Everyday Guide to the North Georgia MountainsYour Subtitle text
Mountainfreak Outdoors
During a recent trip to Helen I stopped and said hello to Woody Wood of Woody's Mountain Bikes, located near Unicoi State Park and Helen. I've been getting a lot of email requests for mountain biking information and Woody's had been recommended as a source of local knowledge about this popular north Georgia mountain outdoor activity.
After only a few minutes of shooting the breeze with Woody I could tell how passionate he is about the sport and how eager he is to get more people involved. His facility in the mountains caters to both the first time mountain biker and the seasoned veteran, offering sales, repairs, rentals and trips. I was especially impressed with his packages for beginners and families. Woody's typical ride/rental package includes bicycle, helmet and shuttle..and can last from two hours to all day. He encourages folks to bring a picnic lunch and a camera to document their adventure.
Ready to Ride at Woody's Mountain Bikes
There are over 60 bike trails in the north Georgia mountains offering levels of difficulty for all skill levels. Let Woody's hook you up with all you need to enjoy them. For families, the Gold Mine ride and the Gap ride are the two most popular trips offered. Woody's package includes bike, helmet and shuttle for $50 per person. Business hours are every day but Tuesday from 10am to 5pm. You can reach Woody's via phone- 706.878.3715 or via email-woodysmtb@alltel.net
Click on the logo at the top of the page for a link to their website.
Click on the logo at the top of the page for a link to their website.
Horsetrough Falls
Majesty at the Headwaters of the Chattahoochee
I often get asked about waterfalls to visit in the north Georgia mountains. My answer usually depends on how much effort I feel the person asking wants to take in finding the falls. Amicalola Falls, Anna Ruby Falls and Dukes Creek Falls are all splendid and easy to get to-so those generally top my list...but I also like to include my personal favorite, Horsetrough Falls.
Located near the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River about 12 miles north of Helen (by road-a little closer as the crow flies), Horsetrough Falls carries Horsetrough Creek down a series of rocky cascades on it's way to join the fledgling Chattahoochee about 200 yards below the falls. The setting at the base of the falls is cathedral-like due to the density of the forest in the summertime, which allows the sun to only break through completely in the opening created by the tumbling creek.
Horsetrough Falls can be accessed through the Upper Chattahoochee Campground, which is located on FS44, a gravel track that runs from Unicoi Gap to just north of Robertstown. For the more adventurous I would suggest
approaching from Robertstown. To travel this route, take GA Hwy 75 north from Helen to alt 75 (left just past the flea market). As soon as you cross over the bridge take an immediate right onto Poplar Stump Rd. This road follows the Chattahoochee for about a mile before the pavement ends and it becomes FS44. FS44 is well maintained gravel. Follow FS44 to Low Gap Creek then follow the signs to the Upper Chattahoochee Campground. The 800' trail to the falls begins at the very back of the campground. An alternate route is to take GA 75 north of Helen approx. 8 miles to Unicoi Gap, then turn left onto FS44. Upper Chattahoochee Campground is 5 miles away from this point.
The trip is well worth it no matter which route you take-and this is also a beautiful drive in the fall when the leaves change, which won't be long now.
Located near the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River about 12 miles north of Helen (by road-a little closer as the crow flies), Horsetrough Falls carries Horsetrough Creek down a series of rocky cascades on it's way to join the fledgling Chattahoochee about 200 yards below the falls. The setting at the base of the falls is cathedral-like due to the density of the forest in the summertime, which allows the sun to only break through completely in the opening created by the tumbling creek.
Horsetrough Falls can be accessed through the Upper Chattahoochee Campground, which is located on FS44, a gravel track that runs from Unicoi Gap to just north of Robertstown. For the more adventurous I would suggest
The Chattahoochee River Near It's Beginnings
approaching from Robertstown. To travel this route, take GA Hwy 75 north from Helen to alt 75 (left just past the flea market). As soon as you cross over the bridge take an immediate right onto Poplar Stump Rd. This road follows the Chattahoochee for about a mile before the pavement ends and it becomes FS44. FS44 is well maintained gravel. Follow FS44 to Low Gap Creek then follow the signs to the Upper Chattahoochee Campground. The 800' trail to the falls begins at the very back of the campground. An alternate route is to take GA 75 north of Helen approx. 8 miles to Unicoi Gap, then turn left onto FS44. Upper Chattahoochee Campground is 5 miles away from this point.
The trip is well worth it no matter which route you take-and this is also a beautiful drive in the fall when the leaves change, which won't be long now.
