Blue Ridge Georgia

Gateway to the Mountains

Lake Blue Ridge

Fannin County calls itself the “gateway to the mountains.” Blue Ridge Georgia is located just 1.5 hours north of Atlanta, within reach for an afternoon drive.  Close enough for a stress free weekend getaway. The townships of the county are Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Aska Adventure Area, Dial and Epworth. With an approximate population of 25,817 as of 2021.

Water Recreation

Lake Blue Ridge a 3290-acre lake is 11 miles long with over 100 miles of lake frontage/shoreline. Near Blue Ridge Georgia, Lake Blue Ridge offers boating, swimming, hiking camping, picnicking, water skiing and fishing. The lake shimmers like a sapphire in a green granite setting.  An inviting way to spend a hot summer afternoon.  The Toccoa River is called the Toccoa for its 56 miles through Georgia.  Once it reaches McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, the river’s name changes to the Ocoee. The Ocoee River is famous for its whitewater rafting. The river is  host to whitewater slalom events.  It was the kayaking destination for the Centennial 1996 Summer Olympics.   Both Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa / Ocoee river offer great water recreation in the summertime months. Therefore making Blue Ridge Georgia a favorite family vacation destination.

Wilderness Area

Jacks River Falls Cohutta Wilderness

The Cohutta Wilderness is the largest National Forest Wilderness in the Eastern United States. It has over 30,000 acres of forest land. Hence it is great for the hiker, fisherman, four wheeler, hunter or horse back rider.  The Chattahoochee National Forest covers 749,689 acres in north Georgia.   Over 40 percent of the land in Fannin County is national forest land (106,000 acres). The Chattahoochee National Forest  has altitudes of 1,760 feet to 4,000 feet above sea level. Recreational activities around Blue Ridge Georgia are many. They include  hiking to local waterfalls like Falls Branch Falls and Long Creek Falls.   Horseback riding on forested trails is a favorite.  Fly fishing trout rivers, creeks and streams in the area is a must. Some favorite fishing spots are Jack’s River, Conasauga River, Toccoa River, Rock Creek, Noontootla Creek and Cooper Creek.  So why not try this favorite past time for yourself?

Downtown Blue Ridge

The town of Blue Ridge is a bargain hunter’s paradise.  Downtown is loaded with specialty shops and restaurants. It is well known for it’s antique shops, art galleries and unique furniture stores. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association offers many art classes. It helps promote local artist in the private art galleries in town. Giving the adventurous shopper lots of choices from talented artist of the area.

The train depot is the center piece of the town. It’s on the National Registry of Historical Places.  A jewel in the crown of Blue Ridge, Georgia. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has train rides to Copperhill Tennessee and back.  This is now a weekend tradition here. You can be sure the train is running around the many festivals held in the town park by the depot. A must do on your visit to the mountains.   In conclusion, there is truly something for everyone in the mountains of North Georgia.

Plan your visit to Blue Ridge Georgia

If you’re just looking for something to do one weekend and you live in Atlanta. Blue Ridge Georgia  is just a short drive away. You will literally feel the stress melt away as you head toward the “Gateway to the Mountains.” If you are looking for Property in the area contact Gary Ward Of Advantage Chatuge Realty. Having lived in Blue Ridge for 7 years and these mountains for the last 32 years,  he knows the area well.