12 Blue Ridge Experiences

1. Relaxing

Take a Deep Breath and Relax ……..

Surround yourself with beauty, relaxation and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 and Hwy 515, but a million miles away from the traffic, stress and anxiety of the city. With 106,000 acres located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge is definitely the cure for whatever ails you. Rent a cozy cabin or a luxury mountain home, or stay in a bed & breakfast inn or hotel -- and simply relax.

2. Exploring

Enjoy Mother Nature at Her Best

Winter, summer, spring and fall, Georgia’s Blue Ridge is simply beautiful. Winter is cool and quiet with occasional snow. Spring is best for trout fishing, wildflower displays, blooming dogwoods and native azaleas. Summer brings a profusion of mountain laurel and rhododendron blossoms, along with warmer water for tubing & rafting. Blue Ridge is the perfect place to celebrate the harvest and the glorious color of fall, or to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

3. Shopping

Fall in Love with Blue Ridge

You will fall in love with the authentic mountain towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Visitors would ride the train to town, eat dinner and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today, visitors still ride the train and take a walk along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, small town atmosphere and friendly people. A river runs through the quaint town of McCaysville, twin city with Copperhill, Tennessee. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends and Tennessee begins.

4. Dining

Have a Taste of the Mountains

Experiencing local cuisine is part of the trip when you visit Georgia’s Blue Ridge. Now, with the addition of some wonderful new restaurants, the choices of dining spots are simply amazing, from gourmet to traditional Southern cuisine.

5. Buying Local

Enjoy Homegrown – Homemade Goodies

Buying local fruits, vegetables and homemade goodies is a big part of the Blue Ridge experience, especially when it includes a visit to Mercier Orchards, largest orchard in the southeast and family farm for 65 years. Treat yourself to a farm tractor tour and u-pick fruit in season. Also see Mountainview Orchards, a traditional apple orchard and fruit market, and eat good Southern food at the Cider House Café.

6. Riding the Scenic Railway

Experience Living History

Don’t miss the train! Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which runs along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. Board the train at the historic depot in Blue Ridge. The view changes with the seasons, wildflowers and mountain laurel in the spring, rhododendron in the summer, gorgeous foliage in the fall and a ride with Santa and his elves for Christmas. Open April through December.

7. Hiking

Hike the Appalachian Trail to a Local Waterfall

Two of the greatest outdoor adventures in the world begin in Fannin County. Both the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails start at the top of Springer Mountain. There are over 300 miles of hiking trails in the area, including short trails suitable for beginning hikers and families.

8. Rafting & Tubing

Float the Beautiful Toccoa River

The most popular family pastime in the summer is probably tubing the clear, chilly Toccoa River either above the Lake Blue Ridge dam on Aska Road or below in McCaysville. But there are lots of ways to enjoy our rivers, streams and lakes, including rafting the exciting Ocoee River, renting canoes or kayaks, pontooning or jet skiing on Lake Blue Ridge, or even surfing on the river or the lake.

9. Playing in the Water

Discover Natural Water Parks

The best water parks are those created by nature. Morganton Point on Lake Blue Ridge is a Chattahoochee National Forest recreation area with camping, fishing, swimming beach and picnic areas. Another favorite spot for families is the Ocoee Whitewater Center just over the Tennessee state line, where the Olympic kayak slalom course is perfect for wading and sliding over the rocks when the river is not running (weekdays). The Whitewater Center is also a great place for hiking and biking with kids. Be sure to bring water shoes for the kids at either location.

10. Horseback Riding

Ride Horseback on Mountain Trails

Our riding stables specialize in family trail rides for kids of almost all ages. Open year round with seasonal hayrides and evening wagon rides with campfire dinners. Call for reservations and to book special group events.

11. Fishing

Catch a Trophy Trout

Fannin County is the Trout Capital of Georgia. There are over 100 miles of great trout fishing rivers, creeks and streams in the area, including Jack's River, Conasauga River, Toccoa River, Rock Creek, Noontootla Creek and Cooper Creek. Please consult the Georgia Guide to Trout Fishing, available free at the Welcome Center, for details as to season, creel limits and size restrictions.

12. Celebrating

Spend Quality Time with Family & Friends

Whether it’s playing Scrabble or Monopoly in your cabin, hiking to a waterfall, going to a festival or the Swan Drive-in, the best thing about visiting Georgia’s Blue Ridge is spending quality time with family and friends. For special occasions, holidays, reunions, weddings or anniversaries, create lasting memories of quality time well spent in the mountains

Source:  blueridgemountains.com