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Post by jazzfu on May 28, 2019 18:33:07 GMT -8
I recently decided to experiment with some hiking/backpacking, something I always kinda wanted to get into a bit. I am new to the Atlanta area, don't know many people here yet, and zero outdoors types. So far I've watched a bunch of youtubes, bought a ton of crap at REI, and went out on a couple of overnights. I hiked part of the approach trail at Springer Mountain on the AT, just to get my feet wet. I did an overnight at Dockery Lake, which was a bit of a mixed experience for me. Mixed because there were lots of campers there blasting country music, so I did not get the full "solitude" effect I was kinda looking for. On the other hand, it was sort of reassuring that if I got eaten by a bear, a neighboring camper would be able to fish out my ID from my remains, and notify my family  What was great was falling asleep soon after sundown (after the country music died down - don't get me wrong I love country, and didn't mind listening), and waking to the birds. Some interesting noises in the night for sure (I'm basically a city/suburb guy). The next morning I hiked up and back on the Dockery Lake Trail, pretty early, so not many people were about. I toted a nearly full pack (probably about 25lbs - didn't bother lugging the tent, just left it at the campsite, which I had to come back to anyway), to see what that was like. It was pretty tough, actually, after an hour or so. Slow going, as, although I am pretty fit, I am also getting older, and I am not at all used to hiking. Previous (and current) physical pastimes include mountain biking, skiing, martial arts, but nothing to compete with countless hours sitting in an office to pay the rent. None of these things seem to prepare my body for hiking, which seems like a completely different muscle training. I also familiarized myself with my new water filter, and hopefully I don't have Giardia. Or some weird virus, which, apparently the filters don't prevent. So that's where I am at. I have been searching for areas closer to Atlanta then the Chattahoochee park, so I can get out for shorter hikes, when I can't spare the time to drive an hour and and a half or two back and forth, and still get a good hike in, or can't camp overnight. If anyone in the area has suggestions, they would be most welcome. So, where do Atlanta hikers go to hike when they can't get out to the Chattahoochee area, or the AT, but want to get into nature for a few hours? I am also trying to figure out a good one or two night route around the foot of the AT, for when a weekend opens up, if anyone has suggestions. Thanks for enduring my noob first (or second - I did the introduce thing, if that counts) post! |
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Post by hikingtiger on May 29, 2019 13:38:29 GMT -8
None of these things seem to prepare my body for hiking, which seems like a completely different muscle training. It's been said that the best way to train for backpacking is backpacking. Welcome. You've got many state park choices, several with backcountry camping. "Close" depends on whether "Atlanta" means Downtown, Smyrna, College Park, or other. (though you've probably already figured that out. lol) |
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Post by jazzfu on May 29, 2019 16:30:09 GMT -8
I am starting to see the geographical and traffic implications, yes! I am currently in an apt in Inman Park, which I guess is east of downtown, until I figure out where to settle and move my family down. Took me about an hour and a half to get to Dockery Lake from here. Maybe more like two hours to Amicalola. Would be great if I could find some good hiking, even if not back country, within an hour.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,977 
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Post by driftwoody on May 29, 2019 16:51:03 GMT -8
I am starting to see the geographical and traffic implications, yes! I am currently in an apt in Inman Park, which I guess is east of downtown, until I figure out where to settle and move my family down. Took me about an hour and a half to get to Dockery Lake from here. Maybe more like two hours to Amicalola. Would be great if I could find some good hiking, even if not back country, within an hour. North Georgia is about 12 hours from me, but I've traveled there more than once to go hiking. You are within a couple hours of many scenic highlights, but looking within an hour radius sounds more like exercise than hiking/backpacking. I'm more jealous than critical. I have some favorite local trails in southwest Chicagoland for exercise, but to get away for some real hiking I will travel far. I'll drive 5 hours south to Southern Illinois for a 2 day weekend, and I've driven to Carvers Gap on the A.T. for a 3 day weekend. Lots of GREAT hiking in north Georgia, and even more if you expand your radius to North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and beyond. I LOVE the mountains of the Southeast, and you will too -- but it takes desire, effort, and commitment. You have many wonderful adventures ahead of you, if you give it a chance. |
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VAN
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Post by VAN on May 30, 2019 11:26:25 GMT -8
We drive from Central FL at least once a year to hike in the North GA and NC mountains. Nantahala area is my favorite. Grew up going to summer camp in Rabun County, GA so am most familiar with Clayton, and just over the line Otto, Franklin areas of NC. It is about 1 hr to Gainesville, GA and 2 hours to Clayton, GA from Atlanta. Get out there and explore!!
