Things to See and Do in Blue Ridge

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Exploring life in Blue Ridge is a good decision. Because Blue Ridge and Fannin County are highly popular tourist destinations, call the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce for more information at 1-800-899-6867, or visit the website at www.blueridgemountains.com

*BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS - The Blue Ridge Range comprises the majority of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachians are a loose-knit series of mountain ranges that extend from Maine to Alabama. These mountains formed the greatest barrier to the westward movement of European and American settlers until the 19th century. 

Hernando de Soto probably was the first European to reach the Blue Ridge Mountains, visiting the Nachoochee Valley and a site near Carters Lake. The route he took between these locations is a hotly argued topic. Other Spanish explorers made it to Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains as well - as did some Spanish gold miners who knew of the wealth of the these mountains. 

First of many English explorers to enter the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains may have been Col. George Chicken in 1702 (or earlier). Working for South Carolina Governor James Moore, Chicken established relations with many of the Overhill villages in present-day Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee including the villages of Chote and Nachoochee on the northern end of the Chattahoochee River in the Nachoochee Valley of White County. Most famous of the early explorers was William Bartram, who walked through Georgia's Blue Ridge in 1775. He frequently referred to them as the Cherokee Mountains, because of the large number of Indian villages he found. 
 

Establishing a through-route from Savannah to Knoxville was important to the coastal traders. From the navigable end of the Toccoa River, the Unicoi Turnpike ran to Knoxville across the Blue Ridge. It was the first road to cross the mountains in Georgia. Others followed including the Union Turnpike and the Georgia Road. 

Georgia gave away land in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a series of land lotteries and the gold lottery. Much of the high mountain land was undesirable and winners sold it to settlers from other areasof Southern Appalachia. These men and women eagerly moved into north Georgia when the Cherokee left, and Georgia's Blue Ridge quickly became an extension of Appalachia. Settled mostly by poor Scottish and Irish immigrants, Southern Appalachia developed its own language, customs and music that differed from the culture developed in the United States as a whole.

*THE BLUE RIDGE DEPOT - The historic railroad depot remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge. Although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. One of the favorite activities of the day was to meet the train - whether meeting a passenger or just socializing with friends.

*BLUE RIDGE CITY PARK - Blue Ridge City Park is the heart of downtown Blue Ridge. The park is a popular place for picnics, community gatherings and festivals. Take the kids to the playground to play -- and watch out for resident roosters and their families! 

*THE ART CENTER - The historic Fannin County Courthouse was built in 1937 after the previous courthouse burned in 1936. The courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association's Arts Center and has undergone an impressive renovation. Be sure to walk through the Galleries on West Main inside the Art Center, and see the exhibits in the restored courtroom. 

*THE COHUTTAS - West of the Blue Ridge range is a second series of mountains that runs from West Central North Carolina to Fannin County, Georgia. In Georgia, this range is known as the Cohuttas; further north they are called the Smoky Mountains. The Cohuttas and the Smokies are part of the Blue Ridge province, yet they are actually geologically distinct from the Blue Ridge Mountain Range and quite a bit older.

In Fannin County, the Cohuttas rise in the west and the Blue Ridge to the south and east. The Cherokee considered the Cohuttas to be the "poles of the shed," holding up the sky in this, their "Enchanted Land." 

*BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILROAD - The golden age of railroads is long past, but thanks to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, you and your children can still ride the same spectacular route beside the Toccoa River where steam engines rumbled over a hundred years ago. The total excursion is 26 miles round trip. Passengers can choose from vintage climate controlled cars or open air rail cars. Regular trips are 4 hours on Saturday, or 3.5 hours on Sunday.

*THE SWAN DRIVE-IN THEATER - The Swan is one of five drive-in theaters still operating in the State of Georgia. The unique venue operates year round with first run movies.

*SPRING ARTS IN THE PARK - Each May for 36 years, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (The Art Center), a non-profit arts council, has provided a unique art experience through art festivals in the Downtown City Park of Blue Ridge. Whether your travel plans are in the spring or in the fall, these art festivals are fun for the whole family. 10am-5pm.  Adults $5, Children Free. Downtown City Park.

*OLD TIMERS DAY PARADE - Funny and fun Fourth of July celebration and parade in Downtown Blue Ridge, featuring the world famous Feed & Seed Abominable Marching Band. Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday Closest to July 4th. 

*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 boast over 90 national forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service. 

Blue Ridge reservoir is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed. The lake was formed when the Toccoa Electric Power Company constructed Blue Ridge Dam on the Toccoa River in 1930. At the time it was built, the dam was the largest earthen dam in the Southeast.

