This Week on Georgia Traveler: Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders

Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we explore Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders. Join us to experience Amicalola Falls, the Okefenokee Swamp, Providence Canyon, Radium Springs, Stone Mountain, Tallulah Gorge and Warm Springs. If you're wondering how these seven were chosen from all of Georgia's fabulous natural resources, check out the New Georgia Encyclopedia's article about the history of the select seven. Georgia Traveler explored the generally recognized Seven Natural Wonders listed below.

Amicalola Falls

The highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, Amicalola Falls’ seven cascades drop 729 feet to the base. Cherokee for “tumbling waters”, Amicalola offers spectacular views and incredible natural beauty. We view the tumbling waters at Amicalola Falls State Park and explore unique accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn.

Okefenokee Swamp

It’s the largest swamp in North America and the fact that most of the swamp is a National Wildlife Refuge makes it a wildlife paradise. There are many sites around the swamp from which you can explore, but the primary entrance is Stephen C. Foster State Park. We experience the swamp itself and a celebration of the Okefenokee in nearby Folkston.

Providence Canyon

Often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon”, Providence Canyon offers breathtaking splendor in addition to 3 miles of trails, picnic areas, pioneer and backcountry campsites. If you haven’t visited the Providence Canyon State Park just west of Lumpkin, you should- and don’t forget your camera!

Radium Springs

The largest natural springs in Georgia are found just outside of Albany. The waters, which are consistently 68 degrees, contained traces of radium and the site was dubbed Radium Springs. A casino was built overlooking the springs in the 1920s and the area experienced a tourism heyday as a spa and resort. Flooding of the Flint River in 1994 and 1998 severely damaged the casino and it was ultimately demolished in 2003.

Stone Mountain

Just ten miles northeast of Atlanta is the largest exposed mass of granite in the world. You can explore the mountain itself and many other activities at Stone Mountain Park. Many attractions are year-round, but there are great seasonal events and festivals as well.

Tallulah Gorge

The name Tallulah, which means fearsome, originally described the waterfalls which used to rage through this part of Georgia. In its tourism heyday, the site was called “the Niagara of the South”. But in 1912, Georgia Power dammed the falls to create a hydroelectric facility. The result is the gorge you see today. Two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, Tallulah Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern United States. You can view the gorge from rim trails or get a free permit to explore the gorge floor at Tallulah Gorge State Park.

Warm Springs

Located on the lower slopes of Pine Mountain in Meriweather County, Warm Springs had long been known for its healing waters. But it was during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt that Warm Springs became internationally known. Our friends at Meriwether County and the FDR/Warm Springs Welcome Center maintain a great website that can help you plan a visit to the area. You can visit FDR’s residence, the Little White House and his favorite picnic spot at F.D. Roosevelt State Park.

Georgia Traveler's Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders episode airs Friday, March 27 at 9 pm, Saturday, March 28 at 7 pm, and Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30pm. You can also see this episode on GPB Knowledge Saturday, March 28 at 8 PM & Sunday, March 29 at 8 AM.

For more information, check out our website at:
http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV/Channel 8; Albany - WABW/14, Augusta - WCES/20, Chatsworth - WNGH/18, Columbus - WJSP/28, Dawson - WACS/25, Macon - WMUM/29, Savannah - WVAN/9, Waycross - WXGA/8.