Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

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I have included the majority of the available trails within a couple hours’ drive of Atlanta, but in deciding what to leave in and what to omit, I focused on including those that are most enjoyable. I eliminated some areas where trails have become overgrown and very difficult to navigate. Some chapters, such as those concerning the Cohutta Wilderness and the Appalachian Trail, serve as a primer, offering details on selected hikes that will familiarize you with the area. (Although the Georgia Pinhoti Trail is not included in this edition, I hope to include it in a future one.)

I have occasionally flavored trip descriptions with my experiences while hiking, but be aware that you could have a very different experience, depending on weather and other variables. One of the best things you can carry on the trail is a flexible frame of mind—that and basic knowledge of the terrain and environment. It always helps to know if you need to eat your Wheaties.

All of these trail descriptions come with one important caveat: You’ll probably have a better time if you avoid hiking during peak travel days. The population of the Atlanta metro area has exploded in the past 20 years, so on a warm spring Saturday, popular trails resemble I-285 at rush hour. Granted, work and other responsibilities relegate most hiking to the weekends, but if you can arrange to hike on a weekday, you will be rewarded. That campsite you love so much will probably be unoccupied, and you could have that swimming hole with the waterfall to yourself for a little while.