Boating, fishing, tubing, paddle boarding and chasing waterfalls, coupled with waterside sleeping and dining make this North Georgia town one cool destination
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA–AUGUST 2019–Take to the water in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575, where the 3,290-acre Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River beckon visitors to cool off in the North Georgia Mountains. Whether chasing waterfalls, tubing the Toccoa, paddling a kayak or renting a boat, Blue Ridge has numerous waterways paving the path to aquatic adventure.
The Toccoa River offers crystal clear, cool flowing waters ideal for trout fishing and also serves as a kayaking and canoe trail, as well as a pathway for tubers. Horseshoe Bend Park offers easy points of access to the river.
Need equipment or extra assistance before diving in? Based out of Cohutta Fishing Company, Fly Fishing North Georgia (490 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513) offers guided wade trips and float trips on both the head waters and the tail waters of the Toccoa River, as well as private waters. The Cohutta Fishing Company carries the very best fishing gear and accessories and all of their flies are tied by local guides and retired fishing enthusiasts. The outfitter also offers fly tying and fly fishing classes. In town, fishermen seeking the ultimate souvenir can splurge on a fine fly-fishing masterpiece (upwards of$2,500), or make your own custom bamboo fly rod ($1,750 with expert instruction) at Blue Ridge’s Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods, an internationally-recognized source for custom and semi-custom fishing rods prized by generations.
Eventually, the Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River, crossing the Tennessee state line. 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 your group is full of thrill-seekers, journey to Ocoee River where the waters come alive in the warmer months. For a printable copy of Water Sports Adventures–Guides & Outfitters, click here.
Nearby, Lake Blue Ridge offers over 100 miles of mostly public shoreline, along with nearby National Forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. Camp out at Morganton Point Recreation Area and Campground, complete with a pebble beach on Lake Blue Ridge, an ideal spot for floating the day away. Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters, located at Morganton Point Recreation, offers rentals for fishing poles, paddle boards, kayaks and more. Even groups can get in on the fun with options for six-person paddleboards and opportunities available for equipment delivery to your cabin. From fishing to pontoon boating, waterskiing, kayaking or just picnicking and relaxing on the shores of this mountain lake, water adventure abounds here. After a day on the water, treat taste buds to lunch or dinner on the lake at the Boat Dock Bar and Grill. Enjoy scrumptious waterfront favorites like loaded nachos, juicy cheeseburgers and shrimp tacos. Adults can wash it down with libations from the extensive beer, wine and fruity cocktail list. On the weekends, indulge all the senses as lively music fills the warm summer air. For Lake Blue Ridge Marina information, visit LakeBlueRidgeMarina.com
Those who prefer adventure on dry land can independently explore area hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, using this easy-to-access guide. Local trail favorites include Fall Branch Falls and Long Creek Falls.
Where to eat
Quell hunger pangs with waterside dining in nearby McCaysville. Try Burra Burra Seafood Co. (100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, Georgia 30555), where you can dig into a variety of fresh seafood including oysters, clams, crawfish, shrimp and more inside or while savoring a view on the deck overlooking the Toccoa River.
Next door, Twisted Tomato Restaurant (100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, Georgia 30555) opens in September, serving brick-oven pizza and Italian food with a view overlooking the banks of the Toccoa River.
Just 15 minutes outside of Blue Ridge, Toccoa Riverside Restaurant (8055 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513) provides guests with a fine dining experience, complete with award-winning steaks and seafood along with a dog-friendly outdoor bar and patio area, set in the gorgeous natural surroundings along the Toccoa River.
If you go
Try rustic tent camping at Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area, showcasing a beautiful spot on the river that is ideal for fishing and wading. Toccoa Valley Campground, also on the Toccoa River, offers RV and tent camping. Bonus: Expand the experience here and spend the next day on the river by taking advantage of onsite rental options for tubes, rafts and kayaks. Or, for accommodations complete with kitchens, choices include lodges with stunning mountain views, creek-side hideaways, riverfront fishing lodges, cabins on the lake, cozy cabins, hotels and resorts–which range in price from $100 to $1,000 per night. Visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay for a complete listing.