holiday camping

Not since the traffic jam at Panama City Beach many years ago have we ventured out on a holiday weekend. But that changed this past weekend when we decided to go camping at Unicoi State Park.

The route between home and there is mostly back roads, so we avoided most of the traffic, other than making the mistake of going through (tourist trap) Helen, Georgia.



The over 1000 acre park is beautiful, with the lake being the central focal point. On our hike around the lake we saw the people enjoying the beach, fishing, on the water in canoes and pedal boats. The trail passes by the unusual barrel cottages, the amphitheater with live music, the trading post, and crosses the dam.



Unicoi State Park is adjacent to Anna Ruby Falls which is on national forest land. A mere 5 mile hike from the campground (which we have done before) or a half mile hike from the forest service parking lot (which we did this time) brings you to the beautiful falls at the intersection of 2 mountain streams.



We enjoyed the wildflowers along the trails, feeding the fish in the lake, and watching the squirrels play in the woods, but spent most of our time sitting 'round the campfire and enjoying the time off.

more pics here and here