The 20 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County

Mural in Downtown Blairsville GA

[Updated June 13, 2023] As a small town with a total population of around 700 people, Blairsville isn’t as big or as bustling as popular North Georgia mountain towns such as Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Ellijay. But for many people, therein lies a big part of its charm.  Measuring just 1.1 square miles, Blairsville may seem … Read more

Visiting Lake Winfield Scott in Suches GA (Near Blairsville)

Lake Winfield Scott offers combines water and mountains, by Jennifer Worrel

I grew up camping with my parents and their friends. Weekends would smell like tent tarpaulins, campfires, and bacon (which always seemed to sizzle for breakfast).  Sometimes there would be a lake with a speed boat and tubing, other times there would be a canoe and fishing poles. But there would always be friends, and stars, … Read more

The 10 Best Restaurants in Blairsville GA for Foodies

Eat Local Appalachia at The Sawmill Place in Blairsville GA

As a longtime member of a few Blairsville-related Facebook groups, I’d read numerous complaints about the lack of diversity of non-chain restaurants in the tiny North Georgia mountain town.  With a population of just over 600 and an economy that isn’t nearly as tourism-based as nearby hotspots such as Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Helen, we … Read more

How to Get to the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area Near Helen GA

DeSoto Falls near Helen GA, photo by Jason Dominy

[Updated September 30, 2021]  Some experts suggest there are as many as 700 waterfalls in Georgia, although many of these remain remote and inaccessible to all but the hardiest of bushwhackers. Other than accessibility, there are a lot of other factors that play into the relative popularity of a given GA waterfall.  Some folks focus … Read more

Hiking the Blood Mountain Trail in Blairsville, GA

blood mountain overlook

Reaching the picturesque summit of the Blood Mountain trail felt very much like conquering a mountain, both literally and metaphorically. The strenuous uphill climb continues to get more challenging as you make your way to the top, with the promise of a spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains view like the dangling carrot-on-a-stick to keep you going. … Read more

How to Get to Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville GA

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

[Updated September 21, 2021] From Anna Ruby and Amicalola Falls to Hemlock, Minnehaha, and Angel/Panther Falls, one of our favorite things about our 2020 staycations has been exploring many of the amazing waterfalls in North Georgia. But until recently we hadn’t made our way to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy to hike the waterfalls … Read more

Vogel State Park: Camping, Hiking & History in Blairsville GA

Autumn at Lake Trahlyta in Vogel State Park

[Updated on 7/20/21] Vogel State Park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Located just 10 miles south of the quaint town of Blairsville GA, this beloved North Georgia park is a popular place for hiking, fishing, family gatherings, and viewing the area’s spectacular fall foliage. Operational … Read more