The view from the top of Kennesaw Mountain

Sweetwater Creek Trail-White to Blue makes me think of you!

My Absolute Favorite Trail 

This trail brings a smile to my face like none other does.  Perhaps it's the memories or the vast array of nature from moss-covered rocks or the rushing waters of the river.  All that I'm sure of is I crave to walk along this trail as much as possible.

There are four different trails to follow but the white to blue are my absolute favorite paths.  It's a 5 mile hike that isn't too extreme but will absolutely indulge your love of nature.  I've seen more species of animals on this trail than any other.  From turtles to deer to giant blue heron birds, you will see a wide variety of amazing creatures.  

If you only choose one trail to visit, this is the one to pick.  You won't be disappointed.

 Picketts Mill Trail

"Fungi Heaven"

Location:  Dallas

Details:  $2.75 for kids; $4 for adults

Time: Thursdays-Saturdays 9 am- 5 pm

Despite the cost and limited time periods, we absolutely love these trails and highly recommend them for an easy stroll through the wilderness.  A characteristic that these trails have that most don't are the small signs along the way with arrows showing the exact way to follow the trails.  More than just the paint on the trees, these signs make things clear and easy for everyone to follow. 

 Dogs are allowed, even annoying little ones like my Lucy.

Melting Pac Man Mushroom

 Apparently during the summer, this area becomes infested with more mushrooms than I've ever seen on any other trail.  We had a great time trying to find the biggest, smallest and the oddest varieties.

Who knew mushrooms were so beautiful?

 

Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville

 The "Steps of Death" Trail

We did the Creek trail which is only 2 miles round trip. Sounds easy enough, right?  And it was, until we got to the stairs.  600 stairs of pure evil that lead to amazing views of the falls. 

The view from the top of the falls is gorgeous.

As I was struggling up the steps, some nicely dressed women were calmly walking down after having parked at the top of the falls.  They giggled at seeing my red-faced, out of breath self sitting on one of the many benches trying to calm myself down.  They actually asked if it was really "that hard."  0.o   As we were walking back down the steps, those same women were trying to walk up them.  They saw me and immediately said, "Oh my god, you were right.  This is horrible."  I giggled and kept walking.  Highlight of the entire trail.

Some day I hope to return to Amicalola Falls and try some of the other trails.  I have challenged myself to do the 8.5 mile one way trail by the end of the year.    17 mile day hike anyone?   :)

Wild Horse Creek Trail in Powder Springs

The "You Better Be Packing" Path

This is a 4 mile out and back trail located in Powder Springs.  It is a paved path which, to me, ruins the experience.  It's like walking on a sidewalk the whole time and that truly takes away from the joy of being on a hike in the woods. 

One of two creepy, old bridges that I'm pretty sure are the habitat for some homeless folks.

This look out building, with remnants of old graffiti, seems like a great place to see an amazing view.  However, once you walk up to the top, you realize there is nothing to see but some trees.  I, seriously, have no idea why this was even created except as a place for teenagers to use for sneaky activities. 

There is graffiti everywhere and random, abandoned clothing and shoes along the path.

 

The beginning of the path is such an illusion.  A pretty canopy does not lead to a wonderful hiking experience.