Best weekend getaway (in Georgia)
Natural beauty and adventure come together at Historic Banning Mills, which offers more than 5 miles of zip line. Photo: Bob Andres / bandres@ajc.com
1. Historic Banning Mills (Whitesburg)
You say, “Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg is a great place to get away from it all. The zipline canopy tour is the best I have experienced, and we love the big wraparound porch overlooking the gorge. Simply beautiful!”
2. North Georgia Canopy Tours (Lula)
3. Dahlonega
4. Blue Ridge
5. Rabun County/Lake Burton
Lake Rabun is just one of many scenic waterways of Rabun County. Photo: Phil Skinner / pskinner@ajc.com
We say, “The unspoiled northeastern corner of Georgia is one of the state’s most gorgeous spots. The serene, picture-postcard beauty of Lake Burton, Lake Seed and Lake Rabun tops the list of reasons to visit this county at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
2. Blairsville/Vogel State Park
3. Lake Oconee/Reynolds Plantation
4. Savannah
5. Helen/Sautee-Nacoochee
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731 comments Add your comment
Savannah (Camper)
October 21st, 2010
7:04 pm
Sunburst stables:
Sleepover Camp + easy going horses + zip lines + meeting new friends + fun counselors =
AWESOME!!!!!
: ) : P : D B ) 8 )
– Savannah CM
i <3 San Francisco
Debbie M.
October 21st, 2010
7:12 pm
Banning Mills gets my vote. I loved the canopy tour. The tour guides were friendly and professional. They offer many activities for the whole family. The cabins and grounds are beautiful. I will visit this place as often as I can get away. I highly recommend it to all my friends.
Chipper Jones
October 21st, 2010
7:13 pm
North Georgia Canopy Tours!!!!!
Susan Holland
October 21st, 2010
7:22 pm
Best Weekend Getaway…….North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula. GA. I have been there twice for a day of ziplining. And I want to go back. Sooooo much fun. Brings out the kid in me.
LeAnn
October 21st, 2010
7:35 pm
If your looking for a beautiful, adventurous weekend, go to Historic Banning Mills. Ziplining, Horseback Riding,Hiking, and so much more.
Hayley
October 21st, 2010
7:44 pm
North Ga Canopy Tours!
Alicia E. Pearson
October 21st, 2010
7:47 pm
Haven’t gotten to do the zip lines yet but on my visits to the grounds I have enjoyed every minute with everything else to do! Great weekend spot for a group or a couple. Not a sad face anywhere and great way to meet new friends! Cant wait to do the zips!
CheChe
October 21st, 2010
7:48 pm
North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula. A fun, challenging activity that you will never forget.
phyllis
October 21st, 2010
7:53 pm
Had never tried “the Zip” before North Ga Canopy Tours. It was great to do the tour, hike at nearby waterfalls and enjoy the fall spirit on N.Ga. There may be other places, but I couldn’t have been more impressed with the whole operation. We have a teenage son that thinks being with his parents is cruel and unusual punishment. Not in this case! Plus, the rural country back road experience was a bonus.
Karin Davis
October 21st, 2010
7:58 pm
Banning Mills, the perfect place! Relax along the river, soak up the tranquil beauty of this place, walk on or off the trails through beautiful hardwood trees, and the BEST is the worlds longest and highest Zip line. They offer Kayaking Trips and Horse back Trailrides.
Martha
October 21st, 2010
8:12 pm
Banning Mills is a class act with lots of beautiful scenery to soak up while soaring above the trees on the exciting canopy tour. Then there is a gorgeous river and the place reeks of history. Then there are walking trails and horse rides and great food and very nice staff to make you feel right at home. They get my vote.
J. A. White
October 21st, 2010
8:13 pm
Hidden away (yet easy to find), full of Georgia History, mountains, creeks, beautiful & rustic cabins, great Southern food, friendly service, horseback riding, volleyball, swimming, target practice, throwing horseshoes, facials, canoeing, hiking, massages, zip-lining & more….HISTORIC BANNING MILLS! Whether you’re looking to bask in awesome scenery, be pampered, spend time w/ family or friends, sneak away alone, or be adventurous w/ the best zip-lines ever, you’ll find that HISTORIC BANNING MILLS has it all!
Karen
October 21st, 2010
8:25 pm
Banning Mills gets my vote! The zip lines are awesome and challenging. Didn’t know if I could do the extreme, but I made it! Loved the atmosphere at the lodge and peaceful overnight stay. Dinner was absolutely delicious! We didn’t do everything there is to do at Banning – just didn’t have time on this trip, but will definitely be going back. I enjoyed the museum room that told about Banning’s history. It made me appreciate the hard work all the more that’s gone into preserving the historic aspect of the location. I vote for Banning!
