Welcome
to High Valley,
High Valley Log Cabins are located in what is the highest inhabited
valley in the state of Georgia, the tiny community of Suches, which
legend says is named for an Indian Princess. You will be left in awe
by the beauty that you’ll find in this community, which is completely
surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. (Try sitting on the
porch at night looking to the stars and listening for the wildlife
you are certain to hear year-round!) We have done everything possible
to assure that your home-away-from-home has all that you will need
to make your experience in this wonderful valley one that you will
cherish forever. Everything you need for a stay of a couple of days,
a week, or even a month or more is provided. Don’t think we’ve
forgotten about the water! Every time you open a tap at High Valley
you’ll be drawing yourself a glass of pure mountain spring water
that is fully state approved for safety. The water comes directly
from the spring in such pure form that there is no need for additives
or chemicals of any kind. To help you more fully enjoy your stay we’ve
put together this booklet to point out just a very few of the many
highlights of this area. If you have any questions feel free to call
747-2037 and speak with Frank or Jeannie. They are long-time residents
of the valley, and they’re also family so you can be sure your
questions will be answered. Finally, to assure the safety of any fly-in
guests, we ask that you not drive on the runway at any time.
We hope High Valley earns a special place in your heart as it has
in ours. Enjoy your stay and thank you for being our guest.
Regards, Louis & Lisa
General
Cabin Information
Audio/Video- Each
of our cabins comes complete with a TV and a satellite receiver. We’ve
even included a VCR, just in case you want to tape your favorite show
while out having fun, or view the movies you’re certain to take
during the day. You’ll find remote controls and instructions
(if needed) inside the armoire that houses the television. If you
would like to buy a pay per view movie, simply leave the rental amount
in the wooden cigar box. To complete your audio/video experience each
cabin is equipped with a full sound system that includes AM/FM, cassette
& CD player.
Fireplace–
What could possibly be more relaxing, or romantic, than a log cabin,
the mountains, the perfect mate and a warm fire? But be sure
you open the chimney flu BEFORE you start the fire! You will
need to buy or bring your own firewood
and fire starter.
Water
heater– While every
effort is made to assure you have hot water when you arrive, sometimes
this is not possible. In such cases hot water can be generated in
a short time by turning on the water heaters. It’s a simple
flip of a breaker switch in the electrical box. The breaker is clearly
marked. The electrical box for the Cub is located in the kitchen closet
and for the Piper and Stearman in the downstairs bedroom by the bathroom.
Telephone–
There are no telephones; there is a cell tower nearby.
Fire
extinguishers– In
the event of fire, a fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen by
the back door and upstairs next to the bathroom. Each extinguisher
has instructions on its use and is checked periodically.
Picnic
area- gas grill & water
hose - Each cabin has a gas grill on the front porch. You’ll
find grill tools either on the grill itself or inside the kitchen.
A picnic table with fire ring is located behind each cabin. Feel free
to collect dead wood to burn in the fire ring or if you prefer you
can purchase wood by simply calling Frank. Because we are in the middle
of a National Forest it is extremely important that you observe all
fire safety rules. Never build your fire outside of the fire ring,
and please never leave a fire unattended. Each cabin is equipped with
an outside spigot and a 100-foot hose. You’ll find them on the
side of the cabin near the front porch. Feel free to use the hose
to extinguish your fire or to wash your vehicle, you’ll find
rags and brushes for this purpose inside the hose compartment. Please
do not use any inside linens or towels for outside purposes, and please
use the water responsibly
Creek-
The creek you’ll find behind the cabin and picnic area is called
Kennedy Creek. This is a small mountain stream that is fed by natural
springs from the mountains you see around you. It is one of several
small waterways that feed into Woody Lake (the lake on Highway 60
near Tritt’s Store). It is a great creek in which to wade, pan
for gold or to just sit back and listen.
