The 25 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA

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[Updated January 8, 2024]

My earliest memories of the Blue Ridge Mountains are of backpacking trips with our church youth group, which my parents led.

I was no more than 6 years old the first time we made our way north to Blue Ridge, Georgia. We’d stock up on supplies in town before heading to Springer Mountain and spending a week hiking the Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trail.

Growing up in Atlanta, I thought of the North Georgia mountains as wilderness– a place to run free, romp in streams and waterfalls, and see wildlife such as deer and black bear.

It was only when I returned to downtown Blue Ridge as an adult in the ’90s that I began to recognize it as one of the best small towns in Georgia.

The number of attractions, activities, and restaurants in Blue Ridge have increased exponentially since then.

We were blown away during our last few visits by just how much this tiny North Georgia mountain town has grown in the last decade.

Based on our experiences, here’s a guide to the very best things to do in Blue Ridge GA, from hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting to the arts, culture, restaurants, and roadside attractions.

READ MORE: 101+ Things to Do in North Georgia

Are you planning a trip to Blue Ridge GA?

If you need recommendations for things to do in Blue Ridge GA, check out our tips for some of the top hotels, guided tours, and more!

Top Places to Stay in Blue Ridge GA

  1. The Dogwood Inn (romantic upscale B&B w/ mountain views)
  2. Hampton Inn (excellent location w/ rooftop restaurant/bar & good breakfast)
  3. Comfort Inn & Suites (affordable pet-friendly hotel w/ breakfast)

Popular tours and activities near Blue Ridge GA:

  1. Ocoee River Middle Whitewater Rafting Trip (5 miles of whitewater rapids, 1hr away)
  2. 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen (best sights, tastes and Helen activities, 1hr away)
  3. Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Georgia (can meet at location of your choice)

Need a car rental for your Blue Ridge GA trip? Find the best rental car options here!

Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA Guide

  1. Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards
  2. Celebrate Christmas in Blue Ridge
  3. Downtown Blue Ridge Historic Walking Tour
  4. Explore Aska Adventure Area
  5. Spend a Day at Lake Blue Ridge
  6. Hike to Toccoa Swinging Bridge
  7. Horseback Riding with Blue Ridge Mountains Trail Rides
  8. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
  9. See Long Creek Falls
  10. Take a Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour
  11. Trek the Benton MacKaye Trail/Appalachian Trail
  12. Try Your Hand at Blue Ridge Fishing
  13. Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
  14. Visit the Expedition: Bigfoot Museum
  15. Whitewater Rafting the Ocoee River
  16. Make a Splash at Morganton Point Recreation Area
  17. Hike to Fall Branch Falls
  18. Stay in a Treehouse
  19. Family Fun at Horseshoe Bend Park
  20. Catch a Play/Concert at the Blue Ridge Community Theater
  21. Blue Ridge Tubing on the Toccoa River
  22. Catch a Movie at the Swan Drive-In
  23. Visit the Fannin County Historical Museum
  24. Hike to Sea Creek Falls
  25. Play at the Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park

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

Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, GA
Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards

1. Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards

One of our favorite Blue Ridge activities, picking apples at Mercier Orchards was also the first thing we ever did as a family in the North Georgia mountain town.

Picking apples in Georgia is extremely popular, and this family-owned farm is one of the largest apple orchards in the Southeast. At 75+ years, it’s also one of the oldest apple orchards in North GA!

But the 20+ varieties found in the Mercier apple orchards aren’t the only highlight of this beloved Blue Ridge attraction. Their “U-Pick” offerings also include strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and blackberries.

Other activities include a tractor tour of the apple orchards, a farm winery and tasting room, restaurants, and a store selling everything from fresh North GA apples and their famous fried apple pies to hard apple cider, jams and preserves, and more.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Georgia Cabins to Rent

Christmas Tree in Blue Ridge, GA
Christmas in Blue Ridge, photo via Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

2. Celebrate Christmas in Blue Ridge

As a lifelong resident of the state, Christmas in North Georgia has always been special to me.

But Christmas in Blue Ridge is especially magical, casting its iconic small town charm in the warm, glowing lights of the holiday season.

