Local Activites

Blue Ridge, GA

Where to Explore

• Take a Ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
  The ride will take you along the Toccoa River to the neighboring towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copper Hill, Tennessee, before taking you all the way back to Blue Ridge.
  For those of you who get a little bored when they sit still for long periods of time, you’ll be glad to know that the trip includes a two-hour layover in McCaysville. During the layover you can check out the shops and scenery, or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.
• Hike the Appalachian Trail
  The trail begins at the Springer Mountain trail and will have you hike your way up to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with the stunning view of the valley below.
  You can opt to hike alone but if you want something more structured, you can opt to sign up with the Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters. The guided hike will include a trip to the Amicalola Falls and a picnic by the streams at the Three Forks Valley.
• Pick Blueberries at Mercier Orchards
  For something that’s a little more laidback, you can drop by the Mercier Orchards for blueberry picking. Mercier Orchards is one of the best places within the state to get fresh fruit, such as blueberries, apples, strawberries, and cherries.
  While you’re there, we also recommend that you check out their cidery to get a sneak peek at how fresh cider is made. If you want, you can even drop by their store and purchase fresh fruit or cider that you can snack on or bring home for your family and friends.
• Visit the Alpacas at the Lasso Moon Alpaca Farm
  If you’re an animal lover, then you should definitely visit the Lasso Moon Alpaca Farm. The farm has a number of different activities for tourists that allow them to be hands-on with the alpacas. Aside from the petting zoo, the farm also has a felting class that teaches visitors how to gather wool from the alpacas.
• North Georgia Kayaking
  You can find numerous inviting lakes that offer a gentle exploration opportunity. Whitewater rapids are also available, along with options between those two difficulties. Here are the best spots to enjoy within a quick drive from Ellijay, GA./Blue Ridge, GA.
• Fort Mountain State Park
  You’ll discover beautiful water trails when visiting this stunning location in the Cohutta Wilderness off Highway 52. It offers a calm place where you can relax and go at your own pace.
  The 17-acre lake provides a pristine experience, and you can stop for a swim after. Rentals are available if kayaking is something you’d like to try.
  If you love fishing from your kayak, you’ll find this destination offers the perfect experience. Don’t forget to grab your license before casting a line!
  Difficulty Level: 1.0 out of 5.0.
• Cartecay River
  The Cartecay River provides some exciting opportunities for whitewater adventures. You’ll want to be prepared to get wet if you take on this North Georgia kayaking adventure! It’s meant more for those with some experience in difficult waters.
  It offers Class I, Class II, and Class III rapids, offering quick speeds at some points to get the adrenaline going.
  The river stretches for over 19 miles, running into Ellijay with its course. You’ll find a confluence area in town where the rivers meet to form the Coosawattee River. The waters grow calm as the journey proceeds, providing the right combination of relaxation and energy.
  Difficulty Level: 3.25 out of 5.0.
• Ellijay River
  When you prefer a floating experience on a mountain river, the Ellijay River delivers the perfect lazy opportunity to let an afternoon drift away. You can use any kayak style on this body of water, including the sit-on-top model, to let the current take you where you want to go.
  You’ll want to exit the river before the confluence area to ensure you’re comfortable with the floating experience.
  The Ellijay River starts at Goose Island Lake, taking you along a 15-mile course that passes vineyards, a golf course, and beautiful natural wonders.
  There’s a small reservoir dam at Kell’s Creek, so you have the option to enter at Ellijay River Vineyards.
  Difficulty Level: 1.5 out of 5.0
• Carters Lake
  You’ll encounter a beautiful tract of Blue Ridge Mountain scenery when taking your kayak to this reservoir lake. The waters are almost always sparkling, while the rugged shoreline offers numerous exploration opportunities.
  The lake offers over 3,200 surface acres for you to paddle with your kayak. At its deepest point, it reaches 450 feet. There aren’t any private docks along the 62 miles of natural shoreline, and the marina is open throughout the year.
  Difficulty Level: 0.5 out of 5.0.
• Chestatee River
  This gorgeous river runs through the northern part of our state. It flows through the gold rush town of Dahlonega, eventually taking you underneath the 400 if you follow it long enough.
  When you get south of Dahlonega, a couple of Class I and a single Class II area provide some extra excitement. You’ll spend more time watching the wildlife during your trip as the gentle waters let you float.
  It can get a bit shallow in some spaces, especially during summer. You’ll want to avoid the areas with larger rocks to avoid bottoming out. There’s a sign at Lumpkin County Park to indicate where you’ll want to get out of the water.
  Difficulty Level: 2.0 out of 5.0.
• Ocoee River
  If you want more of a kayaking adventure, consider a trip to the Ocoee River while staying in Ellijay. Although it takes about 60 minutes to get there, it’s the best chance to enjoy Class IV rapids. You’ll also find a wide range of whitewater opportunities, which makes the extra distance worthwhile for avid kayakers.
  The waters of the Ocoee can be powerful and intense, but they are reasonably predictable. You’ll need to manage waves, holes, and constricted passages.
  This river is divided into two sections. The upper portion was used in the 1996 Olympic slalom course for kayakers, while the middle section has four miles of Class III and Class IV rapids to navigate. Difficulty Level: 4.0 out of 5.0

Hiking Trails – Here are three of the best hiking trails in Georgia.

• Tallulah Gorge
  With its rugged terrain, sheer walls, and deep waterfalls, you will surely find yourself in awe of its stunning surroundings. This two miles long, 1000-feet deep terrain is surely worth hiking for!
  Most hikers trek the open-access trails to view the waterfalls and whitewater-filled sceneries, but if you want to explore Tallulah’s depths, we recommend hiking through the Sliding Rock Trail.
  This trail allows you to travel deep into the terrain. It will be quite a strenuous hike, but once you see the sections of the gorge floor, you’ll know that your effort has been worth it. Remember to secure a permit before embarking on the Sliding Rock Trail.
• Blood Mountain Loop
  Very few places in North Georgia can compare to the remarkable view on the route to Blood mountain. As one of the most popular North Georgia hikes, you definitely won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
  On top of catching view after stunning view, hiking on the Appalachian Trail will also be quite a heart-pounding workout. Since Blood Mountain’s summit is considered the highestelevation summit on the Appalachian Trail, you will indeed have to power through the relatively steep ascent.
  While Blood Mountain has stunning views all year round, there’s a reason why autumn is this route’s busiest season. You will be left speechless by the vibrant fall leaf colors, painting the mountains and valleys in colorful beauty.
• Raven Cliff Falls
  If you prefer hiking through a waterfall-filled valley, then the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is perfect for you! Surrounded by beautiful, cascading waterfalls and bordered by luscious green patches of moss and wildflowers, it is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state.
  Witnessing the gorgeous waterfall cascading through a 40-foot-tall cliff is something you will never forget. Hiking through this trail is undoubtedly worth it! With the view of the falls cascading through the cliff, slicing through the enormous rock outcrop, and feeding the moss-lined walls and vegetation, you’ll never want to go back to the city

Trout Fishing Spots! 

• Georgia Wild Trout