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Madelyn Ottem

Madelyn spent seven years as a photojournalist in the Air Force. She has lived all over the world as a military kid and enlisted Airman, but no destination settles her soul more than the steely-blue Smokies.

Rhesus macaque monkey sitting in tree covering its mouth
Local

The Monkey Problem at Silver Springs State Park is Only Getting Worse

by Madelyn Ottem on March 11, 2019 7:00 am on March 11, 2019

Silver Springs State Park is facing a serious primate problem. The park has long been known as a tourist attraction in north-central Florida for its…

6 min read
Woman in blue shirt walking in tall grass, collecting healing herbs
Local

The Unofficial Guide to Finding Healing Herbs in the Great Smoky Mountains

by Madelyn Ottem on February 21, 2019 7:00 am on February 21, 2019

The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for the ancient, fog covered mountains looming over North Carolina and Tennessee. But if you look much closer in…

13 min read
campers hanging out on the beach
Local

Where to Camp in America’s Oldest City: St. Augustine, Florida

by Madelyn Ottem on January 25, 2019 7:00 am on January 25, 2019

Two Florida cities, St. Augustine and Pensacola, have recently entered into a contentious debate for the title of America’s oldest city. St. Augustine has long…

8 min read
A Unicoi State Park barrel cabin sits in the shaded forest next to Unicoi Lake
Local

Unicoi State Park is Home to These Bizarre Barrel-Shaped Cabins

by Madelyn Ottem on January 10, 2019 2:14 pm on January 10, 2019

A barrel has never registered in my mind as the type of structure someone could camp—or even fit—in. That’s exactly why the Unicoi State Park…

7 min read
view of a campsite occupied by a small camper, beside a map of georgia campgrounds
Local

Campers Share Their 6 Favorite Spots for Camping in Georgia

by Madelyn Ottem on December 11, 2018 9:45 am on December 11, 2018

Camping in Georgia can take you to coastal waters, forested plateau, and the peaks of Appalachia, each with their own distinct terrain. The Empire of…

7 min read
hazy blue views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Local

The Camper's Guide to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

by Madelyn Ottem on December 5, 2018 12:59 pm on December 5, 2018

Gatlinburg, Tennessee takes its nickname, “The Gateway to the Smoky Mountains,” very seriously. This East Tennessee mountain town attracts visitors year round, and local Gatlinburg…

11 min read
hiker stands below first tier of raven cliff falls
Local

Camp Near This Unique Georgia Waterfall, Just Ten Minutes from Helen

by Madelyn Ottem on November 14, 2018 4:10 pm on November 14, 2018

Raven Cliff Falls is a three-tiered waterfall that appears to slash through a massive granite outcrop. People from all over come to stand in the…

7 min read
Upper Desoto Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Local

How to Find '5 Star Primitive Camping' at DeSoto Falls

by Madelyn Ottem on October 24, 2018 11:43 am on October 24, 2018

From Frogtown Creek, water cascades down staggering granite outcrops and makes for stunning waterfalls within close hiking distance to campsites at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area…

6 min read
three bright green tubes enjoying Chattahoochee River tubing
Local

6 Spots Where You Can "Shoot the Hooch" in Georgia

by Madelyn Ottem on October 18, 2018 11:38 am on October 18, 2018

“Tubin’ the hooch” or “shootin’ the hooch” is Georgia slang for Chattahoochee River Tubing, and it’s one of the most effective ways to cope with…

6 min read
fall foliage leaf watch in georgia state parks
Local

"Leaf Watch" Helps You Plan Georgia Camping for Peak Fall Color

by Madelyn Ottem on October 17, 2018 6:28 pm on October 17, 2018

Thanks to Leaf Watch, an informative guide from Georgia State Parks, Georgians can track the moment our leafy green forests transform into the cozy colors…

7 min read

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