The BIG family Strikes Again (Northeast Georgia)

Best Things Nearby:
There are plenty of state parks with waterfalls and hiking trails nearby. The condo is only 1 hour from Atlanta as well.

Best Things About the Resort:
PEACE AND QUIET!!! There is lots of nature to behold.

Resort Experience:
Never stayed at BIG CANOE? Well, let me give you some useful tips to get your stay off on the right foot.

First, this is a VERY large place, 5,700 acres to exact! The area has three large lakes, two golf courses, and several amenities that we will cover later. The area is a combination of permanent private residences, summer/weekend homes, and a few condos.

Second, you must realize that this was a planned community that was started in the 1970s and continues today. Many business types come for the weekend to play golf. With that in mind, BIG CANOE is not the typical condo place. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it must be kept in mind as to the types of people and services around the place.

Last, fees are required for everything. This is a community, remember! Most of the people probably pay a yearly/monthly due, but for the vacationer, it is required to utilize any amenity. There are fees for swimming, fishing, exercise equipment, tennis, and golf.

Do not let this discourage you from staying here. The place is nestled in the hills, and it is hard to believe this place exists when you are just driving by. At night, the place is absolutely dark, like you are in the middle of nowhere. During the day, it is unbelievably quite and peaceful. Deep hiking trails are around the community. Wildlife abounds, and many deer can be spotted throughout the day. It is a wonderful place to stay, and the condo is well appointed. There is a small grocery store, gas station, gift shop, and restaurant, all in BIG CANOE alone. The whole family agreed that we would be returning to this place in the near future.

With this in mind, we utilized the condo mostly as a central place to travel to other areas. I would carefully weigh your travel plans with any of the amenity fees. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the staff. No one seemed to know where to pay for things or the exact policies of the place. Unfortunately, most of the staff had that glazed "yo, dude" look in their eyes.

HINTS

1. Everything except for golfing/tennis is paid at the fitness center.
2. Leave the bicycles at home. I was disappointed that the area had not planned for the use of alternative ways of getting around.
3. Go to the marina for a pamphlet covering the fishing rules.
4. Bait can be bought in the on-site grocery store or at the local Chevron station.
5. Make sure your vehicle’s breaks are in top condition.
6. Seal the lid on the garbage can (raccoons are crafty creatures). You take your excess trash to the NORTH GATE!
7. Watch the community channel on the TV for updates.
8. The restaurant is closed at night.
9. Get a map from the gate personnel.
10. Look for older staff for real help.

• Unit Type: 3 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Fair

After hiking all morning long, lunch is a high priority. But where do you get a meal in these parts? Well, the lodge at the top of the mountain is well worth the short drive up. The lodge is a well-kept motel set atop a high mountain. Upon entering, you are greeted with a spectacular view of the country through large windows. The Maple restaurant is off to the right, past the check-in desk.

The dining is buffet style. No waiting for the food is a big plus after hiking. The staff was very attentive and pleasant. The food was good, but the dessert bar was mostly premade cakes and pies. For $7.95, which includes the drinks, it cannot be beat. Try and get a table next to the windows for the best viewing during your meal.

Do not worry about attire, because there are plenty of hikers roaming the place with their backpacks and equipment. At certain times during the day, the park service has animal demonstrations that are well worth seeing in the main lobby.

Amicalola Falls is a must-stop for any person wanting to see spectacular waterfalls and scenic mountain-top views and enjoy nature’s wonders. It is just a short drive from the Big Canoe resort. To start, visit the information center. This area provides loads of information about the wildlife in the area, with a good exhibit and helpful wildlife managers. Maps can be obtained, with loads of brochures for everything to do in the area as well. There are three ways to get to the top of the falls. Driving is the easiest, but not very exciting.

There are two trails to hike on from the information center. If you go left, it is the short hike, but with several hundred stairs to climb. To the right is the longer hike through the forest. We opted for the forest route, and I was glad we did. There were less people, and it provides some awesome views of the surrounding mountains. Both hikes are not for the weak-kneed, literally! At the top is a small creek about 10 feet wide. This was not what I had expected, but it was not the creek that caught my eye. The view of the mountains was gorgeous! Midway back down the stairway hike is a picture moment of the waterfall. Then you follow a meandering creek back to the bottom.

There is a small pond with picnic tables, and you can fish for stocked trout. I recommend a morning visit to avoid the afternoon summer heat. Small kids will have to be carried, but most other children should do well with either hike. There is also a playground at the information center the kids will want to play on. Read my other review of the lodge restaurant at the top. DO NOT MISS THIS PARK!