Want to explore the Enchanted Valley but don’t know where to start? Here’s our list of student-approved “must visit” places while in the area. We have our favorite nearby hikes, rivers and lakes to paddle, and climbing gyms worth a day trip to a new city!
Skip to main content
Outdoor Activities
Hikes
Lake Trahlyta Trail at Vogel State Park
An easy 1-mile loop around the lake
http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/lake-trahlyta-trail
Helton Creek Falls
An easy 0.2-mile trail to the falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest
http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/helton-creek-falls-trail
High Shoals Falls
A moderate and popular 2.3 mile trail to the falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest
http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/high-shoals-falls-trail
Blood Mountain Trail
A difficult 6.1 mile loop up the highest peak on the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail
http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/blood-mountain-and-freeman-loop-trail
Places to Paddle
Lake Chatuge
Beautiful Lake Chatuge is only a short trip from campus. Boat, jet ski, paddleboard and kayak rentals are all available through Young Harris Water Sports. There is also a beach and swimming area located next to the Union County Pickleball Courts on the way to Hiawassee from campus.
http://www.yhwatersports.com
Nantahala River
The Nantahala River is a great first whitewater experience, giving you the option to choose from paddling in a raft—with or without a guide—or paddling an individual inflatable kayak. Choose from multiple outfitters on the Nantahala River.
http://www.visitnantahalanc.com/whitewater.html
Ocoee River
The Ocoee River is a challenging river that requires going with a commercial outfitter in a guided raft. Select from multiple outfitters that offer commercial trips from March – October of each year.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g55247-Ocoee_Tennessee-Vacations.html
Climbing Gyms
High Point Climbing Gym in Chattanooga, Tennessee
http://www.highpointclimbing.com/chattanooga/chattanooga-main
Climbmax in Asheville, North Carolina
http://www.climbmaxnc.com/
Brevard Rock Gym in Brevard, North Carolina
http://brevardrockgym.com/
Stone Summit in Atlanta, Georgia
http://www.ssclimbing.com/
*The YHC Recreation & Fitness Center also has a climbing wall.
This list was complied by Moriah Pruitt, '21, and Hope Lloyd, '21, for their Outdoor Leadership Legacy Project.