The 25 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains

Wineries in North Georgia

[Updated April 23, 2023] It’s common knowledge that the Georgia mountains are filled with stunning natural beauty, from rolling hills and mountain lakes covered in morning mist to dense forests and tranquil creeks. But it may surprise some visitors to learn that the unique climate and geography of these Blue Ridge Mountains also provides the perfect … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN

Waterfall at Lookout Mountain GA TN

[Updated April 11, 2023] Located at an elevation of 2,388 feet, Lookout Mountain sits on the border between North Georgia and Tennessee.  Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga (or a 2-hour drive from Atlanta), the mountain is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the area. Atop Lookout Mountain you’ll find … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County

Carriage Ride in downtown Dahlonega GA

[Updated April 10, 2023] Back in 1828 (21 years before the famed California gold rush), thousands of prospectors descended upon the town of Dahlonega, Georgia in search of their fortune. Located in the heart of North Georgiaโ€™s Cherokee Indian territory, Dahlonega grew like wildfire in the wake of this frenzied mining activity. A U.S. Branch … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County

Bird's Eye View of Downtown Ellijay GA

[Updated March 19, 2023] As the metro Atlanta population continues to grow and expand, more and more people are heading for the wide open vistas of the North Georgia mountains. And it’s not difficult to understand why. With lots of charming towns surrounded by scenic summits and the wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest (with its … Read more

The 25 Best Things to Do in Helen GA

Yonah Mountain- Things to Do in Helen GA Lead

[Updated March 19, 2023] Widely known as โ€œGeorgiaโ€™s Alpine Village,โ€ Helen is a former mining town nestled near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains range. The tiny Georgia mountain town (population: 582) resurrected itself in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a quaint re-creation of a traditional Bavarian village, providing a taste … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Sautee Nacoochee GA (Near Helen)

Nacoochee Indian Mound in Sautee Nacoochee GA

Helen is one of the most popular Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in Georgia, drawing some 3 million visitors to the tiny 2.11-sq-mile Alpine town every year.  From family-friendly tourist attractions and annual festivals (including the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside Germany) to two Georgia State Parks and myriad natural attractions, there’s a lot to love about … Read more

Top 20 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia

Black Rock Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia

I’ve been exploring the North Georgia mountains since I was a young boy, camping and hiking with my parents and our church youth group (which they led).  In my 20s I got my start in professional photography by exploring the North Georgia State Parks, whose myriad hiking trails and waterfalls provided a great escape from … Read more

Christmas Fun at Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights

Christmas at Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights in Lookout Mountain GA

[Updated November 5, 2024] Growing up in North Georgia, you couldn’t drive very far into the Blue Ridge Mountains without seeing the famous “SEE ROCK CITY” signs painted on barns, birdhouses, and more.  And yet, for some odd reason, my family never visited Rock City Gardens, which has been a popular Chattanooga-area attraction for 90 … Read more

Hiking the Preachers Rock Trail Near Dahlonega GA

view from Preachers Rock Dahlonega GA

One of the most popular places on our Best Hiking Trails in North Georgia Bucket List, the Preachers Rock Trail is located approximately 18 miles north of Dahlonega GA.  The 2-mile trek from Woody Gap to Preachers Rock is part of the Appalachian Trail, with the trailhead less than 2 miles from the small town … Read more