The Best Charming Towns to visit in North Georgia
Welcome to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. We’re happy to have you!
Drive two hours from Atlanta to the far corner of Northeast Georgia and you’ll be transported into a different world. Big, busy highways give way to narrow, winding mountain roads. High rise buildings and sprawling suburbs give way to thick forests that look entirely different depending on which season you’re visiting. There’s something in these hills—something magical that can’t be described. Intrigued?
The North Georgia mountains are sprawling, and small towns are a dime a dozen. However, a select few really stand out for providing a unique and genuine Blue Ridge experience.
If you’re wondering where to go for a true taste of Appalachia, we’ve got you covered. These five mountain towns might be small but what they lack in square footage they more than make up for in personality and charm.
Ellijay, Georgia
Ellijay tops our list of ‘charming’ North Georgia towns—and it’s not hard to figure out why. The immediate area offers abundant farmland, hiking and biking trails, and placid lakes perfect for watersports and adventure.
If apple picking is on your bucket list, Ellijay—also known as the ‘Apple Capital of Georgia’—is home to four of the Appalachians top orchards: Red Apple Barn, Hillcrest Orchards, R&A Orchards, and B.J. Reece Orchards. Each offers a unique experience, but rest assured that no matter which farm you visit you’ll be able to free-pick your own bushel or stock up on pre-baked apple treats.
Wineries are also abundant in Ellijay, with top-rated destinations including Cartecay Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards, and Ellijay River Vineyards. Stop in to sip and sample the mountain’s sweet nectar or grab a few souvenir bottles to enjoy later. Many of the vineyards also offer on-site dining and special events throughout the week. Or, if your palate is craving something a little stronger, head over to White Path Creek Distillery, which proudly touts being the ‘Apple Brandy Distiller of the South’. Peruse the scenic grounds, learn about the history of Appalachian distilling, and sample various apple brandy concoctions.
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Blue Ridge, Georgia
Located just 90-minutes north of Atlanta, Blue Ridge is one of the largest and most popular towns in North Georgia—but don’t fret, there’s still plenty of mountain charm to be seen.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is an absolute ‘must’ for visitors of any age. This historic train takes explorers on a 45-minute excursion along the Toccoa River and through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trip includes a two-hour layover at Copperhill/McCaysville—a town with two names because it’s split by the GA/TN state line. Visitors can peruse antique shops, stop for lunch and ice cream, and tour the endearing town before boarding the train for the picturesque ride back.
The Lilly Pad is another top destination for families. Located in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area, Lilly Pad visitors can mine for indigenous gems, play a rousing round of mini-golf, plan a mountain picnic, or even try their hand at fishing.
For a touch of nostalgia, settle in for an old-fashioned drive-in theater. Established in 1955, Swan Drive-In is one of the state’s four remaining drive-in theaters. Enjoy the full movie experience with snacks and drinks available at the concession stand.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention Mercier Orchards. Family owned and operated since the 1940’s, Mercier is your one-stop-shop for fresh fruits, hand-pressed ciders, homemade jams and pies, and so much more.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Variety is the spice of life in Dahlonega, a small North Georgia town with a big personality. This is a great day trip option for visitors looking to experience everything from wine to waterfalls.
We’ll start with the latter—Cane Creek Falls. Located on the grounds of Camp Glisson, Cane Creek is easy to access and requires less than a mile of walking round-trip. The falls are 85-feet tall and wide, cascading gently over jutted rock formations. This is a quick and easy waterfall to add to your outdoor bucket list!
After you check that off your list, go for the gold at Consolidated Gold Mining Company. This indoor gold museum and gem mining facility was a working mine during the Georgia gold rush of the late-1800s. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the mining facilities and try their hand at panning for gold and gems. Tours also include a brief history of North Georgia gold mining and an overview of different gems that can be found on the mountain. Be sure to stop by the gift shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir!
