Northern Georgia, the jumping off point of the Appalachian Trail, is known for its gorgeous and rugged mountains, its towering waterfalls, and its ... wineries? Who knew?! Turns out the soil, climate, and elevation are not only great for hiking, they're also perfect for wine growing. So on this four day getaway, we'll combine hiking to waterfalls with opportunities to visit wineries, learn about wine, and sampling some of the wonderful cuisine that can be found here. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Learning about wines during a private wine-tasting
- Visiting the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi
- Enjoying moderate hikes in the north Georgia Mountains
- Visiting several local wineries and the charming town of Dahlonega
- Dining at some excellent local restaurants
Departures and Prices
| April 30 to May 03, 2020 |
| $1195.00 - Available |
| Book Now |
Inclusions
- Two experienced AGC guides
- Roundtrip transportation from the Atlanta Airport
- All meals from dinner on the first day through brunch on the last
- Three nights lodging in a beautiful vacation home shared by the group
- All activities on the itinerary, including a private wine-tasting, hikes, and visits to wineries
What's not included: Travel to and from Atlanta, alcoholic beverages (other than the wine tastings which are included), guide gratuities, and travel insurance.
Details
This trip is suitable for any healthy active woman who wants to hike, look at wildflowers, learn about wine, and explore this beautiful area with its rich culture that ranges from its Appalachian roots to gourmet experiences. The hikes we've chosen are reasonably short, but they are in the mountains, so women should be in sufficient condition to hike uphill for a couple of hours.
The title pretty well sums up the trip: we'll be hiking on the Appalachian Trail as well as to waterfalls, stopping to enjoy all the wildflowers, and learning about wine with a private wine tasting and visits to local wineries. The day we climb Blood Mountain, 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1300 feet, is longest hike; other days are much less) This trip is suitable for novice and experienced hikers and drinkers. And even if you don't drink wine, learning about it is an interesting cultural experience.
We will spend three nights at the Retreat on the Ridge , a luxurious 7-bedroom 5.5 bath majestic mountain home where you can enjoy the north Georgia mountains in luxury, style, and convenience. It's seven miles north of downtown Dahlonega with spectacular panoramic views, a saltwater pool, and a fire pit. There are seven bedrooms that are a mix of single and shared rooms, plus a "bunkroom" with four beds (two singles and one bunkbed). There is a discount for the bunkroom, and three single rooms are available for a single supplement ($150); otherwise, rooms will be assigned randomly.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "Did this trip meet your expectations?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
The trails selected were absolutely beautiful!
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 4/25/2019-4/28/2019
Beautiful weather, great guides, friendly group of women.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 4/25/2019-4/28/2019
The location was spectacular
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 4/25/2019-4/28/2019
The scenery, the other trippers, the guides, our living arrangements, the Bear on the Square Festival, the wine tasting. All was great.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 4/25/2019-4/28/2019
This trip was fabulous in every way--great hiking locations that were well suited to my fitness level, beautiful accommodations, delicious home-cooked meals and great wineries for dining out, knowledgeable leaders and a great group of women.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 4/25/2019-4/28/2019
Meeting women from all over with varied backgrounds.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 4/25/2019-4/28/2019
Trip was great overall. This was my 4th AGC trip, but first where we all stayed together in one building. I believe that led to even more group cohesion and enjoyment of one another than I've experienced in the past when we were spread out among buildings. Schedule was well-paced (i.e., never felt rushed to wake, eat, get ready). From the trip description, I expected the "wildflowers" part to have us looking at fields of blossoms, rather than a plant here and there along the path. What we saw was lovely and interesting; it was just different than my expectation.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 4/25/2019-4/28/2019
The Falls were gorgeous.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/3/2018-5/6/2018
Hikes, all women group, guides are great.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/3/2018-5/6/2018
We so enjoyed seeing the beautiful north Georgia area! Both my sister and I are outdoorsy and it was just great to be guided by very knowledgeable ladies! It’s our first “leg” of the Appalachian trail!!
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/3/2018-5/6/2018
I just had the best time. Such a wonderful diverse group of women, good weather and beautiful surroundings. I'll be back next year!
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/3/2018-5/6/2018
The guides were great and GA was beautiful
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/3/2018-5/6/2018
I loved the wine tasting.The big rocks and roots were too much for me. The guides were great
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/4/2017-5/7/2017
The guides were excellent, the group was friendly, enjoyed meeting them. Food was good, the wine tasting at the hostel was great, and the brunch at Wolf Mountain was THE BEST, loved the place, and food was awesome. The restaurant dinner was also very good, very enjoable. The weather was unfortunately not good, there were no wild flowers, but the weather was the worst.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/4/2017-5/7/2017
The hiking trails and waterfalls were beautiful! I learned quite a bit about the AT that I didn't know. The guides were wonderful and other participants great to get to know. Had great fun!
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/4/2017-5/7/2017
very well organized even with rainy weather
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/4/2017-5/7/2017
The company of wonderful women, the great guides and the beautiful trails. It was a great get away weekend.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/4/2017-5/7/2017
Difficult to point to one highlight, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. The third day was the best, the weather was gorgeous and the hiking dry.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/4/2017-5/7/2017
Finishing the Blood Mountain hike!!!
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
Everything was terrific. Great camaraderie-what else would you get when you put a group of women together and give them all the wine they want to drink?! Food/restaurants were great; shopping was fun.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
I enjoyed every part of the trip and enjoy strenuous hikes but felt that the trip should not have been rated a "2" for the people that had never hiked before. This was not fair to them and they could have been injured trying to do the more strenuous hikes that weekend e.g. Blood Mountain.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
Obviously the highlight of this trip was the hiking, but I also enjoyed the wineries and the interactions with the other women. Our trip guides were knowledgeable and fun to be with. North Georgia in the spring was absolutely gorgeous!
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
Everything was great - the food, fellowship, and activities.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
Everything!!! Each day improved on the previous day!
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
Loved the hikes, even tho they were so difficult.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
Yes, I enjoyed seeing the waterfalls.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
Leigh was wonderful host and guide. The hiking was beautiful.
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries 5/5/2016-5/8/2016
- Where do we eat?
The guides will be cooking breakfasts and most dinners at the lodging. Before you leave in the morning the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you'll take a packed lunch. You will go out for one dinner where you can order off the menu; other nights you'll relax in the lodge and have dinner there. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.<. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise you'll be randomly assigned to one of the remaining rooms.
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