Tony Means
October 21st, 2010
8:27 pm
Historic Banning Mills is mine and my wife’s favorite place in the world to be. We have stayed there many times over the years. Even when it was known by other names. Since Mike and Donna have taken over the place, It has improved even more. It is quiet, secluded, gated ( I built the gate ), but has all of the amenities of a 5 star resort. I can’t wait until we can get back there again. It’s like being home for us. Tony and Beverly Means
nancy higginbotham
October 21st, 2010
8:35 pm
North Georgia Canopy Tours is the best weekend in Georgia!
Chessa
October 21st, 2010
8:44 pm
North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula Georgia http://www.northgeorgiacanopytours.com/ – I had a blast doing the zip lines and repelling. I have wanted to do it for years, but I didn’t get the opportunity until they opened last spring. I’ve been twice and will be going again in a few weeks!
Laura Orozco
October 21st, 2010
8:56 pm
Banning Mills in Whitesburg. Canopy tour is great!
Michael Friedman
October 21st, 2010
9:18 pm
Today I went to North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula, Georgia; it was such a blast. Not only was the tour exciting, but the guides were hilarious. Our group was compiled of smaller groups giving us 9 in total. Over the three hours you are out on the tour you have a pretty awesome time with your group. 100 percent recommended.
Mary
October 21st, 2010
9:23 pm
North Ga Canopy Tours (Lula, GA)- we had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the scenery. The ziplines were great and the staff was wonderful- Great Time!
D. Love
October 21st, 2010
9:30 pm
The North GA Canopy Tours (Ziplining Tour) in Lulu GA. is awesome.
Exhilirating high lines, scenic trails, & ziplining over rivers. You’ll feel as though it’s a private tour because there’s a guide for every 2 participants & you can even get a “personal” tour for just your couple or small group. Top rate safety features make this a wonderful 1/2 day outing.
Melanie
October 21st, 2010
9:33 pm
Zip lining at North Ga Canopy Tours in Lula GA
Leigh Sullivan
October 21st, 2010
9:43 pm
My vote, Historic Banning Mills. So much to see and do there. Zip-lining, walking trails, spa, dinner just lots to see and do. A must for a weekend get-a-way!! The staff are amazing, courteous people.
Sheryl Griffith
October 21st, 2010
9:50 pm
The BEST thing I have done in North Georgia this year is the zip line tour at North Georgia Canopy Tours! Sailing through the trees with my favorite niece made for an AWESOME day!
Pam Giles
October 21st, 2010
9:55 pm
Historic Banning Mills! Dotto!
SusanG
October 21st, 2010
10:15 pm
All I can say is thank goodness I went to Banning Mills LAST weekend because I think they’re going to be quite booked up now! Even tho yeah, the Facebook page for Banning Mills asked its users to come on here, I do have to admit I had a blast and probably would’ve written them in anyway. I am terrified of heights… or was. We don’t get paid anything for coming on here and saying it was an incredible time, which it was. The place is really beautiful. The lodge is really warm and cozy. Would be a great family getaway. Lots to do. Hiking, kayaking, and of course, ziplining. I really was afraid of heights. Hated getting up on my 3 step step-ladder and I managed to do 3 hours of zip lining and sky bridges. I couldn’t believe how it felt like the mountains, even tho it’s southeast of Carrolton.
My very favorite getaway tho is going up to Blue Ridge, hiking the Benton MacKaye, then heading to Mercier’s for fried pies. A close second is heading down to Indian Springs State Park, then mountain biking over at Dauset Trails. In Georgia, there are so many options you have no excuse not to be out and having fun every weekend!!
Joey Harp
October 21st, 2010
10:17 pm
Banning Mills,great weekend get away. Even got married there.
Vicki Black
October 21st, 2010
10:34 pm
Historic Banning Mills. Hands down! The tranquility of the resort coupled with the excitement of the canopy tours. Awesome awesome weekend vacation.
Mrs Guthrie
October 21st, 2010
10:52 pm
Myrtle Beach!
Stan
October 21st, 2010
11:01 pm
NORTH GEORGIA CANOPY TOURS!!! TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
Shelby
October 21st, 2010
11:04 pm
North Georgia Canopy Tours!
Marvin Osborne
October 21st, 2010
11:10 pm
Banning Mills in Whitesburg, Ga. has got it all, Campgrounds, Restaurant, cablns, Group lodging, horseback riding, cable tram and many other ammenities.
