For lunch we chose to stop at Hamilton Branch State Park, SC.

For lunch we chose to stop at Hamilton Branch State Park, SC. ($3/adult, $1/child) where we found a quiet picnic bench on the lake where we could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while we ate.

https://southcarolinaparks.com/hamilton-branch

We crossed the J. Strom Thurman Lake into Georgia

There seem to be lots of recreational opportunities to enjoy the lake here.

https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-and-Offices/Operations-Division/J-Strom-Thurmond-Dam-and-Lake/

We stopped in Montecello, GA

We needed to stretch our legs so we walked around the square. It’s a Sunday and everything is closed but it looks like a very cute town to visit.

https://www.exploregeorgia.org/city/monticello

We checked into Holiday Inn Express, Forsyth, GA

($150/night), dropped off our bags and headed over to Indian Springs Park.

The Park is right by the village of Indian Springs, GA.

Indian Springs has a handful of very cute looking shops. If you’re ever in the area make sure you save a little time to visit the Whimsical Botanical Gardens (free). This one of a kind garden has a collection of unique statues, a giant princess playhouse, a covered sand pit and a big playground styled after tractors and a helicopter.

7.2

Indian Springs State Park, Flovilla, GA

($5/car). This is one of the oldest state parks in the nation. For centuries, Creek Indians collected the spring water for its healing qualities and during the 1800s, the area was a bustling resort town. You can still sample the spring water flowing inside the stone Spring House. We went to see the springs and the river rapids and then stretched our legs on the Overland Nature Trail (3/4 mile loop).

https://gastateparks.org/IndianSprings

5

difficulty: 1