My grown daughter asked to go hiking today, so what does a mama do? Spend the day hiking with her! We woke up early, grabbed Starbucks and made the hour and a half drive to FDR State Park in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

FDR State Park is a great place for hikers with over 40 miles of trails. We went to the visitors center first and then stopped at Dowdell Knob for this amazing view. I have been here multiple times, but it was my daughters first time, so I wanted to make sure she got to see this view.

FDR spent a lot of time picnicking at Dowdell Knob. There is a memorial there for where he had his grill for his many picnics.

We started our hike at Mile 23 of the Pine Mountain Trail. If you put in Cascade Falls Trailhead, Waze will navigate you to the parking lot to the Mile 23 trail entry parking area. All Trails rates this trail as moderate and I agree; there are some easy areas, but a lot of it is moderately challenging. It is about 4.2 miles out and back.

There are a few times you have to make a rock crossing across Wolfden Branch Creek. You get to the first crossing at .99 mile.

The first “falls” you come to along the trail is Csonka Falls. This is a very small falls, but a nice view as you pass along the trail.

After Csonka Falls, you will come to the second creek passing at about 1.37 mile.

Next stop is Big Rock Falls; once again they use the word Falls loosely! This is a pretty small falls, but it is still a nice view along the hike.

After Big Rock Falls, you quickly come to Slippery Rock Falls. All the falls as very small, but just being out on the trail and hearing the running water, is very relaxing and enjoyable.

At about 2.08 miles in, we came to Cascade Falls. There is a small pool at the foot of the falls, that we definitely enjoyed cooling off in. We cooled off for a while and enjoyed our time at the falls. Then a few groups of people got to the falls, so we started our trek back.

After our hike, we headed to the quaint, friendly town of Warm Springs. It is filled with cute boutiques and shops. There are a few restaurants too. After this hike, we needed lunch, so we went to Lightnin’ Bugs Bakery & Cafe. Our lunch was so tasty! It is located right in downtown, but you enter through a boutique. The cafe is in the back of the boutique. It is a small cafe with probably only 8-10 tables inside and a few tables outside too. It is a must stop for lunch when you hike at FDR State Park!

There are so many wonderful places to check out in Georgia! If you’re ever making a visit to this beautiful state, reach out and I can help you with your itinerary! I love my great state!

Until my next adventure!!

XOXO

-S