The Magic of the Appalachians

The Appalachia is a majestic mountain range named after an Indian village by Spanish explorers. For most people, Appalachia brings to mind beautiful mountainscapes; a peaceful wonderland, lively forests, old-time mountain music, and a simpler way of life. The largest mountain range in North America, the Appalachia spans approximately 1600 miles, north to south, from Quebec to Georgia.

Today, the most popular attraction for hiking and nature enthusiasts is the Appalachian Trail, a hiking trail that winds through wooded peaks from Springer Mountain in Northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. This hike journeys through fourteen states, and could take an adventurer five to six months to traverse, start to finish.

The Appalachians are rich in coal; other resources include iron, petroleum, and natural gas. But that’s not all; the old Appalachian mountain chain has shaped the natural history and biodiversity of this continent. Its forests and treetops, moisture, and latitudinal gradients have helped protect its species during periods of climate change. The diversity in elevations helps to extend the distribution of certain species throughout the region. Species that thrive in the colder northern climate often inhabit the higher elevations of the south as well. The Appalachians are among the richest temperate areas, and includes approximately 255 birds, 78 mammals, 58 reptiles, and 76 amphibians.

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Northern Georgia is a region whose gifts are not at the forefront of most people’s minds. Other, flashier vacation destinations tend to hog the spotlight, but when it comes down to it there’s not much reason for that. Scenic beauty, an atmosphere of complete calm and the kind of spell that only the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains are capable of casting will all characterize a trip here. If you’ve found yourself in a tough spot that could be improved by escaping civilization for a bit, consider a renting a cabin and kicking back in a peaceful, pleasant place like Ellijay.

According to the Cherokee Indians who once lived in this area, the name means something to the effect of the earth is green there. Ellijay continues to appear verdant and lush to this day, and its best assets are the mountain views, hiking trails, rushing rivers and quiet corners perfect for building cozy cabins. Once you lay eyes on one of these unique log masterpieces of craftsmanship you’ll realize that your vacation will be an exercise in successful relaxation.

Say you and the family have been running around like crazy lately, with conflicting schedules, long hours, and few chances for quality interaction, not to mention fun. Solve this unfortunate side effect of modern life by packing up the car and heading to the land of Appalachia. The farther you get from the city and all the responsibilities of your lives, the closer you’ll get to reintroducing the idea of family bonding into the mix.

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