After a productive day of sightseeing, rewards yourself with a glass (or two) of locally sourced wine. Hailed as the “wine tasting room capital of Georgia'', Dahlonega offers no shortage of wineries, vineyards, tasting rooms, and wine shops. Wolf MountainVineyards, Kaya Vineyards & Winery, Cavender Creek Vineyards, Montaluce Winery, and Frogtown Winery are all with a grape’s throw of town.
Blairsville, Georgia
Photo Credit: Stephen Rahn via Flickr CC2.0
Outdoor enthusiasts will absolutely love the wide-open trails, placid rivers and lakes, and hidden waterfalls near Blairsville.
Take in views from the top of the world (well, almost) at Brasstown Bald. Located in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this observation deck is the highest point in Georgia, sitting at 4,784-feet above sea level. On a clear day, visitors can see four states—Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Aside from panoramic mountain views, the visitor’s area offers a gift shop, picnic areas, and plenty of nearby hiking.
If you’re looking for a little fun on the water, scope out Lake Winfield Scott in Suches and Lake Nottely. Both lakes offer ample outdoor activities—boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, and more. Alternatively, Vogel State Park, one of the state’s oldest state parks, is also in the area and offers a 20-acre lake and beach plus hiking trails and waterfalls.
Blairsville also claims more than 80 miles of the Appalachian Trail, making it a popular spot for hikers and bikers looking to explore this historic expedition.
For a unique mountain experience, schedule a visit to Lasso The Moon Alpaca Farm. Open seasonally, this one-of-a-kind destination offers a variety of unexpected educational experiences, including jewelry making classes, fiber art classes, and plenty of alpaca education. Don’t forget to stop by the farm gallery store to find unique souvenirs like alpaca socks, blankets, jewelry, and more.
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Dawsonville, Georgia
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A foothill Apalachia town, Dawsonville marks the beginning of more than just the mountains. It’s the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, home to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (a popular draw for NASCAR enthusiasts), and several family-friendly farms and attractions.
From an outdoor perspective, Dawsonville is a great place for hikers and bikers. The trails are less steep than what you’d find farther up the mountain, making it great for beginners or families with children. Amicalola Falls State Park, aptly named for its stunning 730-foot waterfall, is one of our favorite places to explore and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
For a family adventure, visit one of the area’s two corn mazes—Uncle Shuck’s or Buck’s (no relation, despite the rhyme). Or, if pumpkin spice is your favorite flavor, check out Burt’s Farm or Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch. Mountain farms offer everything from petting zoos and mazes to pumpkin patches, farmer’s markets, and so much more. Some of the farms and attractions are seasonal, so be sure to check hours and availability in advance.
Honorable Mention: Helen, Georgia
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You can’t talk about charming North Georgia towns without mentioning Helen, Georgia. Take a trip back in time to historic Germany without ever leaving the state! Home to the Blue Ridge’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, Helen is a place unlike anywhere else.
The Chattahoochee River runs through the heart of town and is the source of endless fun in the spring, summer, and fall. Tubing is the most popular way to traverse the river, though canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding trips are also available.
If you’d rather explore the mountains from afar, try ziplining. There are multiple courses near Helen that will take you soaring through the Chattahoochee Forest.
If chasing waterfalls is on your list, be sure to pencil in a hike to Anna Ruby Falls, a stunning double waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The total trip is less than a mile in length, making it easily accessible for groups and families. At 155-feet tall, you’ll likely hear the falls before you see them, but don’t let that scare you away. Anna Ruby is a gentle giant, and you can enjoy all of her majesty safely from the wooden viewing deck.
Of course, we can’t overlook historic Downtown Helen. This quaint little town features Bavarian-style architecture throughout with an ample array of shops and restaurants. Notable finds include unique hand-blown souvenirs at The Glassblowing Shop, succulent treats at Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, and the world’s largest Alpine model railroad collection at Charlemange’s Kingdom.