Zip over the mountainside, catch rapids, mine for precious gems and take adventure to new heights in this North Georgia destination
Soak up the last bit of summer with a getaway to Blue Ridge, Georgia, just 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575. Cool off in the river, embark on an aerial adventure, dig for treasure, take it to the trails and more to capture final summer memories before the fireflies fade.
Waterworks
Head straight to one of the rivers that flow through Georgia’s favorite mountain town. If the family is full of thrill-seekers, journey to Ocoee River where the waters come alive in the warmer months. Rapid lovers travel from far and wide to paddle these white waters. Choose a local guide company to help you steer the wild currents aboard a raft. If you have little ones in your crew, or if you just prefer to ease into summer vacation, set sights on the Toccoa River. Take your time with a leisurely float down the tree-studded waters by tube, kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board. www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/things-to-do/outdoors/water-sports/
New heights
Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park takes fun to a new level with a challenge course featuring suspended bridges, tight ropes, climbing walls, ziplines and other obstacles for every age and ability. Nearby, embark on the company’s zipline canopy tour, spanning 165 acres. BlueRidgeAdventurePark.com
Gem mining
At Lilly Pad Village, mine for gems like emeralds, sapphires and rubies, take on the nine-hole, mountainside putt-putt course, fish for brim, catfish and smallmouth bass in the 0.3-acre pond or embark on a guided hike. www.LillyPadVillage.com
Lake adventure
Spend time on Lake Blue Ridge. This picturesque mountain lake has 3,290 acres of gemstone waters and 65 miles of shoreline, 80 percent of which belongs to the Chattahoochee National Forest. At Lake Blue Ridge Marina, find the ideal vessel to rent and explore the mountain-reflecting waters. Hop aboard a pontoon boat, rent a couple of tubes to tow the kids on a spin they won’t soon forget or take it slow with a kayak, paddle board or paddle boat rental. For Lake Blue Ridge Marina information, visit LakeBlueRidgeMarina.com
Make trails
Stretch the sea legs with an invigorating hike. Fannin County includes some of the most notable hiking trails in the United States. Two of the greatest outdoor adventures in the world, the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail, begin in Fannin County at the top of Springer Mountain. Choose from trails that range from easy to moderate to difficult to find the right hike for the whole crew. For waterfall-seekers, local trail favorites include Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls and Amicalola Falls. www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/things-to-do/outdoors/hiking/
Treat yourself
Blue Ridge delivers when it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth. Try these area eateries for tempting treats worth the indulgence.
- Huck’s General Store: With barrels of treats overflowing with nostalgia, from rock candy to licorice, Huck’s offers something for everyone in the ambiance of a charming general store. www.HucksGeneralStore.com
- The Sweet Shoppe of the South: Sink your teeth into the award-winning confections of the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” winners, where daily cupcakes like Peanut Butter Cup, Strawberry Milkshake, Blonde Bombshell, Caramel and Cream, Chocolate Lava Fudge and Red Velvet are served. www.TheSweetSouth.com
- MooBears Ice Cream & Hotdogs: New to the Blue Ridge food scene, MooBears features 20 flavors of premium hand-dipped ice cream alongside more than 10 options for different types of hotdogs. www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/directory/moobears-ice-cream-hotdogs/
- Chocolate Express: Treat the whole family to homemade fudge and hand-dipped chocolates at the Chocolate Express. www.TheChocolateExpress.com
Save the date
Plan to visit during the Kiwanis Rodeo, August 17-18, at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds, featuring bareback riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding. Additionally, there will be a kids’ calf scramble, ladies’ calf scramble and a Wild Wheelbarrow Race. www.BlueRidgeRodeo.com
If you go
Check into one of the many cabins that dot the mountainous landscape. Whether looking for upscale chic or laid back and cozy, there is a cabin to fulfill every desire. Cabins are located high above the gorgeous green landscape and alongside the rivers and Lake Blue Ridge. Find links to rental companies for mountain cabins with lake-views and room for 20 (hot tub included!) at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.