Written by Sydia Bell
Sometimes we all need a break from Atlanta. The transitioning town with all of its inconvenient construction zones, grand events and 10th Street closings has me missing the duality of the burgeoning landscape found in the years past. Atlanta was the land that existed somewhere between city and country. Even though it was the cost of living and not the crickets outside my window that convinced me to explore the southern terrain, somewhere along the way the bedside chirps began to feel like home.
Atlanta still offers that coveted duality of city life and country living at High Falls. The Georgia State Park located less than an hour outside of Atlanta and known as one of Georgia’s top fishing spots offers its visitors a range of outdoor experiences. With over 4 miles of hiking trails along the river’s edge and through hilly forests and the ability to rent aquacyle, kayak, canoe and stand-up paddle boards the great outdoors can now be enjoyed without having to rough it in a tent.
Overlooking the lake and 1,050 acre property are six tent like cabins, Yurts. Made of wood and canvas they are a modern circular adaptation of the ancient shelter used by Central Asian nomads and serves as park visitors sleeping quarters. Simple in its appearance and much stronger and weathertight then a conventional tent each yurt can accommodate 3-5 people and allows campers to enjoy the unconventional comforts of electrical outlets, screened windows, locking doors and ceiling fans. The outside wrap around deck provides access to grill and fire ring for all meal and s’more preparation. Even though each yurt doesn’t come equipped with its own bathroom there is a bathhouse with hot showers and flushing toilets.
All you need to bring is your bag of essentials:
– Bath supplies and don’t forget flip-flops!
– Food with necessary cooking utensils including pots and storage
– Sleeping bag or bed linens with a few pillows
So, when you find yourself in need of a getaway outside the city limits you can call up three of your friends and each put in $20 for a weekend of bonfires and ghost stories or if you prefer a moment of solitude nestled somewhere in between the city and the country consider getting ur yurt on at the High Falls State Park located a short drive up I-75.
For more information or to book your very own Yurt – even if its last minute visit GaStateParks.org or give them a call at 800-993-3053 and make sure to take a glimpse of all the prettiness of the country by following them on Twitter and Instagram @GaStateParks.
Sydia Bell is a native New Yorker who was woo-ed to Atlanta when was called ‘The A’. She is a documentarian film extraordinaire who binge watches Netflix while sipping on some tea and crafting. You can follow the writer, wonderer and word maker-uper on Instagram @SydiaB and Pinterest as she creatively explores how to be adult-ish in #RealLife.
