Who, What, & Where Age levels: All ages Activities: Hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming Hours from Atlanta: 1.75

To really impress budding botanists, a wildflower trail needs big, colorful plants — lots of them. The area around Vogel SP won't disappoint. It has easy access, inviting trails, and plenty of brightly colored flowers. Try the Chattahoochee NF's Sosbee Cove Trail in early summer for the one- to two-foot leaves of the umbrella-leafed crimson bee balm or the orange blossoms of Turk's Cap Lily. In spring, the lush trailside lets little travelers get up close to wondrous floral displays.

Lake Trahlya, Vogel State Park

Vogel itself has a short nature trail, a four-mile loop, and an overnight backcountry trail. The climb to the overlook on the 4-mile Bear Hair Trail features an airplane-style view of Lake Trahyla below.

Go Guide: Vogel State Park Getting there: From Dahlonega, drive 25 miles north on US 19/129. Contact: Vogel State Park, (706) 745-2628, or visit www.georgiatrails.com for a trail preview. Extra treats: Swim in Lake Trahlya or backpack around the Coosa Backcountry Trail, if your group can handle 13 rugged miles.

Move on to Fort Mountain State Park

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