Fun Vacations In The Southeast: The North Georgia Mountains vs. The State Parks Of South Carolina

It’s no secret that America’s southeast offers plenty of fun vacations and exciting things to do and see for those who love to get up close and personal with the great outdoors. Because there are so many different opportunities, though, it can be challenging for vacationers to decide where they should go. Would you and your family have a better time exploring the area surrounding the north Georgia mountain cabins, or would your group be more suited to an excursion through the various state parks of South Carolina?

Since you want to create happy, long-lasting memories with your loved ones, you want to be certain that you make the right choice. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to consider all of the major factors that play a role in influencing your trip. By comparing the key points of spending a vacation at both locations, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that will work for you and your family.

Comparison Dimension: Entertainment Value

• The North Georgia mountain cabins – When visiting northern Georgia, a cabin rental can serve as the “home base” for all of your family’s daily adventures. There are a wide range of attractions, state parks, museums, and nearby cities that are all located in close proximity to the cabins in Helen. This means that there are nearly limitless opportunities for your family to be entertained. A day trip to see Amicalola Falls (the highest cascade east of the Mississippi) is a must, and be sure to stop at Amicalola Falls Deer Park to feed the animals while you’re there. You may also want to check out one of the other “7 Natural Wonders of Georgia” by visiting Tallulah Gorge State Park. Unicoi State Park is home to numerous hiking trails and the famous Anna-Ruby Falls. Many of the cabin’s visitors enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochee River, riding horses, exploring the museums and gold mines of Dahlonega, or taking a carriage ride through the Alpine Village of Helen.
• The state parks of South Carolina – Because there are 47 South Carolina state parks, there are plenty of entertainment options. Based upon which specific parks you choose to visit, you may enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming at the beach, Geocaching, visiting historic sites, battlefields, and museums, birding, visiting a zoo or nature center, going on ranger-led excursions, boating, etc.

Comparison Dimension: Cost

• The North Georgia mountain cabins –  Although some travelers prefer to stay in a Helen-area hotel, which might cost $60-$100 a night, many other families prefer to be able to spread out and enjoy some privacy in a cabin rental. For a typical family of four, a cabin rental with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a family room will cost approximately $300 per night plus taxes and other fees. Meal costs will vary, based upon the length of your trip, but you can save money by cooking in your cabin. While larger attractions may be a bit pricier, simple activities like alpine mini-golf, fishing, visiting museums, and hiking are very affordable, and sometimes free. A single day pass for a visit to a state park is $5. If you live in Georgia, or plan on visiting more than 10 parks, you’d be best served to buy an annual pass for $50.
• The state parks of South Carolina – When choosing your lodging in South Carolina, you’ll need to determine if you want to choose a single hotel or cabin, and then make day trips to nearby state parks, or if you plan to drive around the state, staying at a different place each night. On average, your hotel stays will cost from $60-$100 per night. Select state parks offer Carolina Camper Cabins which are rustic, one room cabins with bunk beds that cost $24-$42 a night, while more modern cabins may range from $100-$250 per night, or $700 to $1750 per week. The admission to each of the state parks also varies. Some, like Hickory Knob, are free, whereas Caesar’s Head is $2 per person, and Myrtle Beach is $5 per person. 7-day park entry passes are available for $35, to all but Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach, Charles Towne Landing, Edisto Beach, and Hunting Island State Parks. A $50 7-day pass allows entry to all 47 state parks.

Comparison Dimension: Family Friendliness

• The North Georgia mountain cabins – The cabins in northern Georgia are extremely family friendly. First, the Helen area provide an abundance of activities for all ages. There are hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, seasonal festivals and celebrations, more thrilling and challenging activities for older kids, and quiet, engaging attractions for the little ones. In addition, the cabins themselves are very accommodating to families. Kids and parents are able to enjoy the privacy of their own individual bedrooms and space, and multiple cabins can be reserved together for family reunions. The state parks of South Carolina – Many of South Carolina’s state parks feature easier trails that are good for smaller kids, opportunities for fresh or salt water swimming, water sports, exploring historical sites, picnicking, and playgrounds. This makes it quite easy to plan a trip that will meet the needs of your children, while keeping the whole family interested. When little ones are accompanying you to state parks, be sure to pack snacks and a first aid kit in case of falls. In order to have as much fun as possible, don’t try to cram too many activities, or activities that are too exhausting for your children.
• The state parks of South Carolina – Many of South Carolina’s state parks feature easier trails that are good for smaller kids, opportunities for fresh or salt water swimming, water sports, exploring historical sites, picnicking, and playgrounds. This makes it quite easy to plan a trip that will meet the needs of your children, while keeping the whole family interested. When little ones are accompanying you to state parks, be sure to pack snacks and a first aid kit in case of falls. In order to have as much fun as possible, don’t try to cram too many activities, or activities that are too exhausting for your children.

• The North Georgia mountain cabins – Whether you are hoping to plan a simple weekend getaway, or would like to embark on a full-fledged, 7-day family vacation, you’ll be able to find a cabin that can accommodate your needs in northern Georgia. There is plenty in the area to do that will keep you busy during your entire trip, or you can choose to just check out the highlights during a shorter trip, and return again to explore more at a later date.
• The state parks of South Carolina –  As with the Georgia cabins, a trip to the state parks of South Carolina can last as long as you want. State Park lodging is available for nightly or weekly reservations. The sheer volume of parks could keep your family busy for over a week, or you could just pick three major parks that you’d like to visit over a long weekend.

Comparison Dimension: Accessibility

• The North Georgia mountain cabins – The cabins of Helen, GA , are located approximately 1.5 hours north of Atlanta, via the I-85 N and the I-985 N. They can be accessed from Chattanooga, TN via Highway 64 E in approximately 2.5 hours, and are just under 2 hours away from Greenville, SC o the I-85 S and GA-17 N.
• The state parks of South Carolina –  South Carolina’s many parks are scattered throughout the state, and will involve multiple access routes. It’s smart to bring a navigation system or map on your trip, to ensure efficient routes to each of the parks that you choose to visit.

Which trip suits your family’s style best – a stay in the north Georgia mountain cabins, or a visit to the state parks of South Carolina?