The lake is home to bass, bream, catfish, perch and crappie, which make the area popular with anglers. It is the only lake south of the Great Lakes where Walleye are caught, and is also known for small-mouth bass fishing. Rent a pontoon boat or Jet Ski.

*TWIN-CITIES - McCaysville, chartered in 1904, is located on the Georgia-Tennessee state line adjacent to Copperhill, Tennessee, its twin city. You can actually have one foot in Georgia and one foot in Tennessee when you cross the Blue Line marking the place where the states meet.

*APPALACHIAN TRAIL - generally known simply as the "AT", is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Georgia and Maine. It is 2,184 miles of rugged mountain miles passing over 14 states. The southern terminus of the trail is conveniently accessed in nearby Fannin County.

*BLUE RIDGE KIWANIS RODEO - Western rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronco riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and special events. Great food and fun for all ages. Enjoy this fun event each August.

*LABOR DAY BARBEQUE  - Annual Barbeque starts at 11 a.m. until the food runs out. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Good food and entertainment. 

*RIDE THE RAILS FESTIVAL - A two and one half mile round trip ride by railroad motor car traveling through the Iron Bridge over the beautiful Toccoa River, then returning over the bridge to the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot. Model railroad display, food vendors and more. Mineral Bluff Depot, September.

*MOUNTAIN HARVEST SALE - Sponsored by the Fannin County Homemaker's Council, the Mountain Harvest Sale features local arts, crafts, food and fun on two separate October weekends. Blue Ridge Farmer's Market, 3rd and 4th weekend in October.

*OCOEE WHITEWATER CENTER - Located near Blue Ridge, the Ocoee Whitewater Center was the location of the Canoe, Kayak and Slalom events. Located on Hwy. 64 north of McCaysville, the center was built by the U.S. Forest Service.Normally, whitewater adventure runs from June to September, when releases from Lake Blue Ridge dam increase the flow of the water on the Toccoa/Ocoee River (the Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River at the Tennessee State Line).

Rafters, canoers and kayakers all journey to the center located in the Ocoee River Gorge to enjoy the whitewater. In addition to whitewater sports, the center has a one-mile hiking trail, which crosses a 330-foot suspension bridge and circles the center.

*BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE RACE - is held each year in the second week of April. Up to 100 teams of three hike, mountain bike, run and kayak in Georgia's favorite adventure race, now 14 years old. The race begins at a secret location, and follows a physically challenging course through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the finish. Party in Downtown Blue Ridge Park at the finish line, with live music, food and the excitement of a finished race. For more information, call 706-632-5680

*ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE WRITERS CONFERENCE - is held on the last weekend of March at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center. A literary tradition and unique cultural asset enjoyed by many writers and aspiring writers each March, as they gather in Blue Ridge to learn more about their special craft.

*SPRING AND FALL PLEIN AIRE FESTIVALS - Each spring and fall, artists from across the region converge on Blue Ridge to capture the scenic beauty of this mountain community. Each event showcases the change of seasons. Artists from across the southeast get outside and recreate nature's beauty. For more information, call 706-632-2144

*LAKE BLUE RIDGE FIREWORKS - Live music and barbeque beginning at 4 p.m. Fabulous fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge at dark. Call (706) 632-2618 for more information. Blue Ridge Marina, on or near July 4th. 

*LIGHT UP BLUE RIDGE -is a Christmas festival in Downtown Blue Ridge. Music, refreshments, caroling and all-day activities. Official lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa arrives. Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday after Thanksgiving.

*HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS - Kiwanis Christmas Parade, Santa's arrival, food, refreshments and entertainment & lighting of the bridge. Downtown McCaysville, first Saturday of December.

*GREAT HIKING - In addition to the two long trails in Fannin County (the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail) there are a number of shorter day hikes and overnighters that cover every skill level. 

*GETAWAY RENTALS - Enjoy a fantastic getaway to Blue Ridge and its spectacular scenery.  The choices are abundant. Choose from rustic to elegant bed & breakfast establishments to campgrounds to cabins.

*GOLF - There are 7 excellent courses for those who like to swing in the fresh mountain air.

*JACKS RIVER FALLS - This popular destination in the Cohutta Wilderness Area requires the longest walk of all falls in Fannin County. The easiest access is a hike from Dally Gap along the Jacks River Trail.

*BAUGH HOUSE -is owned by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation. James Baugh built the home in 1890. Baugh was a brick mason and the bricks were made out of clay from the back yard. It is open to the public.

*LONG CREEK FALLS - The most popular of the waterfalls in Fannin County is Long Creek Falls, which can be seen by hiking down a short side trail from the combined Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail. These falls total about 50 feet in two distinct drops. A leisurely 30-minute hike to the falls is uphill on the way in, downhill on the way out.

