The 15 Best Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia

Sunset at Hogpen Gap in Helen GA

Traversing 2,190+ miles in the Appalachian Mountains across 14 different states, 8 national forests, and 6 national parks, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic and popular hiking trails in the world. Because of its incredible length, it typically takes adventurous thru-hikers 5 to 7 months to tackle the entire trail.  And while … Read more

The 15 Best Rental Cabins in Helen GA

Purpleaire cabin in Helen GA via VRBO

Helen GA is a relatively small mountain town, measuring just 2.17 square miles, with a population of around 600 people. Yet it attracts around 3 million annual travelers with its unique shops, delicious restaurants, intriguing roadside attractions, and quirky reputation as “Georgia’s Alpine Village.” The town is also home to Oktoberfest, one of the longest-running … Read more

The 15 Best Waterfalls Near Helen GA

Horsetrough Falls Near Helen GA

[Updated September 13, 2021] Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” Helen is a beautiful mountain town that offers a charming bit of Bavaria in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although the town is relatively small (2.17 square miles, population around 600), travelers come from all over to experience a taste of the Alps in the southern … Read more

Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes In Georgia (Identification Guide)

Snakes In Georgia

“Why’d it have to be snakes?!?!”  This memorable line– spoken by Indiana Jones in the 1984 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark– reveals a bizarre truth. Even a badass, jungle-roaming, whip-cracking Nazi hunter can have an irrational fear of slithering reptiles. Just hearing the word “snake” can evoke feelings of fear in otherwise intrepid adventurers. Which … Read more

The 15 Best North Georgia Mountains for Hiking

Sunrise on the Blue Ridge Mountains in Black Rock Mountain State Park

[Updated July 18, 2021] If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, soak in stunning views, and tackle unforgettable outdoor adventures, look no further than the majestic mountains of North Georgia. Hiking through lush national forests along wildflower-strewn paths, crossing sparkling streams, and around mossy boulders has always been one of our favorite things to do in … Read more

The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge GA

Couple relaxing on rocks at Helton Creek Falls near Helen, GA

[Updated October 20, 2021] Between the historic downtown area, delicious restaurants, wineries, gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities, and unique places to stay, it’s no wonder why locals and visitors alike recognize Blue Ridge as one of the best small towns in the state of Georgia. This tiny North Georgia mountain town offers countless attractions within its … Read more

The 15 Best North Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Black Rock Lake

[Updated on 7/14/21] Growing up in a lower middle class family in metro Atlanta, the North Georgia mountains were our playground. My parents led the youth group at our church when I was a young boy, and I can recall countless trips hiking and camping on Blood Mountain, Springer Mountain, and Brasstown Bald (the highest … Read more

A Guide to 21 North GA Wildflowers (& Where to See Them)

Georgia Wildflowers

[Updated 3/16/22]  North Georgia boasts an incredibly diverse array of flora, including an abundance of eye-catching wildflowers that paint the landscape in vivid colors every spring. From the brilliant blooms of Flame Azaleas and Catawba Rhododendrons to the more subdued beauty of Virginia Bluebells and Bloodroot, spotting wildflowers is one of our favorite things to … Read more

30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts

Blue Ridge Mountains Georgia

Stretching north to south across the eastern United States, the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are truly an iconic American landscape. The Blue Ridge range encompasses over 34,000 square miles of gorgeous mountain terrain filled with towering summits, meandering rivers, lush national forests, gleaming lakes, and cascading waterfalls. So there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery … Read more

Calendar of Blue Ridge, GA Events for 2020

Blue Ridge GA Sign

Looking for things to do in North Georgia this weekend? Visiting downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia offers lots of options, from art, music, and theatre to wine, food, and fun festivals. This calendar of Blue Ridge, GA events will be updated regularly throughout the year, and will include listings for nearby towns such as Blairsville, Cherry … Read more