The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/7/08 Section: Athenscape

Media Credit: COURTESY THE SANDBAR The Sandbar, located on the Broad River in Bowman, offers kayaking for either a five- or 10-mile trip down the river from April to October. Camping and hiking trails are also located around the river. [Click to enlarge]

Although Athens will be home for many, sometimes it is necessary to seek fun outside of the Classic City. Need a quick getaway? Look no further than these few destinations.

- Laura Speagle

ONE HOUR OR LESS AWAY

What: Broad River Outpost
Where: Danielsville
Telephone: 706-795-3242 for reservations
More Information: This company provides rental canoes and kayaks, with a shuttle service, for either a five- or 10-mile, easy trip down Broad River or a 6.5 mile trip with Class II rapids. All rentals are $15/person on weekdays or $20/person on weekends, from April-October.

What: Hard Labor Creek State Park
Where: Rutledge
Telephone: 706-557-3006
More Information: Golfers can enjoy an 18-hole game at The Creek golf course for $35 on weekdays, $40 on Fridays and $45 on weekends and holidays. The park, whose name has some historic importance, also features trails for hiking and horseback riding. Through August the course will be $10 on Tuesdays, without a cart, for an event called "Walk 'Fore' Your Health."

What: Pine Lake Campground
Where: Bishop
Telephone: 706-769-5486
More Information: Camping and nature trails find their way on this Apalachee River area. Campers like to hike on the Scull Shoals Trail and go whitewater rafting. Fort Yargo Recreation Area, Whitlow Creek, Hard Labor Creek State Park and Barnett Lake are nearby. The best thing is it's only 12 miles away from the University, which makes it easy for a quick weekend trip into the outdoors.

MORE THAN AN HOUR AWAY

What: Tallulah Gorge State Park
Where: Tallulah Falls
Telephone: 706-754-7970
More Information: Hikers can step down the steep Hurricane Falls staircase and across a suspension bridge to the rocky gorge floor. Here you can view waterfalls and follow the river to Sliding Rock pool. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, and access to the gorge requires a free permit from the Interpretive Center, which is open until 5 p.m.

What: Southeastern Expeditions
Where: Clayton
Telephone: 1-800-868-7238 for reservations
More Information: Reserve a whitewater rafting trip on the Chattooga River. A six-hour trip for beginner and intermediate levels is $79 on weekdays, $99 on Saturdays and $89 on Sundays. This trip has Class II-IV rapids along the scenic river, and it includes a guide and lunch.

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