Georgia > Northeast > Rabun County > Clayton

Hiking Guides to 82 U.S. Forest Service trails in the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests can be found in the Hiking Trails Category here on the Brown’s Guides site. Each hike contains a brief introduction to the hike and directions to the trailhead from the nearest city, along with a map.

In some cases, depending on where the hike is, savvy Google map users can ++ the map and not only locate the trailhead, but find the hiking trail itself. See the Three Forks Trail for an example of this. If you will ++ the map and click on the “Terrain” view, you can find the hiking trail to Three Forks and appreciate the topographical features of this part of Georgia that make this such an unusual and gratifying hike .

Some of the 82 Forest Service hikes have links to posts in the Georgia Hiking blog that provide more detail on a particular hike and a more detailed map. See the Rabun Bald hike, and the aforementioned Three Forks hike for examples.

Brown’s Guides would like to hear from you about your experiences on these hikes and other Georgia hiking trails that may not yet be included on the site. We’ll publish your comments, photos and maps; share them with others; and credit you with the contribution.

 Georgia > Coast > McIntosh County > Sapelo Island

Visitors may tour this Georgia barrier island with the National Estuarine Research Reserve, with island native Maurice Bailey or on their own from the seat of a rental bike from Comyam’s Campground.

Sapelo native Maurice Bailey provides tours of Sapelo Island, including the beaches and historical ruins. Each tour is three hours but may be extended upon request. Ogeechee Tours or Groups as well as individuals are welcomed.

The Sapelo Island National Estuarine Reserve provides tours for the public, featuring the natural and cultural history of Sapelo on Wednesdays and Saturdays and on Fridays from June 1 through Labor Day. Special programs and activities are scheduled throughout the year. Reservations are required for these tours. For more information on these tours, contact the Sapelo Island Visitor Center (link below).

Comyam’s Campground has rental bikes so you can tour the island on your own. Comyam’s Campground is located in historic Hog Hammock Community on Sapelo, a community owned by descendants of slaves that dates back to the late 1800s. The campground has a marshside view, showers and restrooms. Comyam’s also provides tours to campers for $8 per person.

A public ferry to Sapelo runs 7 days a week, but space is limited and arrangements must be made in advance. The ferry schedule is available on the Sapelo Ferry website, and the phone number for reservations is 912-437-3224.

Links and contacts numbers:

• Tour Sapelo with Maurice Bailey  or 912-485-2170.
• Rent a bike from Comyam’s Campground.
• Schedule a tour of Sapelo through the Sapelo Island Visitors Center.
• Reserve space on the Sapelo Ferry.
• Stay on Sapelo at Cornelila and Julius Bailey’s The Wallow or 912-485-2206.
• Camp on Sapelo at Comyam’s Campground.
• Read more about the natural environment and history of Sapelo Island.
• See Roger Bansemer’s drawings and paintings of the Sapelo lighthouse and Hog Hammock, among other Sapelo scenes.
• See a Google map showing Sapelo and Georgia’s other major barrier islands.

 Georgia > Southwest > Thomas County > Thomasville

Sweet Grass Dairy’s present owners Jeremy and Jessica Little (with sons Aidan, with Jeremy, and Asher, with Jessica) purchased Sweet Grass Dairy from Jessica’s parents and continue the legacy of producing award-winning cheeses.

Sweet Grass Dairy is quickly establishing itself as one of the country’s premier artisan cheese producers.  Founded in 2000 by Al and Desiree Wehner on 140 acres of rolling south-Georgia pastureland, the dairy started with a small herd of 11 dairy goats, grass-based jersey cow’s milk from their herd in the neighboring county, and a mission to show people a better way.

A better way for what, you may ask?  After years in the conventional dairy business, they decided to change their style of dairying to that of a rotational grazing system in which the animals graze lush pasture in comparison to confinement barns on concrete.  This style of dairying lets cows be cows and is healthier for not only the animals themselves, but those fortunate enough to drink the milk they produce. Although it was against the grain, the Wehners were confident in their decision.

It wasn’t long until it was time for a new adventure, so they decided to start a cheese making business.  Sweet Grass Dairy first opened its doors in 2000. Demand grew quickly, and they saw the need for help and invited us, their daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Jeremy Little to join the business in 2002. Jeremy took on the responsibility of making cheese while Jessica managed sales and marketing. Sales quickly grew from only local markets in Georgia and Florida to chefs and retailers all over the southeast while also starting small-scale distribution in major metropolitan areas. Production increased as well using milk from 150 goats and 30 cows.