The Blue Ridge GA Christmas events usually begin in mid-November with the annual Holiday Show & Sale of arts & crafts at The Art Center.

By the end of November, Light Up Blue Ridge officially starts the holidays in Blue Ridge, with the arrival of Santa in the Park, the downtown Blue Ridge Christmas Parade, and the Great Tree Lighting in the square.

Other highlights of the holidays include the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s popular Santa Train rides, Christmas carolers roaming the streets of downtown, the Christmas Tour of Homes, and Holidays at INOLA Blue Ridge (with carriage rides and ice skating).

READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit

Panorama photo of Downtown Blue Ridge, GA
Downtown Blue Ridge, GA

3. Downtown Blue Ridge Historic Walking Tour

Founded in 1886 (with the arrival of the Marietta & North Georgia Railroad), Blue Ridge is one of the oldest towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.

Originally an elite health resort due to its pure mineral waters, it gradually developed into a center of business for the southern Blue Ridge region. 

You can still see glimpses of its past on a self-guided historic walking tour of downtown Blue Ridge today.

Among the oldest buildings are the Baugh House, built by pioneer John W. Baugh in 1890; the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast, a restored Victorian home built in 1890; and the Blue Ridge Depot, built in 1906 after the original depot burned down.

Other noteworthy sites include the Coldwell Banker building (built by L & N Railroad in 1895), the Historic Fannin County Courthouse (built in 1937, now home to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association), Blue Ridge City Park in the heart of downtown, and more.

READ MORE: The 13 Best Restaurants in Blue Ridge GA

Toccoa River in Aska Adventure Area of Blue Ridge, Georgia
Toccoa River in the Aska Adventure Area

4. Explore the Aska Adventure Area

As great as the downtown Blue Ridge restaurants, shops, and history are, the natural beauty of the Aska Adventure Area is truly the heart of what makes Blue Ridge GA so special.

Located south of town along the banks of the Toccoa River, Aska means “winter home” in Cherokee. This was the area settled by the Stanley family, the first Europeans who came to what is now Blue Ridge from the North Carolina backcountry in the early 1800s.

Today the Aska area is home to an impressive array of outdoor adventures. Its excellent hiking/biking trails include the 2.3-mile Long Branch Loop, the 2.8-mile Green Mountain Loop, and the 6-mile Flat Creek Loop. The AT also crosses through these parts.

You can also camp at the Toccoa Valley Campgrounds, kayak the Toccoa River, walk to Fall Branch Falls, and see historic landmarks including the area’s oldest churches, farms, and the iconic Shallowford Bridge.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge GA

Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge GA
Lake Blue Ridge

5. Spend a Day at Lake Blue Ridge

Located a few miles from downtown, beautiful Lake Blue Ridge was created by the completion of Blue Ridge Dam in 1930.

The lake encompasses around 3,300 acres, with approximately 65 miles of shoreline. Only 25% of it has been developed, with the other 75% protected as part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

The Blue Ridge Lake Recreation Area is arguably among the best lakes in the North Georgia mountains.

The crystal clear waters reflect the bright blue sky, with trees and wildlife all around it and Blue Ridge mountains providing the perfect backdrop.

The lake boasts numerous boat ramps, swimming, and picnic spots, including the Lake Blue Ridge Dayuse Area, Morganton Point Recreation Area (with a campground and pebble beach), and Lake Blue Ridge Dam Recreation Area where our photo was taken.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains

Toccoa Swinging Bridge in Blue Ridge GA
Toccoa River Swinging Bridge

6. Hike to the Toccoa Swinging Bridge

The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is arguably among the most iconic attractions in Blue Ridge, and the gorgeous hike to get there is as easy as it is beautiful.

This kid/dog-friendly Blue Ridge hike is just a half-mile round-trip. But it meanders through the forest, along the Toccoa River, across the 270-foot suspension bridge (the longest east of the Mississippi), and even takes in a small waterfall on the other side.

The swinging bridge over the Toccoa River was built by the USDA Forest Service in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail Club in 1977, when there was talk of extending the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Kennesaw Mountain.

