[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 Georgia’s Cherokee Indian territory, Dahlonega grew like wildfire in the wake of this frenzied mining activity. A U.S. Branch … Read more
[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
[Updated March 19, 2023] Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” 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
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
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
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 years now. Located atop … Read more
10 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA, including the Helen Christmas Parade, Lighting of the Village, Santa photos & more.
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
From the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail to an endless array of State Parks, WMAs, and waterfalls scattered throughout the region, North Georgia is an amazing place for anyone who loves hiking. But even if you can’t make the drive to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains of North GA, hiking in Atlanta offers a surprising … Read more
The first time I saw a photo of the Lula Lake Land Trust, it stopped me in my tracks. It was a breathtaking aerial drone photo featuring a massive waterfall surrounding by brilliant fall colors. It looked as if Niagara Falls had had a baby, and the baby had moved to the state of Georgia. … Read more