A Rocky Road to Stonewall Falls

Our Sunday drive was fantastic! Gorgeous skies, very little traffic and the ride always seemed to be heading down hill.  We even found a great little deli on the way. Annie’s at Alley’s is located just off old 441 in Lakemount GA. The people were very friendly and food fresh. Lots of art and antiques to gaze upon while you wait. Everything about the place was very welcoming. We are planning to stop by again during our next adventure. Try it sometime.

Even when we got to the gravel road that lead to the waterfall it didn’t seem bad. Then Carmen saw how narrow the roads were and stress level went up a notch. That wasn’t the only obstacle on this road either. Water wash from recent rains carved ruts in the road. Sudden drops and large rocks posed problematic and tricky maneuvering down this narrow rocky terrain. Eventually we made it to the waterfall, but I suggest driving a 4 wheel drive truck or SUV. Preferably something that is off the ground. You’ll drag the bottom of your car if it isn’t raised up. I’m so glad we took the truck. It had quite a work out that day. When it was all over there was a long silence and Carmen said with a calm voice “I love asphalt.” I looked right at her and we both laughed for several minutes. In my book, that was the tweet of the day from this trip.

This waterfall and camp ground is set up with mountain biking trails also. So if mountain biking is one of your hobbies, then this place is worth a look.  I understand trout fishing is big in these waters too. We spotted lots of polls, but no fish…..just some minnows.

Here are a few images from our little adventure.

 

tallulah gorge state park

This past weekend we journeyed  into north Georgia to Tallulah Gorge State Park. We love this park. The hike down and up the stairs feels like death, but it’s worth every step. It’s a good hike to measure your endurance at the start of hiking season. When ever that may be for you. We hiked the rim and down to the suspension bridge with our friends the Scobeys. We had a blast with them! I don’t think there was a single drop in conversation. The ironic part of this day, we are all photographers and we didn’t take a single photo. I think we just want to enjoy the day and the hike. We didn’t want to worry about composition and lighting situations. After a nice winter, it was great to get out and enjoy nature. Maybe next time we’ll take a couple of shots.

A historical note for Tallulah Gorge State Park; two people have walked across the gorge on a tightrope. Professor Leon made it across on July 24th, 1886, and Karl Wallenda repeated the feat on July 18th 1970. Roughly an 800ft drop to the bottom. How would you like to try that as a weekend adventure?? Well you can’t. The tight rope towers are still in the landscape, but pushed over on their sides. I’m sure for safety reasons.

This park is fun and worth the time it takes to get there. Check the link for all the activities you can do at the park. The full moon tour sounds interesting. Check it out some time.

jim