Walking
on property- Looking for
adventure close to your temporary home? This can be lots of fun! The
cabins are situated on a 7-acre tract of land that is actually part
of a larger piece of property that is covered with trails. Some of
them will take you into the brush, others will lead you around the
runway and up to the bathhouse on the main property. All are great
fun to walk at any time of day and all are open to our guests. We
ask only that you be respectful of other guests and be careful around
the runway.
ATV
use on property- ATV’s
are allowed on the property. Please stay on marked trails and be respectful
of other guest. Please remember that NO vehicles,
of any type, are allowed on the runway at anytime and cannot be tolerated
because of the safety issues involved. If it doesn’t fly, it
should not be on the runway.
NO HUNTING
ON PROPERTY- HV has quite a collection
of wildlife. A pair of binoculars or a good camera is recommended.
At night, deer, rabbits, raccoons, possums, etc. graze along the runway
and drink at the creek. During the day many variety of birds look
for meals in the tree bark or soar overhead looking for an unsuspecting
field mouse. Occasionally a black bear may wander by or even a fox.
Remember these are wild animals and you are a visitor to their space.
Please treat them with respect, especially any bears you might happen
to see. Give bears PLENTY of room. These are not tame animals and
are easily spooked and will react to defend themselves if they feel
they are in any danger. You need not worry if you give them plenty
of space.
Activities-
We may be in the middle of the North Georgia Mountains, but that doesn’t
mean Suches lacks things to do and see! Because the community is centrally
located you’ll find it to be a perfect jumping off point for
loads of fun activities. Day trips can include everything from hiking
and biking to whitewater rafting, tubing, and fishing. The list includes
such fun things as swimming, horseback riding, and even panning for
gold! Inside each cabin you’ll find a copy of Natural Adventures
in the Mountains of North Georgia. It is a comprehensive guide to
the mountains and deserves a flip through even if you are familiar
with the area. We have highlighted activities in the book that are
nearby to help you plan your day trips.
Suches-
We’re remote, but we’re not Stone Age! Suches includes
many modern-day conveniences including: The Suches General Store (706-747-2271)
here you’ll find grocery items, VCR rental tapes, fishing licenses,
area maps, gas, good conversation etc. If you want a guaranteed fresh
fish, try Black Mountain Trout Ponds (1 mile down Glenn Elliott Road
from High Valley). It has a “No Catch, No Pay” policy,
and they clean the fish for you. (Believe us when we say you WILL
catch the best-tasting trout you ever had!) Woody Gap Recreational
Area offers a scenic view of Yahoola Valley and the world famous Appalachian
Trail crosses Georgia Highway 60 at this point. Lake Winfield Scott
is a clear 18-acre lake hidden in the mountains with picnicking, camping,
swimming, fishing, boating and hiking. This is one of those places
you have to see to believe! The lake includes a covered pavilion and
bathhouse near the swimming area. Sunday mornings at 10:30 between
Memorial Day weekend and the first weekend in October the Church Without
Walls at Lake Winfield Scott holds lakeside services. It is non-denominational
and dress is summer casual. Lenny’s Grill (706-747-2045) is
located on Hwy 180 between Glenn Elliott Road and Lake Winfield Scott.
A menu is kept in the drawer of the cabin to the right of the dishwasher.
It’s good home cooking and on Saturday nights there is karaoke.
Dahlonega-
This was the scene of the first major gold rush in the United States,
and the community is proud of its roots. You’ll find a number
of shops are around the square and many good places to eat in Dahlonega.
