LOCATE IT: Northwest Georgia Mountains

The majority of Gilmer County’s apple houses are along this stretch, thus the name ‘Apple Alley’– allowing you to visit several houses, each with their own signature treat.

The Vann House survives as Georgia’s best-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the house which features beautiful hand carvings, a remarkable “floating” staircase, a 12-foot mantle and fine antiques.

One of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and exceptional hiking, this park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. This park provides a free, high mobility all-terrain wheelchair by reservation.

68 campsites, 39 sites have electrical and water hookups, four of the electric and water sites also have sewer, the remaining 26 sites are tent only.

Rich history dating back to 1000 AD can be discovered at Etowah Indian Mounds. Explore 54 acres of Mississippian primitive culture including earthen mounds, a village site, and more. This park provides a free, high mobility all-terrain wheelchair by reservation.

18-hole, par-72 course, championship quality

Fort Mountain State Park got its name from an ancient and mystical 855-foot-long rock wall atop the highest point of the mountain. Activities include hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, boating, cabin rentals, and mini-golf.

These world-class destination gardens are set amidst 356 acres with mature trees and rolling hills. The pristine parkland setting has 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings, 19 waterfalls, natural springs, 20 seasonal flower displays, and five unique feature gardens. From May through November, the look of the gardens changes every two weeks. Visit March through April to see 20+ million daffodil blooms in one of “The World’s Best Places to See Daffodils.” The fall display features the nation’s largest Japanese Garden.

This quiet park in northwest Georgia offers outstanding fishing on two stocked lakes. Visitors can hike along three miles of lake loop trails and relax in swings.

New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the nation and was where the tragic ‘Trail of Tears’ officially began. Visitors can see 12 original and reconstructed buildings. Nature trails leads visitors to New Town Creek and a small beaver pond.

This trail system is in Ridgeway Recreation Area at Carters Lake. The main trail is a six-mile loop, with several short spur trails that allow for longer rides. Trail is a mixture of single track, narrow logging roads, challenging climbs, stream crossings and technical downhills.

18 primitive campsites with pit toilets, boat ramp, and dock. Accessible by dirt road only.

Recreational area with 32 RV sites: 30-amp electric hook-ups, water, fire ring, picnic table, deck and dump station; 25 primitive camping sites with restrooms and showers; lake, swimming and beach area, playgrounds, picnic pavilion, boat launch, john boat rentals, and a 1.5 mile nature trail. Pet friendly.

Recreational area with 32 RV sites: 30-amp electric hook-ups, water, fire ring, picnic table, deck and dump station; 25 primitive camping sites with restrooms and showers; lake, swimming and beach area, playgrounds, picnic pavilion, boat launch, john boat rentals, and a 1.5 mile nature trail. Pet friendly.

Beautiful rolling terrain and long range views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and the Cohutta Wilderness make this public course one of the most enjoyable and picturesque golf courses in North Georgia.

4 Oaks Farm and Produce is a family-run farm that offers all-natural farm grown produce, GMO- and hormone-free meat, free range poultry and more. Call to schedule a tour or to place a order.

This family orchard and apple house operates daily, August-December, offering apples, fresh produce, jams, jellies, relishes, apple cider, boiled peanuts, pies, fritters and other baked goods, bird houses and feeders, and other crafts.

The gem of Achasta is the 6,995-yard, par-72 Achasta Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy this challenging yet playable masterpiece, with its bent grass greens and manicured fairways that roll gently past picturesque views of the Chestatee River.

Adamson Square has always remained Carrollton’s vibrant city center. Full of charm and hospitality, the square features premium restaurants, diverse shops, local galleries and beautiful landscapes.

Park amenities include: Baseball/Softball fields, Walking track, Playground, Concessions building, Picnic shelter, Fishing pond, Restrooms.

Allatoona Wildlife Management Area is in Cherokee and Bartow counties and owned by The Corps of Engineers. This 6,818-acre property offers hunting opportunities for deer, bear, turkey, small game and waterfowl. No ATVs and no camping allowed on the WMA.

Allatoona Wildlife Management Area is in Cherokee and Bartow counties and owned by The Corps of Engineers. This 6,818-acre property offers hunting opportunities for deer, bear, turkey, small game and waterfowl. No ATVs and no camping allowed on the WMA.

The Homeplace serves as a living classroom. Students experience their heritage through story-telling, hands-on projects, music and food preparation, as well as exposure to regional art and crafts. Appointments are required.

Lyerly’s McLeod Park is open for public use. The center has baseball and softball fields, a playground, and other recreation areas.

This 1908 house features many of the original wood floors, much of the millwork and beveled glass. Portions of the home were once rented to teachers visiting Villa Rica to teach. Private residence.

You can trust Appalachian Anglers to bring you north Georgia’s finest guided fly fishing.

The Appalachian Trail in Georgia extends some 75 miles through the primitive areas of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Although rising at times to elevations of over 4,000 feet, the Trail is mostly along ridges at elevations of about 3,000 feet.