Things To Do

17-mile multi-loop trail system for all skill levels — hiking and mountain biking. Loops range from 2.2 to 9.6 miles through forest, creek crossings, and ridgeline views.

4.6 miles out-and-back from Three Forks trailhead on the Appalachian Trail. Pass two smaller falls along the way before reaching Long Creek Falls — a perfect lunch spot surrounded by rhododendron.

5.1-mile loop to the southern terminus of the 2,200-mile AT. Starts on Benton MacKaye Trail, crosses Ball Mountain with clifftop views, ends at Springer’s famous summit shelter and hiker log.

6.8 miles, 16 stream crossings, 5 waterfalls. Wet feet guaranteed — bring water shoes. One of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in the Cohutta Wilderness, completely off the beaten path.

Intermediate out-and-back hike to a historic fire lookout tower. Climb the first landing for a jaw-dropping 360° panorama. Hidden bonus: the Songbird Trail loops a beaver pond full of local bird species.

9 miles out-and-back to the crown jewel of the Cohutta Wilderness — enormous, remote, and stunning. Trail begins in Tennessee. Follow the sound of the roar. Worth every step.

6-mile loop through a lush cove forest carpeted with wildflowers in spring. Historic fire tower at the summit with panoramic mountain views. Connects to Deadennen Mountain trail.

Tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi at 729 ft. 830-acre park, 2.5-mile loop to the top, spectacular views. Appalachian Trail approach trail starts here.

1-mile fully accessible loop crosses a dramatic 330-ft suspension bridge. 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails including the Old Copper Road Historic Trail. Swimming holes, picnic areas, native garden.

The most popular summer activity in the area. Clear, cool water above the Lake Blue Ridge dam on Aska Rd. Perfect for families. Multiple outfitters offer tube rentals with shuttle service.

80% of shoreline is Chattahoochee National Forest — crystal-clear aquamarine water. Pontoon rentals, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from Lake Blue Ridge Marina. Camping at Morganton Point.

Float through McCaysville on the Toccoa River — kayaking, tubing, and rafting for kids 5+. More scenic stretch with the twin cities backdrop. Multiple outfitters along the river.

Class III–V rapids on one of the top whitewater rivers in the world — the 1996 Olympics venue. 300,000+ visitors per year. Season March–October. Book with local outfitters in advance.

Paddle a multi-mile canoe trail with a mix of calm sections and light rapids. Multiple put-in / take-out access points. Downloadable trail map from the visitor center.

USFS recreation area on Lake Blue Ridge with swimming beach, picnic areas, camping, boat launch, and fishing. One of the best spots to spend a full lake day.

The largest apple orchard in the Southeast — 80 years in the Mercier family, 20+ apple varieties. Famous fried pies, apple cider doughnuts, U-Pick (apples, strawberries, blueberries), and Georgia’s first hard apple cider. Southern Living’s favorite roadside apple market.

Come for Gala, Detroit Red, and Rome Beauty apples — stay to visit the goats. A classic family orchard with that genuine farmstead feel.

100-acre orchard and farm with a beautiful event barn. Classic apple varieties, country store, and one of the most scenic orchard settings in North Georgia. Also home to The Orchard Barn event venue.

One of Ellijay’s most popular apple houses, right on Hwy 52 — the “apple alley” of Gilmer County. Wide variety of apples, cider, and farm goods. Great roadside stop.

Described as “the best-kept secret in Fannin County.” Family orchard with 20+ apple varieties, U-Pick in season, seasonal wagon rides, homemade fried pies, and fresh-pressed cider.

150-year-old family farm with a 7-acre corn maze (2.7 miles of paths), bounce houses, games, a playground, pumpkins, and concessions. Perfect fall family outing.

Downtown Blue Ridge’s original nano-brewery. Moon Over Blue Ridge Wheat, Aska Pale Ale, Devils Den IPA, Hells Holler Porter — 18 taps rotating. Laid-back local vibe.

Second-story patio overlooking downtown with prime views of the Scenic Railway rolling in. Craft beers with a mountain town atmosphere. Great spot for a late afternoon pint.

Downtown Blue Ridge craft brewery with a rotating lineup of ales and lagers. Casual, welcoming spot right on East Main Street.

Densely planted hillside vineyard with sweeping mountain views. Tasting room, Blue Ridge Treehouse on property. One of the most scenic wine experiences in North Georgia.

Boutique farm winery on 124 acres in Morganton. Tasting veranda with vineyard views, event space, and overnight accommodations. Intimate and beautiful.

Where wine and art unite — right in the heart of downtown Ellijay. Local wines, craft beers, ciders, and a gallery featuring paintings, sculpture, and photography. Regular live music events.

Owner-built vineyard growing French-American hybrid grapes. Tasting room open, wines made from estate fruit. Also one of the area’s most beautiful wedding venues.

Craft brews and cocktails with an outdoor patio overlooking the Ocoee River. The anchor of the Copperhill/McCaysville craft beer strip. Rotating taps and a river-view atmosphere.

