Exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia

Part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range, the Blue Ridge Mountains span 35,000 miles from Pennsylvania to North Georgia. They are home to some of the most popular landmarks in America: the Appalachian Trail, the Smoky Mountains, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, a world-famous scenic drive through the mountains.

Georgia’s Blue Ridge mountains, also known as the North Georgia mountains, are located at the northern tip of the state, just before crossing over to Tennessee and North Carolina. This portion of the Blue Ridge mountains is known for its incredible hiking trails, state parks, rivers, and more.

Sprinkled throughout the North Georgia mountains, our Blue Sky Cabin rentals are the perfect landing spot for exploring the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia. Come stay with us and discover the wonders of this magical region.
 

Getting to Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Photo Credit: gcendries

The North Georgia mountains are conveniently located around two hours north of Atlanta and two hours southeast of Chattanooga, making it easy to travel here from multiple directions.

While ride-sharing is available from nearby cities, we recommend traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains by car so that you can access the many adventures that await you. It’s helpful to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get up and down the mountains as you explore.

We have mountain cabins in the many small towns scattered throughout the Blue Ridge mountains, including Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Cherry Log, and Mineral Bluff. And while our cozy cabins offer incredible mountain views, hot tubs, and more, there’s so much to discover when you get out and explore the Blue Ridge mountains.
 

Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Reach the Springer Mountain Summit

Photo Credit: Alexander Lerch via Flickr CC2.0

Springer Mountain is the starting point of Georgia’s Appalachian Trail, just a short drive from our vacation rentals in Ellijay. At 3,780 feet of elevation, Springer Mountain’s summit is accessible by many routes.

Visitors can choose a short, one-mile hike from the mountain’s parking area for easy access to the views. If you want a longer 10-mile hike, start at Amicalola Fall State Park, pass the largest natural waterfall in Georgia, and make your way to Springer Mountain’s summit. Once there, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest.

Take a Ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Photo Credit: Lucy Kowalski

Looking for a unique way to take in the Blue Ridge mountains? Hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway!

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a 26-mile journey through the North Georgia mountains starting in Downtown Blue Ridge. It takes you through mountain towns, along the Toccoa River, and through the Chattahoochee National Forest before making its way back to the 100-year-old historic station in Downtown Blue Ridge. The journey takes 4 hours total, with two hours on the train and two hours exploring the small town of Mccaysville, Georgia.

The railway operates from March to December. There are multiple coach types, so be sure to head to their website for ticket information.

Hike Georgia’s Appalachian Trail

Photo Credit: EWY Media

The infamous Appalachian Trail runs the length of the Blue Ridge mountains, with the southernmost tip in North Georgia.

Some of the most popular Georgia AT spots include Springer Mountain, Long Creek Falls, and Blood Mountain. If your goal is to start at the very beginning of the Appalachian Trail, head to Springer Mountain and its many trailheads.

Perhaps the most famous AT hike in Georgia is Blood Mountain via Neels Gap, a 4-mile roundtrip hike to the highest point of the Appalachian Trail.

If you’re chasing waterfalls, the Three Forks to Long Creek Falls trail offers a 2-mile roundtrip, forest-filled hike that leads to a cascading waterfall.

No matter what route you take, it’s hard to go wrong when hiking the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

Visit the Chattahoochee National Forest

Photo Credit: Anne Elle

The Chattahoochee National Forest consists of over 750,000 acres of protected land in North Georgia. It is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails, plenty of bodies of water, and over 500 wildlife species.

The Chattahoochee National Forest is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor adventures during your mountain getaway. The forest includes multiple recreational areas along lakes and hiking trails, making it easy to enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, and much more.

If you’d prefer a scenic drive through the forest, head to the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Highway. This 40-mile drive lets you experience the beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest from your vehicle. The byway also provides access to several hiking trails, waterfalls, and serene picnic spots.

Enjoy Water Activities on Blue Ridge Mountain Rivers

Photo Credit: Kelly vanDellen

Plenty of rivers wind through the Blue Ridge mountains of North Georgia. Popular water activities nearby include whitewater rafting, fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more.

We recommend heading to the Toccoa River for its whitewater rapids. This 93-mile river is the perfect spot to go kayaking or whitewater rafting. Along the Toccoa, you’ll also find the Toccoa River Canoe Trail. This 14-mile stretch of the river offers incredible mountain views and diverse wildlife as you float down its mild waters.

The Toccoa River flows into Lake Blue Ridge, which is the perfect spot for fishing, boating, and swimming on the lake.

Best Time to Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge mountains are beautiful year-round, with each season offering something unique.

Winter

Winter is magical in the North Georgia mountains. With mild winter weather in the South, it’s easy to enjoy outdoor activities, celebrate the holidays, and cozy up in your cabin rental. You might even get a little snow!

Spring

Everything comes alive in the Spring. It’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor adventures, including hiking and waterfall chasing. Stroll Downtown Blue Ridge or Ellijay and enjoy the many al fresco dining options around, too.

Summer

Summer is ideal for water activities, including kayaking, boating, and more. It’s also a great time to tour the local breweries and wineries and enjoy delicious drinks with mountain views.

Fall

Finally, there’s nothing like Fall in the North Georgia mountains. Go apple picking at Mercier Orchards, spot fall foliage on your scenic drives, and enjoy the crisp fall weather from your cozy cabin.
 

Enjoy Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

We might be biased, but we think Georgia’s Blue Ridge mountains are incredibly special. From the picturesque mountain views to the endless outdoor adventures and water activities, visitors will never run out of ways to explore the North Georgia mountains.

Come stay with us at Blue Sky Cabins and take in all of the beauty around you. No matter when you choose to visit, we know you’ll love being in the Blue Ridge mountains.