There's no Place Like Camp.

Shared by Bennett Davidson on September 5, 2022

They say there’s no place like home, for many of us, we’d call Strong Rock home. Maybe we could change the phrase… “There’s no place like Strong Rock”. I’d say that statement would speak for itself.

Nestled at the base of the Appalachian mountains, North Georgia is certainly one of the prettiest places in the country. The tree covered mountains, the fresh air, the glistening lakes, it all makes Strong Rock a welcome replacement to the everyday. But what is it about camp that makes it feel like home for so many of us? Is it the friendships we make? Or maybe the peace at camp? It could be the feeling of the mountains all around us as soon as we enter the gate. It may be the memories we’ve made, and the life changing moments that have come from the time we’ve spent here.

Regardless of your reason (or reasons), there is certainly something about camp that makes it special to the ones who spend time here.

We know camp, and we know what goes on inside camp, but what about right outside? Cleveland and the surrounding area in the North Georgia area is a very special place. Here are some of our favorite places in the area:

Time in the National Forest

One of the crowd favorites around here is to go hiking. Mt. Yonah, Unicoi State Park, or High Shoals falls are some of the ones everyone knows. Because of the National Forest and public land that is local here, there are miles of opportunities to see waterfalls, wildlife, rivers, and mountain views. And if hiking isn’t quite the thing to do, the miles of service roads offer some accessible dirt roads to get closer to the views as well.

Yonah Preserve

Not far at all down the road from camp is a neat place called Yonah Preserve. There are miles of mountain biking trails, a lake to kayak, canoe, or fish on, and the trails are also great for walking if biking isn’t quite your thing. If you’ve exhausted all the mountain biking trails there, you can also go and ride some of the ones at Unicoi, or Jake/Bull mountain in Dahlonega.

BabyLand General Hospital

Oftentimes, even if you do not know of Cleveland Ga, you’ve likely heard of CabbagePatch Kids. Cleveland is uniquely the home of the Cabbage Patch Kids. If you’re looking for something to do indoors or just because you may be interested. At the BabyLand General Hospital, you’ll find some original Cabbage Patch Kids, some small ones, big ones, all dressed and set up for different occasions. It’s an interesting place really, but it’s hard to describe without seeing it yourself.

Helen, Ga

Just a few minutes past Cleveland is Helen where many people go to visit the “Alpine Village ‘’ and may choose to tube on the Chattahoochee, ride the Alpine Coaster, or go to one of the ziplines and adventure courses in the area. Some choose to go putt-putt or walk along the river and check out the stores. Additionally, not far from the city limits is Unicoi State Park, where you can camp, swim, hike, kayak, fish, etc… No matter your style, it’s likely you can find something to do in or around Helen.

We know camp is so special, but with a little insight to the area around, you too can understand why so many people are proud to call this place home, and why so many others love to spend their time here.

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