Lipstick, Pearls & Running Shoes: Moccasin Creek State Park

Our 2nd camping trip of the season is in the books.

For my Mother's Day weekend we decided to give Moccasin Creek State Park a try. It is located in Rabun County on Lake Burton. The park is on the small side but I think that is part of what makes it so nice. Although small, we were not lacking for things to do. Just next door is the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and across the street is a nature trail as well as the trailhead to Hemlock Falls. Of course you have the lake for fishing, boating and kayaking with the park itself hosting horse shoes, volley and basketball.

When we arrived on Friday evening there were only 3 sites available from which to choose. Luckily #15 looked very inviting with a great view of the lake with close proximity to the playground and bathhouse. So Site #15 would be our address until Monday.

We had our traditional "first night of camping" food fare of marinated hotdogs and chips, attempted to stay warm by the fire (it was unseasonably cold for May in Georgia) and then called it a night.

THE BEST Grilled Hot Dogs - hot dogs sliced and marinated before grilling - you will never grill hot dogs any other way! These are seriously amazing!!

http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/07/foodbuzz-24x24-hot-diggity-dog.html

Thanks to Steph @ Plain Chicken for sharing this fabulous recipe. It takes the less than gourmet hotdog and kicks it up a notch. Add some slaw and a little ketchup on the side and you've got yourself one amazing, easy grill meal.

Saturday would be our day to explore. We walked the park grounds and then headed over to the Fish Hatchery where there were trout of all sizes. Afterwards we walked the mile long nature trail and then headed up to Hemlock Falls.

Gorgeous mountain laurel blooms could be found all over the park.

@ the trailhead

Ready to tackle the trail!

Hemlock Falls

The trail was pretty easy. It was uphill getting to the waterfall but the elevation change was very minimal. The worst part about the entire hike was the multiple (and I mean multiple) areas along the trail that were muddy and wet, places where water ran off the rocks onto the trail. These wet spots didn't seem to be slick but just be prepared to get dirty (and don't wear new shoes #Cammie).

So happy that Cam was able to join us on this trip!

On Sunday we decided to stay close to home (Site #15 that is). Another, now traditional, camping breakfast was served up, Campfire Cinnamon Roll-Ups (of course with a side of bacon).