In 2005, Jessica’s parents gave us the opportunity to purchase Sweet Grass Dairy from them, and very gratefully, we did.  Today, the mission remains the same: handcrafting unique old-world style cheeses while maintaining respect for the history, philosophy, and values that started Sweet Grass Dairy.  Our commitment to sustainable, earth-friendly farming and the artisanal philosophy of cheese making is as strong as it has ever been.  We are fortunate to have the ability to control production from the ground up which allows us to provide flavorful and healthful foods from our family to yours.  Thank you for supporting a small family owned and operated dairy.

We are now giving tours of the dairy.  Give us a call at (229) 227-0752 to schedule yours!  Tours are by appointment only and must be made in at least one week’s notice.

Tours are Friday mornings at 8:30 am and are $5.00 per person with a minimum of 15 people and a maximum of 30 people.  If you have less than 15 people in a group, we may need to add you to a larger tour group.  When you call to schedule your tour, we will fax or mail you an information packet that needs to get back to the dairy office before your tour date.

While on the farm, guests get the chance to see the milking take place while learning about the milking and cheesemaking process.  We also touch on the history of Sweet Grass Dairy and our values and philosophy.  Guests also get the opportunity to spend time with the goats, which seems to be the highlight for most groups!  Be prepared to make new friends, because our goats get attached very easily!

After the tour, guests usually like to take a trip to Sweet Grass Dairy Marketplace to purchase cheese with the 10% off coupon that is given for use on the day of the tour only.  So be sure to not let the coupon go to waste!

For more information and to schedule your tour, call Sweet Grass Dairy at (229) 227-0752.  Looking forward to having you!

Links

• Learn more about Sweet Grass Dairy and its tours.
• Read a story in the University of Georgia Magazine about the founding of Sweet Grass Dairy and their production of award-winning cheeses.

Find organically grown food,  farmers markets and restaurants that use organically grown food using the Local Food Guide.

The Local Food Guide 2009-2010, produced by the Georgia Organics and edited by Suzanne Welander is the state’s most complete guide to organic farms, farmers markets and restaurants that have involvement with organically grown food.

The organic farms and farmers markets and restaurants are organized geographically by county into five regions – Mountain, Atlanta Metro, Piedmont, East Coastal Plain and West Coastal Plain. So, using the guide you can organize a tour close to home or around a location to which you are traveling.

Here for example is a typical Farm listing:
Holt Heritage Farm and Supply, LLC
1235 Euharlee Road, Euharlee, GA 30145
Chaz & Georgia Holt, 770.386.8305
chaz@holtfarmsupply.com
www.holtfarmsupply.com
We offer: over 40 herb/vegetable/fruit crops throughout the year; children’s summer farm camps and school field trips on our farm; and a farm store selling exclusively organic farming supplies, plants, and sustainable living supplies.

The farmers’ markets in the Guide are all producer markets where you can buy fresh produce, meats, and dairy directly from the farmer who grew the food. The Guide does not include markets that predominately feature brokers or resellers, or markets that do not feature local producers selling locally grown food products.

Here is a typical Farmers Market Listing
Riverside Farmers Market
Riverside Park, Roswell, GA 30050
Louise Estabrook, 404.613.7670
laesta@uga.edu
The Riverside Farmers Market brings together vendors and shoppers in a celebration of farming and wholesome Georgia-grown produce. Enjoy events such as music, cook’s tours, chili cook-offs, watermelon eating contests, and a harvest festival! Open Saturdays 8am until noon, late May through October.

RESTAURANTS
All restaurants in the Guide are business level members of Georgia Organics. Some of the listed restaurants are committed to featuring fresh, locally produced food on their menus every day, year-round. Others purchase locally produced food occasionally. Georgia Organics urges you to contact the restaurants directly to find out more about their commitment
to feature sustainable and local food.

Here is a typical Restaurant Listing
Beechwood Inn
220 Beechwood Drive P.O. Box 429
Clayton, GA 30525
David G. Darugh, 706.782.5485
david-gayle@beechwoodinn.ws
www.beechwoodinn.ws
Most of our seasonal foods are from local and sustainable farms, orchards, and gardens, and much of it is organic and natural. Most of our dinner entrée meats are natural (organic, no hormones, no antibiotics, no feed lots). We are proud of our local suppliers.

Links

• Download a 88-page copy of Georgia Organics Local Food Guide.
• Read more about Georgia Organics.

Charles Seabrook, the author of Cumberland Island: Strong Women, Wild Horses, and who, for many years, wrote the weekly column, “Wild Georgia” for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, selected his “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die.” Here are Charles’ 35 choices in bold face type, along with his brief comments in italic with links to ways to find out more about them.