Part of the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail, the bouncy bridge is an excellent place to spend a few hours. We packed a lunch and had a lovely picnic, with the river in front and the small waterfall to our backs.

READ MORE: Apple Picking in Georgia: The 10 Best North GA Apple Orchards to Visit

Horseback Riding at Hell's Hollow Adventure Outpost
Horseback Riding in Blue Ridge

7. Horseback Riding with Blue Ridge Mountains Trail Rides

Horseback riding in Blue Ridge is a very popular activity, and Blue Ridge Mountains Trail Rides was one of the area’s first tour operators to offer it.

Their “Hell’s Hollow Adventure Outpost” is located in a remote area known as a hotbed of moonshine bootleggers during the Prohibition era.

Hell’s Hollow remains largely unspoiled today, with no commercial development but lots of rolling hills and wildlife.

The company offers 1- and 2-hour trail rides for all skill levels, with horses ranging from child-friendly ponies to Tennessee Walkers.

The terrain varies with your comfort level, from gentle walks along tranquil streams to clambering up a small mountain.

The Blue Ridge Mountains scenery at the top of the trail is undeniably stunning, but note that the hill feels a bit steeper when you’re coming back down!

READ MORE: The 25 Best Day Trips From Atlanta GA

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge GA
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

8. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Trains played an integral role in Georgia’s history, and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a budget-friendly attraction that offers the equivalent of an immersive history lesson.

Running out of the downtown Blue Ridge railway depot, the BRSR train takes visitors on a scenic 13-mile ride along the Toccoa River to the twin border towns of McCaysville GA and Copperhill TN (a 125-year-old route).

Volunteer conductors and “car hosts” are truly a font of information, keeping kids entranced with stories of days gone by while parents relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the North GA mountains.

They occasionally offer special trips that combine train rides with activities such as white water rafting or river tubing.

And don’t miss a chance to visit during the holidays, when kids can take a Blue Ridge train ride with Santa Claus!

READ MORE: The 15 Best North Georgia Mountains for Hiking

Side angle of Long Creek Falls in Blue Ridge GA
The Lower Falls at Long Creek

9. See Long Creek Falls

Georgia’s Blue Ridge region offers hundreds of waterfalls to explore, with five in Fannin County. Of these, Long Creek Falls is arguably the most impressive (and popular).

It’s located on the Appalachian Trail near Three Forks (where the AT, Benton MacKaye, and Duncan Ridge Trails meet). The road to Long Creek Falls’ trailhead follows Noontootla Creek, with several smaller waterfalls along the way.

The moderately difficult, dog-friendly trail is two miles out-and-back, meandering through a lush valley that runs along Long Creek. The trail climbs in elevation, with some incredible scenery all along the way.

The waterfall itself is strikingly photogenic. It falls 50 feet in two distinct drops, with the cascade surrounded by a forest filled with hemlock, tulip poplar, and North GA Wildflowers.

If you  can only make time to visit one of the Blue Ridge waterfalls, make it Long Creek Falls.

READ MORE: The 25 Best Hiking Trails in North Georgia Bucket List

Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour at Mona Lisa's Dessert House
Toasting during our Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour

10. Take a Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour

When I first visited Blue Ridge GA more than 20 years ago, there was no culinary scene there to speak of.

Thankfully that’s changed dramatically over the past decade. And the Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour is a great way to discover the best restaurants the city has to offer.

The company offers three tours to choose from– the Fabulous Foodie Tour, Raise Your Glass Tour (focused on wine/spirits), and the Sugar High Tour. Each lasts around 3 hours, includes 5-6 stops, and includes tastings of every restaurant/brewpub you visit.

We took the Fabulous Foodie Tour, and went home with enough leftover pizza, apps, and desserts that we were nibbling on them for days. It’s an excellent way to sample and discover some of the best Blue Ridge restaurants!

READ MORE: Trying Blue Ridge Restaurants on a Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour

Beginning Of The Benton MacKaye Trail in Blue Ridge GA
Benton MacKaye Trail by TranceMist, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

11. Trek the Benton MacKaye Trail/Appalachian Trail

You could easily argue that the Appalachian Trail, which runs 2,180+ miles from Georgia to Maine, is the most iconic hiking trail in America.

The Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail (named after the man who envisioned the AT) both start in Fannin County on Springer Mountain. They’re the same path for the first few miles, then split and head in different directions.

The Benton MacKaye Trail System, which stretches 300 miles to the northeast section of the Great Smoky Mountains, runs through Blue Ridge and the Cohutta Wilderness before moving into Tennessee.

There are tons of different BMT trail heads you can access in Blue Ridge. These include Springer Mountain, Three Forks, the Toccoa Swinging Bridge trail, Falls Branch Falls, the historic Shallowford Bridge, and more.

All offer excellent day hiking opportunities.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia

Trout Fishing in Blue Ridge Georgia
photo by Barbara Jackson via Pixabay

12. Try Your Hand at Fly Fishing

Billing itself as the Trout Capital of Georgia, Fannin County has long been a popular hotspot for anglers wanting to strap on their waders and reel in a big one.

The Toccoa River has been singled out by Georgia Outdoor News as one of the best places in the region for trout fishing.

But you can also find other great Blue Ridge fishing spots on Cooper Creek, Noontootla Creek, and Rock Creek.

Of course, trout isn’t the only desirable fish in town. Fishing Lake Blue Ridge is great for species such as bluegill, bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and white), walleye, and even the occasional rainbow trout.

Just be sure to check the Tennessee Valley Authority site for updates on lake levels and fish releases before you go, and make sure you have the correct fishing licenses with you.

READ MORE: Review of Harvest on Main Restaurant in Downtown Blue Ridge, GA

Visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center

13. Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

Located in the Historic Fannin County Courthouse (which was built in 1937), The Art Center is operated by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. It is truly the heart of the art and cultural scene in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

A brief highlight of its offerings includes events for writers, painters, film enthusiasts, etc; art, dance, and music classes (for kids and adults); various creative guilds; art resources, and much more.

The historic courthouse is filled with a variety of exhibits (35+ a year on average) and artists-in-residence at any given time.

2020 highlights included a Georgia Clay Council exhibit, a national juried photography show, and “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” (presented in partnership with the Smithsonian). Their annual Holiday Show is also a popular favorite.

READ MORE: Wood Haven Retreat: Cabin Rental in Blue Ridge, GA

Entrance for Expedition Bigfoot- The Sasquatch Museum in Blue Ridge
Expedition Bigfoot

14. Visit the Expedition: Bigfoot Museum

This 4,000-square foot museum (located just outside Blue Ridge in Cherry Log) is a must-see for anyone with an interest in Ripleys! Believe It Or Not-style roadside attractions.

Owners David and Malinda Bakara have assembled an expansive collection of artfully displayed Bigfoot exhibits, artifacts, Applachian folklore, and memorabilia.

Their Sasquatch museum includes hundreds of documented Bigfoot encounters, recordings of Bigfoot sounds, and Bigfoot videos. Collectively, they present a compelling argument that these mythical creatures of the forest might truly exist.

They’ve also added exhibits on unexplained phenomena such as UFOs, ETs, sea monsters, etc. from their Adventure Outpost (which was formerly located in downtown Blue Ridge).   

After you tour the museum, take some time to check out their gift shop, which is filled with Bigfoot souvenirs, from t-shirts and stuffed animals to books, videos, and more.

READ MORE: Visiting the Expedition Bigfoot Museum in Cherry Log, GA

White water rafting the Ocoee River
Rafting the Ocoee, photo via Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

15. White Water Rafting the Ocoee River

Though it’s known as the Toccoa River in Georgia (where it stretches 56 miles) and the Ocoee River in Tennessee (37 miles), the two rivers are actually one in the same.

And while floating gently down the Toccoa portion is a popular summer activity, white water rafting the Ocoee just across the state line is truly a wild adventure that everyone who visits Blue Ridge should try.

Founded in 1976, Ocoee Rafting is the oldest outfitter offering Ocoee rafting tours. These include tours of the world-class white water of the Upper Ocoee River (where the 1996 Olympic Slaloms were held); the Middle Ocoee River; or a 10-mile combo tour of both.

