Hmmm….. since it’s winter, you want to stay in the lower elevations. I’m guessing you don’t want to drive more than three hours, but that still leaves a lot of options. So here’s a few suggestions:
1. Chattooga River – Ellicott Rock: https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/georgia/chattooga/ellicott%201_00D.htm
2. Providence Canyon – https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/georgia/providence%206_97D.htm
3. Middle Saluda River – https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/south_carolina/jones%20gap%208_00D.htm
4. Gorges State Park – https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/north_carolina/gorges/ray%20fisher%208_02D.htm
It sounds like you are doing one night in the woods, right? If so, all of these hikes are lower elevation, allow campfires, and have something worthwhile to see. Providence Canyon is the furthest south (which means it will be warmer), and it’s really a great place. There are a lot of day hikers in the canyon, but I don’t expect you will see too many people on the Backcountry Trail where you can camp for the night in one of six sites. Have fun. Let me know how it goes or if you have any questions.
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