Since Fair Play is 4 miles east of the GA / SC border, we went back into Georgia today to a state park called Tallulah Gorge which bills itself as the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River. It is definitely worth the trip to visit this place. There is an overlook on a highway designated GA 441 which is quite spectacular. From this overlook the depth of the gorge is 900+ feet which is quite breathtaking. We also bought a GA yearly park parking pass in Laura Walker State Park a week or so ago which gave us free entry into the state park. They have a very nice visitor center with nice exhibits and starting right at the visitor center is the North Rim trail which gives old fogeys like us easy access to a variety of overlooks where the vistas are superb.
The visitor center is a bit of the way down the side of the gorge so the distance from the overlooks down to the water is only about 400 feet but that seems enough. It is fortunate they have installed sturdy railings at the overlooks because one step beyond the rail is certain death. Very impressive part of the world.
On the way home, we elected to drive around the Tallulah Gorge area on back roads and the drive was magnificent. We must be here at the right time because dogwoods, wisterias and jasmines are in bloom and there is new growth on almost all of the flora. Not as much wildlife as in TX or FL but beautiful nevertheless.
We stopped by another state park in GA, Tugaloo, and discerned it is primarily a spot for boaters. Our GA pass got us in free so the reconnaissance was without cost other than a minor fuel expenditure. The park has nice camping facilities and if we were boaters, this would make a good destination. More beautiful flora here.