With lessons in minimalism echoing in our minds, we were drawn to the idea of spending a weekend under the stars tent camping in Hiawassee at Long Ridge Campground.
On our drive north, we were surrounded by nature’s masterpiece! The colors were amazing and got us excited to see more.
Friday: Arrival and Setting Up
Gearing up with essential camping equipment was an adventure in itself, after last weekend, we had to pivot and get a little more gear to make our tent sleeping a little more cozy.
We arrived and the last signs of the sun were long gone. Long Ridge’s natural chorus welcomed us: chirping crickets, rustling leaves, and the murmur of fellow campers.
Setup went smoothly even in the dark, we cooked some s’mores and then showered. Sleep came naturally while lying amongst nature with the sound of the creek and the chirp of the crickets.
Saturday: Hiking, Campfire Cooking, and a Full Moon
With the first light of dawn, Saturday began with a simple breakfast and coffee brewed on our grill; we were nestled up at our campsite amongst the vibrant fall foliage. Reds, oranges, and yellows painted the landscape, a testament to the beauty of the season.
The late morning and early afternoon was spent exploring a local trail, it revealed a new facet of North Georgia’s natural beauty. The crunch of leaves underfoot and the crisp autumn air were our companions as we lost ourselves in the grandeur of nature.
We hiked The Blood Mountain Trail starting at the Byron Reece Trailhead; this trail is a 4.0-mile out-and-back trail with 1,446 ft elevation gain near Blairsville, Georgia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 40 min to complete; it took us right at 3 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, we encountered a lot of others on the trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Blood Mountain, standing at an elevation of 4,458 feet, is the highest peak on the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail and a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, it is a part of the Appalachian Trail and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from its summit. The mountain is steeped in rich history and folklore, with its name believed to be derived from a battle that took place between the Cherokee and Creek Indian tribes. In addition to its cultural significance, Blood Mountain is renowned for its unique geology, featuring quartz and rock outcroppings, as well as its diverse range of flora and fauna. The hike to the summit can be challenging, but the reward of panoramic vistas and the opportunity to connect with nature make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
After hiking, we headed back to the Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi and bought some souvenirs. Next up, lunch at the campsite. We made hot ham and cheese croissants on the grill and then spent an afternoon in our hammocks laying near the creek.
After an afternoon spent relaxing, we had to prepare dinner. With a skillet, our portable grill and a few simple ingredients, we cooked up a meal, the delicious aroma mixing with the scent of the burning wood. We indulged in bratwurst, hotdogs, sautéd green beans and potatoes for dinner!
After dinner, we washed the dishes and sat around the picnic table and played a game of cards until the sun bid adieu.
As evening fell, the full moon rose and the campfire took center stage. The night was spent around the campfire making s’mores and sharing stories, while basking in the warmth of the flames and the company of each other.
Sunday: Meeting Family at Hard Labor Creek State Park
Sunday was a departure from Hiawassee, but not from nature. As we left Hiawassee and headed southeast, the colors still were putting on quite the show!
We met up with our family at Hard Labor Creek State Park, a beautiful location that added a different flavor to the weekend. We hiked the 1-mile Brantley Nature Trail. The trail there, though different, was just as captivating, with lush greenery surrounding us as we explored together; fall colors had begun to change. Due to the lower elevation there, the colors were not quite in peak season yet.
Our nieces had been asking me, Titi Sarah, to take them fishing, so we made a valiant attempt at fishing. Though no fish were caught, Mia got pretty good at casting and it kept both of our nieces attention much longer than we expected!
After an afternoon at the state park, we headed to enjoy dinner together. It was a perfect ending to a weekend that had started with solitude and ended with family, all wrapped in the embrace of nature.
The luxury of hotel stays has its appeal, but there’s something uniquely fulfilling about connecting with nature on a more personal level. Our weekend at Long Ridge Campground, followed by the family gathering at Hard Labor Creek State Park, was a reminder that sometimes the most profound connections are made when we strip away the excess and focus on the simplicity of being in the moment, surrounded by nature and loved ones.
You can read some more about our camping; last weekend we camped at Hartwell Lakeside KOA.
-S&E