Tackling Class III-V rapids with names like Godzilla, Humongous, and Broken Nose is not for the faint of heart (or kids under age 12). But it is one hell of a pulse-pounding Blue Ridge experience you won’t soon forget!

READ MORE: The Best Places for White Water Rafting in Georgia

Beach at Morganton Point Recreation Area in Blue Ridge GA
Beach at Morganton Point Recreation Area, photo courtesy Explore Georgia

16. Make a Splash at the Morganton Point Recreation Area

The Morganton Point Recreation Area is the only developed campground located on the scenic shores of the 3,290-acre Lake Blue Ridge. 

The Point” is a popular day use area for locals and visitors alike, offering a great little beach for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, hiking trails, boating, and fishing. 

In addition to a boat ramp and lake access, the facility also offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, snacks, souvenirs, and more.

Morganton Point also boasts 40 campsites that are open from April to October, many of which offer exceptional lakeside views. 

There are also spacious group sites available for rent, as well as more private and secluded walk-in campsites. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Kayaking Rivers in Georgia

Falls Branch Falls in Blue Ridge GA
Fall Branch Falls

17. Hike to Fall Branch Falls

Though we generally prefer the waterfalls near Helen and Clayton to those in Blue Ridge, Fall Branch Falls offers a short, easy trail that’s perfect for new hikers and kids. 

Technically located in Cherry Log, about 12 miles from downtown Blue Ridge, the 0.9-mile round-trip hike takes you along part of the Benton MacKaye trail through a gorgeous mossy forest.

The path is lined with beautiful wildflowers such as mountain laurel and rhododendron, and is especially gorgeous when the fall colors begin to brighten the canopy.  

Gently climbing around 200 feet in elevation, the trail eventually leads to a wooden observation platform  on Stanley Creek, where you can see the double cascades of the tiered waterfalls

Though it’s not as impressive as beloved Georgia waterfalls like Hemlock Falls or Minnehaha Falls, Fall Branch Falls is a lovely hike and is especially worth visiting after heavy rains. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best North Georgia Waterfalls (& How to Get to Them)

The Blue Ridge Treehouse at Bear Claw Vineyards
Photo courtesy Bear Claw Vineyards

18. Stay in the Blue Ridge Treehouse

Built by DIY Network’s Treehouse Guys, the 1BR/1BA Blue Ridge Treehouse is located at Bear Claw Vineyards, one of the best wineries in North Georgia.

Inside the rustic interior you’ll find a queen-sized bed, a leather couch with a queen sleeper bed, a full kitchen, high-speed Wifi, lots of bear-themed decor, and an actual living tree! 

But this beautiful treehouse rental is really made for spending time outdoors. 

The patio area of the treehouse offers exceptional views of the vineyards, as well as Little Sugar Creek (which runs through the property).

It also features a propane BBQ grill, fire pit, and rocking chairs where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge sunsets. Check out their website for more rental info. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in North Georgia to Visit

 

19. Family Fun at Horseshoe Bend Park

Traditional Appalachian culture is still alive and well in the mountains of North Georgia, and Horseshoe Bend Park in Mineral Bluff (6 miles from Blue Ridge) is a great place to experience it. 

More formally known as the Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park, this lovely little park is located right along the banks of the Toccoa River, which is renowned for its trout fishing. 

There are lots of fun things to do there, from a wading area, playground, volleyball net, and picnic tables to larger pavilions for groups (for rental info, call 706-946-1130 or 706-632-7696).

But Horseshoe Bend is best known for “Pickin’ in the Park,” a free weekly event held every Thursday night from May through September.

From 6PM to dusk, musicians and music lovers alike gather throughout the park for a low-key celebration of old-time music, from folk and country to bluegrass and gospel. 

READ MORE: How to Get to Long Creek Falls in Blue Ridge GA

Blue Ridge Community Theatre production of Alice in Wonderland
Alice In Wonderland at Blue Ridge Community Theatre

20. Catch a Play/Concert at Blue Ridge Community Theater

As someone who grew up performing as a singer (with the Atlanta Boy Choir) and actor (with the Atlanta Workshop Players), community theater has always had a special place in my heart. 

