Everybody needs a break sometimes. Assignments, quizzes, tests, applications, etc. can be overwhelming this time of year, and students are looking for a break from it all. I've found that the most effective way to de-stress and just breathe a little bit is to get outside. Nature is scientifically proven to have a number of positive effects on the human psyche, but it can be tough to find places to escape the hustle bustle of an ever-growing Athens. Fortunately, there are a few hidden gems in and around this chaotic city—you just have to know where to look.
Big Panther Creek
Located in Toccoa, Georgia, Big Panther Creek is a favorite among UGA students. Only an hour down the road, it makes for an awesome day hike, or an easy backpacking trip for the more adventurous spirit. The three and a half mile trail to the picturesque Panther Creek Falls is gently graded for the most part, enabling fitness gurus and couch potatoes alike to take advantage of its beautiful Appalachian scenery.
If it's summertime, bring a swim suit and take a dip in the pristine waters of Big Panther Creek. Below the falls lies a shallow pool, perfect for cooling off after the hike in. Of all the places on this list, Big Panther Creek certainly gives you the most bang for your buck.
Chattooga River
The Chattooga has long been the subject of North Georgian-Appalachia folklore, especially since the release of the movie "Deliverance" which was filmed on and around the river. "Chattoogaland" as many call it hosts a handful of recreational opportunities, from camping to boating to fishing to day hikes--it truly has something for everyone.
If you're into waterfalls, hike to either Long Creek Falls or Opossum Creek falls, both of which are on tributaries to the Chattooga, and are quite the sight. If you're looking for more of a thrill, hop on a commercial rafting trip and paddle your way through five falls on section 4 of the Chattooga, one of the most well-known and scenic stretches of whitewater in the whole Southeast.
Tallulah Gorge
The massive Tallulah Gorge lies about an hour North of Athens, and is worth every second of the trip. It is truly unlike anything I've ever seen in Georgia, with its humbling walls stretching nearly 1,000 feet out of the Tallulah River. Massive slabs of quartzite surround you as you quickly descend into the depths of this impressive trench via one of its many trails.
If it's hot out, take a slide down Bridal Veil Falls, or simply "sliding rock" as the locals call it. It's harmless at natural flows, but when the dam is opened and supplemental water flows into the Tallulah Gorge for whitewater releases every Spring and Fall, sliding rock goes from a friendly waterslide to a churning cascade, capable of killing the heedless paddler. Isn't nature cool?
Sandy Creek Nature Center
Sandy Creek Nature Center doesn't bring about the same "wow" factor as those options previously mentioned, but it is a great deal closer and is an excellent alternative way to get your nature fix if you just don't have all day. It is home to more than six miles of trail providing patrons with an outdoor experience unlikely to be found elsewhere in Athens.
Ben Burton Park
If you're in a pinch, Ben Burton Park is another excellent option right here in Athens. It is by no means the biggest park around, but does pack some neat vistas into a short 1.4 mile walking trail. The trail follows the Oconee River and offers pleasant views of the stream and its modest shoals. It may not be the mighty Tallulah Gorge, but Ben Burton is still sure to provide those adventure-starved Dawgs with a pleasant natural experience and virtually right in their own backyard.
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