Hellooo Lovelies!
The holiday season is right around the corner - can you believe it?! (SANTA'S COMING!!) In celebration of the season, we thought it'd be fun to give you guys gift ideas over the next couple of weeks!
First up...For the Nature Lover
(Click the image to shop!)
Here at Freshwater, we love to travel and experience new places with the people we love, and our Nature Lover Club is inspired by some of our favorite adventures.
With a variety of keychains, candles, hats, tees, tanks, mugs and stickers to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect gift for that adventurous special someone this Christmas!
That being said, fall is in the air, and if you love the mountains as much as we do, you know that there’s nothing like hiking this time of year! The Southeast is full of beauttttiful places to stop for a weekend trip. We’ve rounded up some of the prettiest places to hike this season, whether you’re in GA, SC, or even visiting nearby and just want to explore!
We believe some of the best gifts are experiencing beautiful places together, and we hope this list inspires you to get out there and explore!
1. Fort Mountain State Park: Summit Trail
North Georgia
*Difficulty-Relatively Moderate
*Distance-1.5 Miles (round trip)
*Dog Friendly
Though a relatively short hike, this trail definitely shows off Georgia's beauty, making this the perfect adventure for beginners! "This 1.5-mile loop explores many of the highlights of Fort Mountain State Park, combining three trails to visit the park’s most popular destinations. It’s beautiful year round, for sure – but especially so in autumn, when fall’s colors paint the forest in beautiful shades." atlantatrails.com
2. Appalachian Trail: Max Patch Loop
Near Hot Springs, North Carolina
*Difficulty: Easy
*Distance: 1.5 Miles (Loop)
*Dog Friendly
This view of North Carolina's Smoky Mountains will take your breath away! With Asheville only about an hour away, this is the perfect spot for a weekend escape. "Hike the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch, one of North Carolina’s most popular AT hikes, on a grassy, bald mountain that’s covered in wildflowers. Catch a gorgeous sunrise, sunset or afternoon picnic on this moderate two mile loop with stunning 360-degree views and seemingly endless sunshine." ashevilletrails.com
3. Black Rock Mountain State Park: Tennessee Rock Trail
North Georgia
*Difficulty: Relatively Moderate
*Distance: 2.2 Miles (Round Trip)
*Dog Friendly
Explore the high elevation summits of Tennessee Rock Trail for some of Georgia's most stunning views! "While the overlook views are breathtaking, much of the trail explores a gorgeous, high-elevation forest that’s filled with boulders, wildlife and towering trees – and in spring, a dense carpet of native wildflowers. From summit to slope, the Tennessee Rock Trail is easily one of North Georgia’s most beautiful trails, especially under three miles." atlantatrails.com
4. Rough Ridge: Tanawha Trail
Near Boone, North Carolina
*Difficulty: Relatively Moderate
*Distance: 1.2 Miles (Round Trip)
Up for a rockier hike?! Check out these stunning views of the Tanawha Trail in North Carolina! "The Tanawha Trail ascends through a jagged, rocky terrain at Rough Ridge, soaring to simply breathtaking views. And while it’s a short hike, it’s an exceptionally rewarding one. Photo-worthy views, far-flung horizons, dramatically rocky and jagged terrain, and lush flora are abundant throughout the hike, making this one of our all-time favorites." ashevilletrails.com
We hope you guys enjoyed today's blog!
Have you hiked any of these trails before? If not, where are some of your favorite places to go? We love hearing about your adventures, so let us know in the comments below!
All our love,
Bri and Dani
Written by: Molly Coats