Things to Do in North Georgia

From the rapids on the Ocoee to apple orchards, scenic railways, and the start of the Appalachian Trail.

The North Georgia mountains are scattered with national forests, mountain lakes, world-famous rushing water, and quaint historic towns. The river is the centerpiece of the Ocoee River area, but there are more than enough adventures here to fill your days. Here is where we send our guests.

Historic Railroad

One Foot in Georgia, One in Tennessee

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway winds along the water's edge into the twin cities of Copperhill and McCaysville, where you can stand on the blue line with a foot in each state. It is the photo everyone takes home. For a second railroad day, the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure leaves from nearby Etowah in vintage railcars, running through the unspoiled Cherokee National Forest and around the Hiwassee Loop, past the remnants of towns long forgotten.

Vineyards, Breweries and Orchards

Wine, Craft Beer, and Apple Season

The North Georgia mountains are home to award-winning wineries, local breweries, and family-owned orchards. Explore the vineyards around Ellijay and Blue Ridge for wine tastings, mountain views, and relaxing afternoons. Blue Ridge and McCaysville are also home to local breweries perfect for enjoying a craft beer after a day of exploring. And don’t miss the orchards—from Ellijay’s famous apple country to Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, where you can pick apples, shop local goods, and enjoy the flavors of the mountains.

Historic Buildings

The Roots Show in Every Town

Take a history lesson at the Ducktown Basin Museum, built on the old Burra Burra Mine. Marvel at the rock carvings and petroglyphs at Track Rock Gap, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Step into one of the oldest homes in Ellijay, now the Tabor House and Civil War Museum, then walk the downtown streets, lined with buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Scenic Drives

A New Vista Around Every Corner

Rambling rivers, mountain lakes, lush forest, and fields of wildflowers, and all of it changes with the season. Head off the beaten path onto our country roads, or stick to the scenic byways that run through the Cherokee National Forest alongside the Hiwassee River. Either way, do it once in the fall.

Shopping and Dining

Antiques, Marketplaces, and a Good Meal

The mountain communities up here carry an eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, specialty shops, and marketplaces, whether you are after gifts and souvenirs or vintage clothing. Stop off at a local spa while you are out. End the day at one of the many eateries, anywhere from upscale dining to a casual café.

Mountain Festivals

The Streets Come Alive All Year

Arts in the Park
The biggest Blue Ridge festival to highlight. Held in spring and fall, it draws 20,000+ attendees with 170+ artists, crafts, food, and entertainment.
Georgia Apple Festival
October, right in the middle of apple season.
Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival
Music, BBQ, and a fun fall mountain-town atmosphere.
Bigfoot Boogie 5k
A fun, distinctive Copper Basin event along the river and across the Georgia–Tennessee line.
Light Up Blue Ridge
The big Christmas kickoff in downtown Blue Ridge.

Family Fun

Loaded With Adventure for the Whole Family

Up in the Air

Zip through riverside scenery, or get above the mountains altogether.

Zip lines and rope courses
Glider rides
Helicopter tours

Animals Up Close

Meet bears and panthers, have breakfast with big cats, or go looking for Big Foot.

Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve
The Sasquatch Museum

Rainy Days and Evenings

Make something, roll a strike at the bowling alley, then catch a movie under the stars.

Critter Creations
Pottery at Whistle Tree
Swan Drive-in Movie Theatre

The Great Outdoors

Cherokee, Nantahala, and the Smokies at Your Door

These mountains sit in the shadow of the Cherokee National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Nantahala National Forest. That leaves a lot of unspoiled forest, lakes, waterfalls, and remote trail to work through. Many of those trails pass waterfalls, and they are at their best under fall color from October to mid-November.

Out There

Where to Start

North Georgia fall color summit view from rocky outcrop

Hiking and Biking Trails

Springer Mountain starts the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail on its run through 14 states, and there are over 40 miles of switchbacks between Fort Mountain and Bear Creek.

17-mile Aska Trail to 3,200 feet
Tanasi Trail out to the Blue Hole
Free waterfall guide at the Chamber office

Fishing

Miles of cool mountain rivers, trout streams, and scenic lakes, with the Hiwassee world class for trout.

Guided tours on private water
Tennessee, North Carolina, or Georgia
Check permits with a local outfitter

Climber on cliff face with mountains behind

Rock Climbing

Professional guides run tours and instruction year round, for climbers of every ability.

Currahee Mountain
Over 50 climbing routes
Three-state views from 1,700 feet

Raft going over a drop on whitewater rapids

Whitewater River Rafting

The Toccoa becomes the Ocoee at Copperhill, and if that is more water than you want, the Nantahala floats gently down to Nantahala Falls.

Class IV rapids on the Ocoee
Hell's Hole and Broken Nose
Canoe trail to Lake Blue Ridge

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North Georgia Guide