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What to Do In/Around Blue Ridge:
Our luxury vacation cabin rentals are located in the Aska Adventure area in Blue Ridge, Georgia, ideally located near the border of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.  Given this pristine location at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an abundance of outdoor mountain activities are at your disposal.  In addition, there is an option to participate in an array of other activities within and around the charming town of Blue Ridge, Georgia.  See below for some activities near our Georgia cabin rentals:

Hiking:
The Blue Ridge hiking trails will also accommodate mountain bikers at various levels that appeal to beginners or advanced level riders.  Two popular trail areas include the Aska Adventure Area and the Cohutta National Forest.  In addition, the Ocoee Whitewater Center also offers an array of activities, including hiking, and has something for all family members to enjoy.



Aska Trails:  This trail area includes a 17 mile hiking/mountain biking trail system in the National Forest close to our mountain cabin rentals.  The trails are accessed off of Aska Road with parking near Deep Gap in Blue Ridge.  The trails range from 1 to 5.5 miles and offer a range of difficulty.  For more information on these trials, we recommend a visit to the Blue Ridge, GA chamber of commerce site www.blueridgemountains.com.   Meanwhile, here are some initial details on some of the trails:

    • Deep Gap Trail: located off of Aska Road- advanced hiking trail and/or single track mountain biking trail.

    • Flat Creek Trail:  4 mile hiking trail (the loop is 5.9 mile single-track trail); approximately 1.5 hours over creek crossings and rocks with great vistas.

    • Green Mountain Trail: 4.6 mile easy to moderate hiking trail; leaves from Deep Gap in the Aska Adventure area and takes approximately 2 hours; Offers views overlooking Lake Blue Ridge.

    • Lake Blue Ridge Trail: 0.6 mile easy hiking trail; Flat trail that follows the lake’s shoreline and is ideal for families with children.

    • Long Branch Trail: 2.3 mile easy hiking trail loop with double track for mountain bikers; Approximately 0.5 hours over an old roadbed with a creek crossing and excellent views.

    • Stanley Gap Trail: 4.6 mile moderate to difficult steep hiking trail with access off of Stanley Creek Road; Approximately 1.5 hours with a 3,365 elevation; Recommended to leave a second car at the end of the trail.

    • Stanley Creek Loop: 1.4 mile easy, gravel Forest service’s road with single track; Approximately 1 hour; Takes you along Stanley Creek.

    • Water Falls off of Stanley Creek Road: a 20 minute hike up to the falls with moderate elevation change makes this a great hike for people across all skill levels.

    • Rich Mountain Wilderness Preserve: Experienced hike where it is suggested that hikers carry topographical maps, compass and survival gear. This area has a large bear population; Trail crosses several streams and also along waterfalls.         

Cohutta National Forest District Trails:  This trail area includes over 95 miles of hiking trails within Georgia and Tennessee.  If interested in hiking these trails, we recommend for you to get a map and check river and weather conditions from the US Forest Service via:  www.fs.fed.us/air/ or www.fs.fed.us/maps/. Meanwhile, see below for some details on a few of the Cohutta trails.

  • South Fork Trail & Loop: 3 mile moderate, US Forest Service hiking and mountain biking trail; Approximately 1.5 hours across an old logging roadbed.  For the loop, add about 1.5 hours to traverse another 5.2 miles on a gravel forest road alongside a waterfall

  • Benton MacKaye Trail: 78.6 mile trail that can be subdivided into day hikes and is suitable for hiking and some mountain biking.  One section of the trail takes you across the Swinging Bridge, the longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi. One of the most popular hiking trails in the area and stretches from Springer Mountain to Double Spring Gap on the Tennessee border. The first 20 miles of this trail merge with the Appalachian Duncan Ridge Trails.  

  • Panther Creek Trail:  3.4 mile, moderately difficult to strenuous hiking trail with some rocky sections, that is both popular and scenic; Highlights include a high waterfall.

  • Beech Bottom Trail:  4.0 mile, easy to moderately difficult hiking trail; Heavily used and provides access to other trails as well as Jacks River Falls.

  • Conasauga River Trail:  13 mile easy to moderate trail which follows the beautiful Conasauga River.

  • Appalachian Trail (Beginning):  Experienced trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine and its southern access point is located about 45-minutes away from downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia.
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Fishing:
Fishing/ Fly Fishing:  North Georgia is well known for its trout fishing along its many creeks, rivers and streams, but also offers other game fish depending upon where you go.  Remember to get a Georgia fishing license before embarking which can be done on line at:  www.georgiawildlife.com
Fishing hours for trout streams: 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset (Important:  night fishing is not allowed)
For more information on trout fishing rules, stream maps, special regulations and delayed harvest streams go to: www.gofishgeorgia.com 
Here are a few sample places that you may enjoy fishing in:

  • Lake Blue Ridge:  Known for Smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye & largemouth bass. 