Small-batch craft brewery on Ocoee Street in Copperhill. Ragin’ Red Ale, Hollerin’ Man Pale Ale, and rotating seasonals. Great pairing with a walk across the Blue Line.

26-mile round-trip rail excursion along the Toccoa River to McCaysville — 4 hours total with a 2-hr layover in the twin cities. Open March–December. Special seasonal trains including Fall Foliage, Santa Express, and Firecracker Special.

Pedal-powered rail bikes along the scenic railway corridor — a completely different way to experience the Toccoa River valley. New experience, book well in advance.

The most comprehensive Bigfoot and cryptozoology museum in the country. Fascinating, fun, and surprisingly well-curated — a great rainy day stop or quirky afternoon.

Operating since 1955 — a true American classic. Double features Thursday through Sunday. Bring blankets and snacks. One of the last drive-ins in North Georgia.

A painted blue line across Toccoa Ave marks the exact Georgia/Tennessee state border. Stand with one foot in each state, take the family photo, then explore the twin cities of McCaysville and Copperhill.

April, July, October, and November. Take a 5-mile round trip on a railroad motor car crossing the Iron Bridge over the Toccoa River. Museum-quality model railroad display at the beautifully restored Mineral Bluff Depot.

1,000+ member arts organization with five galleries, a pottery studio, and five artistic guilds in the historic Fannin County Courthouse. Major Arts in the Park festivals Memorial Day and October weekends — 150–200 juried booths.

23 stage productions, 114 performances annually. Hosts the “Live Music is Better” acoustic concert series. Check their calendar — there’s likely a show during your stay.

Every Thursday from Memorial Day through September, 6 PM until dusk. Free weekly acoustic/bluegrass jam at Horseshoe Bend Park on the Toccoa River. Bring a picnic, a lawn chair, and your instruments.

Downtown Ellijay’s unique hybrid of wine tasting room, craft beer bar, and rotating art gallery. Local wines plus paintings, sculpture, and photography from Georgia artists. Regular live music.

Fascinating 150-year history of copper mining in the Copper Basin told through artifacts and photographs. Located on the site of the old Burra Burra Mine near the junction of US-64 and TN-68 in Ducktown, TN.

Four loops for all levels, 2.2–9.6 miles each. Long Branch (beginner), Flat Creek (intermediate), Green Mountain and Stanley Gap (advanced). Single-track through forest and creek crossings.

3–7 miles, intermediate. Right outside Ellijay — the ideal warm-up ride. Two options: Red & White Trail (easier) and the River Trail with beautiful Cartecay River views. No pass required.

5–11.5 miles, intermediate to advanced. Old-growth Cohutta forest, streams, waterfalls, and long-range views. Lower trail is the crowd favorite. Connects to Pinhoti Trail for longer custom loops.

3.5–20 miles total, beginner to advanced. Beautiful lake scenery throughout. Beginners start at Woodring Branch; advanced riders head to the Ridgeway Trail. Water views the whole way.

Full-service bicycle shop in downtown Ellijay — the hub of the mountain biking scene. Rentals, repairs, gear, trail maps, and local knowledge for every skill level.

1.2 to 14.6 miles, beginner to advanced. ⚠️ Biking permit required — pick up at park office. Gold Mine Loop (beginner) and East-West Loop (advanced) are the highlights.

The premier trout fishing river in North Georgia — both above and below the Lake Blue Ridge dam. Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout. Best hours: before 8 AM and after 5 PM. A separate Georgia trout stamp is required.

Educational visit to see how Georgia’s trout are raised and stocked. Great family outing and fascinating for anglers. Free to visit — learn the lifecycle of Georgia trout and often fish in the adjacent waters.

Remote wild trout fishing in the Cohutta Wilderness — some of the most pristine trout water in the Southeast. Wild Rainbow and Brown trout. Requires a hike in. For those who want the full backcountry experience.

Half to full-day loop through Fannin County’s most scenic hollows, historic settlements, and Appalachian farmland. Free PDF map available at visitor centers and online.

One of the most beautiful drives in North Georgia — through Suches, the “Valley Above the Clouds.” Sweeping mountain views, trout streams, and minimal traffic. A must-do for first-time visitors.

Drive or shuttle to the summit of Georgia’s highest point at 4,784 feet. 360-degree views spanning four states on clear days. Visitor center at the top. A stunning fall foliage destination.

One of the most dramatic scenic drives in the South — US-64 winds through the stunning Ocoee River Gorge in Tennessee. Pullouts for photography, swimming holes, picnic spots, and the Whitewater Center along the way.

Self-guided walking tour of downtown Blue Ridge’s historic buildings, the 1905-era depot, mineral spring sites, and painted trout art trail. Download the map or pick one up at the visitor center.

Self-guided tour through McCaysville and Copperhill’s copper mining heritage — the steel bridge, the Riverwalk, the Blue Line, and the McCaysville Visitor Center’s exhibits on loan from the Ducktown Basin Museum.