They say you can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy. Growing up in a rural area, with a river and natural lakes and ponds to swim and fish in, and mountains to play in, leaves you with lasting love for that kind of country. Every now and then this boy and his dog like to get back to nature. The north Georgia mountains offer plenty of opportunities to get away from it all. Everything is close enough for a day trip, and accommodations are available if you want to stay overnight and spend more time in the mountains.

We like to go places where the dogs can run loose and enjoy themselves. Jack’s River, in the Cohutta Wilderness Area, is my favorite destination. If you’ve ever looked at the Chattahoochee River, or any of the ponds, lakes, or streams in the Atlanta area, and wondered if there is any clear water in Georgia, Jack’s River is the answer. A pristine mountain stream in one of the only totally protected areas in Georgia, it is the perfect getaway; a place to enjoy the scenery and the quiet.

If you’re afraid to get your feet wet, this may not be the place for you. The trail follows the river for 8 miles to one of the nicest waterfalls in Georgia. On the way, it crosses the stream 23 times. The dogs think that’s the best part. All you need is an old pair of athletic shoes you don’t care about, and a sturdy walking stick, and you’re all set. It’s really refreshing on a hot day. There are pools in the stream that are deep enough to cool off in.

It’s an easy trail, almost level, rising imperceptibly as you move upstream. Crossing the stream is fairly easy (the stick helps a lot); it’s a shallow river, and you can see through the water to watch where you are putting your feet.

If you start early, and are in pretty good shape, you can make a day of a hike up to the falls and back. Wear a daypack and bring lunch - sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, whatever appeals to you. Carry water - as good as the stream water looks, don’t drink it without purifying it first. Giardia is something you can live without. If you don’t want to go all the way to the falls, there are plenty of places along the trail to stop and enjoy the scenery and the quiet. There are other people in the woods, but you won’t see or hear them very often.

If you like to backpack, there are lots of campsites along the trail. Fires are not allowed in this area, so you will need a camp stove, and water is readily available.

Jack’s River is 110 miles from the 75/285 intersection, about a 2 hour drive. Take I-75 north to Dalton, exit 333; go right on Hwy 52 for 13 miles to Hwy 411, then left for 12 miles. Look for Greg’s General Store on the left. Turn right on state road #2. Cisco Baptist Church is on the corner. In about a mile it becomes a dirt forest service road. Follow the signs for another 8 miles, and you’ll come to the Jack’s River trailhead. Have fun - your dog will!

Back door to the falls
If you’re not that brave and don’t want to get your feet wet, you can still see the falls. The Beech Bottom Trail will take you to the falls without crossing the stream. From the Jack’s River parking area, continue on the dirt road for one mile. On the right is Forest Service Road #62, also known as Big Frog Loop Road. Take this road 4 1/2 miles to the Beech Bottom trail parking area. It’s a 3 1/2 mile hike to the falls. Part of this trail is also a horse trail, so watch where you step! You may want to keep your dog on a leash on the part of the trail where there are horses. Be prepared, most dogs find trail muffins to be an irresistible delicacy.