Okefenokee Swamp. Word famous wetland.

• Read more about the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
• Take a guided tour of the swamp with Okefenokee Adventures
• Canoe the Okefenokee on your own using this Okefenokee canoeing guide by Claude Terry

Marshes of Glynn. Far-as-the-eye-can-see coastal salt marshes that inspired poet Sydney Lanier to write his famous poem.

• Take a Do-It-Yourself Tour of the Marshes of Glynn
• Read Sydney Lanier’s poem

Cumberland Island National Seashore. Former President Jimmy Carter called it one of his most famous places on Earth.

• Read more about Cumberland Island National Seashore
• Cumberland is the largest of Georgia’s major barrier islands. See a map of all Georgia’s barrier islands

Ossabaw Island. Unspoiled barrier isle; amazing natural beauty.

• Read more about Ossabaw and see it on a map
• Ossabaw is one of Georgia’s major barrier islands. See a map of all of Georgia’s barrier islands

Cabretta Beach, Sapelo Island. One of Atlantic coast’s most beautiful undeveloped beaches.

• Read more about Sapelo and see it on a map that includes Cabretta Beach
• Sapelo is one of Georgia’s major barrier islands. See a map of all of Georgia’s barrier islands

Woody Pond, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. In spring, thousands of egrets, herons and endangered wood storks form spectacular nesting colonies.

• Read more about Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge and see a map that includes Woody Pond

Ebenezer Creek. National Natural Landmark; harbors 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees with huge buttresses eight-to-twelve feet wide.

• Canoe Ebenezer Creek using this guide by Suzanne Welander

Altamaha River. Lower Altamaha called “Georgia’s Amazon” for the lush, jungle-like growth along its banks; river’s entire 137 miles unfettered by dams.

• Read more about the Altamaha River
• Take a guided sea-kayak tour of the Altamaha River BioReserve with Altamaha Coastal Tours
• Download a poster of the Altamaha with historical and environmental information about the watershed

Broxton Rocks Ecological Preserve. Rugged sandstone rock outcrop deep in South Georgia; sculpted over centuries by water into fissures and shallow ravines that are now havens for many rare plants.

• Read more about Broxton Rocks and see it on a map

Ohoopee Dunes State Natural Area. Sometimes called “Georgia’s Desert”  because of its dry, sandy soil and scrubby vegetation. Biologists call it an “enchanting environment.”

• Read more about Ohoopee Dunes and see them on a map

Wade Tract Preserve. Privately-owned 200-acre swath of old-growth long leaf pine and wire grass; one of the few remaining examples of great long leaf forest that once covered Coastal Plains region.

• Read more about the Wade Tract Preserve and see it on a map

Providence Canyon State Park. Eroded land that transformed into a place of great beauty; sometimes called Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.”

• Read more about Providence Canyon State Park

Doe Run Pitcher Plant Bog Natural Area. Lush growths of carnivorous pitcher plants in spring.

• See a map showing the location of Doe Run Pitcher Plant Bog and find a link with more about how pitcher plants work

Pine Mountain. Spectacular view from Dowdell’s Knob of valley below. President Franklin D. Roosevelt often came here to picnic and meditate.

• Read more about Pine Mountain
• Read more about Dowell’s Knob and see the view that President Roosevelt saw

Warm Springs. Naturally warm, soothing water bubbling from Earth; FDR came here for treatment of polio.

• Read more about Warm Springs and the natural spring waters
• Visit the Little White House that was Roosevelt’s headquarters when he visited Warm Springs

Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area. See for yourself why conservationists are intent on saving from development this place for roaming black bears and rare wild-flower habitats.

• Read more about Oaky Woods and how you can help save over 19,000 acres of wilderness from development. Sign up for the Oaky Woods newsletter

George L. Smith State Park. Bald cypresses growing in pond are magnificent in fall when they take on their orangish-bronze tints.

• Read more about George L. Smith State Park

Sprewell Bluff State Park. Little known gem on Flint River, which is one of South’s most beautiful and interesting streams; 3-mile trail offers superb views of river and rocky cliffs.

• Read more about Sprewell Bluff State Park
• Read more about the Flint River
• Read how then Governor Jimmy Carter saved the Flint River from a proposed dam at Sprewell Bluff
• Take a canoe trip on the Flint using this guide by Reece Turrentine
• Take a canoe trip on the Flint using this guide by Claude Terry
• Download a poster of the Flint River showing historical and environmental features of the watershed

Palisades Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Spectacular greenspace in midst of sprawling bustling metro Atlanta.

• Read more about the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, including the Palisades Unit

Graves Mountain. Rockhounds from all over the world come here for amazing array of rocks and minerals.

