Fall in Love with Blue Ridge
Only 90 miles North of Atlanta, a beautiful escape awaits you. No matter what your tastes are, there is something in Blue Ridge for you. One of the biggest draws to Blue Ridge, GA is the gorgeous views that draws visitors from all over the country to come ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Many fun and challenging trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding wind through the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Scenic Blue Ridge Lake, Toccoa River, Ocoee River, and the numerous other waterways and lakes in Blue Ridge is perfect for fishing and water activities such as jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, etc.
Blue Ridge, GA is also home to a culturally and historically rich downtown area where you can enjoy arts, entertainment, sightseeing, shopping, and dining. You can enjoy an afternoon of history and scenery with your family on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway that starts in Downtown Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge is also the perfect place for picking fresh fruits such as strawberries or blueberries at Mercier Orchards or purchase locally grown produce from the Blue Ridge Market in Downtown Blue Ridge. Whatever you come for, you are sure to be more than satisfied with your visit.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a magnificent 2000 mile trek running all the way from Georgia to Maine along the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. The Georgia terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on Springer Mountain of the Blue Ridge Mountain System. Along the eighty miles of Appalachian Trail in Georgia, many lovely views and outdoor excursions await. Reaching the summit of Springer Mountain itself is amply rewarded by the mountain view that awaits you at the top. The trail also provides access to the Long Creek Falls only a short distance from the main trail. The Georgia portion of the trail also boasts many day use areas along the way. The Appalachian Trail is a perfect outdoor adventure for both avid hikers and families looking for a fun outdoor adventure. For more information, contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
You can enjoy a day of fascinating history and lovely views on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railways that runs along the beautiful Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. The round trip lasts 4 hours, departing at 11:00 am and returning at 3:00 pm. After an hour-long train ride through beautiful countryside, passengers have a two hour layover in historic Downtown McCaysville in which to explore, have lunch, and cross the marked Tennessee border affectionately called the “Blue Line.” After the two hour stopover in McCaysville it is time to enjoy the train ride back to Blue Ridge. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway also hosts special events including Twilight Trips, Labor Day Bar-B-Q Weekend, Holiday Santa Express, etc. For more information, contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
Fishing
As the Toccoa River slows, Lake Blue Ridge is formed by the TVA dam. Here boating and fishing are popular pasttimes for outdoor enthusiasts. Once the Toccoa River leaves Lake Blue Ridge the river begins its journey down the wide valley known as the McCaysville Basin. Trout fishermen frequent this area of the river, as settlers and Native Americans did before them. Then, as the Toccoa leaves McCaysville its name changes to the Ocoee. World-class whitewater and the Ocoee Whitewater Center are just a few miles ahead. For more information, contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
Hiking & Biking
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful and challenging hiking an biking trails in Georgia. In addition to the renowned 2,000 mile long Appalachian Trail, many other trails wind their way through the most scenic spots in Blue Ridge. The Cohutta Wilderness is a 40,000 acre wilderness encompassing areas in both Georgia and Tennessee, but the most visited site in the entire wilderness, the Jacks River Falls, can be accessed from the Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads in Blue Ridge, GA. Intersecting several other long trails including the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail is a 300 mile long foot path with access to some of the most remote wilderness areas in Blue Ridge. Many more trails of varying difficulty run through beautiful Blue Ridge, GA. For more information, contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
Kayaking & Rafting
With its network of lakes and waterways Blue Ridge is an obvious destination for watercraft enthusiasts. With its winding shoreline, Blue Ridge Lake provides for interesting canoeing trips. In addition to Blue Ridge Lake itself, many other lakes and rivers great for kayaking and canoeing such as the Ocoee River and Toccoa River flow through Blue Ridge. The Ocoee River Rapids and Toccoa River Rapids are particularly popular for whitewater rafting. For more information, contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
Historic Downtown
Historic Downtown Blue Ridge, GA is rich in culture and history. The historic railroad depot marking the start of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, is the central focus in Downtown Blue Ridge. However, Downtown Blue Ridge has even more to offer. The environs of this quaint downtown area include shops, galleries, restaurants, and theaters. Historic buildings include the Historic Fannin County Courthouse built in 1937 and the Baugh House built in 1890. Downtown Blue Ridge is also a popular spot for walking and biking tours. For more information, contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
Orchards & Farms
Buying fresh local fruits and vegetables is an essential part of the Blue Ridge experience. The charmingly old-world Mercier Orchards, the largest orchard in the southeast and family farm for 65 years, grows 20 varieties of apples and strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and blackberries for you to pick. After a fun tractor ride tour of the farm you can fill up a back of apples that you get to pick yourself. Mercier Orchards also sells delicious baked goods and ciders. Mountainview Orchards is another old fashioned apple orchard and fruit market. The Downtown Farmer’s Market held each Saturday in Downtown Blue Ridge offers unique handmade arts and crafts as well as more local produce. For more information, contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
Helicopter Rides Scenic Tours
Experience Blue Ridge from a whole different perspective… up high in the sky! Blue Ridge Helicopter Scenic Tours is a must do activity when you travel to our beautiful town. They offer several different tours from introductory to the ultimate experience, don’t miss out on this exciting ride from above! Visit www.blueridgehelicopters.com for more information on tours. Also, you can contact our concierge at 706.632.4444 for more information on this wonderful experience.
Special Events
Blue Ridge, GA and the surrounding areas are a wonderful place to visit year round. From fall festivals, Apple Festivals, Community Theater Shows, Ride the Rails Festival, Craft Festivals, Fine Arts Events, Music Festivals, and more! For more information, view our current events page or contact our concierge at 706.632.4444.
