The Beautiful Town of Blue Ridge, Georgia

Don't take our word for it, read what Southern Living Magazine has to say about wonderful Blue Ridge, Georgia!

"It’s one of the all-time best mountain towns in the state. We love Blue Ridge, Georgia, and we can count the ways. It's one of the coolest mountain towns in North Georgia, not least because of its vibrant arts scene and bountiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Between the restaurant- and boutique-filled downtown and the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest and Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, there's fun to be had for everyone. Read on for a few of our favorite stops in Blue Ridge. And, if you have your sights set on a trip soon, download a copy of the town's walking tour and take yourself on a wander around town. They also have a handy list of all of the shops in the area, which is indispensable if your aims include window shopping—and they certainly should."

Ellijay

The North Georgia mountain town of Ellijay is quintessentially charming, welcoming visitors with its hiking trails, historic downtown and wineries. Heritage apple orchards make the town known as Georgia’s Apple Capital. Settled in the 1830s, it was a remote area until the arrival of the Marietta and Northern Georgia Railroad brought in the timber industry. The name Ellijay comes from the Cherokee word Elatseyi.

Ellijay is an outdoor lover’s wonderland. Go hiking and mountain biking on area trails, pick up seasonal produce at local orchards and farms, relax at a local winery, play golf, shop in downtown boutiques, dine with mountain views and explore the legend of Sasquatch.

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McCaysville, Georgia

A river runs through the mining towns of McCaysville and its twin city, Copperhill, Tennessee. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends and Tennessee begins. Cross over the steel bridge crossing the Toccoa/Ocoee River and go from Georgia to Tennessee (or vice versa) in just a minute or two! Be sure and visit the McCaysville Visitor Center, located beside the Toccoa River adjacent to the concrete bridge. The center has a pocket park along the river and exhibits featuring historic photographs and artifacts from the Copper Basin. Across the street is the newly developed Riverwalk Shops and restaurants.

Lake Blue Ridge

The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area offer campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. Blue Ridge reservoir is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed; the balance is land in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Pristine Carters Lake

Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northwest Georgia. Its sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of recreational opportunities, which include camping, fishing, picnicking, boating, hiking and bird watching.

Carters Lake has 3,200 surface acres and is more than 450 feet deep. Carters Dam is the tallest earthen dam east of Mississippi River. Carters Lake shoreline has no private docks or development along 62 miles of natural shoreline. The lake is named after Farrish Carter, who owned property nearby in the 1800s.

Amicalola Falls

Amicalola Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of GA. It is an 829 acre Georgia State Park with its name meaning “tumbling waters.” It the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast with its main base of the falls is 429 feet in height. We challenge you to tackle the trail of staircases with 600 steps to the top and take in the breathtaking views along the way. You can cheat and drive to the top, but where is the fun in that.