Sunday, March 27, 2022
Northeast Georgia:
Bell Mountain, Brasstown Bald, Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
Bell Mountain, Georgia, is only three hours from our house, so we were able to start having fun on vacation day one! A very steep and narrow road led us to a small parking area near the top of the mountain, then we walked the last hundred yards or so - plus a final staircase - to the summit.
To the top!
Lake Chatuge from Bell Mountain, Georgia
Final steps to the summit
The weather was cold and windy, but the views of Lake Chatuge and the Blue Ridge Mountains (aka the Southern Appalachians) were outstanding! We chose to make this trip very early in the spring, before the trees fill out, for the most open views, and the wind today aided in keeping any humid haze at bay.
Blue hills of the Southern Appalachians
Nice tag!
Jana, Tom & Bosco on Bell Mountain
A little further down the road, we came to the parking area for Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia at 4,784 feet. In high season, the Forest Service runs a shuttle to the top, but we were a few days early, and the shuttle wasn't running yet. I suspect dogs aren't allowed on board anyway. That's okay - we can walk!
Brasstown Bald observation tower
Bosco leads the way
Highest point in Georgia
The visitor center was also closed at Brasstown Bald, but the steep trail to the top and the viewing decks remain open year round, offering a 360-degree mountain panorama. Plus, we bagged another high point! We hiked 1.7 miles - a good stretch for Bosco's legs.
On top of the world...
...looking down on creation
From Brasstown Bald, we continued south along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, stopping at several scenic overlooks along the way. Bosco didn't understand why we kept stopping for 30 seconds here or a minute or two there without going for a walk each time. Ha!
Still a bit chilly in the shade
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
At Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area, we took a very nice hike to a gorgeous 150-foot cascading waterfall of the same name. At some point in the not-too-distant past, there had been a windstorm here, and one of the viewing platforms was destroyed by falling trees. It was an easy 2.7-mile round-trip.
Dukes Creek Falls Trail
Dukes Creek Falls
Beware of destruction
Jana's best guys
Just after 6:00, we rolled into the tiny town of Helen, Georgia (population 531). A former logging town, Helen has recreated itself as a miniature Bavaria. It's a little Gatlinburg-esque, but I'm happy to report it has not yet been inundated by Ripley's attractions. After dumping our stuff at the hotel, we walked over to explore the cute downtown.
Helen, Georgia - Alpine village in the Appalachians
Chattahoochee River
For dinner, we wound up at dog-friendly Cowboys & Angels Restaurant and Bar. We sat out on the patio, of course, since we had Bosco. It was a chilly evening, but the heaters were on and the breeze was blocked, so it was fairly comfortable. Bosco was confused at first by the loud music and lively crowd, but after a few minutes, he settled down and laid on a blanket at our feet. It helped that he was already exhausted from the big day. Our burgers (and beers) were great and arrived exceptionally fast, for which we were grateful.
Out for dinner
Cowboys & Angels' dog-friendly patio
Chilling at the bar
The sun had set by the time we left the restaurant, so we got to see downtown Helen's Bavarian roof lines lit up at night. Like I said, cute!
Jana and Bosco with Helen's Easter tree
Bavarian Georgia, USA
Helen in lights
Lodging: Red Roof Inn, Helen, Georgia. We got a large room with a king-sized bed for dirt cheap, with no extra charge for Bosco. The bedding was not the most luxurious, but I repeat, it was dirt cheap. I'll take it!
|