  • Toccoa River: 3290 acre reservoir that is known for rainbow trout and brown trout.

  • Lake Nottely- Lake Nottely is a great fishing lake.  Known for largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie & striped bass. 

  • Carter’s Lake:  Known for spotted bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass.  For more information go to  carters.sam.usace.army.mil or 706.334.2248.

Fishing Guides:

  • Reel'em In Guide Service: 706.273.0764.  Run by James who offers fly fishing lessons and guided trips in trout streams and rivers around Fannin County.

  • SharperBites, fly-fishing: www.sharperbites.com or 706.632.7051. Offer day wade or canoe fishing trips, as well as fly fishing trips, on the Toccoa River in the North Georgia Mountains.

  • Sweetwater Anglers: www.sweetwateranglers.com/ or 706.530.2228.  Offers fly fishing guide service for private trout water trips.

  • UpperRiver Fly Fishing Guides: www.upperriver.net or 800.206.8024.  Offer 8’ pontoon boats and fly fishing for rainbow trout.
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Horseback Riding:

  • Adventure Trail Rides: www.adventuretrailrides.com 706.258-BARN. Located close to Ellijay, Ocoee River and Copperhill.

  • Blanche Manor: www.blanchemanor.com 706.455.7433.  Located 15 minutes north of Blue Ridge, Georgia, convenient to the towns of Blue Ridge and Copperhill, and the rivers of the Ocoee and Hiawassee.

  • Trackrock Stables Trail Rides: www.trackrock.com 706.745.5252.  250 acres bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest in Blairsville, Georgia just 20 minutes from Blue Ridge, Georgia.  Also offers Horse Camp of Kids for ages 7 and up during the summer.
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Whitewater Rafting: 
There are several rivers around North Georgia that you can white water raft along including the Ocoee, Nantahala and Chattooga Rivers.

The Ocoee River is known for its big, closely spaced rapids which makes it one of the most popular whitewater rivers across the U.S. No other river in the Southeast offers the degree of challenge, safety and consistent water flow that is found here. Take note that the minimum age limit is 12 years.  Only 20 mins from Blue Ridge, GA located in Ducktown, TN.

Nantahala River Gorge is about 70 miles north of Blue Ridge, Georgia and is a favorite for families with young children.  Take note of the minimum age limit of 7 years or 60 pounds.  There are Class II rapids on an 8 mile journey through North Carolina’s gorgeous mountain terrain.

The Chattooga River is about 80 miles from Blue Ridge, GA and is located in Long Creek.  This is the only raftable river in the Southeast that has been designated “Wild and Scenic” by Congress. Take note of the minimum age limit of about 8 years, depending on the river class chosen.
Some rafting companies you may consider include:

Ocoee Adventure Center: www.ocoeeadventurecenter.com/ or 1.888.723.8622.  Offers rafting, guided biking and hiking, kayaking on the Ocoee River.
    • Ocoee Rafting: www.ocoeerafting.com or 1.800.251.4800. 15 to 20 minutes from Blue Ridge.Rafting trips average 1.5 to 2 hours taking you through 20 continuous Class III and IV rapids on the Ocoee River.

    • Wildwater Rafting Ltd: www.wildwaterrafting.com or 866.319.8870. Offers rafting trips on the Ocoee River, Nantahala River or Chattooga River.

    • Southeastern Expeditions: www.southeasternexpeditions.com or 800.868.7238.  Specializing in rafting trips on the Ocoee and the Chattooga Rivers. Trips average 3-4 hours.
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Other River Activities:

Canoeing/Kayaking/Tubing: The Toccoa River is an excellent place to enjoy a day of kayaking, canoeing or tubing. There are outfitters across the county, as well as a few in the Aska Adventure Area of Blue Ridge, GA which is close to our North Georgia cabin rentals. Outfitters not only offer equipment, but also transportation back to your car at the end of your journey and include the following options:

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Blue Ridge Scenic Railway


The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of the "must see" attractions in the north Georgia mountains. This historical trail ride connects the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville and offers an opportunity to witness the beautiful Toccoa River and see some stunning fall scenery. www.brscenic.com or 877.413.8724

About the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville:

  • Blue Ridge is a charming mountain town that offers eclectic shopping and dining in a quaint small town setting. With the historic Blue Ridge Depot at its center, Blue Ridge is a center for arts and galleries, antiques, unique shopping and eateries.

