FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 17, 2015) -- About 45 minutes from the main entrance to Fort Benning stands the perfect place for a day trip - Pine Mountain, Georgia, and its many trails.
A few weeks ago my husband and I began looking for more outdoor activities that were dog friendly; with the weather finally warming up, we wanted more places to take our almost 100-pound puppy, Apollo, so he could let out some of his pent up energy. We found out about the Pine Mountain trails from a friend at the on-post dog park, and decided to give it a try.
Built on land that was once part of a farm owned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the FDR State Park is the largest in the Georgia State Park System with more than 9,000 acres. The Pine Mountain Range runs from the Georgia-Alabama border between LaGrange and Columbus, past Warm Springs and Manchester to the Flint River, where it turns north and connects with Oak Mountain. The mountain has a 23-mile footpath that consists of eight connecting looping trails, each with its own unique terrain and challenges, and offers an awesome opportunity for every kind of hiker.
We hiked the Cascade Falls trail - a four-mile "out and back" hike that encompasses the first few miles of the larger Wolfden Loop trail. We started our trek around 5 p.m., and the weather could not have been more perfect. The breeze was blowing, birds were chirping and the streams we crossed were bubbling merrily. It took us about two and half hours to complete the hike, with a 30-minute rest at Cascade Falls.
It was our dog's first time in the woods and he had an absolute blast. There were hundreds of new things to sniff, lots of fun leaves to chase and even other dogs we met along the way. We saw at least three groups of people, most with kids or dogs, just enjoying the weather and the beautiful Georgia scenery.
The trail itself was fairly easy to maneuver, a great location for beginners and kids.
The path is well marked and well trodden, and chances are there will be other people out there who are willing to point you in the right direction. Cascade Falls is a little waterfall with a pool that is roughly three and a half feet deep - perfect for puppies and kids to play.
The area has a bench, a clearing and some close-by little peaks that offer an excellent place for a picnic, or just time to adventure.
If you are looking for a nearby outdoor venue to take kids and dogs for an adventure, consider checking out one of Pine Mountains trails. They are free to hike and $5 to park.
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