In addition to the many things to do in the town, there are several great places to visit in the area. Rabun Bald and the Hemlock Bluffs are just two of the many locations worth visiting. Other areas to visit in Hemlock include Tallulah Gorge and Hemlock Falls.
Rabun Bald
Hemlock Bluffs, NC is a popular natural preserve and hiking trail. The area is also home to a nature center and classes for kids. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 5 pm. On Sundays, it is open from 1:00 pm to 5 pm. The nature center also has educational activities for seniors and adults.
The rocky summit of Rabun Bald is accessible by hiking along the Bartram Trail. This 1.5-mile trail passes a small campsite. At the summit, you will find an observation platform that is accessible by a series of wooden stairs. The observation platform was originally a fire tower. Later, it was converted to a wood viewing platform above a stone base.
There are also waterfalls in Rabun. The tallulah River carved this canyon, making it one of the most spectacular in the eastern United States. The park features a waterfall called Tallulah Falls, which falls 500 feet in a mile. The park also offers rafting and kayaking opportunities.
Rabun Bald is the highest peak in Rabun County and the second-highest peak in Georgia. From the observation tower on top of Rabun Bald, you can see more than 100 miles of countryside. Some locals say the mountain is haunted by fire-breathing demons. There are also reports of strange sounds at night.
Rabun Bald is also an excellent hiking destination. The park offers many trails, and there are numerous scenic overlooks along the way. One of the easiest trails is the 1.2-mile loop around the green lake. Another one is the eight-mile Gahuti Trail, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Hemlock Bluffs
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a joint project of the Town of Cary and the North Carolina state park system. It is located on 140 acres in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. It is an excellent place to see wildlife and explore nature.
There is a nature center with a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities that teach children about the natural world. The center also has a gift shop where visitors can buy souvenirs and items related to nature. The nature center is open any day of the week, except for certain recognized holidays. It is also home to the Eastern Hemlock tree, a species of pine native to eastern states.
Hemlock Bluffs also has three loop trails for hiking. Visitors can start their hike from the courtyard of the Stevens Nature Center. Trails are marked with self-guided brochures that highlight various aspects of the environment. The longest trail is the Swift Creek Loop, while the least-traveled is the Chestnut Oak Loop. Both trails feature beautiful boardwalks and scenic overlooks.
Another great natural area in Hemlock Bluffs is the 140-acre Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. It is home to Eastern Hemlock trees and other plants unique to the mountains. The preserve offers three miles of nature trails with scenic overlooks. The preserve also features an outdoor education shelter. The preserve is open daily from 9 am to dusk, and visitors can view wildlife and nature at this scenic location.
For families, the Bluffs Preserve is home to the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, a group of volunteers that works together with the Stevens Nature Center staff to promote the Preserve’s mission and environmental education programs. Founded in 2010, the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs is led by Jim Mason, president of the group. The organization has the support of the Town of Cary and the Jandy Ammons Foundation. Recently, the Friends have funded the Children’s Nature Trail, a fun and educational experience for children.
Tallulah Gorge
If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity, Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-visit location. This state park is home to five overlooks, including Hemlock Point, Wolf Rock, Staircase Falls, and Rainbow Overlook. You can also take advantage of the park’s trails and hikes, which are perfect for families.
You can hike and explore the tallulah gorge year-round. The state park offers guided hikes that are among the best in the country. These hikes offer views of the gorge floor, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge.
Tallulah Gorge is also a great spot for climbing. It is home to multi-pitch trad and mixed aid routes. However, it is not recommended to climb the gorge during the water release season. To climb it, you must purchase a permit and follow all regulations. Tallulah Gorge also features a picturesque lake, which is great for swimming. Other outdoor activities include fishing, boating, and paddling tours.
Tallulah Gorge is a magnificent natural setting. The gorge is over 1000 feet deep and is a must-visit for everyone. You can also go hiking or picnicking around the gorge. Visiting Tallulah Gorge is an amazing experience that you won’t soon forget.
The gorge is also home to a few interesting geological features. A rock formation at the bottom of the gorge is called the Devil’s Pulpit. Some people said it sounded like the voice of Satan. It is the most popular site for tourists in the gorge. Another rock formation, called Witch’s Head, was given this name because it looked like a profile. This rock formation was a popular spot for photographers in the nineteenth century.
Tallulah Gorge is a family-friendly destination and is less than two hours from Ellijay. The park is located near the Nantahala National Forest and is easily accessible by car. It is accessible all year round and offers great hiking opportunities.
Hemlock Falls
If you’re looking for a great waterfall to visit while in Hemlock NC, you should check out Hemlock Falls. This waterfall is over 15 feet high and has an ice sculpture in the pool below. The waterfall is a popular destination for tourists visiting the area.
Hemlock Falls is located just a few miles from downtown Franklin. It is accessible via a paved road with ample parking and easy maneuvering for cars. Its outdoor space is also impressive, with a large deck with covered and open areas. The deck also features plenty of plush patio furnishings and a BBQ grill. Inside, the home features multiple French Doors and an open great room.
The trail to Hemlock Falls starts near Moccasin Creek State Park and is two miles roundtrip. You can follow the signs to Hemlock Falls to access the trail. Once you get to the trailhead, follow the trail downstream.
Hemlock Bluffs is open to the public daily except for Mondays. The Stevens Nature Center is open on Sundays from 1 to 5pm. During these hours, you can enjoy hiking in the area and enjoy a picnic lunch under the beautiful waterfall. Hemlock Falls is a popular hiking spot and you should take the time to follow the marked trails.
You can also take the scenic Swift Creek Loop Trail. This trail is about 100 steps long and includes mulched paths and wooden boardwalks. It includes one bench and two overlooks. The trail is wheelchair-friendly, and there are even sections for those with limited mobility.
Hemlock Ridge
One of the best places to stay in Hemlock NC is Hemlock Ridge. This gorgeous mountaintop home is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is only a 20 minute drive from all the attractions of the area. Hemlock Ridge offers three queen beds, a full futon, and three twin beds. It also has a hot tub and deck. The rental fee is $150 per night, and the minimum stay is two nights.
You can also visit the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. This preserve is 140 acres, and is part of the State Park System. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to sunset. It is managed by the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, which has several ways for residents to donate and volunteer.
You can hike or bike the trails at Hemlock Bluffs. The trails are marked with 15-point self-guided brochures. The longest trail is the Swift Creek Loop, and the shortest one is the Chestnut Oak Loop. Each one features the gorgeous Eastern Hemlock trees, and some feature boardwalks.
Hemlocks provide shade along creeks, and these trees help maintain the micro-climate. However, their loss could lead to similar changes in the ecosystem, as it did with the American Chestnut. One of the main problems facing hemlocks is an insect called the hemlock woolly adelgid. The adelgid is an aphid-like insect that covers itself in a white waxy “wool.” You can recognize this insect by the cotton-like cotton balls that appear at the base of a hemlock needle.