Great Escape: Historic Banning Mills

About an hour's drive from Northeast Cobb, Historic Banning Mills might become your family's favorite destination with adventure-packed outdoor activities, like the largest continuous zip line eco-canopy tour, horseback riding, a free fall attraction, hiking, and much more.

The zip line adventure includes about seven miles of eco-canopy tour elements, including more than 40 zip lines ranging from 100 feet to half a mile and more than 40 bridges that range from 50 to 600 feet in length at 20 to 300 feet off the ground. Highlights include the half-mile long Screaming Eagle zip line and 600-foot long sky trek bridge that crosses over the Snake Creek Gorge 170 feet about the ground.

Remember the suspension bridge scene in the “Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom” movie? The sky trek bridge that crosses the Snake Creek Gorge is longer.

Thrill-seekers and kids alike will enjoy the exhilaration of soaring high from the zip line platform and swooping down within feet of the gorge below.

If a zip line is not thrilling enough, you cannot leave without taking a leap of faith from the Power Fall. Jump from a 10-story platform and speed downward to a smooth landing below.

Historic Banning Mills has a high standard bed and breakfast with a comfortable, up-to-date and cozy atmosphere situated on an historic site that lies within 1,200 protected acres. Its amenities are perfect for families, couples and groups of all sizes to enjoy, and include:

* extensive hiking trails

* horseback riding

* kayaking

* fishing

* Olympic-sized pool, plus two additional pools

* miniature golf

* basketball and tennis courts

* day spa

* challenge course

* special features such as Bird of Prey show

* breathtaking gorge with numerous bridges for viewing Snake Creek and its many falls

* multiple porches, pavilions, gazebos with dramatic views

* lodging: large and intimate-sized cabins, including Jacuzzi cabins, and inn rooms and

* suites

* RV park with full hook-ups

Historic Banning Mills is located at 205 Horseshoe Dam Road, Whitesburg, GA 30185. For more information, call 770-834-9149 or email.