Check out our extensive guides to the best things to do in North Georgia, including an overview of the best outdoor activities, restaurants, fairs & festivals, Christmas events and roadside attractions.
101+ Things to Do in North Georgia
[Updated September 6. 2023] Between the charming mountain towns, rolling mountains, and breathtaking scenery, there are lots of things to do in North Georgia with
Fall Fun at the Ellijay Apple Festival (aka Georgia Apple Festival)
We’ve been empty nesters for a few years now. But family-friendly fairs and festivals are still one of our favorite ways to celebrate the arrival
25 Fun Things To Do in Georgia for Fall
[Updated 7/17/2023] You know it’s nearly fall in Georgia when the sweltering heat of summer gives way to a cool, crisp morning breeze, and you
Apple Picking in Georgia: The 14 Best GA Apple Orchards to Visit (2023)
[Updated July 13, 2023] When autumn starts to roll around, there are plenty of fun annual traditions to look forward to such as Apple Picking
The 30 Best Fall Fairs and Festivals in Georgia (2023)
The 25 Best Fall Fairs and Festivals in Georgia, arranged in chronological order, with information about what makes each one worth visiting.
The 20 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County
[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
The 30 Best Day Trips From Atlanta GA
[Updated May 16, 2023] As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I’ve always felt that the natural beauty of the state of Georgia is vastly underrated.
The 25 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA
[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.
The 25 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
[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
The 15 Best Things to Do in 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
The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County
[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
The 20 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County (2023)
[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
The 25 Best Things to Do in Helen GA (2023)
[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
The 10 Best Things to Do in Sautee Nacoochee GA (Near Helen)
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
Top 20 Things to Do 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
Christmas Fun at Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
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
15 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA
10 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA, including the Helen Christmas Parade, Lighting of the Village, Santa photos & more.
Hiking the Preachers Rock Trail Near 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
The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta)
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
Hiking the Lula Lake Land Trust Near Lookout Mountain GA
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
Hiking the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge Near Blue Ridge GA
Adventures in the great outdoors almost always offer a reward of some sort. Maybe it’s a waterfall, or a scenic mountain overlook. Maybe it’s a
Fall in the Mountains of North Georgia: 25 Places to See Fall Colors
[Updated August 10, 2022] The infamous heat of summer in the Deep South will soon start to wane, thankfully replaced by the cool, crisp air
The 10 Best Restaurants in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
Hiawassee GA is a tiny town of around 1,000 residents that’s located right on the North Carolina border. Pretty much everything in Hiawassee is centered
The 24 Best Pumpkin Patches in Georgia to Visit (2023)
[Updated 8/16/2023] When the autumn leaves begin to transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, many avid “leaf peepers” start getting excited about
The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains less than 4 miles from the border with North Carolina, Hiawassee GA is a relatively small town (2.07 square miles)
The 10 Best Restaurants in Ellijay GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Located west of the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 15 miles southwest of Blue Ridge, Ellijay is widely considered one of the best places to live
Hiking the Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Near Atlanta)
For many metro Atlanta residents, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains can often mean a full-day commitment once you factor in driving times. But hiking
The Ultimate Ocoee River Rafting Guide
Located in Southeast Tennessee, the Ocoee River is a 93-mile river that flows northwest through the southern Appalachian Mountains. It’s known as the Toccoa River
The 20 Best Things to Do in North GA in July 2022
Although many people wait for the fall colors to reach their peak, summer is truly prime time for visiting the North Georgia mountains. The Chattahoochee
The 10 Best Apple Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia
There are dozens of charming Blue Ridge Mountain towns in North Georgia, each of which has a certain something for which they are widely renowned. For
The Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in GA
If you’re looking for a pulse-pounding adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, white water rafting in Georgia offers a rush of adrenaline and a fun
Exploring Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Lookout Mountain
The battles at Chickamauga and Chattanooga were a major turning point in the Civil War. Winning the Battle of Chattanooga in late November of 1863
