Phyllis and I decided to have a nice mountain drive to a Lavender Farm we saw on Facebook near Dahlonega and rest a little Saturday! After 13 hours and a short side trip into North Carolina we finally made it home around 9:30 at night! Somehow we seem to drift a little no matter where we are headed!
The Lavender Farm actually turned out to be closer to Helen than Dahlonega and was not nearly as impressive as the pictures we had seen on Facebook! Goes to show you should never believe everything you read on Facebook! We were also planning on scouting future hikes and canoe trips! So off we went from the Lavender Farm! We first went back to Dahlonega for a good meal and then headed out in search of Dukes Creek Falls! As we were nearing the falls we came across Smithgall Woods which turned out to be a really neat visitor center for multiple areas. We then went on to find Dukes Creek Falls! After talking Phyllis into a short hike, 1.1 miles in and 1.1 out, we headed out! I did mistakenly tell her half way there that we had to go down 400 steps (That’s at Amicalola Falls!!! OOOOOPS!!!!), and she threatened to push me off the hill! The Falls were amazing and even though there were more people than our normal places, still not too many! After getting back to the car we headed out again, this time looking for Desoto Falls. Of course, when Phyllis realized we were only 3 miles from Helen, she had to have a candied apple. Soooooo, we drove to Helen where we found a couple million people! As we sat in traffic, Phyllis told me to get out of the car because I could walk to the candy store faster than she could drive! Right after I hopped out, the traffic moved! Well, I moved fast to Handsel and Gretel’s, grabbed an apple and a little Pecan Brittle for me and by the time she made it around the block I hopped back in the car and we were off again. (Did I mention at some point as we trolled back woods roads, we apparently crossed over into North Carolina!) When we found Desoto Falls Recreation area we drove through the primitive camp ground which I think we will visit again! Really cool place! Decided not to walk the 2.5 in and 2.5 out to the falls this time. Needed to save something for our next trip! As we headed out again we saw a sign for Helton Creek Falls and decided what the heck! Two miles down a very small and then dirt road, we arrived at the falls! Very short walk for a great pay off! These falls were among my favorite that we have seen! Only a few people here and 2 full sets of falls that were beautiful! Spent some time there then on the road again. We made a stop to drive through Vogel state park where I spent many days as a kid with my family! Hadn’t changed much and we may do some camping here, but it was slap packed! Not sure I like that many people with my nature, but we did find several trail heads for future hikes! Out of Vogel, we hit the road again! As we came to a curve we saw a BBQ restaurant and decided to stop! It was AMAZING BBQ! The place was packed, but very fast and we were stuffed when we left! Another place we will be going back to! Finally started home for the 3 hour drive! Also, found a half dozen river put-ins I need to research for future canoe trips! Another great day, even if we seemed to miss the rest part! We took care of that today!