Blue Ridge is a scenic small town in the North Georgia mountains known for its southern culture, outdoor activities, and beautiful scenery. North Georgia is home to thousands of acres of state parks and national forests (and home of Georgia’s very own Expedition: Bigfoot), and Blue Ridge benefits greatly from that.
A charming mountain town near the Georgia-Tennessee border, Blue Ridge is just 90 miles from Atlanta and about 215 miles from Nashville. The town is also only 135 miles from Asheville, North Carolina. With a quaint Downtown Blue Ridge area and family-friendly attractions open all year long, Blue Ridge, Georgia, is the ideal place for your next (and best) family vacation.
Are you planning a retreat to our timeless little mountain town? Here are a few suggestions in the Blue Ridge area that are sure to keep your crew busy, amused, inspired, and making memories throughout your stay. Be sure to book your Blue Sky Cabin rental for a memorable trip!
1. Hit The Hiking Trails
Hiking takes on a whole new purpose in the Blue Ridge, where it’s as much about the journey as the destination. There are thousands of acres of forested land to discover, traversed by meandering trails that reveal peek-a-boo waterfalls and rock formations tucked away amid lush greenery.
Fannin County is home to some of the South’s most pristine wilderness, including more than 100,000 acres of preserved lands in the Chattahoochee National Forest and a portion of the Cohutta Wilderness.
The Chattahoochee National Forest offers thousands of miles of clear streams and rivers, plus hundreds of miles of hiking trails primed for picnics and outdoor adventures. The 37,000-acre Cohutta Wilderness hosts 90 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Jacks River Trail to Beech Bottom — a moderate 14.8-mile out-and-back trail near Epworth.
Top sites for hikers in the National Forest include:
- Morganton Point Recreation Area. Morganton Point offers year-round recreation opportunities, including picnicking, boating, and swimming, situated around Lake Blue Ridge at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- The Aska Trail System. The Aska Trail System provides almost 17 miles of diverse trails for use as biking trails and hiking trails ranging from less than one mile to five miles in length.
- Springer Mountain. Both the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail start at the top of Springer Mountain. There are many opportunities for day hikes and loops from this point. Make sure to include treks to local waterfalls like Long Creek Falls and Fall Branch Falls! You can also enjoy horseback riding on many local trails with local expert guides.
2. Enjoy Nearby Water Activities
Photo Credit: Corepics VOF
Waterways abound in and around Blue Ridge, offering natural recreation and simple, boundless family fun. Local outfitters are ready to get you out on the water! Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pontoon boats on the scenic Lake Blue Ridge or the nearby Toccoa River.
Lake Blue Ridge
The picturesque, crystal-clear waters of Lake Blue Ridge are so abundant in fish that the area holds claim to being the trout fishing capital of Georgia. The 3,290-acre lake offers several boat ramps and access points, a full-service marina, and picnic areas across 60 miles of shoreline.
Lake Blue Ridge Marina is a full-service marina offering dining and beverage options, a general store, and watersports rentals.
Toccoa River
From March through October, explore the Toccoa River by raft, canoe, or kayak for backwater discoveries. Flowing from Lake Blue Ridge, the Toccoa River streams into Tennessee, where it becomes the Ocoee River, giving rise to exhilarating waters ideal for whitewater rafting.
For those seeking a gentler, more relaxing experience, take a kid-friendly tubing trip on the Toccoa closer to your cabin rental in Blue Ridge. While adventuring the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, take some shore time to check out the famous Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, constructed in 1977. At 270 feet in length, this is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River.
3. Go Sippin’ And Shoppin’ in Downtown Blue Ridge
North Georgia breweries and wineries are some of the best in the nation, offering a unique way to experience Blue Ridge culture and a true sense of community. Enjoy locally crafted beverages, live music, and exceptional social atmospheres as you rub elbows with your mountain neighbors at locations like Bear Claw Vineyards and Grumpy Old Men Brewing.