• Read more about Graves Mountain. Tour old mining operations and find rare minerals

Stone Mountain / Arabia-Davidson Mountain / Panola Mountain. Huge geological wonders that sport some of Georgia’s most colorful arrays of wildflowers in spring and fall.

• Read more about Panola Mountain State Conservation Park
• Read more about climbing to the top of Stone Mountain

Tallulah Gorge. Hard granite walls fall perpendicular to land above, forming steep cliffs.

• Visit Tallulah Gorge State Park
• See a photo gallery of Georgia rivers by environmental photographer Beth Young that includes photos of Tallulah Gorge

Amicalola Falls State Park. Falls plunge 729 feet in seven cascades; highest waterfall east of Mississippi River.

• See waterfall photographer John Anthony’s photographs of Amicalola  Falls
• Visit Amicalola Falls State Park

Richard Russell Scenic Highway. 14-mile-long road is not natural, but it winds through some of the most splendid mountain scenery in the Southeast. Along the way are trailheads to waterfalls and scenic spots.

• Take this driving tour on the Richard Russell Scenic Highway (or one of 12 other Georgia driving tours)

Cloudland Canyon State Park. One of Georgia’s most scenic state parks. Rugged geology and beautiful vistas.

• Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park
• Take this driving tour of Lookout Mountain covering three states – Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee – which includes Cloudland as the centerpiece

Brasstown Bald. At 4,784 feet above sea level, it’s Georgia’s highest mountain; four states can be seen from top.

• Drive/walk to the top of Brasstown Bald
• See a list of all of Georgia’s mountains over 4,000 feet, with Brasstown topping the list

Rabun Bald (Chattahoochee National Forest), rivals Brasstown in elevation and spectacular views.

• Follow this hiking guide to the top of Rabun Bald

The Pocket, Pigeon Mountain. Lush growths of colorful spring and fall wildflowers in a beautiful setting.

• Use this guide to hike Pigeon Mountain’s Pocket Trail

Rocktown, Pigeon Mountain. Stunning, house-sized boulders make it a rival of its famous cousin, Rock City near Chattanooga.

• Use this guide to hike to Rocktown

McLemore Cove. One of the Southeast’s most picturesque mountain valleys.

• Use this guide to explore McLemore Cove

Chattooga River. Untamed and unimpeded; wild and rugged.

• Read more about the Chattooga River
• Use this guide to hike to Three Forks on the headwaters of the Chattooga
• The Chattooga is in the Savannah River watershed. Download a copy of a Savannah River poster showing historical events and environmental features of the watershed

Sosebee Cove. High elevation, north-facing cove forest; rich diversity of shade tolerant trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

• Read more about Sosebee Cove and view a map

Cooper Creek Scenic Area (Chattahoochee National Forest). Harbors large hemlocks and white pines, some with bases as big as four feet in diameter.

• Read more about Cooper Creek Scenic Area and view a map

Raven Cliffs Falls. Splendid Waterfalls; trail to them almost equally stunning.

• See John Anthony photos of Raven Cliff Falls and trail directions

Anna Ruby Falls. A must-see for visitors.

• See John Anthony photos of Anna Ruby Falls and trail directions

Thomas County Courthouse, built in 1858 and remodeled in 1888, is the beginning point for this 4.3 mile walking tour of Thomasville. A Confederate monument, erected in 1879, is on the courthouse square.

Thomasville is a unique town full of historic homes and buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The self-guided walking tour available in the Thomasvile Visitors Guide will guide you through Thomasville’s historic districts where you will see a variety of architectural styles dating from the 1800s. You will notice historic markers on buildings and homes that tell you the year of construction and the original business or family that occupied the structure. Many of the homes you will see are private residences and are not open to the public. While visitors are asked to respect the owner’s privacy, feel free to admire the outside structure. The tour length is approximately 4.3 miles and depending on your stamina, you may wish to break down the tour into smaller, shorter segments. Enjoy your walk through the past in this walking tour through Historic Thomasville.

Links

• Download a copy of the Thomasville Visitors Guide that contains the self-guided walking tour of Thomasville’s downtown.

Winding along the Ocmulgee River in Central Georgia, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail provides an environment for walking, biking, boating, bird watching and many other activities.

The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is the only riverside trail and park system in Middle Georgia. The Trail is first and foremost a recreational resource providing an exceptional environment for walking, biking, boating, bird watching and many other activities. Easily accessible from Interstates 16 and 75 and downtown Macon, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of urban life.