Like a lot of small arts organizations, the Blue Ridge Community Theater was hit hard by the pandemic. It forced them to cancel shows in 2020, and cut back from 7 productions a year to just 4 in 2021. 

But it remains an essential magnet for the North Georgia arts community, offering theatrical productions for children and adults as well as a variety of live music concerts. 

Their 2021 productions included Harold Pinter’s Old Times (Sept 23-26) and Love & Death By Poe (Oct 29-31) on the Black Box stage, and Salty Toes + Sandy Kisses (Aug 26-Sept 19) and Four Old Broads at Christmas (Nov 18-Dec 12) on the Main Stage. For kids, there’s Matilda: The Musical (Oct 1-17).

In terms of live music, the BRCT will host concerts by Latin jazz group La Lucha (featuring vocalist Ona Kirei) and the Les Sabler Quintet at Jazz at Jane’s, a private outdoor space in Blue Ridge. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County

Blue Ridge Tubing on the Toccoa River
Photo courtesy Blue Ridge Tubing

21. Blue Ridge Tubing on the Toccoa River

Although the Chattahoochee River (both in Helen and Atlanta) are easily the most popular place for tubing in Georgia, the Toccoa River is equally beautiful and often a bit less crowded. 

Located just outside Blue Ridge in the Aska Adventure Area, Blue Ridge Tubing offers guests an opportunity to float down the Toccoa from May 1 through September 30. 

This laid-back tubing experience costs just $12 per person and includes everything you need– a float, lifejacket, and a shuttle ride to drop you off at the launch area.

After you make your way down the refreshingly cool mountain river, you can grab a bite at nearby restaurants such as the Iron Bridge Cafe or Toccoa

You can also shop for souvenirs or try your luck with gem mining at the Aska Mining Company. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for River Tubing in North Georgia

Sunset at the Swan Drive In Theater in Blue Ridge GA
Photo courtesy Swan Drive In Theatre

22. Catch a Movie at the Swan Drive-In Theatre

Drive-in movie theaters are increasingly rare these days, but there was a time back in the mid-20th century when they were all the rage.

Opened in 1955, the Swan Drive-In Theatre was named after one of the original owners’ favorite birds when he was stationed in England before World War II.

Since many rural homes had no TVs at that time, going to the drive-in was an especially popular Blue Ridge attraction. Today, the Swan Drive-In Theatre is one of just 5 drive-in theaters in Georgia that are still in operation.

The theatre offers first-run movies 7 days a week, with double features on Friday and Saturday nights. Ticket prices are just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 4 to 11.

There are concessions available, but no credit cards are accepted, so bring cash. 

READ MORE: Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions

Fannin County Heritage Foundation Baugh House Museum in Blue Ridge GA
Baugh House Museum, photo by KudzuVine

23. Visit the Fannin County Historical Museum

Operated as the Fannin County Historical Museum by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation, this attraction is also known as the Baugh House Museum. 

Located at 411 West First Street, the building was built in 1890 by skilled mason James W. Baugh and his brothers, using bricks made on the site.  

Baugh’s former residence is a rare 2-story masonry I-house with Folk Victorian-style elements, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. 

Today the building houses a historical museum featuring period antiques, clothing, and other items of historic interest that were donated by residents of the Blue Ridge area. 

It’s also home to a genealogical library and research center, where Fannin County Heritage Foundation members can assist guests with locating information on local family history. They also have educational displays.

READ MORE: The 40 Best North Georgia Cabins to Rent

Sea Creek Falls in Suches GA, one of the best waterfalls near Blue Ridge)
Sea Creek Falls in Suches, photo by Hope Cross

24. Hike to Sea Creek Falls

One of the lesser-known waterfalls near Blue Ridge, Sea Creek Falls is nestled in the Coopers Creek Recreation Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The beautiful 30-foot waterfall can be accessed by taking an easy, relatively quick half-mile, in-and-out trail that follows along the creek. 

The trail is well-marked, but note that it can get muddy after heavy rains. Check the weather before you leave, and it’s always a good idea to wear grippy, water-resistant hiking shoes.

