A Travelers Guide to Morganton, GA
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains just northwest of Blue Ridge, Morganton, Georgia, is a quaint mountain town known for its unparalleled scenery and endless outdoor adventures. This hidden gem is loaded with unique activities, from family-owned wineries to water sports to one-of-a-kind local attractions.
Beyond relaxing in your cozy Blue Sky cabin rental, we want you to get the most out of your Blue Ridge mountain getaway. So we’ve put together the ultimate traveler’s guide to Morganton so you don’t miss any of the fun!
About Morganton, GA
Photo Credit: ESB Professional
Morganton, Georgia, is a charming small town nestled in the North Georgia mountains, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Morganton is surrounded by lush forests, serene lakes, and panoramic mountain views.
The town is located near the shores of Lake Blue Ridge, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Despite its small size, Morganton boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several historical sites and annual events that attract visitors from far and wide. It also has several unique shops, eateries, and wineries, blending rural charm and modern amenities.
Getting Around
Situated in Fannin County, Morganton is located just 1.5 hours from Chattanooga, TN and 2 hours from Atlanta. Our cabin rentals are conveniently scattered throughout Morganton, making it easy to access all of the amazing amenities nearby.
We recommend renting a vehicle for easy transportation to the many activities surrounding Morganton. Don’t worry - you won’t need your vehicle much once you land at your destination! From the many hiking trails nearby to neighboring Blue Ridge downtown strolls, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore by foot.
When to Visit
It’s hard for us to pick our favorite time in the North Georgia mountains because there’s something special about each season. Fall is perhaps the most popular time to visit due to the beautiful foliage, mild weather, and countless fall activities. Visitors enjoy apple picking and visiting pumpkin patches.
If you prefer warm weather activities, Spring and Summer are lovely times to enjoy lush mountain views, Lake Blue Ridge water sports, and the many North Georgia waterfalls nearby.
And, of course, we can’t forget winter. With mild weather, it’s a no brainer to escape frigid temperatures up north. We especially love this time for cozying up in our cabins, celebrating the holidays, and possibly catching a glimpse of snow on the mountaintops!
Activities in Morganton
Morganton Point Recreation Area
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Photo Credit: ChattOconeeNF via Flickr CC2.0
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Address: 475 Lake Dr, Morganton, GA
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Entrance Fee: $5 for day-use per person (16+), $50 season pass (up to 4 people), and $5 for boat launch
Part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Morganton Point Recreation Area offers 60 miles of recreational shoreline along Lake Blue Ridge. The outdoor area boasts a range of land and water activities, including gear rentals for kayaking and paddle-boarding.
Morganton Point Recreational Area is open year-round. It also offers a picnic area, on-site restrooms, a snack station, and a boat launch.
Tank Town USA
Photo Credit: Anna Smith
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Address: 10408 Appalachian Hwy, Morganton, GA
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Website: tanktownusa.com
If you’ve ever wanted to drive a real tank (and crush a car!), you’re in for a treat. Tank Town USA is often ranked the #1 thing to do in Morganton for a reason. This unique attraction invites you to drive military tanks and construction equipment around their 5-acre course, crushing all your obstacles.
Tank Town USA is a fun, family-friendly adventure that you can only find in Morganton. There are multiple pricing options, including group trips. They typically require reservations, so be sure to book early if you plan to participate in this thrill-seeking activity.
Project Chimps
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Address: 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA
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Website: projectchimps.org
Project Chimps is a chimpanzee sanctuary in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 236-acre grounds provide lifelong care for chimpanzees who are retired from research.
For animal lovers looking to experience this unique attraction, Project Chimps offers walking tours for families and groups. The 60-90 minute tour takes you through the Peachtree Habitat, where you can observe chimpanzees as they roam the open space. You can also opt for the Lunch Launch, where your group feeds chimpanzees their lunch!
Tours are available any day of the week but must be scheduled in advance.
Where to Eat and Drink in Morganton
Serenberry Vineyards
Photo Credit: Karen Morris
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Address: 450 Tipton Trail, Morganton, GA
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Website: serenberryvineyards.com
Serenberry Vineyards is a family-owned winery offering a peaceful atmosphere, tranquil views, and, of course, delicious wine. Open Thursday-Sunday year-round, it’s the perfect activity to enjoy any time of the year. We recommend the Guided Wine Tastings inside their tasting room, where you can sip various wines while learning how they're made. These tastings are first come, first serve - so make sure to arrive early!
There’s also plenty of room on the grounds to roam the grapevines, enjoy a picnic, and enjoy the beautiful scenery over a bottle of wine. Your furry friends are invited, too!
The Cove Fish Camp
Photo Credit: Richard Garceau
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Address: 45 Bypass Rd, Morganton, GA
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Price point: $$
The Cove Fish Camp is a favorite among locals. This casual restaurant is known for its delicious Southern food and warm, inviting atmosphere.
It’s hard to visit without trying one of their beloved Seafood dishes, from appetizers like smoked trout dip to one of their fish platters cooked any way you like. Each platter comes with hush puppies and their infamous coleslaw.
If seafood isn’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with the smash burger or chicken sandwich! The Cove Fish Camp is open Thursday-Monday for dine-in or take out.
Cucina Rustica
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Address: 76 Forge Mill Rd, Morganton, GA
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Price point: $$$
Can you think of anything better than a hearty Italian meal after a day of hiking? Cucina Rustica serves delicious country-style Italian cuisine in a rustic yet elegant atmosphere right in the heart of Morganton.
The rotating, seasonal menu offers a variety of antipasti, salad, and pasta dishes. Whether you choose the burrata caprese, wild mushroom ravioli, or veal parmigiana - you’re in for a treat. Don’t forget to pair it with a wine from their extensive wine list, too.
The restaurant is small and cozy, so be sure to book reservations in advance. And if you’re looking for a casual option, head to their sister restaurant, La Pizzeria, for delicious pizzas!
Explore and Stay in Morganton, Ga
It’s clear how much we love the quaint town of Morganton, Georgia. It’s got everything you look for in a mountain getaway: beautiful views, outdoor adventures, and unique attractions that you can only find here.
Perfectly situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest along Lake Blue Ridge, our Morganton cabin rentals are the perfect landing spot for all of your North Georgia adventures. Come cozy up and make the most of your trip with our Morganton traveler’s guide!