Georgia Magazine - June 2012 - (Page 23)

Take to the road Meandering four of Georgia’s scenic byways BY REN DAVIS Most days, roads are simply a means to an end—a path leading to a destination—and the quicker the better. However, when time permits a journey along a scenic byway, the road itself becomes the destination. The Georgia Department of Transportation has established 14 scenic byways that capture the state’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The four byways below represent Georgia’s diverse geographical regions: the northwestern ridge and valley, the mountains, the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain. So relax and enjoy a leisurely drive. —Walt Whitman, ‘Song of the Open Road’ Cohutta Mountains Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway (54 miles) L ike thousands of visitors before him, Bill Jenkins, from Columbus, Ohio, stands atop the tower on Fort Mountain’s summit and ponders questions about the mysterious rock wall below—who built it, when and for what purpose? Like that ancient wall, the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway traces a never-ending story of natural beauty and human history across Northwest Georgia’s Ridge and Valley country. Beginning at the Chattahoochee National Forest’s Cohutta Mountains Overlook, about five miles east of Fort Mountain State Park on Ga. Hwy. 52, the scenic byway crosses mountain slopes, passes farm fields and follows creek valleys on a winding path that beckons travelers to slow down and explore. Much of the route follows well-traveled roads, but portions meander along back roads, so pick up a detailed road map, watch for byway signs and spend a leisurely day—or longer—discovering the following places: June 2012 1. 1 Cohutta Mountains Overlook— Ga. Hwys. 52 and 2. A loop road from the highway leads to the dramatic vista of the Cohutta Mountains to the north. Deep in the mountains is the 36,977-acre Cohutta Wilderness, the third-largest mountain wilderness in the eastern United States, noted for its rugged trails, rushing streams and abundant wildlife. 2. 2 Fort Mountain State Park—Ga. Hwys. 52 and 2. Nestled on mountain slopes, this park gets its name from the ancient rock wall beneath the mountain’s summit. While the origins of the 855-foot-long wall remain a mystery, historians believe it was constructed by Native Americans more than 1,600 years ago for ceremonial purposes. The state park, including the summit observation tower, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Continue on Ga. 52 to Holly Creek Road and Old CCC Camp Road where a right turn will lead you to a tree-shaded picnic ground. Retrace your steps to Crandall-Ellijay Road and then U.S. 411, following it to Ga. Hwy. 2. Here, the road bends westward across a broad valley to Crow Road where you may follow byway signs toward the village of Cohutta. 3. 3 Cohutta Fisheries Center—5566 Red Clay Road. The 65-acre research facility north of the town of Cohutta is operated by the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry. The center features 36 ponds and an aquarium open to the public. Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (706) 542-2944. 4. 4 Historic Prater’s Mill—5845 Ga. Hwy. 2. Built on Coahulla Creek by Benjamin Prater in 1855, the mill was a community gathering place for more than a century. During the To see Georgia’s 14 scenic byways, visit www.dot. state.ga.us, and click on “Traveling in Georgia.” More online at www.georgiamagazine.org 23 REN DAVIS ‘… lighthearted, I take to the open road …’ http://www.dot.state.ga.us http://www.dot.state.ga.us http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - June 2012

Georgia Magazine - June 2012
Table of Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Liberty Notes
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar of Events
Currents
Georgia’s Energy Outlook
Wholesome Fun and Shaping Winners
Where to Stay and Eat When Visiting the Rock Ranch in the Rock, and Winshape Retreat in Rome
Take to the Road
Travel Guide
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Second Helping: Fish
Snapshot
Bonus Snapshot Submissions
Plant of the Month; Liberty Notes
Energy-efficiency Tips
June’s Online Trivia Contest

Georgia Magazine - June 2012

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