The 15 Best Campgrounds in North Georgia
[Updated 5/25/2022] Taking day trips to explore the myriad North Georgia State Parks, hiking trails to waterfalls, and other outdoor attractions are fun and rewarding in
The 20 Best Hiking Trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest
[Updated 5/25/2022] Comprising 867,000 acres of gorgeous, largely pristine land, the Chattahoochee National Forest offers some of the most rewarding and scenic opportunities for outdoor
The 15 Best Breweries in Georgia
Whether you’ve lived in the state of Georgia your entire life or are visiting for the first time, taking a road trip to explore the
Hiking the Yonah Mountain Trail in Helen GA
On a recent “Moms Only” weekend getaway to the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley in North Georgia, I convinced my girlfriends to join me on a morning excursion,
The 25 Best North Georgia Waterfalls (& How to Get to Them)
[Updated May 8, 2022] When you explore the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, you’re bound to run across stunning waterfalls tucked away in
Carters Lake Camping, Cabins, & Boat Rentals in Ellijay GA
Encompassing over 3,000 acres in Chatsworth and Ellijay GA, with 62 miles of shoreline, Carters Lake is a popular destination for boating, camping, fishing, hiking,
The 10 Best Restaurants in Blairsville GA for Foodies
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
Exploring Olde Rope Mill Park & Allatoona Falls in Woodstock GA
In terms of outdoor recreation, my native state of Georgia is home to 50+ state parks and historic sites and more than a dozen national parks and
The 25 Best Easy Hiking Trails to Waterfalls in Georgia
The 25 Best Easy Hiking Trails to Waterfalls in Georgia with waterfalls near Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Helen, Clayton, Blairsville & Atlanta.
The 30 Best Hiking Trails in North Georgia Bucket List
[Updated March 26, 2022] From the soaring summits of Blood Mountain and Brasstown Bald to the cascades of enchanting waterfalls like Anna Ruby and Amicalola,
Hiking & Camping at Fort Mountain State Park Near Ellijay GA
Everyone has their favorite North Georgia State Parks, whether it’s the massive gorge and waterfalls of Cloudland Canyon or the far-ranging Blue Ridge Mountain vistas
8 Great Wineries in Dahlonega GA
One of the oldest Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Georgia, Dahlonega has grown into a major tourism hotspot in the North Georgia mountains. Originally best
Exploring the Utterly Unique Rock Garden in Calhoun GA
The Rock Garden in Calhoun, Georgia was intended to be a quick stop on our way home after spending several days in Cloudland Canyon State
52 Best Georgia Hiking Trails for the 52 Hikes Challenge
If you’re ready to improve your physical and mental well-being, explore new landscapes, and reconnect with yourself and nature, check out our list of the
The 20 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains
[Updated 2/8/2022] North Georgia is known for its stunning landscapes, with majestic mountains for hiking, the lush Chattahoochee National Forest, and wondrous waterfalls seemingly everywhere
The 10 Best Places for Ziplining in North Georgia
If you’ve ever spent any time exploring North Georgia, you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the region’s exceptional natural beauty. And while seeing the region from the ground may
The 7 Best Restaurants in Dahlonega GA for Foodies
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 25 miles southwest of Helen, Dahlonega is one of the oldest mountain towns in North
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas Lights
[Updated November 15, 2022] It’s been 12 years since the first Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. And over time, the Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas lights have
How to Get to the Raven Cliff Falls Trail in Helen GA
From the minute I first step foot onto the trail at Raven Cliff Falls, hear Dodd Creek flowing nearby, and see how quickly the forest
The 15 Best Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia
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
Exploring Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site & Trails in Cartersville GA
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cartersville GA, the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is considered the most intact Mississippian culture
How to Get to Horse Trough Falls in Helen GA (Upper Chattahoochee River Campground)
[Updated April 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why Horse Trough Falls is one of the least visited waterfalls in Helen GA once you
The 15 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
[Updated December 30, 2021] Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, about an hour north of the I-285 perimeter, Helen GA is known for
How to Get to the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area Near Helen GA
[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
The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton, GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)
[Updated November 26, 2021] Cities like Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Helen, and Dahlonega GA have all earned accolades among the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain towns in
The 15 Best Waterfalls 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
The 15 Best North Georgia Mountains for Hiking
[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
