Photo courtesy of Explore Georgia.
Ellijay is the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia

BEST LOCAL WALKS by JUDY CARR

Here are some nearby scenic walks perfect for refreshing outings.

1) Project Chimps Trail System. 1.3 miles. The Project Chimps hiking trails in Blue Ridge offer a rewarding experience for animal lovers, eco-tourists, and nature enthusiasts alike. There are 3 trails to choose from. The most difficult trail: the White Trail at 2.5 miles long and with an elevation gain of 469 feet. A relaxing evening stroll on the Green Nature Walk. Consists of a1.2-mile trail took about 20 minutes and was perfect for winding down. The Yellow Trail, is a 2.5-mile trail features a 561-foot elevation gain and is rated moderate with a few rest stops on the benches scat-tered throughout. These scenic trails have a requested $2 donation for entry, with all proceeds supporting Project Chimps, a nonprofit sanctuary for retired research chimpanzees. If you’re lucky, you might hear or even spot the chimps during your hike.

2) Mineral Springs Walking Trail. 0.5 miles. Take your time and enjoy the scenery and peace of the North Georgia Mountains. It’s an easy route to stretch your legs. Mineral Springs Walking Trail is just minutes from downtown Blue Ridge — off Mineral Springs Road, which turns into Industrial Boulevard.

3) Carter’s Lake Tumbling Waters Nature Trail. A lush forest filled with ferns and pine. Sweet-scented forest air.
A towering bridge with great views of Carters Lake and a set of spilling waterfalls. There’s a whole lot of beauty packed into this relatively short and easy hike on the Tumbling Waters Nature Trail. At one mile, round trip, bursting with scenic beauty with gently rolling terrain, it’s a great hike for beginners and families with kids, and it’s dog-friendly.

4) Fort Mountain State Park- Old Fort Trails is a set of color-coded interconnected trails that lead to the stone wall, the lookout tower, and the overlook deck. There are three trails. The yellow trail is a loop around the top of Fort Mountain. The red trail begins about a half-mile up the yellow trail and runs straight from one side of the yellow loop to the other, cutting a generous third off the top of the loop, then rejoins the yellow at the tower. About halfway down the red trail the blue trail begins. The blue trail leads to, then parallels, the rock wall before coming to an end at the yellow trail. Continuing on the yellow trail from where the red trail splits off, hikers are led around the north rim of the mountain, and a short spur trail heads down to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the valleys. The yellow trail continues on to the Old Stone Tower, then back to the parking lot.