What is Blue Ridge, GA Best Known For?

Voted in 2022 as one of Southern Living Magazine’s Best Mountain Towns, Blue Ridge, Georgia, is one of the most beloved getaways in the Appalachian Mountains.

This lively city is best known for its endless opportunities for outdoor activities, not all of which are traditional. While hiking should be top of the list, this town is also known for gem mining, geocaching, and horseback riding.

In addition to spending time in nature, Blue Ridge offers great shopping, dining, wineries and breweries, and even a scenic train ride through the mountains.

You’ll have no shortage of fun during your memorable Blue Ridge getaway! Here is our guide to discovering the best of this Northern Georgia gem.

About Blue Ridge, Georgia

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When planning your cabin stay in Blue Ridge, you may wonder what this charming mountain town holds for your stay.

Outdoor recreation is the name of the game when it comes to this bustling small town, allowing visitors ample opportunities to hike its thousands of miles of trails. Mountain biking, whitewater paddling, and fishing also reign supreme in this outdoor paradise.

This area as a whole is known for its scenery. This includes scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, recreation areas like Lake Blue Ridge, and the surrounding national forests.

Location

This weekend getaway destination is located at the southernmost part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, whose massive reach crosses a dozen states, including nearby North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Blue Ridge can be found in Fannin County, in North Georgia. It is a charming, small town nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Less than a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Blue Ridge is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, a romantic retreat, or a memorable family vacation.

Weather

Blue Ridge benefits from mild weather year-round, meaning that in the summertime, you will appreciate temperatures cooler than surrounding lower-elevation areas. At the same time, in the winter, you can enjoy a mountain getaway without heavy snow and ice.

The spring season brings rainy yet warm weather and an explosion of greenery around the Blue Ridge area. Temperatures are mild but also perfect for outdoor activity. Fall brings the peak of colorful autumn foliage in October. The weather in fall is beautifully clear and cool with low humidity.

What is Blue Ridge Known For?

Hiking

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Blue Ridge is truly a hiker’s paradise! Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is full of recreation areas. The Chattahoochee National Forest is a great day trip and hosts hundreds of incredible hikes, including the start of the infamous Appalachian Trail.

Even if you aren’t ready for a strenuous hike, many of the state parks create an excellent opportunity to pull up a picnic table and admire the wildflowers from April to August.

Aska Trails

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The Aska Adventure Area in Blue Ridge is a 17-mile combo hiking and mountain biking trail system. Conveniently located near Downtown Blue Ridge, you can’t go wrong with a hike at Aska.

The hiking trails here range from one mile to 5.5 miles and are open year-round. Some routes ascend to nearly 3,200 feet, providing remarkable views of the surrounding mountains. The main Aska trailhead is located at Deep Gap, a 15-minute drive from the Welcome Center.

Appalachian Trail

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You can’t discuss hiking in North Georgia without mentioning the Appalachian Trail. This world-famous hiking route is nearly 2,200 miles long and spans from Georgia to Maine. The trail's starting point is located at Springer Mountain in North Georgia, a short drive from Blue Ridge.

Make a day of this famous hike and enjoy the satisfaction of hiking on one of the most famous trails in the world!

Benton MacKaye Trail

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The Benton MacKaye trail starts in the same place as the Appalachian Trail, Springer Mountain, and the two long-distance trails intertwine and cross over each other as they make their way north.

The Benton MacKaye trail stretches 300 miles from Springer Mountain and terminates at the northeast end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are numerous trailheads around Blue Ridge from which you can reach the Benton MacKaye trail. Some of the popular spots include Springer Mountain, Long Creek Falls, the Swinging Bridge Trail, Falls Branch Falls, and Dally Gap.

Cohutta Wilderness

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The 40,000-acre Cohutta Wilderness, the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi, is a fantastic hiking destination from Blue Ridge. The Jacks River Day Hike is a popular loop within an easy drive of town. The 4.1-mile out-and-back trail is a great experience for those who want an easy hike in the Cohutta Wilderness.

Mineral Springs Walking Trail

The Mineral Spring Walking Trail is a great option if you are looking for a family-friendly hike that isn’t too strenuous.

Located only five minutes outside Blue Ridge, this half-mile trail offers lovely woodland views and provides signs to educate visitors on native plant life. Leashed dogs are welcome here, so feel free to bring the whole family!

Birdwatching

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Blue Ridge and surrounding areas are well-known among birdwatchers as a top destination.

Dozens of bird species call the North Georgia mountains home, and many of them can be spotted from the comfort of your cabin.

Head down to the Toccoa River or Lake Blue Ridge to see water birds such as great blue heron, mallard ducks, osprey, and even the majestic bald eagle. Higher elevation birds can be found at Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. You can find pileated woodpeckers, broad-winged hawks, scarlet tanagers, and many more here.

Whitewater Rafting

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Thrill seekers will love the chance to go whitewater rafting in Blue Ridge! The Toccoa River offers Class I and II rapids with a few Class II+ rapids, meaning the experience can be easy for beginner paddlers while still providing plenty of excitement for more experienced adventurers.