  • McCaysville:  This town has a rich history in copper mining and once here, you can actually keep one foot in Georgia and one foot in Tennessee at the same time.
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Lake Activities:
Lake Blue Ridge is a popular destination for many visitors with several public boat ramps.  Located off of Aska Road, the lake is an 11 mile long clear lake surrounded by mountains.  At the Lake Blue Ridge Marina www.LakeBlueRidgeMarina.com 706.632.2618 you can rent or access the following during the summer season:

  • Canoes
  • Pontoon boats
  • Restaurant
  • Store (including water ski equipment rental)
  • Wave Runners

Lake Nottely – www.georgialakeinfo.com is a 20 mile long, clear deep water lake.  For more information on watercraft rentals, boat slips and other amenities, contact the full service marina/s including:  Nottely Marina (706 745 3638) Marina offers access to and/or for rent:

  • General Store
  • Pontoon Boats
  • Ski Boats
  • Jet Skis
  • Fishing Boats with fishing bait and tackle available
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Quail/Pheasant Hunting and Skeet Shooting:
Take in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains with outstanding quail and pheasant hunting or sporting clays.

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Golf:
You are never too far from a golf resort when staying at one of our vacation cabin rentals.  While in the Blue Ridge mountains you are bound to be taken back by the beautiful vistas and may even enjoy some wildlife sightings.

  • Brasstown Valley Resort:  Young Harris.  706.379.4613.  Offers an 18-hole public course and a comprehensive golf club, located in a pristine valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia.  45 minutes away from Blue Ridge.

  • Butternut Creek Golf Course:  Blairsville.  706.439.6076.  Offers an 18 hole public course that offers 6,536 yards of fairways and is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  • Whitepath Golf Course: 706.276.3080. Public 18 hole course nestled in the North Georgia mountains overlooking a trout stream and 4 lakes only 20 minutes from Blue Ridge, GA.
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Shopping/ Antiquing: 
The town of Blue Ridge is constantly attracting new and different store owners.  For a broader list, we encourage you to visit the Blue Ridge Chamber of Commerce site blueridgemountains.com.  Meanwhile, a few stores that we have visited in downtown Blue Ridge include:

  • High Country Art and Antiques: www.highcountryart.com 706.632.6882. North Georgia art gallery located in the heart of historic Blue Ridge.  Offers eclectic collectibles.

  • Hucks General Store:  500 East Main Street  Blue Ridge, GA 30513-7154.  706.946.4825.
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Orchards/Berry Picking:  

North Georgia is known for its delicious fruit farms and depending upon the time of year, you may be able to take your family berry or apple picking.  Here are a few destinations you may opt to check out while staying at one of our Georgia cabin rentals.

  • Merciers Apple Orchard: 8660 Blue Ridge Drive  Blue Ridge, GA 30513  www.mercier-orchards.com 706.632.3411 or 1.800.361.7731.  This family owned orchard is nestled in the North Georgia Mountains and sells locally grown fruit including strawberries, blackberries sweet cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples and more.   Also while there, don’t miss their bakery where they offer fried apple pies, apple fritters, muffins, apple bread, apple cider and homemade ice cream or their gift shop. 

  • Blake Collins:  843 Collins Road, Morganton, GA 30560. 706.374.5674 This blueberry farm is open July –September.  Please bring your own containers and call in advance for hours and directions.   

  • Red Apple Barn:  3379 Tails Creek Road Ellijay  706.635.5898. Open August- December and features apples, peaches, muscadine ciders, Dried Apples, Apple Bread, Fried Apple & Strawberry Pies, Honey, Candied Apples, Jams, Jellies, Sorghum Syrup, Pickled Peaches, Pumpkins.  Apple picking possible in Sept-Oct.

  • R&A Orchards:  5505 Highway 52  East Ellijay.   706.273.3821. This orchards features apples, peaches (in season), nectarines, apple products as well as fried pies, cakes, cookies, peanut brittle, homemade cider, honey, jams, jellies, sorghum syrup, canned goods, fruit baskets, chow chows, tomatoes, sweet corn and various other produce.  Apple picking possible in Sept.

