Fall in Love with Some of Georgia's Natural Swimming Holes and Rock Slides By Julie Senger Anyone who has spent any amount of time in Georgia knows that the line between spring and summertime is often a blurry one. Georgias transition between these two seasons is not usually dictated by a date on the calendar, but rather by the temperature outside. Georgia frequently sees 80-90+ temperatures while its still technically spring. So, if youre looking for a unique way to cool off, check out some of these breathtaking waterfalls; submerge yourself in one of Mother Natures sparkling swimming holes, or let the kids (or kids at heart) glide down an awesome rock waterslide! Gather family and friends together, and make a day out of exploring these gorgeous Georgia locations! Edge of the World Highway 53 West, DawsonvilleLatitude: 34.426321Longitude: -84.211665 Just off the Amicalola River Trail, youll find an awesome swimming hole and fun rock slides! You will need to purchase a parking pass ahead of time. A day pass is $3, or you can purchase an annual pass at GeorgiaWildlife.com. The entire trail is almost three miles long, but according to a post on 365AtlantaFamily.com, you wont have to hike the entire trail to get to the swimming hole: From the parking lot, head down the stairs to the trailhead. Youll follow the boardwalk for about a half-mile. When the boardwalk ends, you can catch a spectacular view of the rapids from a small observation deck. Dont stop here. Follow the rough-terrain trail for a few hundred more feet. It will split, with the Amicalola River Trail following the top split to the left. You want to take the fork to the right to reach the swimming hole. If you happen to be an advanced kayaker: You may want to take the road from the north end of the parking lot (the area furthest away from the road) to the boat ramp/handicap parking area. This is a major put-in spot for those who want to test their skill on the class IV Edge of the World rapids that are about a half mile downstream (GeorgiaTrails.com). Wildcat Creek Waterfall on Wildcat Trail Wildcat Camp Road, Dawson Swimming HoleLatitude: 34.5006580Longitude: -84.2845210WaterfallLatitude: 34.498855Longitude: -84.293823 Wildcat trail is a streamlined hike along Wildcat Creek. Theres nothing quite like being able to hear the rushing water in the distance throughout your 3.4-mile hike to the reach the waterfall. It builds your anticipation of the amazing view that awaits you around an uncertain corner, as the crashing sound gets closer and closer, and the temperature in the air gets just a little bit cooler as you near the falls and the delightful swimming hole at its base. Wildcat Creek also connects with the Huckleberry, Fall, and Rocky Ford Creeks. This creek joins the Amicalola River in the Wildcat Campground, so you are welcome to make this trip an overnighter! The campground is by one of the bridges that crosses the Amicalola River. The total hike is almost seven miles long. There are a few moderate climbing spots, so this trail may not be the best choice for smaller children or those with physical limitations. There are also some areas that have ropes you can use to help you along your way. Be sure to dress appropriately because there are several areas where you will cross over the water, some are small, shallow areas, while others are nearly knee-deep streams. Many people like to hike this trail barefoot. Poole's Mill Park7725 Pooles Mill Road, Ball Ground Pooles Mill Park is ten acres of lovely property, boasting a charming covered bridge over Settendown Creek. The bridge was built in 1901 and refurbished in 1997. The stream alternates between gathering in small pools, providing great little swimming holes for kids to dip in the water, and areas where the water flows over rock, creating little waterfalls throughout creek. If you like to fish, be sure to bring your rod, and try your luck. There are also sloping rocks for the kids to slide down. This park has a nice playground with slides and swings as well as plenty of parking. There are a few walking trails with some great scenery along the way. The picnic areas are perfect for enjoying an afternoon lunch. Tallulah Gorge State ParkSliding Rock/Bridal Veil FallsChattahoochee National Forest338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls If you plan to hike down to Bridal Veil Falls via Sliding Rock Trail, it would be wise to arrive early, especially on nice days, as you must obtain a free permit to hike this trail, and permits are limited to only 100 per day. This is a pretty rigorous 3.4-mile hike, which may not be suitable for younger children or anyone with physical limitations; dogs are also not allowed on this trail. So, if youre up for the challenge, when you get to the floor of the gorge, you are rewarded with a huge rock slide that lands you right in the middle of a deep, sparkling swimming hole, which is the only spot where youre allowed to swim in the entire gorge. Even if you dont manage to score one of the days 100 permits to hike Sliding Rock Trail to the slide and swimming hole, there are many other open-access trails to traverse at this hikers paradise, complete with waterfalls and whitewater-filled views. There is also an impressive, breathtaking suspension bridge that ascends to the canyons south rim. Watson Mill State Bridge State Park650 Watson Mill Road, Comer Just twenty minutes east of Athens, this park is somewhat of a hidden gem. Its covered bridge is the longest of the fewer than twenty covered bridges that remain in Georgia. During summer, visitors can play in or slide down the cool river shoals just below this historical bridge. Visitors can also go fishing, rent kayaks or pedal boats (seasonal), rent campsites or cabins, reserve a picnic shelter for a family reunion or other large event. Bikers and hikers will find five and seven miles worth of trails, respectively, and horse owners can reserve a stable for their horse, and enjoy fourteen miles worth of horseback riding trails. Things to Remember... Be sure to wear an old swim suit. If youre rock sliding or sitting on rocks and sediment, you probably dont want to wear your most expensive trunks or bikini. Wear water shoes. You will likely be walking across rocks and other rough terrain, and youll want to protect your feet. Also, be careful when stepping on rocks and stones. They are often slippery, and smaller stepping stones may be unstable. Obey the rules. Be sure that you dont go past any private property signs that may be posted near some of these locations, and for your safety, be sure to adhere to all government-posted signs. Whatever you carry in, carry it back out. Respect these beautiful areas, and the visitors who want to enjoy them after you, by not leaving any of your trash or personal belongings behind. Dont forget the sunscreen! For more information about these and other beautiful Georgia locations, visit: GaStateParks.org AtlantaTrails.com SwimmingHoles.org/ga.html ExploreGeorgia.org
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