Suggestions for Georgia trip for December

[Keeth1123]

I previously posted about taking a trip to Hiawassee, GA. However, I became aware of the severe drought and fire conditions and don’t believe we will be able to go to this area next month. At this time I am looking for another place to venture to for the month of December. We are located in central Florida and would prefer a place within 9 hours travel time. We are looking for cooler or cold weather. I would like a spot with natural things to look at such as waterfalls and hill trails, but also have things to do nearby. It would also be nice for the wife if the location or nearby held some sort of Christmas light event. I have come across Stone Mountain, but not sure if I want to pay the prices and have no interest in Atlanta. I am also open to anything in South Carolina which would also meet the requirements.

Looking for:

Price less than $40.00 a night
Access for a 27’ trailer (Pilgrim 237RKS)
S, E, W hookups
Colder weather with no burn bans
Area with natural beauty (waterfalls, hills/mountains,)
Near an interesting town or tourist area with enough to keep you busy for four nights.

[Walaby]

Pine Mountain area is pretty nice. FDR State Park I've heard is a VERY nice state park. Pine Mountain RV resort is okay as well. If you get a spot in Pine Mountain area, they do have a really nice Christmas light event at Calloway Gardens.

Tallulah Gorge area is also very nice. Weather could be iffy up there. I stayed at River Falls at the Gorge in Oct. It was decent but the spots are pretty small, and it was kinda pricy. There are lots of falls you can visit, hiking etc in the area. Not sure about Christmas light events. That is up in the mountains and about 35 miles or so from Hiawassee.

If you are from central Florida, I don't think either of these choices are within 9 hours of your location. I just got back from Sarasota Florida (I live in Warner Robins GA), and it's 8 hours from there to home towing. Pine Mountain is about an hour or so from me... SO, MAYBE that's 9 hours. But certainly Hiawassee (and Tallulah Gorge) are not.

Mike

[coolmom42]

There is a good chance of rain and fires going away in the next 2 weeks. In your shoes I would make a plan A for your original destination, and a plan B for another location.

Here is some info on the South Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge.

SC parks

[Ivylog]

I would not rule out the GA mountains... before Christmas the rains will have started, even snow. Currently the fires are mostly in NC and the two in GA are 40 miles to the east of Hiawassee and 75 miles to the west.
Lake Lanier Islands 50 miles north of Atlanta has one of the best light shows.