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

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Throughout the northern and central regions, summers in Georgia are hot and humid, with highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. The mountains can be 8 to 10 degrees cooler than lower regions in summer, but the humidity is still a factor. You’ll find fewer travelers along the trails in July and August, when it’s nice to hike next to a river, stream, or lake where you can swim to cool down.

Georgia receives moderate to heavy precipitation, about 40 to 50 inches per year, with the amount of rainfall generally even throughout the year. Rainfall amounts are higher in the upper elevations, and the mountains in the northeast can get 75 inches of precipitation in a year. When I began working on the first edition of this book in 2007, Georgia suffered severe drought, with Atlanta receiving only 31.85 inches and Athens a mere 31.51 inches. Towns such as Helen and Hiawassee in north Georgia fared better, getting 45 to 50 inches of rain. Because stream flows were unpredictable, I had to plan my backcountry travel carefully and ensure that I had sources for drinking water. In recent years, annual rainfall totals have risen, and you will likely not have to be as careful, but you should still carry an ample water supply at all times.