Outdoor Activities in Georgia
When it comes to outdoor activities in Georgia, most people think about hiking or camping in the North Georgia mountains. While those are certainly activities we love, there are some lesser known adventures right around the corner. Learn more about spelunking, fly fishing, even scuba diving and more in Georgia.
Last Saturday, Spring was finally showing its beautiful face, and I had no plans. Perfect. With dinner plans at 8, I knew I couldn't go far but I certainly wasn't about to let that weather go to waste... and a bike ride around the neighborhood just wasn't going to cut it. Fortunately there is plenty to do just outside the city. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Spelunking
There are over 600 caves with at least 30 feet of depth to explore in GA. Sitton’s Cave in Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of our favorites given some amazing camp sites nearby as well. It is located in the far northwest corner of the state and although public tours are not available it is open to the public. Just west of LaFayette you'll find Ellison’s Cave in the Crockford–Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. You can also bring an expert guide and gear to practice your climbing and rappelling with two of the rooms requiring drops of hundreds of feet to reach the floor.
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2. Scuba Dive a Rock Quarry
Of all the beautiful places to Scuba Dive, a rock quarry is its own special type of rush. And best of all, it's right in our own backyard. If you've never been flying below the water, the thrill of the experience is special in its own right. Check out our friends at Dolphin Dive Athens for lessons and trips!
3. Fly-fishing
In Georgia, there are 48 river miles of designated trout water with over 9,000 acres of protected park lands managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. There is even a fly-fishing school at Habersham Mill.
4. White Water Rafting
If there is one thing we've learned over many years of exploration is that White Water Rafting is not a tough sell. Friends, water, and adventure and just around the corner. The Rolling Thunder River Company has three locations whether you want to raft the Ocoee (McCaysville), Nantahala (Bryson City), or Toccoa (McCaysville).
5. Snorkeling
Just across the state line in Tennessee, the pool in the Conasauga was designated for snorkeling by the U.S. Forest Service in 2000. It serves as a fantastic place can also see the Mobile logperch, a yellow fish with tiger stripes, which can reach half a foot long. The GA Conservancy cites that over 70 species of fish have been identified in this snorkeling hole over the years.
Did you know that before Rheos headquarters moved to Charleston, we were based in Atlanta? If we're missing any noteworthy Georgia adventures, please let us know! And if there's anything off the beaten path that we should check out in South Carolina, we're all ears. Give us a shout at hello@rheosgear.com.
See you on the water!
