Recycle and Reuse: Outdoor Opportunities Across Northwest Georgia This Summer | Lifestyles

Summer is often the time when we want to get out of the house and try something new. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Northwest Georgia that you can participate in, whether you prefer peace and quiet or a thrilling adventure.

Are you looking for a rejuvenating time to rest and reset this summer? Visit 6 Ponds Farm in Fannin County and see the forest, ponds, chickens, quails, blueberries and more during your day trip. You can stay in a guest house with access to a saltwater pool to cool off and a fire pit to warm up. For added enjoyment, you can stay in their tree house complete with fireplace and hot tub. You can go out on the porch of the house and admire the nature around you while drinking your morning cup of coffee.

If you just need a few hours of peace and quiet and don’t want to stray too far from home, visit the Lake Conasauga Songbird Management Area in Chatsworth. It sits at 3,300 feet as the highest lake in Georgia and is the perfect spot for birdwatching in a small area. Hike to the top of Grassy Mountain from Lake Conasauga in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

For the best views in Georgia, look to Blue Ridge. There, you can choose to stay grounded and take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a two- or four-hour train ride through the Appalachian foothills. To add a little excitement, they have fireworks on July 2. Just be sure to get your tickets here early as they may sell out.

For a bird’s eye view, opt for the Blue Ridge helicopter tours instead. You have the choice between several sites, including Lake Blueridge and the Mercier orchard. You can bring up to two other people to join you on this tour.

There are also plenty of options for families with children this summer. You can drive to Cartersville and visit Pettit Creek Farms for a drive-in petting zoo, and you can add a zipline tour for the thrill seekers in your group.

Head up Blue Ridge to the Aska Mining Company, where your kids can hunt for ‘gems’ before heading out for a relaxing river tubing ride. If your crew finds they really enjoy being in the water, you can take a day trip to Lake Carters. There’s a $4 fee to access the lake, but if you really like it, you can purchase a year-long pass for $30 instead. There is a shore for playing in the sand and snorkeling in the lake, but you can also go boating and fishing in the lake.

If you have older kids over 10, challenge yourself at Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park. The park is an obstacle course with bridges and tight ropes ranging from 15 to 50 feet in the air to clear your way. You all have an hour and a half to complete the course.

Bring excitement to your summer by programming hang gliding. The Lookout Mountain Flight Park welcomes solo riders with a USHPA (United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) H2 rating or higher, but first-timers can schedule a tandem ride with them to experience the experience with a knowledgeable guide.

If you want to go in the completely opposite direction of soaring into the blue sky, you can explore the caves at Cloudland Canyon. You can spend the day caving and hiking to see the waterfall and spend the night in one of their yurts for rent for a full day of adventure.

With all of these opportunities close to us in Northwest Georgia, you are sure to find something perfect to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us this summer season.

Amy Hartline is the Recycling and Education Program Coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Do you have a question about recycling? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.

Amy Hartline is the Recycling and Education Program Coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Do you have a question about recycling? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.