Black Rock Mountain State Park Georgia
This is a return visit to the Black Rock Mountain State Park. After moving to the Carolinas this was one of our first southern adventures. It drew our attention as this part of Georgia is known for its recreational opportunities and mountain vistas. Although the campground is older with smaller RV sites, we found one available that would fit. The Park is just 50 miles from our home making it an easy trip, although the winding mountain highway does take some extra time.
Great RV spot. It was hard to find one that fit our rig.
Checked out several of the hiking trails. The various mountain trails gave us a chance to climb a bit, take in some good views, and bring home some memories on the camera. There is a small lake with an easy hiking trail. This will be a good place to catch some fall color. As usual we dodged the afternoon rain drops.
Took advantage of the several hiking trails.
Outstanding view from the trail…
On the trail in the afternoon means dealing with a mountain thunder storm.
Even along the sidewalk you can find nature
Great day to be out with a camera and hiking poles.
Great trail to stop and enjoy the view.
The foreground, background and clouds makes this nice photo.
One of the campground trails takes you around the lake.
From the lake trail…you should see what is on the other side of the dam
It is short mountain drive across the state line to Highlands, NC. I did a blog post years ago after a visit. Highlands has a vibrant downtown. After checking things out we found a great place to eat. Last time we checked out the surrounding waterfalls. There are four of them within easy reach. We had heard good things about a Micro-brewery in Clayton. Had to check it out on the way back to the campground.
Highlands, North Carolina has a fun downtown…
Lots of city sponsored flower displays
Great old buildings in Highlands…check them out for yourself!
Found a new favorite microbrewery on this trip in Clayton.
Have you heard of the Foxfire Center? We remember their books from the sixties and seventies. A local school back in the sixties started an effort to document and preserve the mountain heritage. This led to a magazine and books. The royalties provided funding to start the center. We found the center interesting, educational, and entertaining being from the north.
There are now 22 buildings. There is also an impressive paper archive plus the audio, and video recordings. The center provides heritage skill classes that look interesting. The blacksmithing and carving classes caught my interest. Jan was drawn to music, making brooms and weaving. Looks like we will be back soon.
The Foxfire Center dedicated to preserving the mountain heritage
The displays in the buildings are well done.
A team of artists keep the mountain arts alive with classes and in person demos.
Creative and colorful displays…
Mountain toys!
Impressive…
Mountain folks are proud and self-sufficient
This display was curated as a typical kitchen during world War II
The buildings are well maintained. The downloadable app added to the walking tour. The mountain lifestyle comes clearly into view by the end.
Most of the buildings are original to the area and were moved to the center
Fun stilts available to the brave and coordinated.
This building is a replicate built by the alumni and students of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
Working blacksmith shop is a favorite stop for many
The grist mill was moved here…great old building
The Bell Grist Mill lives on…
The second floor of the grist mill…interesting pieces and parts
The Beck Barn
When hiking at Firefox wear your hiking boots
This was a nice adventure. Really enjoyed the time spent here. This area has a lot going for it. Now back home to “real” life for a week.
God Bless,
Larry and Jan