There’s something about summer in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Situated in the North Georgia mountains about 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate-575, Blue Ridge is a delightful combination of outdoorsy, earthy, upscale, fresh and timeless, surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest and centered around the historic 1905 Blue Ridge Depot. It’s a picture-perfect getaway for those seeking solitude, uniting family, gathering friends or igniting romance.
Here are just a few Blue Ridge activities that bring families closer together and, in the process, create lifetime memories. It will truly be a summer to remember.
Live on Mountain Time
Pick the perfect place to stay, from lodging with stunning mountain views, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. The mountains are relaxing, and so are the amenities at cabin rentals for families, reunions, BFF weekends and solo retreats. Enjoy coffee on the porch breathing fresh mountain air and nights cooking s’mores around the fire, stargazing and chasing fireflies. Campers can choose among 15 RV and camp sites, from waterside to mountainside, luxury to roughing it. For those with furry companions, see the guide to Blue Ridge with Pets.
Cool off
Escape to mountain lakes and streams just outside of town. Enjoy water sports, boat rentals, marina and a beach on Lake Blue Ridge, located The Toccoa River offers different trips for tubing, a two-hour float for little ones who might get restless and a four-hour float for those wanting more relaxation. Whitewater rafting is available on the Oconee and Toccoa, all the way to Lake Blue Ridge. For an easy walk to the Toccoa, hike to the 270-foot-long pedestrian bridge, the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River. Hikes to five refreshing waterfalls range from just .1 mile to 9.5 miles. Use this map and reference this comprehensive list of outfitters located throughout the area.
Track the trout
Fannin County is the Trout Capital of Georgia, with more than 100 miles of well-stocked trout fishing rivers, creeks and streams. Pick up the free Georgia Guide to Trout Fishing at the Visitor Center, for seasons, creel limits and size restrictions. Or work with one of 15+ fishing and outdoor guides to find the perfect spots. One artisan and fly-fishing aficionado has taken the art form of the fly rod to its ultimate expression. William “Bill” Oyster at Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods in downtown Blue Ridge creates handcrafted fly rods and teaches classes.
Retro movies
Take a trip back in time, load up the car and catch a movie at The Swan Drive-In, one of only four remaining drive-ins in Georgia. Hungry? Order from your car and sample some of Swan’s delectable snacks and dinners, from the popular Pub Steakburger to fried Oreos and funnel cakes, candy and popcorn. 651 Summit Street Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 706-632-5235
Pick some produce
Another memory-maker and long-standing tradition in Blue Ridge is Mercier Orchards. Bill and Adele Mercier opened in 1943 and now offer dozens of varieties of apples, strawberries, fresh-pressed cider, the most delectable fruit pies and more. Tour the farm, pick your own seasonal fruits, or buy fruit, vegetables and baked goods for your stay. Visit the tasting room and sample Georgia’s first hard cider and fruity wines like strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and apple. 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, 30513; 706-632-3411
Pick up a picnic
With such gorgeous mountain views, rivers and woods, a picnic is a must, and here are five idyllic spots. Take your favorite produce and baked goods from Mercier Orchards or visit a local winery for a tasty Georgia wine. Pick up picnic favorites such as specialty cheeses at Out of the Blue, delicious and unique snacks from Chester’s Provisions or a charcuterie board from the Pasta Market, all in downtown Blue Ridge.
Take a hike
Today, 40 percent of the area surrounding Blue Ridge is protected land including the Chattahoochee National Forest. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails can be found in these mountains, some along rivers, some with waterfalls and many easy treks that are perfect for families with young children. Trek across the 270-foot-long Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, the longest east of the Mississippi. Hikes to five refreshing waterfalls range from just .1 mile to 9.5 miles. Two bucket-list hiking adventures, the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail begin in southern Fannin County at Springer Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Find the wildflowers
The mountain woods celebrate spring and summer with a burst of wildflower color. April through May brings 10 types, including Lady's Slipper, Mountain Laurel and Trillium.
May through June is Flame Azalea and Rhododendron season, when walls of colorful blooms can be seen almost everywhere you look. Look but don’t touch! Digging up wildflowers, picking them or collecting seeds is illegal for good reason. Multiply your little bouquet times even a handful of visitors on a weekly basis, and they can be gone forever. Human activity harms their ability to reproduce, and most wildflowers do not survive being transplanted. For details, go to https://www.blueridgemountains.com/blog/when-do-the-wildflowers-bloom/
Ride the rails
Climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, where vintage climate-controlled and open-air rail cars (including a handicapped accessible coach) take passengers on a winding ride alongside the Toccoa River, with a stop in the intriguing twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Depending on the schedule, visitors have a layover with plenty of time to have lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques or snack on ice cream and other treats. The Riverwalk Shops offers riverfront restaurants and boutique shopping. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends, and Tennessee begins. Use a walking map to help you discover these quaint mountain towns.
The newest rail ride is aboard a custom-built, four-person electric Railbike. It’s a leisurely, motor-assisted pedal from the depot in historic downtown Blue Ridge on an 11-mile round-trip adventure meandering alongside streams, vineyards. Halfway through, there’s a pause for photography.
Soothe your soul
Have a spa day, whether enjoying a couples’ massage, Zen floating or a softly-illuminated Himalayan salt cave at Serenity in the Mountains. Ever wish you didn’t have to get up and go after a body treatment? Adjacent to the spa are luxury cabin-style accommodations with a king-size bed, fireplace, Jacuzzi tubs, full kitchens and oversized tile showers. Explore 15 centers for beauty, fitness and wellness, including day spas, salons, Crossfit, yoga, herbal therapy and more, and visit the blog for inspiration.