Another way to immerse yourself in Downtown Blue Ridge is to visit its shops. As one of the top art centers in America, Blue Ridge, Georgia, hosts an eclectic mix of specialty shops, gift shops, unique boutiques, and original art galleries.
Some of our favorite downtown shops include:
- Blue Ridge Cotton Company
- Blue Ridge Mountain Mall
- Huck’s General Store
4. Take A Swing At Golf
Photo Credit: Phonphrom Sukkasem
What makes golfing great in Blue Ridge? Mountain views! If a golf getaway is in your future, look no further than Blue Ridge in North Georgia. Sun-washed valleys and majestic mountains, coated in lush greenery and vibrant florals, paint a masterpiece for the eyes, while heralded architects of the game have carved out brilliant showpiece golf course layouts with inspired design.
Play golf at Old Toccoa Farm, Fannin County’s first golf course and a famed stop on the Georgia Golf Trail. Situated on 1.25 acres beside the Toccoa River, the course overlooks the Chattahoochee National Forest and clusters of mountain laurel and wildflower pastures.
The 9-hole course is a Par 70, measuring 6,850 yards with over 280 feet of elevation changes. Families will appreciate skill-building elements like the generous chipping area and putting green, which are perfect for beginners.
5. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a mountain tradition offering a sense of nostalgia amid breathtaking sights. From Downtown Blue Ridge, guests board a vintage coach or open-air car for a four-hour round-trip excursion along the Toccoa River to the sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
The Railway hosts special events throughout the year, like the 4th of July firecracker special, the Blue Ridge Santa Express trip in November and December, or the adults-only New Year’s Eve excursion. Spring and fall riders will be greeted with the best views as the mountain landscapes transition into their most colorful displays.
6. Embark On Aerial Adventures
Photo Credit: Monstar Studio
Smell that fresh forest air from above while soaring high over the canopy of trees on the mountainside below on an exciting zipline tour. Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park is an aerial obstacle course featuring three levels of suspended bridges and tightropes, offering 35 progressive challenges ranging from 15 to 50 feet in the air.
Zipline Canopy Tours launch from 35 and 75-foot towers, crossing three sky bridges and over one mile of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. If this creates a craving for more thrill-seeking fun, there are even more nearby zipline adventures to check out!
7. Go Apple Picking
Located in Blue Ridge, Georgia, Mercier Orchards offers a wide selection of fresh, homegrown produce, including apples, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries (seasonal). There is an on-site cider mill and tasting room as well as a cafe and market — or purchase a bag from the orchard and fill it up with your own pickings to enjoy at home.
This is the only u-pick apple orchard in the state that grows, presses, ferments, and bottles its own product. Guests are encouraged to continue their farm fun with more orchard exploration in nearby Ellijay!
8. Attend Family-Friendly Events In Blue Ridge
Seasonal festivals and family-friendly community events keep culture and cuisine front and center in Blue Ridge. Enjoy traditional festivities for holidays like Easter, Christmas, 4th of July, and Halloween, or aim your stay for Blue Ridge-original events.
A few of the top seasonal events include:
- Blue Ridge Mountains Wine and Jazz Festival (Summer)
- Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Music Festival (Fall)
- Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off (Winter)
- Blue Ridge Troutfest (Spring)
Both the spring and fall seasons usher in creative and tasty fun with Arts in the Park and Farmers Market Craft Fairs. Blue Ridge Community Theater has a year-round program of productions to enjoy. Of course, no matter the season, you can always find families enjoying hot new flicks nightly at the historic Swan Drive-In movie theater.
Explore the Best of Blue Ridge
The North Georgia mountain region is absolutely covered in opportunities to get out there and explore in every way imaginable. Blue Ridge is the perfect landing spot for every type of visitor. Whether you are seeking a thrilling outdoor excursion, peaceful strolls through Downtown Blue Ridge, or family-friendly events, Blue Ridge has it all.
Be sure to book your Blue Sky Cabin Rental – the perfect landing spot for your Blue Ridge adventures!
