The Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia
Most people have heard of the Seven Wonders of the World, but I imagine few of you are aware of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. These are so labeled because of their physically spectacular or unusual qualities. All but one of these landscape formations resulted from forces of nature that occurred over 60 million years ago, and it just so happens that several of these “wonders” are located here in north Georgia.
Providence Canyon is unique as a natural wonder of Georgia in that it was caused by human activity. The canyon began forming in the early 1800’s. Native trees were cleared for farming and the farmers took no measures to avoid soil erosion. What resulted is a multi-colored, multi-layered network of gorges very reminiscent of America’s southwest. In fact, Providence Canyon has been called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.” The site is protected by the Providence Canyon State Park and it is located 150 miles southwest of Atlanta in Stewart County.
Stone Mountain is probably the best known of Georgia’s natural wonders. Located in Atlanta, visitors from all over the world travel to see the 650’ granite dome with the Confederate War Memorial carving on its side. The dome is the centerpiece of the 3200 acre Stone Mountain State Park. It offers a wide variety of family fun activities, including a Summit Skyride, a scenic train ride, and the Laser Light Show. The Sky Hike is a family adventure course which involves a trek through the treetops. “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is an exciting new 4D movie experience. Stone Mountain State Park is Georgia’s #1 attraction.
Radium Springs, located in southern Georgia near Albany, has waters that are consistently 68 degrees, rushing from the earth at 70,000 gallons per minute and emptying into the Flint River. It is the largest natural spring in the state and is known for its deep sapphire blue water and an extensive underwater cavern system. The springs opened a popular casino and spa in 1927 after radium was discovered in the water. It experienced quite a heyday as northerners en route by train to “winter in Florida” stopped at Radium Springs to swim in the healthful blue water. The casino was damaged when the Flint River flooded in both 1994 and 1998. It was finally demolished in 2003.
The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest of Georgia’s natural wonders in terms of area. This wildlife refuge is located in southeast Georgia on the Florida border and it covers over 700 square miles. The Okefenokee got its name from the Seminole Indians and means “land of trembling earth” or from another source, “bubbling water.” Both describe the swamp pretty accurately. It is the largest shallow peat-filled black water wetland in North America. Several companies went bankrupt trying to drain the swamp in the late 1800’s. Some conducted extensive cypress logging operations until 1927. The Okefenokee State Park was established in 1946 to preserve the native flora and fauna. A terrible wildfire in the swamp, which was started by lightning in 2007, caused 935 square miles to burn over a three month period.
Amicalola Falls, located near Ellijay, are the highest waterfalls in Georgia with a drop of 729 feet. They were named by the native Cherokee Indians for “tumbling waters.” The Amicalola Falls State Park was created as an approach to the southern terminus of the famous Appalachian Trail. The park has been described as “the country’s only vertical state park” because of its steep rugged terrain. Tucked in the North Georgia Mountains, about an hour from Blue Ridge, it is known for its great beauty and spectacular panoramic views from the top of the falls.
Warm Springs has a rich history. In the early years, Creek and Iroquois Indians controlled the area. They brought their wounded warriors to be healed in the constant 88 degree mineral rich springs. Later many others came to the springs, not only for a respite from city life, but more importantly, to aid in the treatment of polio. The first resort was built in 1832. In 1893, Charles Davis built the famous 300-room Victorian style Meriwether Inn. It featured a dance pavilion, bowling alley, tennis court, trap shooting and pools. It became the summer retreat for the rich and powerful of Georgia. It was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt who first gave national recognition to Warm Springs in 1924. He visited the springs so often for therapeutic reasons that he built the Little White House there. He helped to start the Roosevelt Rehabilitation Institute where hydrotherapy was invented as a way of using warm water to soothe pains and treat diseases such as polio.
Tallulah Gorge in northeast Georgia is a canyon three miles long and 1200’ deep. It was formed by a series of six beautiful waterfalls cutting through the Tallulah Dome rock formation. Just above the falls is Tallulah Falls Lake, created in 1913 by a hydroelectric dam built by Georgia Power in order to run Atlanta’s streetcars. Since the early 19th century, Tallulah Gorge and its waterfalls have been a tourist attraction. Resort hotels and bars sprung up after the addition of a railway. In 1883, tightrope walker Professor Bachman crossed the gorge as part of a publicity stunt for one hotel. In 1970, the famous Karl Wallenda became the second man to “trot across the gorge on a tightrope,” according to Wikipedia. The 1972 movie “Deliverance,” starring Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight, had scenes filmed in the gorge. Governor Zell Miller created the Tallulah Gorge State Park in 1993 in cooperation with Georgia Power.
Georgia is a state proud of its natural beauty and friendly hospitality. There’s a lot to see and do. We hope you will spend some time exploring the North Georgia Mountains, while staying at one of our North Georgia Cabin Rentals, Rainbow Cabins. Our location in Blue Ridge is a perfect “jumping off spot” for many day trips. We hope to see you soon!