Jesi
October 21st, 2010
11:16 pm
Spending a weekend in Lula, Ga zip-lining through the tree tops on over a mile of zipline is an incredible adventure. Spend a weekend and visit North Georgia Canopy Tours. Its only an hr from the heart of Atlanta, 30 mins away from the quaint german replica town of Helen and 45 mins from the beautiful mountainous city of gold, Dahlonega.
Marvin Osborne
October 21st, 2010
11:25 pm
Banning Mills Whitesburg, Ga.
Becca
October 21st, 2010
11:25 pm
NORTH GEORGIA CANOPY TOURS!!! I’ve been twice already and I’m going a third time in december! I can’t get enough of the speed, the height, and the scenery (and fall is here)! The eco-guides are so friendly and knowledgable. I learn something new every time! I would recommend a weekend visit here for anyone who is looking for an adventure and a fun time.
Bob Zoblisein
October 22nd, 2010
4:04 am
Banning Mills Zip Line Tours is by far a time of personal challenge and satisfaction while having a great time playing in the trees.
Brenda
October 22nd, 2010
6:39 am
Historic Banning Mills Canopy Tour
S
October 22nd, 2010
6:52 am
Historic Banning Mills, Whitesburg GA. The best, the most beautiufl, the cleanest, most things to do, or not do, a don’t miss …. year round
Cheryl G
October 22nd, 2010
7:55 am
Historic Banning Mills without a doubt! (But don’t tell anyone else! It will get too crowded!!)
)
Steven
October 22nd, 2010
8:41 am
Definitely Savannah ! Lots of history in a fabulous city. Be sure to take one of the trolley tours. And the beach is close for those wanting water.
Jeff Seibert
October 22nd, 2010
8:41 am
Historic Banning Mills (less than an hour from ATL in Carrollton) zip line & canopy trek, plus dinner, bed & breakfast in one of their scenic cabins overlooking the beautiful creek is an outstanding romantic adventure weekend!
todd
October 22nd, 2010
9:07 am
Banning Mills zip line tour!!!!!!Had the BEST time great staff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Melanie Grace
October 22nd, 2010
9:32 am
Americus, Plains and Andersonville
Stay at the historic Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel (c. 1892), take in a show at the Rylander Theatre, visit the home of a former President and the Andersonville National Historic Site. Or choose one of our great B&B’s: Award Winning Americus Garden Inn, 1906 Pathway Inn, or the Plains Inn
http://www.therealgeorgia.com
Bobby Blackburn
October 22nd, 2010
10:07 am
A fall visit to Northeast Georgia is a must! Scenic Hwy 197 is not only a beautiful ride through the mountains, but has wonderful shops, places to eat and of course, our lodge for a cozy nights sleep! North 40 Lodge at Lake Burton, Ga
Pat
October 22nd, 2010
10:07 am
http://www.historicbanningmills.com/ Beautiful scenery and currently undiscovered by the masses. Go soon before everyone else discovers this great hideaway. The zipline is awesome!
Sheilah
October 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
Sautee Nacoochee is the place to go!! Stay at Lucille’s Mountaintop or Bernie’s Nacoochee Valley Guest House. Shop at cool galleries like InsideOut Sautee or Shapiro’s. Beautiful history in a beautiful valley.
Jerry Grillo
October 22nd, 2010
11:15 am
The best weekend getaway is right outside my front door in Sautee Nacoochee.
Matt
October 22nd, 2010
11:29 am
We recently went to Historic Banning Mills. the initial reason for going there was for the Screaming Eagle Eco Zip line. The staff was top notch and while the intent was for the guests to enjoy themselves, Safety was always a top priority. While there my wife and I got to tour the facilities at the resort. It is now on our To-Do list the next time we are in the area.
A beautiful and inviting lobby and restaurant greets you as you enter the building. There are tables outside which offer breath taking views of the mountians. If you happen to be eating outside at the right time you can see some of the guests passing overhead on one of the zip lines.
The rooms are beautiful in a very quiet setting. For relazation you can visit the spa to be pampered. For the adventurous, there is of course the Zip Lines. They also offer packages which allow one to enjoy kayaking, and hiking To go along with peaceful, scenic surroundings.
Needless to say we will be back for a longer stay on our next visit.
Tracie G
October 22nd, 2010
12:42 pm
Banning Mills
Lauren
October 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
My vote is for Banning Mills!! I took my boyfriend there for his birthday to go ziplining! They have AMAZING courses there and the views are FANTASTIC! Took us about an hour and a half to get there from downtown Atlanta and was just the right distance to ‘get away!’ DEFINITELY on your ‘to do’ list if you live in the Atlanta area!!
Lynn Norris
October 22nd, 2010
1:35 pm
Historic Banning Mills for the beautiful, rustic, wooded setting and the best zip-line anywhere.