Georgia Day 3, Fort Peanut

Sunday, November 8, 2020

    Sunrise over Royston, Georgia...

    There was only one thing on tap for the day, Unicoi State Park.  From Royston, it was a relatively straight shot up Hwy 17 to the park.  

     Seen along the drive...

      Just outside the city of Helen, is the turnoff for Unicoi State Park.  Within the park, there are camping areas, cottages and a lodge.   But, I was there for the hiking trails.  The visitors center wasn't open yet, so I wound up cobbling together my $5 day use fee from singles and small change.  I hate doing that, but it was either that or a $20 bill.  

     The first trail was the two mile lake loop.  

     After a nice lunch at the park lodge, it was time to hit the Helen Trail.  It starts by the lodge and ends four miles later in Helen.  Instead, I started down the trail, hit a side loop and worked my way back.  It's an easy trail, and I certainly picked a nice day for it.

      On the drive into Unicoi State Park, I passed the turnoff for Anna Ruby Falls.  It was still early enough in the afternoon, I took the drive up.  From the parking lot, it's an easy half mile paved walkway to the falls.

    My home for the night was the Alpine Village Inn.  It's an interesting place, typical of the Bavarian theme of the entire town.  The room was nice and clean and a little larger than average.  In the evenings, the owners light a fire pit in that fenced area and people staying congregate and mingle.  I had some interesting conversations with retired folks up from Florida.

    With the sun starting to go down, I took a walk, hoping to find a clear view for sunset.  One side of the sky turned pink...

   The other side turned a curious mix of yellow and lavender...