Your Guide to Enjoying Summer in North GA
Are you looking for a way to escape the summer heat in Atlanta? If so, you might be thinking about visiting the North Georgia Mountains. Home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and portions of the Appalachian Trail, this is a great way to beat the heat.
People come from all over the country to enjoy a unique getaway. With access to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, amazing festivals, and plenty of outdoor adventures near the Toccoa River, it is easy to see why this is a popular vacation destination.
At the same time, you need to think carefully about whether you want to visit during the summer. What are some of the pros and cons of visiting North Georgia during the summer?
The Pros of Visiting During the Summer
If you decide to visit North Georgia during the summer, there are several benefits you will enjoy. They include:
There Is More To Do
First, there is simply more to do during the summer. There are a lot of festivals and activities that happen during the summer that simply do not happen during the winter.
It is too cold during the winter to throw a giant festival outside, so if you really want to take advantage of everything a small town in North Georgia has to offer, you should visit during the summer.
You Can Enjoy the Water
During the summer, you can also enjoy the water a bit more. You absolutely do not want to go swimming during the winter in North Georgia. It is way too cold. During the summer, it is a great way to cool off.
For example, there are plenty of boating, river tubing, and rafting opportunities to take advantage of it. You may even want to go for a dip in one of the waterfalls. You simply cannot do these activities during the winter.
You Can Spend More Time Outside
Finally, you can also spend more time outside during the summer. If you are planning a visit to North Georgia, you probably want to spend as much time outside as possible.
During the summer, the days are much longer, so you can get more out of your trip. If you want to spend as much time outside as possible, consider visiting during the summer.
The Cons of Visiting During the Summer
Sadly, there are a few drawbacks of visiting during the summer as well. They include:
It Is Hot
It is not exactly a secret that it is very hot in North Georgia during the summer. The heat can be absolutely oppressive, so it is important for you to stay safe. You need to reapply sunscreen from time to time, and you should bring plenty of water with you.
If you need to get out of the heat, you need to know where the nearest source of air conditioning is.
It Is Crowded
It is also a bit more crowded during the summer than it is during the winter. One of the downsides of having more activities during the summer is that there are more people who come to visit.
Therefore, if you plan on going to a local festival, you may want to show up early to make sure you get a good seat. You may also want to consider making reservations at some of the restaurants if you want to avoid waiting.
It Is More Expensive
Finally, it is also more expensive. Because there are more people looking to take advantage of the products and services in the region, prices will go up.
Fortunately, there are ways for you to save money, particularly on a vacation rental. If you book your vacation rental ahead of time, you might get a better deal.
The Top Fun Things To Do During the Summer in North Georgia
So, if you plan on visiting North Georgia during the summer, what are some of the top activities to enjoy? Some of the activities you don't want to miss out on include:
1. Sign Up To Go Whitewater Rafting
Photo Credit: JayL
If you want to get an adrenaline rush, you should sign up to go whitewater rafting. There are plenty of opportunities to go rafting in the local area, particularly in Tallulah Gorge State Park. If you have never gone rafting before, there are plenty of guides who will show you the ropes.
Regardless of how strong of a swimmer you are, you must make sure that you wear a life jacket. Then, talk to the guide about what type of adventure you are looking for. Some rapids are steeper than others, so talk to your guide about what you expect.
2. Go Hiking on the Benton Mackaye Trail
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This is a great place for hikers. If you are interested in some of the best views in the area, there are plenty of hiking trails from which to choose, including the Benton Mackaye Trail. This is a very long trail, but you do not need to hike the entire thing.
You may want to consider hiking one or two segments of it. There are even places that are meant for beginners. Different portions of the trail have different elevations, so consider looking at a map to figure out what portion of the trail you want to explore.
3. Check Out the Wineries and Distilleries
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You should also consider checking out some of the wineries and distilleries in the area. If you are of age, this is one of the top activities in the region. For example, you may want to visit Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery.
This is unlike anything you have ever experienced, and if you are lucky, they may welcome you back into the tasting room. Be prepared that everything that comes out of this distillery is very strong, but it is definitely not an opportunity that you will want to pass up.
4. Take a Tour of the Chattahoochee National Forest
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If you really want to take advantage of everything the area has to offer, then make sure to check out Chattahoochee National Forest. This is one of the biggest forests in the area, and it is also home to some plants and animals that you cannot find anywhere else.
If you want to check out the highlights, you should consider signing up for a tour. There are plenty of guides who would be happy to show you the ropes. There are also lots of fun activities once you get inside the national park, so consider taking a look at the calendar to see if they have any special events that day.
5. Go Mountain Biking
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During your visit, you should go mountain biking as well. There are lots of fun mountain biking trails in the area, and there are lots of amazing sites to see. If you map out the trail ahead of time, you might even be able to explore a few of the beautiful waterfalls in the area.
For example, be sure to bring your camera if you plan on checking out Anna Ruby Falls! This is not a sight to overlook. Do not forget to wear a helmet, regardless of how experienced you are.
6. Check Out the Downtown Blue Ridge Area
Photo Credit: blueridgedrone
Downtown Blue Ridge is very exciting, particularly if you are looking for a great place to grab a bite to eat. There are lots of cabin rentals in the downtown area as well, and you might be able to find one that is relatively close to a gift shop.
Restaurants have specials and deals from time to time, so if you are looking for something specific, you may want to make a reservation. Most of the restaurants will be happy to talk to you about their specials!
7. Go River Tubing
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If you are looking for a unique experience, consider signing up to go river tubing. This concept is straightforward. You get an inflatable tube, you let the current pull you down the river, and you enjoy the ride.
This is a great way to relax, but you will also come across a few rapids from time to time. Therefore, you have to make sure to pay attention. That way, you can steer the tube accordingly. If you want to hit the biggest drops, you can certainly do so.
If you want to stay away from the rapids, you can avoid them with a bit of extra planning. Be sure to bring plenty of water as well!
8. Relax By a Campfire
When the sun goes down, the fun doesn't necessarily need to end. You can relax by a campfire with your family members and friends. This is a great opportunity to roast a few marshmallows, cook some hamburgers and hotdogs, and swap some scary stories.
If you are staying at one of the local campgrounds, be sure to take a look at the regulations. That way, you keep the fire under control. You also need to make sure that you have a bucket of water nearby just in case the fire leaves the fire pit.
9. Go Ziplining
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One of the most popular activities in the local area is zip lining. If you have never gone ziplining through a forest, you are in for a treat! Even though you can certainly take a tour of the national forest from the ground, you will get a unique perspective if you sign up for a zip lining activity.
You will zip from tree to tree, high above the ground, giving you an amazing view of the surrounding area. You may want to bring your camera with you to snap some photos that you will not find anywhere else! Consider taking a look at the ziplining opportunities in the region.
10. Go Trout Fishing
Photo Credit: M Vilaret
Finally, you may want to consider going trout fishing during your trip to North Georgia as well. This is one of the best locations in the world to go fishing, including fly fishing, and you might even be able to catch your dinner.
If you have never cooked your own fish, you may want to consider asking a local to teach you how to gut and prepare your fish for the fire. Some fish have more meat on them than others, but this is one of the top activities in Georgia or Tennessee.
Consider Visiting North GA During the Summer
Clearly, there is a lot happening if you decide to visit this family-friendly vacation destination during the summer. With numerous hiking trails, fly fishing, horseback riding, and kayaking outfitters, this is the perfect location for people who love outdoor activities.
There are a lot of small mountain towns, such as Ellijay and Blue Ridge, that are perfect to visit. Consider looking for a vacation rental near a national park if you want to take advantage of everything this gorgeous location has to offer.