In the early 1970s, the CHATTOOGA RIVER was officially dubbed one of the nation&#146;s first &#147;Wild and Scenic Rivers.&#148; That remains an apt description for the river, which rises in North Carolina before forming the northernmost part of the Georgia and South Carolina border. Its awe-inspiring rapids (which non-experts should only attempt on trips led by highly qualified guides) cut a gorgeous gorge through verdant, unspoiled mountains. There are only a couple of road crossings and no buildings along the Wild and Scenic stretches: Section 3, which intersperses steep drops with scenic pools, and Section 4, where the rapids get steeper and more frequent. To really escape from civilization, set aside a whole weekend for an overnight trip on both sections.
Nantahala Outdoor Center, 888-905-7238, www.noc.com; Wildwater Limited, 800-451-9972, www.wildwaterrafting.com.

Best Campsite BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Picked By » Readers
Type of Award » Cityscape

Red Top Mountain State Park

653 Red Top Mountain Road Cartersville, Ga. 770-975-0055 www.ngeorgia.com/parks/red.html

Best Campsite You Can Drive To BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Picked By » Critics
Type of Award » Cityscape

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Named for its sheer, dark-hued cliffs, BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK sits in the far northeast corner of the state, where Georgia meets the Carolinas. With an altitude topping out at 3,640 feet, it also boasts the highest point in a Georgia state park, offering 80-mile views of the southern Appalachians. The 1,740-acre park also is home to fields of wildflowers; 11 miles of trails; a 17-acre lake for catching bass, bream, catfish, perch and trout; and 64 campsites, ranging from $3-$21 per night.
800-864-7275. gastateparks.org/info/blackrock.

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Best Campsite BOA Award Winner

Red Top Mountain State Park

Best Hills to Head For BOA Award Winner

Year » 2004
Picked By » Critics
Type of Award » Cityscape

Amicalola Falls State Park (Featured)

In Cherokee, "amicalola" means "tumbling waters." AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK AND LODGE has plenty of those - the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, in fact. It's also got some of the state's best darn tootin' paths for day-trippers or hardcore hikers, such as the eight-mile trail that goes up to Springer Mountain and the beginning of the 2,150-mile Appalachian Trial. The park has tent sites, cottages, a 57-room lodge and, heck, even one of them newfangled conference centers. But the further away from these tourist trappings you hike, the prettier the park gets. "240 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville. 800-864-7275 (reservations), 706-265-4703 (park office). gastateparks.org/info/amicalola." less...

Best Place to Head for the Hills BOA Award Winner

Year » 2004
Picked By » Readers
Type of Award » Cityscape

Helen, Ga.

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