Ever been told to "take a hike" or "go fly a kite?" Dade County, Ga., is just the place to do both.
Cloudland Canyon State Park is located within Dade County and is acclaimed for its many hiking and biking trails through scenic territory.
The Lookout Mountain Flight Park offers the chance to not only fly a kite but be part of it. Hang gliding lessons and rides are offered for beginners up to seasoned veterans.
Camping, shopping for antiques and enjoying down-home Southern cuisine are just a few of the other things that can be found in Georgia's most northwestern county.
FAST FACTS
* Population: 16,389 (in 2014)* Date founded: 1837* Most famous resident: Norman Blake is a renowned stringed-instrument picker most noted for his prowess on acoustic guitar. His professional career dates back to the 1950s. He played in bands with, or on recordings for, artists such as Johnny Cash, June Carter, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Joan Baez and John Hartford. Blake also had a solo career and recorded with his wife, Nancy. In the early 1980s he, along with James and Rachel Bryan, formed the Rising Fawn String Ensemble, which made three albums.
OUT AND ABOUT
* The New Salem Mountain Festival is coming Oct. 14-15. This is the 43rd year for the festival, which features music and arts and crafts in addition to the chance to see beautiful fall foliage. Items for sale include furniture, pottery, needlework and jewelry. Nachos, kettle corn and peanut brittle are among the food items available. The festival is held at the New Salem Community Center atop historic Lookout Mountain. (12477 Highway 136 between Trenton and LaFayette, Ga.; 706-398-1988; newsalemmountainfestival.com)* Dade County is annually part of the 127 Corridor Sale, more commonly known as the World’s Longest Yard Sale. It’s a four-day extravaganza stretching from Addison, Mich., to Gadsden, Ala., and is a treasure-hunter’s delight. (127sale.com)
GRAB SOME GRUB
* Larry’s Buffet in Trenton has been feeding folks for nearly 40 years, and doing it the old-fashioned way. The pork and chicken are hand-breaded. The produce is local. The desserts are handmade. And it’s all in a buffet style, although to-go orders are available. Larry’s, which is open for lunch and dinner Thursday-Sunday, was awarded certificates of excellence by Trip Advisor in 2016 and 2017. (4514 White Oak Gap Road/Hwy. 136; 706-657-7585; larrysbuffet.com)* Thatcher’s Barbecue and Grille comes highly recommended by reviewers on yelp.com. The Trenton location (there’s another in Calhoun, Ga.) opened in April 2010 and features slow-cooked chicken, pork, ribs and brisket over a wood-fired smoker. Other menu items include fried green tomatoes and sweet potato tots. The banana pudding is a wildly popular dessert. Thatcher’s is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. (35 Price St.; 706-657-6465; thatchersbbq.com)
ADVENTURE AWAITS
* Cloudland Canyon State Park is situated on Lookout Mountain and is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in the state. Trails for mountain biking and hiking are plentiful. Wild cave tours are available periodically. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course within the park. A variety of campsites are accessible for overnight stays. The park opens daily at 7 a.m.; gates are locked at 10 p.m. (122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, Ga.; Park: 706-657-4050, Reservations: 1-800-864-7275; gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon)* Lookout Mountain Flight Park is a place to learn to hang glide. Try the introductory experience and fly with an instructor, or learn to fly solo. Several packages are offered, including the comprehensive VIP package for those looking to become advanced quickly. Weekend deals include overnight accommodations. The on-site Pro Shop is open Thursday-Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (7201 Scenic Hwy., Rising Fawn, Ga.; 706-398-3541; hanglide.com)* The Wilderness Theater is helping keep the drive-in movie alive. It features two screens, each showing a double feature on weekends. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Shows begin at 9:30. Bring cash for admission and concessions. Debit and credit cards are not accepted. (217 Old Hales Gap Road, Trenton, Ga.; movie line: 706-657-8411; wildernesstheater.com)
HISTORY
Dade became a county on Christmas Day in 1837 by an act of Georgia’s General Assembly and was created from Walker County. Dade County is named for U.S. Army Maj. Francis Langhorne Dade, a Virginia native stationed in central Florida to help commandeer the treaty that put a stop to the First Seminole War.