Stuck in Atlanta? Consider These Winter Excursions
Many of us are feeling the fatigue from being cooped up indoors as we approach the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic’s arrival in the U.S.
As long as the pandemic continues, the routines we’ve established to structure our workdays around productive time and personal time will continue to be critical. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use your weekends of vacation time to safely break out of your routine.
Here are a few ideas, in and around Atlanta, to help you re-energize and feed your curiosity outside the office. (And don’t worry if you’re not a “nature person” – we won’t pressure you into buying hiking boots.)
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby City or Town
It’s hard to think of a nearby locale that isn’t nestled in the heart of the Georgia Mountains or the southern reaches of the Appalachians.
If you haven’t been – or haven’t visited in a while – we recommend taking a trip to east to Athens, GA, where you can stroll the University of Georgia’s campus or the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia. Both are beautiful, even in winter.
If you’re looking for a less structured day trip, drive north to…
Blue Ridge, GA: Take a walk on part of the Appalachian Trail or visit their quaint downtown area.
Dahlonega, GA: This popular town in the heart of Georgia’s wine country is open for visitors.
Chattanooga, TN: The farthest afield, this city may offer the greatest change of scenery. Hike part of Chatty’s 13-mile riverwalk along the Tennessee River or grab lunch on your way to take in the view at “Tennessee's Grand Canyon,” the Tennessee River Gorge.
Remarkable Parks Near Atlanta
With the summer heat and humidity a distant memory, winter is a great time to visit some of Georgia’s most spectacular parks and forests. Be sure to research online before you make the drive as some locations may have limited hours or require advance reservations due to the pandemic.
Stephen C. Foster State Park is home to Okefenokee Swamp, North America’s largest black water swamp is open for boating. Visit their boardwalk trails and keep an eye out for gators (and other spectacular swamp wildlife).
Chattahoochee National Forest is laced with hiking trails, but if you’re looking for a particularly scenic day trip, head out to Amicalola Falls State Park for the views.
Cloudland Canyon is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn. This is a great option for those looking for a classic mountain view and easy to moderate hiking.
Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, GA is unlike any other park in the state. If you haven’t been to Bryce Canyon in Utah, you might mistake one for the other!
More than a Day Trip: Outdoor Adventures a Car Ride Away
If you are looking for a getaway beyond an easy day trip, there are two grand adventures we recommend:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. It’s unlike any other natural area in the region, and there are plenty of cabins and campsites available for rental. Check conditions before planning your trip, as there can be heavy snowfall in certain areas throughout the winter season.
For the less outdoors-oriented, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known as one of America’s most beautiful roads. Starting in the Great Smoky Mountains, the parkway will lead you up into the hills of Virginia.
Whatever the scale and logistics of your plans, be sure to consult resources from local and regional authorities to ensure your safety and compliance with local public health rules.
Photo by Stephen Cook on Unsplash