrictions apply. North Georgia Cabins North Georgia rental cabins in Blue Ridge GA. Located near Ellijay and Helen, our beautiful & luxurious Georgia mountain log cabin rental homes offer the perfect setting for your next getaway - from honeymoons to family vacations, we accommodate all of your lodging needs. LINKS OF INTEREST TO OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
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Holiday Homes Biking Trails at Carters Lake Carters Lake has a new bike trail - great for the whole family
Amadahy Trail ("forest water" Cherokee) The Amadahy Trail is located in the Woodring Branch Recreation Area. This 3.5 mile loop trail is excellent for beginners with flat to rolling terrain. Riders are treated to great views of Carters Lake along most of trail's length. Trailhead parking is located off the Woodring Branch access road. Time required to complete the trail is approximately 25 minutes.  For your Smoky Mountain vacation on a budget, many cheap Gatlinburg Cabins and other discount Gatlinburg rentals can be found with DestinationSeek.com.  | FAQ Page | EXTREME BEACH VACATION | | Return Home | Photo Gallery | Location & Layout | Availability & Rates | Book Reservation | PIECE OF HEAVEN CABIN | Links To Fun | SPEICAL PACKAGES | |
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