The Trail is also a cultural resource that connects people and places to celebrate our shared history of life along the Ocmulgee River. Many of our community’s historic treasures can be discovered along the Trail: the Ocmulgee National Monument, Historic Rose Hill Cemetery, and Macon’s original water works. On any given day, people of all walks of life can share at least one thing in common – the pleasure of recreating and relaxing on the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

The Trail is a public-private partnership managed by NewTown Macon in cooperation with the Macon-Bibb County Parks & Recreation department. Other key partners include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Transportation, Macon Water Authority, Ocmulgee National Monument, Urban Development Authority, and generous businesses, individuals and foundations.

Links

• Read more about the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.
• Read more about the Ocmulgee River.
• Download a poster of the Ocmulgee River showing historical and envonmental features of the entire watershed.

Rafting the Chattahoochee is the specialty of Wildwood Outfitters located in Cleveland, 13 miles south of Helen. Four different trips are available.

We have offered fun family outings on the Chattahoochee River since 1972. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select a trip that is right for you. Whether you require a leisure float down the river in a raft while you get some sun, or a workout running the rapids. We can make your stay in the North Georgia Mountains a trip to remember.

Trips Available
CHATTAHOOCHEE SECTION I  (Hwy 17 to Hwy 255 Bridge)
Enjoy a trip through shallow water and mountain laurel at upper portion of the Chattahoochee River. This trip runs only in the early morning.

CHATTAHOOCHEE SECTION II (Hwy 255 Bridge to Hwy 115 Bridge)
Enjoy mostly shoals and Smith Island Rapid. This trip is great for all ages and offers a little class II whitewater. Trips run morning and afternoon.

CHATTAHOOCHEE SECTION III (Hwy 115 Bridge to Hwy 384 Takeout)
Lots of shoals and three Class II rapids. This section is a workout but lots of fun. See wildlife and beautiful scenery. Trips run morning and afternoon.

SOQUE RIVER TO TAKE-OUT (Hwy 105 Bridge to Hwy 384 Takeout)
The perfect leisure trip. Float along the Soque River and fish or just catch some rays. Our shortest and most relaxing trip. Trips run morning and afternoon.

We also offer group rates and multi-day trips, perfect for

• Church Youth Groups
• Family Reunions
• Birthdays

We are located on Hwy 384 thirteen miles south of beautiful Alpine Helen.

Links:

• Read more about Wildwood Outfitters.

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins is the second largest museum in the U.S. Air Force with a collection of over 100 aircraft, missiles and cockpits

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins is one of the largest aviation museums in the United States and a major Air Force heritage, exhibit and education center in the Southeast.

Informative and interesting exhibits tell the story of aviation events from World War II to the present. One will find displays on the achievements of visionary civilian and military men and women who made significant contributions to aviation in Georgia.

Situated on a 51-acre site on Robins Air Force Base, the museum is the second largest museum in the U.S. Air Force with a collection of over 100 aircraft, missiles and cockpits dating from a replica of an early 1896 glider to modern-era aircraft, such as the B-1B bomber, the SR-71 Blackbird, the U-2 Dragon Lady and F-15 Eagle. The Museum has been accredited by the American Association of Museums – one of only nine aviation museums in the United States to receive such an honor.

Since it opened to the public in November 1984, more than 9.7 million people from all over the world have visited the Museum, including more than 758,000 children who have participated in Museum education programs. The Museum of Aviation has the honor of being the fourth most visited Department of Defense museum in the United States.

Admission is Free
Admission is free and the museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Guided tours are available for a small fee.

The museum is located 10 miles east of I-75 exit 144 at the end of Russell Parkway.

Links:

• Read more about the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.

Captain Heidt and Sundial Charters offer a variety of tours on the Georgia coast including light tackle fishing for trout, bass and flounder.

Come explore Coastal Georgia by boat  with Captain Heidt. We offer  twenty years of experience in the waters of Coastal Georgia. Just a fifteen minute drive from the Savannah Historic District, Tybee offers a wonderful variety of eco-adventures for you to experience on a Sundial Nature Cruise. Our outings are intimate experiences because we make the time to get to know you, listen to you and answer questions along the way.

Sample Sundial Charters Tours

• Visiting local dolphin and alligator families
• Bird watching and beach combing on remote beaches
• Light tackle fishing for trout, bass and flounder
• Fossil hunting for prehistoric shark’s teeth and fossilized bones
• Crabbing and cast netting

All trips are planned around the tide, weather, and your schedule. Trips are customized to suit your interests, with only one party in the boat at a time. You may have a maximum of six people. Larger groups can be accommodated with the use of extra boats.

Links

• Read more about Sundial Charters Tours