The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge 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
Hiking the Blood Mountain Trail in Blairsville, GA
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
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden: How to Get 24-Hour Access
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden is truly like no place you’ve ever been, or are ever likely to go. Originally known as the Plant Farm Museum
Things to Do at James H Floyd State Park in Summerville GA
[Updated on 7/20/21] We honestly didn’t know much about James H Floyd State Park (a.k.a. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park) before our first visit to Summerville
The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA
Chances are the city of Summerville GA probably isn’t on your list of must-see Blue Ridge mountain towns. Located 24 miles north of Rome, just
How to Get to Sea Creek Falls in Suches, GA
[Updated October 26, 2021] Stepping out of my car to hike the Sea Creek Falls Trail, I was soon surrounded by 50 butterflies, fluttering around
The 15 Best North Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
[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
Exploring the Dark History of the New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun GA
[Updated on 7/20/21] Though most Georgia residents have never heard of it, the New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun GA is one of the most
How to Get to Long Creek Falls in Blue Ridge GA (Fannin County)
[Updated September 21, 2021] There’s something about waterfalls that feels magical somehow. When I explore the many waterfalls in Georgia, I feel as if my
Inside the Utterly Unique Unicoi State Park Barrel Cabins in Helen GA
[Updated October 26, 2021] Georgia State Park cabins are arguably among the best deals you’ll find for cabin rentals in North Georgia. Most cost around
A Guide to 21 North GA Wildflowers (& Where to See Them)
[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
Things to Do in Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton
[Updated on November 26, 2021] After becoming empty nesters in 2019, my lady and I decided that we wanted to start the process of looking
How to Get to Panther Falls & Angel Falls GA (at Lake Rabun Beach Campground)
[Updated November 26, 2021] If you spend much time exploring outdoor attractions in my native state, you’ve gotta wonder who’s responsible for naming the countless
Cloudland Canyon State Park Cabins Review (Rising Fawn, GA)
[Updated on 7/20/21] I can remember my first visit to northwest Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon State Park like it was yesterday, despite the fact that it
Goats On The Roof: Family Friendly Fun Near Clayton GA
Although I’ve been exploring the North Georgia State Parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails near Blue Ridge and Helen since I was a boy, for some reason
Things to Do in Black Rock Mountain State Park Near Clayton GA
[Updated on 7/16/21] From Amicalola Falls and Red Top Mountain to Unicoi and Vogel, we’ve explored quite a few of the state parks in Georgia
Exploring The Chattahoochee Nature Center on the Chattahoochee River
Growing up in the heart of Atlanta in the 1970s, nature was something we really only saw on school field trips. Whether it was the
How to Get to Dukes Creek Falls Near Helen GA
[Updated September 21, 2021] Anytime someone in our Blue Ridge Mountains Facebook groups asks about the best easy to moderate hiking trails in North Georgia, we
Exploring the Schoolbus Graveyard, North GA’s Painted School Bus Attraction
Located about an hour north of Atlanta in Habersham County, the Schoolbus Graveyard is arguably among the most unusual and intriguing roadside attractions in North
How to Get to Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville 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
How to Get to Minnehaha Falls, GA at Lake Rabun
[Updated September 21, 2021] From Amicalola Falls and Anna Ruby Falls to Raven Cliff Falls and Panther Creek Falls, the Blue Ridge mountains offer an
How to Get to Hemlock Falls at Moccasin Creek State Park, Georgia
[Updated September 24, 2021] More than 20 years ago, I practiced my budding photography skills while exploring many of the hiking trails with waterfalls in Georgia.
How to Get to Anna Ruby Falls Near Helen, GA
[Updated September 21, 2021] Among the 100+ North Georgia waterfalls, Anna Ruby Falls was both the first I remember visiting as a child and the
Sampling Blue Ridge Restaurants on the Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour
[Updated November 6, 2021] As a boy growing up near the North Georgia mountains, I tended to take the Appalachian food of my family’s roots
Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Camping & Hiking Near Helen, GA
[Updated on 7/20/21] Growing up in Atlanta, the mountain town of Helen GA seemed like another world, with its festive Christmas in Helen celebration and
Visiting Expedition Bigfoot Museum (aka Sasquatch Museum) in Cherry Log, GA
[Updated November 6, 2021] The Expedition Bigfoot Museum is a uniquely intriguing attraction in Cherry Log GA. Located along Highway 515 just minutes outside of
Barnsley Gardens Resort Ruins: The Tragic Story Behind the Adairsville, GA Landmark
Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains (45 miles southwest of Ellijay), the Barnsley Gardens Resort ruins offer a rare glimpse of the
Vogel State Park: Camping, Hiking & History in Blairsville GA
[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