*FALLS BRANCH FALLS - The upper portion of Fall Branch Falls is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. These falls, along the Benton MacKaye Trail west of Aska Road are a shorter, although a bit harder walk than Long Creek Falls.

*SEA CREEK FALLS - Located in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk. Unfortunately, the drive can be difficult. The first, or upper falls is a series of steep cascades ending in a brief drop. The second falls are also a series of steep cascades. When the water flow is heavy either in late winter or spring or after a summer rain these are a remarkable sight.

*TOCCOA RIVER CANOE TRAIL - The Toccoa River Canoe Trail is perfect for beginners looking for some beautiful scenery along the way. The trail is also popular with float fishermen looking for cold-water mountain trout. The put in is located at the Blue Ridge Ranger District's Deep Hole Recreation Area. The canoe trail begins on the north bank of the river, flowing west and north toward Blue Ridge. There is a float from Deep Hole to Sandy Bottoms.

Sections of the Toccoa River Canoe Trail are Deep Hole to Rock Creek Road Bridge, Rock Creek Road Bridge to Margret, Margret to Butt Bridge with rapids, campsites and a suspension bridge, Butt Bridge to Dial Bridge and Dial Bridge to Sandy Bottoms. 

*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 boast over 90 national forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the US Forest Service. 

Blue Ridge reservoir is 11-miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed. The lake was formed when the Toccoa Electric Power Company constructed Blue Ridge Dam on the Toccoa River in 1930. At the time it was built, the dam was the largest earthen dam in the Southeast. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) purchased the facility in 1939 for hydroelectric power production. 

The lake is home to bass, bream, catfish, perch and crappie, which make the area popular with anglers. It is the only lake south of the Great Lakes where Walleye are caught, and is also known for small-mouth bass fishing.

*THE CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST - Fannin County's "Barefoot Forest Ranger," Arthur Woody, fought to create and protect the vast resources of the Chattahoochee National Forest in the early 1900's. Woody also helped replenish the dwindling population of whitetail deer in the forest and introduced new species of non-native trout in the streams. His work was the foundation for the richness of the Georgia mountain experience today. 

The Chattahoochee National Forest covers 749,689 acres in north Georgia, managed by six ranger districts. Over 40 percent of the land in Fannin County is national forest land (106,000 acres). 40,006 acres are located in the Cohutta Ranger District and 66,097 in the Blue Ridge Ranger District. The forest began when the forest service purchased 31,000 acres in Fannin, Lumpkin and Union Counties from the Gennett family in 1911 for $7 per acre. 

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have 37 developed recreation areas, 500 developed campsites, 200 picnic sites, 6 swim beaches and 530 miles of trails. There are more than 500 wildlife and fish species in the forest. Almost 100 percent of cold-water stream fishing on public lands occurs within the Chattahoochee national forest. The forest receives more than 10 million visitors each year.

*CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY - Catch a trout or see a lot of rainbows, make a daytrip to the Chattachoochee National Fish Hatchery! Located between Morganton and Dahlonega, the fish hatchery raises a million rainbow trout each year to stock the tail waters, streams and lakes of northern Georgia. It is operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Visitors can tour the hatchery and visitor center, fish Rock Creek, have a picnic, take a hike or camp nearby at the Frank Gross Campground. A visit to the fish hatchery is "must do" for those who really want to catch some fish! Take your own gear and bait, and be sure to have a Georgia fishing license! The hatchery offers special group tours and sponsors annual fishing derbies for kids and seniors. It is also designed for use by school groups to teach students about the Southern Appalachian Ecosystem. 

*MERCIER ORCHARDS - Mercier Orchards is known as Southern Living Magazine's "favorite roadside apple market," but it is much, much more. 

For 50 years, the Mercier family has been welcoming visitors to taste the fruits of the mountains, and the yummy fried pies and fritters that come from the fruit! 

The orchard, largest in the southeast, grows 20 varieties of apples, including Gala, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Rome, Stayman, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji and others. Today fruit is available every season beginning in May and June, with strawberries, peaches, blueberries and blackberries, followed by early apples through fall. Take a tractor ride and pick your own fruit! 

Mercier's bakery doesn't just produce the most famous fried apple pies in the mountains -- also peach, blueberry, chocolate and coconut, among others. The apple house offers a huge selection of jellies, jams, smoked trout and other gift items to create gift baskets for the holidays. Mercier's makes the best cider in the mountains! The orchard has added picture windows in the bakery and fruit processing areas to allow tourists to see the action firsthand.