Outdoor Activities

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!

Hikes

Lake Trahlyta Trail at Vogel State Park
An easy 1-mile loop around the lake
https://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
https://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
https://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
https://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.
https://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.
https://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.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g55247-Ocoee_Tennessee-Vacations.html