Listed are just some of our favorites:
The Magic Wok (706-867-8896)
Caruso’s Italian/ Curly’s Pizza (706-864-4664)
El Maquey Mexican (706-864-9152)
Robyn’s Nest Grill (706-864-7697)
Buster’s (706-864-2400 beer & billiards)
Dahlonega also has a Wal-Mart (with groceries), Video Update (706-867-7137)
and a National Forest Service office. If you need medical attention,
Chestatee Regional Hospital next to McDonald’s is the closest
hospital facility, though Suches itself does have a community clinic
and excellent emergency 9-1-1 services. Because of its history as
a gold rush site Dahlonega also features a gold museum (in the square)
as well as gold panning. You’ll also find an observatory at
North Georgia College, which, for any coin collectors, stands on the
grounds that once housed the Dahlonega Mint where many gold coins
bearing that famous mint-mark were made! The gold steeple at North
Georgia College is actually 24-karat gold leaf from these mountains!
You will also find a winery and river tubing in Dahlonega. On GA Hwy
52 west of Dahlonega is Burt’s Pumpkin Farm and hayrides (800-600-BURT)
and Amicalola Falls State Park (800-573-9656).
Blue
Ridge-
Mercier Orchards is one of the largest apple orchards in the Southeast,
Mercier's offers more than 30 varieties of apples, jellies, fried
pies and baked goods, farm-grown vegetables, custom gift baskets,
(706) 632-2685.
Swan Drive-In Movie Theatre When’s the last time you took in
a movie at the DRIVE IN?? You won’t find many of these left
n the country, and only three in the state of Georgia! The Swan still
offers first run movies year-round the way you might remember watching
them as a kid: in the car with your parents at your side, or perhaps
in your car with your significant other at your side! Call (706) 632-5235
for information.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has excursion train rides from the Depot
in downtown Blue Ridge to McCaysville, along the scenic Toccoa River.
This is one of the most beautiful rail rides you’ll find anywhere
and is well worth the effort. Special seasonal events include the
Halloween Haunted Express and Christmas Express. Call (800) 934-1898.
Blairsville-
Brasstown Bald Mountain & Visitor Information Center – This
is the highest point in the state of Georgia and from its summit you
get a 360-degree view that lets you take in four states! The elevation
is 4,784 feet, more than enough to give you a spectacular view for
miles and miles and miles! Easy to get to from your cabin, just head
East from Suches on Hwy 180 to US Highway 19/129 Turn left and go
North on US Highway 19/129. Turn right onto Georgia Highway 180 for
nine miles, then north on Georgia 66 for three miles. The road to
the top is very well marked, and frequently traveled. When you get
there, you’ll know why!
Cooper's Creek Scenic & Recreation Area – It seems the North
Georgia mountains just don’t ever get tired of offering fantastic
things to do and see, and this is yet another example. 1,240 acres
of beauty featuring camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and hunting,
Cooper's Creek and tributaries are teeming with trout. From Blairsville,
go west on Blue Ridge Highway (Old Highway 76) for three miles. Turn
left onto Mulky Gap Road. Follow paved road until pavement ends and
turns to gravel. Go three miles and Cooper's Creek is on the left.
Dukes Creek Falls - Drops about 150 feet down a sheer granite canyon
and into Dukes Creek. The area offers scenic beauty and excellent
gold panning opportunities. There is a slippery-rock water slide.
If you’re ready to take pictures there’s an observation
deck that offers ad outstanding view of the falls. To get there just
travel East from Suches on Hwy 180 to US Highway 19/129. Turn left
and go North on US Highway 19/129. Turn right onto Georgia Highway
180 for 1/2 mile. Turn right onto Georgia Highway 348 (Richard Russell
Scenic Highway) for 12 miles. And speaking of the Richard Russell
Scenic Highway, this by itself is a real treat for anyone who wants
to fully take in the magnificent mountain views!
Helton Creek Falls – A very short walk to a phenomenal setting.
Helton Creek Falls are set in a deep hardwood forest. The falls themselves
feature a double fall with a vertical drop of more than 100 feet.
A 300-yard trail leads to the falls. (The rocks are deceptively slippery;
please exercise caution.) To get there just head East from Suches
on Hwy 180 to US Highway 19/129 Turn right and travel south on US
Highway 19/129. Turn left onto Helton Creek Road, 2.3 miles to a parking
area on the right.