Once you reach Sea Creek Falls, you’ll love the cascade that flows into a shallow pool. It’s a great place for kids and dogs to splash around during the summer months.

The rhododendron and other wildflowers that surround the waterfall make it especially attractive in spring, when the water flow tends to be more impressive.

READ MORE: The 25 Best Easy Hiking Trails to Waterfalls in Georgia

Blue Ridge Adventure Park in Blue Ridge GA
Photo courtesy Blue Ridge Adventure Park

25. Play at the Blue Ridge Adventure Park

One of the most adventurous places for ziplining in North Georgia, the Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park is perfect for anyone seeking a pulse-pounding outdoor adventure.

Their two main zipline courses (both of which require riders to be at least 10 years old) take you zooming through 165 acres in the heart of the Georgia Mountains, with breathtaking views in every direction.

Their one-hour beginner-level course costs $59.99 and features 7 zips, 6 canopy decks that are 25 to 50 feet high, one sky bridge, a 35-foot tower, and 150 to 550-foot ziplines. 

Their two-hour tour is $89.99 and features 13 zips, 12 canopy decks ranging from 25 to 75 feet high, 3 sky bridges, 2 towers (35 and 75 feet high), and 150 to 1,000-foot zips. 

For children ages 6 to 9, there’s also a more mild course that includes 5 ziplines, one pole bridge, and a 20-foot tube slide for $44.99. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Blue Ridge GA Hotels (Including Pet Friendly Options)

Blue Ridge GA FAQ

1. What is Blue Ridge, Georgia known for?

Blue Ridge GA was recognized as one of the south’s best mountain towns in 2022 by Southern Living Magazine. This North Georgia town has numerous art galleries, wineries, clothing boutiques, and foodie-friendly restaurants. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train rides allow tourists to explore the surrounding nature. Other outdoor attractions include the Toccoa River, 300 miles of hiking trails, 100 miles of trout streams, and the Chattahoochee National Forest.

 

2. What is there to do in Blue Ridge GA on the weekend?

Blue Ridge GA has numerous farms, vineyards, and orchards to explore, with seasonal activities such as wine tastings, apple picking, and pumpkin patches. Visitors can explore Downtown Blue Ridge, with its upscale shops, gourmet restaurants, art center, community theater, and public parks. There are also some great Blue Ridge GA waterfalls to explore nearby, as well as Lake Blue Ridge, the Appalachian Trail, and the Benton Mackaye Trail.

 

3. What other cities are near Blue Ridge GA?

Blue Ridge GA is located in the North Georgia Mountains, just over 10 miles from the border with Tennessee. Other popular mountain towns nearby include Blairsville GA (23 miles east), Ellijay GA (16 miles south), and Murphy NC (25 miles northeast). If you’re looking for a true city, Atlanta is about 90 miles to the south and makes for an excellent day trip. If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it’s a 2-hour drive to the town of Blue Ridge.

 

4. Does Blue Ridge, Georgia get snow?

Like many towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Blue Ridge GA does get occasional snowfall. But with an elevation of 1,762 feet, it’s rare for the town to get a lot of snow. The average annual snowfall in Blue Ridge GA is about four inches, but some years they don’t get any at all. January is the coldest month in the town of Blue Ridge (with average lows of 24ºF), but with average highs of 52ºF in December, don’t expect a white Christmas–by Bret Love; photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted

 

Leave No Trace logo

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. Born and raised in North Georgia, Editor-In-Chief Bret Love grew up hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family. A professional writer/editor since 1995, he's covered travel and culture for 100+ publications, including American Way, Destination Marriott, Georgia Travel Guide, National Geographic, and Southbound. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning website, Green Global Travel, which is ranked among the world's top travel blogs. Since launching BRMTG in 2020, he and Mary Gabbett have visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns together. Though she lived in NYC for 14 years, photographer/Business Manager Mary Gabbett's family has Georgia roots dating back 200+ years. Her great-grandfather was President of the Western Railroad of Alabama. Before moving to Atlanta in 1989, she fell in love with the North GA mountains, where her aunt owned a cabin. In 2010 she co-founded Green Global Travel, and has since traveled to more than 40 countries on six continents. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks.

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