Different sections of the Toccoa River allow for numerous types of whitewater recreation, including rafting, kayaking or canoeing, and tubing. In addition, multiple companies in Blue Ridge can take you on guided river trips or allow you to rent equipment for your own excursion.

Fishing

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Blue Ridge is well known for its fishing opportunities, with Toccoa River being known as the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia. Summer and fall are the most popular seasons for trout fishing near Blue Ridge, but it is possible to get a bite throughout winter as well.

Lake Blue Ridge provides opportunities to catch bass, walleye, and catfish, and a day floating on the picturesque lake is certainly a day well spent. The best way to spend time here is with prime access through a Georgia Fishing Cabin rental that will offer world-class fishing and cozy accommodations.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

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Other than the stunning mountain views and copious hiking opportunities, Blue Ridge may be best known for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Departing from the historic train depot in Downtown Blue Ridge, visitors can enjoy a four-hour round-trip ride through the stunning mountains and forests.

The first leg of the 26-mile journey takes you to the charming sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. These towns, situated right along the state border, are wonderful places to explore during your two-hour layover. Grab a bite, take some pictures, and enjoy the beauty of this quaint area before the one-hour return ride.

Shopping

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Blue Ridge is well known for the shopping in its charming downtown area. It is here that you can find shops of all kinds. Antiques, art, clothing, books, and boutiques await you in Blue Ridge.

For those looking to purchase some new outdoor gear for their North Georgia mountain adventures, be sure to stop by one of the outdoor retailers in the area. They will be happy to outfit you in gear appropriate for the season and desired activities.

The Vineyards

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While Southern Georgia might be known for its peaches, North Georgia is known as Wine Country! Blue Ridge is surrounded by fertile, productive land perfect for grapes and has allowed the region to make a name for itself in winemaking.

Here are some of the best wineries and vineyards surrounding Blue Ridge.

Bear Claw Vineyards

Bear Claw Vineyards is located just outside of Blue Ridge and offers incredible views and delicious wine. They are unique for their densely planted vineyard, which produces fewer grapes but makes better-tasting wine.

Serenberry Vineyards

Relax and take in the sights and sounds of the countryside with a visit to Serenberry Vineyards. Head over to their tasting barn, which dates back to the 1920s, and enjoy samples of their tasty wines. This is a lovely way to spend an evening on your Blue Ridge vacation.

Mercier Orchards

One of the best-known apple orchards in North Georgia, Mercier Orchards also produces their own farm wines. Some of the varieties include Fall Harvest Apple, Blackberry Winter, and Summer Sweet Peach. They also offer tastings that include the best wines from surrounding vineyards.

Cartecay Vineyards

Located just a few minutes from Blue Ridge, outside the town of Ellijay, is the gorgeous Cartecay Vineyards. Cartecay Vineyards produces numerous wines, including reds, whites, and roses, so everyone can find a vino they love during a tasting here.

The location in the scenic Cartecay region means you can enjoy beautiful views from the outdoor seating area or cozy up by the wood-fired stove on chilly evenings.

Chateau Meichtry

The family-owned and operated Chateau Meichtry Vineyard and winery is located outside Ellijay in a beautiful country setting. Vineyard tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday, and you can enjoy live music on Saturdays.

The Apple Orchards

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The climate of North Georgia makes it the perfect region to grow apples, and visiting an orchard is a fantastic family-friendly activity for all seasons. You can even pick your own apples in the autumn and try some yummy seasonal treats!

In addition to apple orchards, the farms in the Blue Ridge area have planted other seasonal fruits and vegetables, so no matter the time of year you visit, a day at a local orchard is sure to please.

Mercier Orchards

Mercier Orchards is a fourth-generation family-owned orchard that first opened in 1943. Now a staple of Blue Ridge, a day at Mercier Orchards is certainly a day well spent.

Depending on the season, you can pick your own strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and apples. The on-site market sells fruits, vegetables, preserves, and more. Mercier Orchards also produces bespoke wines and hard ciders, which can be enjoyed during a tasting or purchased to bring home with you.

Where to Eat in Blue Ridge

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Also known as a destination for foodies, Blue Ridge is a great place for those who want to try both classic Southern fare and new and unique dishes. Stop in at some of the restaurants in downtown Blue Ridge for an unforgettable culinary experience!

Black Sheep

Located in the historic Butt House, built in 1914, Black Sheep is one of the premier restaurants in Blue Ridge. Offering dishes described as “comfortably unfamiliar,” Black Sheep sources their ingredients locally and creates unforgettable meals.

Harvest On Main

As the name suggests, this popular restaurant is located on Main Street in Downtown Blue Ridge and provides a farm-to-table culinary experience. Be sure to stop by here to try some of the most beloved food in Blue Ridge.

Southern Charm Restaurant

For classic Southern fare, Southern Charm Restaurant is a must-visit. This casual eatery is a staple of Blue Ridge and provides the town with delicious, hearty, and comforting meals.

Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill

The Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill is ideal for travelers seeking classic American fare with a relaxed and comfortable pub environment. Known for great food and plenty of cold beer, this is a great place to spend an evening in Blue Ridge.

Where to Drink in Blue Ridge

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Blue Ridge is a fun, thriving mountain town known for their fantastic brewery scene. You’ll find that there is no shortage of locally-brewed craft beers and cool tap rooms in the Blue Ridge area. So after a day spent outdoors, enjoy a cold one at a Blue Ridge brewery!

Fannin Brewing Company

Fannin Brewing Company chose Blue Ridge as the home of their brewery for two specific reasons: fresh air and fresh water. These components are required for the best beer, and many agree that Fannin Brewing Company makes some of the best beer available.

Fannin Brewing is as local as it gets, and the names of their beers are evidence of this. Try their Blue Ridge lager, Hiawassee golden ale, and Toccoa brown.

Grumpy Old Men Brewing

You don’t have to be a grumpy old man to appreciate the beer from Grumpy Old Men Brewing! This Nano brewery was established in 2012 by, you guessed, two grumpy old men who wanted to share their love of great beer with the community.

Angry Hops Brewery

One of the newest breweries in Blue Ridge, Angry Hops, has already made a name for itself with its delicious beer and friendly staff. So head to their location on the edge of Blue Ridge to try one of their tasty creations.

Tipping Point Brewing Company

Located just across the street from the Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Tipping Point Brewing is open seven days a week and welcomes guests on the hunt for a delicious craft brew or seltzer. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Copperhill Brewery

The Copperhill Brewery is passionate about brewing high-quality, diverse, and delicious craft beer from their two taproom locations in Blue Ridge and Ducktown. With the wide variety of beers offered, you will easily find something for everyone!

Festivals and Events in Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge has no shortage of fun and unique festivals that are a perfect addition to your vacation. People all over the Southeast know Blue Ridge locals and visitors know how to get down. The calendar is filled with unique and fun annual festivals that are a fantastic addition to your vacation.

Blue Ridge Writers Conference

The Blue Ridge Writers Conference takes place annually in early April. Writers and literature enthusiasts gather to learn, share, and build a community surrounding their craft.

Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff

Over President’s Day weekend, you can experience the unique Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff in downtown Blue Ridge. This hot and cold competition combining chili and ice sculptures is fun for the whole family!

Troutfest and Outdoor Adventures

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, the Troutfest takes place on the last weekend in April and offers booths from local outdoor organizations and businesses, educational exhibits on trout fishing, entertainment, and food trucks.

Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz Festival

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The annual Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz festival takes place in June and is one of the premier art festivals in the area. Enjoy live jazz performances, delicious wine, fine art exhibits, and delicious food options at this special event.

Spring Arts in the Park

Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society, the Spring Arts in the Park festival over Memorial Day Weekend is an unmissable event.

With over 200 art, craft, and food booths, this event is a wonderful show of fine art, music, and dance. Bring the whole family and enjoy the beautiful artistry on display here.

Old Farmers Market Craft Fair

This area is plush with regular farmers markets. However, the Old Farmers Market Craft Fair is an exception that occurs twice yearly, on the last two weekends in April and October.

This fun event showcases local crafters and their homemade products and farmers from the region offering homegrown fruits, vegetables, and food items.

Independence Day Parade

If you are in Blue Ridge over the Fourth of July, the Blue Ridge Independence Day Parade is a great time for guests of all ages! The celebration and parade occur in Downtown Blue Ridge on the Saturday closest to the fourth of July.

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo

Pull on your boots and enjoy the excitement of the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo in August! This classic Western rodeo features bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing, and more. Guests of all ages will love this unique event.

Labor Day Barbecue

Celebrate Labor Day in Blue Ridge with their annual Labor Day Barbecue! This festival begins at 11 am and continues until the food runs out. Great food and entertainment are guaranteed at this event!

Fall Foliage Train Rides

Enjoy the special fall event put on by the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway every year in October and early November. This is a fantastic way to see the colorful foliage lighting up the Blue Ridge mountains.

Paws in the Park

Bring Fido to the Downtown Blue Ridge City Park on the second weekend of October for the Paws in the Park festival. Offering a pet parade, educational demonstrations, a costume contest, and more, this is a great event for pet parents.

Light Up Blue Ridge Festival

Downtown Blue Ridge becomes home to the Light Up Blue Ridge Festival on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. This Christmas festival has music, refreshments, caroling, and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. In the evening, you can meet Santa and enjoy the official lighting of the town Christmas tree!

New Year’s Wine Train

You can enjoy the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s holiday train every weekend in December. As you meander through the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves of the North Pole. Enjoy Christmas stories and caroling with your family.

Stay and Play in Blue Ridge, Georgia

With endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, water sports, birdwatching, and more, it makes sense that this place is so popular!

In addition to its outdoorsy reputation, Blue Ridge offers delicious dining, numerous breweries and vineyards, and family-friendly activities like apple picking and annual festivals. So you can rest assured that you will have an unforgettable vacation when you book a cabin in Blue Ridge.