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Post by jazzfu on May 30, 2019 13:05:20 GMT -8
We drive from Central FL at least once a year to hike in the North GA and NC mountains. Nantahala area is my favorite. Grew up going to summer camp in Rabun County, GA so am most familiar with Clayton, and just over the line Otto, Franklin areas of NC. It is about 1 hr to Gainesville, GA and 2 hours to Clayton, GA from Atlanta. Get out there and explore!! Very cool, thanks! Off to do a bit of googling on those areas. |
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,977
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Post by driftwoody on May 30, 2019 16:27:15 GMT -8
If you're up to a wilderness challenge, Cohutta is a very laege area.
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VAN
Trail Wise!
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Post by VAN on Jun 3, 2019 9:21:40 GMT -8
We drive from Central FL at least once a year to hike in the North GA and NC mountains. Nantahala area is my favorite. Grew up going to summer camp in Rabun County, GA so am most familiar with Clayton, and just over the line Otto, Franklin areas of NC. It is about 1 hr to Gainesville, GA and 2 hours to Clayton, GA from Atlanta. Get out there and explore!! Very cool, thanks! Off to do a bit of googling on those areas. Check out Tallulah Falls and Tallulah Gorge State Park and Black Rock Mountain State Park. Both are near Clayton and are excellent. As for Nantahala - The Wesser Bald, Wayah Bald, and Albert Mountain Fire towers are all easy day hikes. We once did them all in the same day. Standing Indian Campground (near Albert Mountain) is another great place to base camp. You can also make a nice loop between Franklin NC, Cullasaja, Highlands, and Cashiers. Beautiful waterfalls and drives in this areas. Check out the mountain waters scenic byway. This summer we're staying near the Nantahala Outdoor Center and will spend a week in the areas near Fontana Dam, Lake Santeetlah, and Bryson City. So many places to visit! |
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,977
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Post by driftwoody on Jun 3, 2019 17:27:52 GMT -8
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Post by davidsonhope on Jun 4, 2019 0:56:12 GMT -8
Did you find this trip easy/hard to cook for? I noticed that the farther I am into the wilderness, the harder it gets for me to cook healthy meals at normal intervals. I consider myself a below average cook and that's why I am asking. I found a couple of family friendly hiking recipes here: under-the-open-sky.com/five-great-food-ideas-for-your-outdoor-adventure/ Do youhave any favorites? Any advice on hiking nutrution in general? Can one incorporate fresh fish into it somehow? |
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
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Post by zeke on Jun 4, 2019 3:01:44 GMT -8
Most hikers pack some sort of dehydrated meal. If you dehydrate your own meals, they can be as healthy as you want.
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Post by windwillow on Jul 3, 2019 23:13:06 GMT -8
I'll try to make my advice as short and as simple as possible. Travel as light as possible. The heaviest items in your pack should be food and water. Use hiking sticks to take the stress off your legs. Wear well-fitting and broken-in hiking boots. When you huff and puff your body is not getting enough oxygen. Walking at a pace that allows you to be able to walk and talk means that your legs and your body are getting the oxygen needed to function efficiently. Gear is always important, before buying any gear I would suggest you read up on places like huntingfishingplus.com/ to see hunting/hiking reviews. A break of ten minutes helps remove the metabolic waste products that build up in your legs while hiking. Take a break at least every hour. Sit down and prop your legs up. Eat some food, drink some fluids, and take this time to enjoy and appreciate the view. One of the best parts about hiking that I love, taking a break and taking in the view. |
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Roger
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Post by Roger on Jul 19, 2019 9:39:03 GMT -8
Georgia has some good state and country parks. Check out books on hiking Georgia and start exploring. This month I was at Cloudland State Park and Vogel State Park. Both were enjoyable. We were day hiking but backpacking trails are near by. This time of year the trails close to Atlanta can be on the hot side while the mountains may be warm but a lot more tolerable. The closer to Atlanta and weekends may be on the crowded side but most folks do not venture far from their car. We tend to look up a park or trail in one of our books and head out. As they say nothing ventured nothing gained.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,977
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Post by driftwoody on Jul 19, 2019 15:53:56 GMT -8
Cloudland has a couple of truly outstanding waterfalls.
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What was great was falling asleep soon after sundown (after the country music died down - don't get me wrong I love country, and didn't mind listening), and waking to the birds. Some interesting noises in the night for sure (I'm basically a city/suburb guy).
