SHORELINES

2. Take a hike CHEROKEE ROCK VILLAGE Weiss Lake Located in Cherokee County, near Leesburg, Cherokee Rock Village is a 250-acre public park on the southern end of Lookout Mountain that offers breathtaking views of Weiss Lake. The massive outcropping of sandstone boulders attracts rock climbers from across the Southeast. They f lock to the park, f inding a variety of rock faces and climbing routes accommodating climbers of varying skill levels. "ere are few places like this that are so pristine. e park board has done a great job with protecting everything and setting up a sanctuary here," Park Attendant Cody Rhinehart says. Hikers will find 14 miles of trails running up and down the mountain. e site offers equestrian and mountain biking trails with tall rock formations, bird-watching and geocaches along the way. Daytime parking passes are available for $5 and overnight camping passes for $10. "is is our busiest time of the year. It's such a nice time of year for camping and being outdoors," Reinhart says. "And you can't get a view like this anywhere else. is is the only place in this area where you can get a view of the lake with this kind of experience." For more information visit ccparkboard.com/. 1. Take a boat tour COOSA QUEEN RIVERBOAT TOURS Logan Martin Lake For Don and Janice Urso, running a boat tour company and hosting events has always been a dream. In 2011, this dream became a reality when Don discovered an old riverboat in a field near Athens. Don, who was known for his houseboat parties on Logan Martin, purchased the riverboat, with Janice's encouragement, and they spent the following year fixing it up. Today, the couple operate the Coosa Queen Riverboat on Logan Martin and are celebrating their sixth year in business. In addition to private events, they host annual public special events including an Easter Bunny cruise, Christmas cruise and Mother's Day and Father's Day cruises. ey offer two-hour cruises, catering options from local restaurants for dinner cruises and have an 8-foot television screen and propane fireplace for fall and football river cruises. "It is so rewarding, people just seem to leave their cares at the pier," Janice says. "A large percentage of our guests have never been out on the lake before and it's a rewarding way to get to help people experience the lake." e boat cruises from February through December each year and has a variety of booking options. "It's a great way to get a group together and to provide a place for their celebrations. We have a beautiful lake here and we welcome all kinds of groups – people with special needs, senior groups, families who come year aer year. It really warms the heart," Janice says. For more information, visit facebook.com/CoosaQueen/ or call 205-706-2319. Photo: Cody Rhinehart Photo: Wynter Byrd 26 | 2017 Vol:3

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