Road-Trip in Southeast: GA-AL-MS-LA, scenic drives, moderate hikes

We go to explore the Southern States in their freshly green and bright quality! Starting in Atlanta GA, and we'll hike in the Sweetwater Creek State Park. Then we move on to hike at the famous Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest point, catching the views of the southern Appalachian’s wooden valley and ridges. Going down by the Talladega Scenic Drive on the way to Montgomery, AL, we can stop at Wetumpka, rated as one of the prettiest small towns in the state and hike its Swayback Bridge trail.

Then there will be white-sand beaches and Gulf shores scenery to walk and explore, and Lower Mississippi River scenic road. We'll make sure to walk and explore smaller genuine towns, like Hattiesburg, the birthplace of Rock N Roll, Natchez with its antebellum architecture. Everywhere if not hiking a trail, we'll stroll a lot. And of course we'll stop for local food, the famous southern BBQ as well. We'll arrive to New Orleans and stay overnight in the French Quarter.

Spring weather in the areas on our route is warm with day average temperatures 85 degree F (70 degree at night). See updates of weather forecasts at: https://bit.ly/33jz1dF

Trip's summary:

• 6days/5nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
• The starting point is Atlanta, GA and ending point is New Orleans, LA,
• Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
• Hotel accommodations in: Montgomery AL, Biloxi, MS, Natchez, MS, Lafayette, LA, New Orleans, LA.

Clothes and gear recommended:

• good hiking shoes,
• warm jacket for evenings, be ready to layer up,
• hiking poles if you used to them,
• consider hydration bladder for hikes,
• sunglasses,
• sunscreen,
• hat.

Tentative cost: $590 (will be finalized 1 month before the start.) What will be included:

• 5 nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
• Breakfasts in some hotels,
• Transportation by minivan or SUV (like Dodge Caravan, Chevrolet Traverse or similar) covering approx. 1000 mi of road-tripping total,
• Organized hikes in all days.

What is NOT included:

• Getting to Atlanta, GA and getting back from New Orleans, LA,
• *any individually charged fees (per vehicle fees are included),
• Meals, snacks, water.

Sunrise: 6:30am. Sunset: 7:30pm. Everyday we want to start off from the hotel at 7 am or 7:30am, or 8am as the latest.

There will be a Zoom meeting on this trip and a WhatsApp group chat will be formed for the group to communicate and prepare for the trip. Please be available to connect by WhatsApp. Please send a note to the organizer to provider her with your WhatsApp contact info to be included in the group.

Photo album from a road-trip with similar locations: https://www.meetup.com/u-s-national-parks-quest-group/photos/35405766/

Title photo: scenic Jubilee Parkway at Mobile, AL

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