  • Penland's Apple House:  Hwy 515 Bypass  Ellijay  706.635.5110. Open July- December.  Features an assortment of vegetables, apples, peaches, apple products, including jams and jellies, apple butter, fried apple pies, apple fritters, apple bread, apple cider and a wide variety of decorative items for the home.
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Bowling:

  • Fannin Lanes: 4115 East First Street in Blue Ridge. 706.632.2064.
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Movies:

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Kangaroo Conservation Center: 22 Bailey Waters Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 www.kangaroocenter.com 706.265.6100. This center was established over 25 years ago as a wildlife preserve focusing on conservation of species that are in peril in the wild. As mentioned on their site, the focus of this center “revolves around Australasian animals, of which some species are already listed as Endangered Species, some are threatened with extinction now, and others are greatly exploited by humans and their future is uncertain.” Within approximately 45 minutes of our vacation cabin rentals, you’ll find this largest kangaroo mob outside of Australia. Open Saturdays. There is an age minimum of 5 years.

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Restaurants:
The allure of Blue Ridge, Georgia continues to attract new restaurants that it’s hard to keep track of.  Meanwhile, here is a short list of restaurants for your consideration that are located close to our vacation cabin rentals.

  • BlueRidge Mountain Bar-B-Q:  3870 E. First Street, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513. 706.632.6996

  • Blue Ridge Brewery: 187 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513. 706.632.6611. Lunch Tues-Saturday 11- 3 p.m., Dinner Thurs-Saturday 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

  • Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grille To guarantee Seating Please Call Ahead 706.946.5100 seafood raw bar steaks pasta pizza

  • L&L Beanery: 260 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. 706.632.3242.  Offers  gourmet coffee, smoothies, bagels, and pastries in the morning or enjoy a light lunch. Located in the vintage bank building from the late 1920’s.  Dinner begins at  5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

  • Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant: 5004 Appalachian Highway, Suite B1, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. 706.632.3998.  Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Toccoa River Restaurant:  8055 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.  706.632.7891.
    at the intersection of Aska and Stanley Creek Roads down the street from our mountain cabin rentals; Enjoy great views of the rushing waters below, and specializes in freshly caught trout and a salad bar. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Serenity Gardens Cafe: Located in downtown Blue Ridge 657 E. Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513.  706.258.4949. Café tucked away outside garden dining atmosphere in the town of Blue Ridge that serves breakfast dishes and solid lunch and dinner fare.
  • The VH & Blue Orleans Bistro:  224 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.  706.258.2275. Features steaks, pasta, fish as well as New Orleans style cuisine including Creole and po’boys.  Offers finer dining as well as a bistro.  Brunch on Sat & Sun.
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Scenic Drives: 
An enjoyable thing to experience while staying in one of our mountain cabin rentals is to drive through the natural setting and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains, rushing rivers, green valleys and wildlife that abounds.  Below are just a few of the noteworthy drives you may want to consider:

  • Mountains & Countryside: Beautiful drive through the Blue Ridge mountains and countryside surrounding Blue Ridge, Dial and Morganton in Fannin County including a drive by Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. Call the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 1.800.899.MTNS for more information.

  • A Ride to the Cohutta Wilderness:  A three to five hour trip from Blue Ridge through a dense hardwood mountain forest to a beautiful secluded mountain lake in Ellijay. Recommended for skilled drivers; four-wheel SUV preferred. Call the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 1.800.899.MTNS for more information

  • Toccoa Ranger District Driving Tour: A USFS drive through the Chattahoochee National Forest in Blue Ridge through the  surrounding, scenic countryside to Dahlonega, Ellijay.  Round trip mileage is 102.4 miles. Call the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 1.800.899.MTNS for more information

  • Stanley Creek Road:  (aka Rock Creek Road) The drive will wind you through a canopy of forest as it makes its way through the Rich Mountain Wildlife Preserve between Hwy 515 and Aska Road.

For more scenic drives, we recommend visiting the Blue Ridge Chamber of Commerce site:  www.blueridgemountains.com

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Wine Tasting:

  • Crane Creek Winery & Vineyards: www.cranecreekvineyards.com 916 Crane Creek Road Young Harris, GA 30512

  • Frogtown Cellars: www.frogtownwine.com700 Ridge Point Dr. Dahlonega, GA 30533.  Open for Wine Tastings every weekend, also offers lunch with Panini. The Timber frame facility is nested on top of a hill and surrounded by the wine yards; it has a breath taking view on the North Georgia Mountains.

  • Habersham Winery & Vineyard: www.habershamwinery.com7025 S. Main St. Helen, GA 30545

  • Three Sisters Vineyard & Winery: www.threesistersvineyards.com439 Vineyard Way Dahlonega, GA 30533.  Small family farm situated on a hundred and eighty acres.

  • Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: www.wolfmountainvineyards.com180 Wolf Mountain Trail Dahlonega, GA 30533. Offers a unique setting overlooking the pastoral hillside vineyards and the Appalachian Mountains.
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