Where's the snow?
February 6, 2009 9:24 PM Subscribe
Help me find some snowy mountains in North Georgia/Southern Tennessee
I live in middle Georgia but I'm going to be a little farther north this weekend (more specifically I'll be here) and I'm looking for a mountain--any hikeable montain, really--that has some snow on it for me and a friend of mine to climb.
What are my best resources for finding out what mountains in my area (let's say anywhere within an hour of here) have snow?
Are there any park services I can call? The hike in question is going to be today (Sat.) so if they're closed then I'm outta luck with that option.
I live in middle Georgia but I'm going to be a little farther north this weekend (more specifically I'll be here) and I'm looking for a mountain--any hikeable montain, really--that has some snow on it for me and a friend of mine to climb.
What are my best resources for finding out what mountains in my area (let's say anywhere within an hour of here) have snow?
Are there any park services I can call? The hike in question is going to be today (Sat.) so if they're closed then I'm outta luck with that option.
Yeah, I wish you the best of luck with your snow hunt, but I'd keep my expectations low.
In the meantime, if you feel like climbing a mountain, you'll no doubt be passing Red Top Mountain on your way up 75. Then again, if you feel like heading a little bit astray, both Blood Mountain and Georgia's highest peak, Brasstown Bald, are only about an hour or two (very scenic) drive away.
If you want to go even further out of your way, you could head over into NC and go ski Scaly Mountain, or poke around the Highlands area (advance warning: Highlands, the town, can be bit of a ghost town in the winter).
Then again, you will be right next door to my absolute favorite spot in Georgia that does not involve beer on tap, Cloudland Canyon. Yes, its a canyon, and therefore the opposite of a mountain, but it does have waterfalls.
Or you could just say "screw it," and go hang out in Chattanooga. It's a fun little town, and I hear they have some sort of city made of rocks or something.
posted by Panjandrum at 1:21 AM on February 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
In the meantime, if you feel like climbing a mountain, you'll no doubt be passing Red Top Mountain on your way up 75. Then again, if you feel like heading a little bit astray, both Blood Mountain and Georgia's highest peak, Brasstown Bald, are only about an hour or two (very scenic) drive away.
If you want to go even further out of your way, you could head over into NC and go ski Scaly Mountain, or poke around the Highlands area (advance warning: Highlands, the town, can be bit of a ghost town in the winter).
Then again, you will be right next door to my absolute favorite spot in Georgia that does not involve beer on tap, Cloudland Canyon. Yes, its a canyon, and therefore the opposite of a mountain, but it does have waterfalls.
Or you could just say "screw it," and go hang out in Chattanooga. It's a fun little town, and I hear they have some sort of city made of rocks or something.
posted by Panjandrum at 1:21 AM on February 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah, don't forget to buy some carpet.
posted by Panjandrum at 1:25 AM on February 7, 2009
posted by Panjandrum at 1:25 AM on February 7, 2009
I've been on both Blood and Brasstown Bald with more wind and snow that I've ever wanted to see. If you haven't left yet, I would definitely put those two on the top. And if only one, go with Blood Mountain -- absolutely beautiful vistas.
posted by jpcody at 7:50 AM on February 7, 2009
posted by jpcody at 7:50 AM on February 7, 2009
From having lived on Lookout Mountain, one of the tallest features in the region, I can tell you that it only snows a few times per year at best, and that snow basically never lingers more than a day or two. The high for Feb. 7 is supposed to be 67 degrees for crying out loud. I don't think anything in the region is going to have snow until next year.
Lookout does have some great hiking trails though. The bluff trail on the western cliffs runs for miles and has some breathtaking views of the valley below.
A few miles to the east you'll actually find the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, which is always worth a look.
posted by valkyryn at 7:53 AM on February 7, 2009
Lookout does have some great hiking trails though. The bluff trail on the western cliffs runs for miles and has some breathtaking views of the valley below.
A few miles to the east you'll actually find the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, which is always worth a look.
posted by valkyryn at 7:53 AM on February 7, 2009
It snowed like crazy in Asheville and surrounding on Wednesday. Unfortunately, it's over 60 today and slated to be warmer tomorrow, so I don't think you're going to see much snow. Mud, yes, snow - maybe, closer in to NC, but I wouldn't count on it.
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:31 AM on February 7, 2009
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:31 AM on February 7, 2009
The first place that comes to my mind is Ober Gatlinburg in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Ober Gatlinburg will make snow once the conditions are right. However, I think they only make snow for their skiing and snowboarding areas, but hey, its snow on a mountain and you can always just go snow skiing.
posted by Chan at 1:38 PM on February 7, 2009
posted by Chan at 1:38 PM on February 7, 2009
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers guys. I've hiked Fort Mountain plenty in the past and I think that's where we're going to end up, but as you all pointed out, there's pretty much no snow to be had anywhere around here. It's disappointing but at the same time at least it isn't unbearably cold--the weather right now is downright awesome.
posted by pandemic at 1:38 PM on February 7, 2009
posted by pandemic at 1:38 PM on February 7, 2009
Response by poster: "Oh yeah, don't forget to buy some carpet."
Hahaha my dad lives in Dalton and he works for Shaw, so I'd say it's a pretty good bet that we'll never be forgetting the carpet.
posted by pandemic at 1:45 PM on February 7, 2009
Hahaha my dad lives in Dalton and he works for Shaw, so I'd say it's a pretty good bet that we'll never be forgetting the carpet.
posted by pandemic at 1:45 PM on February 7, 2009
Just make sure it matches the drapes.
posted by Panjandrum at 12:45 AM on February 8, 2009
posted by Panjandrum at 12:45 AM on February 8, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
As for hiking, the closest good hike is on FORT MOUNTAIN. Check out the Old Fort at the top, that's a good hike, and the view is tremendous.
Take hwy 52 (Exit 333 Walnut Ave) and go east about 15 miles.
Look for 52 ALT that bares off to the right. This will take you straight up the mountain.
If ou miss it, you'll come to Hwy 411. Just take a right and do to the red light to turn left.
The park is right at the top.
If you're looking for a REALLY great meal, then stop at Cohutta Lodge which is just a mile or two past the park.
FANTASTIC cheesecake !!
And NO, I don't work there. :-)
posted by dougiefresh1969 at 11:38 PM on February 6, 2009