Looking for a unique day trip from your Cherry Log cabin? Just 18 miles north of The Lazy Laurel Cabin in Cherry Log, GA (about 30-35 minutes), you’ll discover something truly special: two charming towns in two separate states separated only by a blue line painted down the middle of the street. McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee offer a delightful blend of history, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure—all in one walkable downtown area that literally straddles two states.
Stand in Two States at Once
The highlight of any visit to the Copper Basin is the famous blue line that marks the Tennessee-Georgia state border. This isn’t just a novelty—it’s a genuine state line that winds through downtown, across streets, and even through some businesses. You can literally put one foot in Georgia and the other in Tennessee while taking a photo at the iconic wooden sign marking the border.
Start your exploration at the IGA grocery store parking lot where the blue line begins, then follow it as it curves across Toccoa/Ocoee Street toward the river. The line doesn’t follow a straight path—it winds around buildings and through shops, making the hunt for it part of the fun.
The Toccoa River: Where Georgia Meets Tennessee
The beautiful Toccoa River (which becomes the Ocoee River as it flows into Tennessee) serves as a natural border between the twin towns. The historic Old Steel Bridge, built in 1911, still carries both pedestrian and vehicle traffic across the river, connecting McCaysville to Copperhill. A newer bridge near the visitor center offers another crossing point with excellent river views.
For water enthusiasts, several outfitters offer adventures on this scenic waterway. Rolling Thunder River Company provides whitewater rafting trips on the Ocoee River—the same river that hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. Toccoa River Tubing Company offers a more relaxed experience with tubing and kayaking on the calmer Georgia section. Both operate on weekends year-round (daily during summer), weather and water levels permitting.
Shopping the Riverwalk and Beyond
The crown jewel of downtown McCaysville is the Riverwalk Shops, a beautifully renovated complex of market-style buildings along the Toccoa River. This riverside destination features three waterfront restaurants and 11 unique boutiques offering everything from outdoor gear to handcrafted items. The shops are connected by an inside mall so no need to worry about weather.
Notable shops include River Laurel Gifts & Boutique (home decor, jewelry, and apparel), The Pasta Shop (gourmet foods), Blue Ridge Adventure Wear (outdoor clothing), and The Owl’s Nest (gifts and collectibles). Don’t miss Chooch, a quirky shop full of unique oddities and one-of-a-kind finds, or Christmas is Here, where the holiday spirit lives year-round.
Cross the bridge into Copperhill to explore Pic N Vine, a basket shop where the state line runs right through the store—you can literally shop in two states simultaneously. They even offer basket-weaving classes. Fat Raccoon Gallery showcases local art, souvenirs, and provisions, while Copperhill Rock & Mineral Co. features an impressive collection for geology enthusiasts.
Craft Beverages and Great Eats
The Copper Basin has embraced the craft beverage movement with enthusiasm. Copperhill Brewery sits right on the state line (you can drink with one foot in each state!) and offers a spacious tasting room with live music on weekends, trivia on Thursday nights, and dartboards for entertainment. Buck Bald Brewing, housed in a converted gas station, serves 14 beers on tap ranging from IPAs to sours to German-style brews. Join their Mug Club to have your portrait immortalized on a personal mug.
For coffee lovers, Yellowbird Coffee Shop occupies an old bank building near the Old Steel Bridge and features a walk-up drive-through window for convenient caffeine fixes.
Dining options span from casual to riverside experiences. Copper Grill offers hearty American fare with burgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork—and yes, the state line cuts right through the restaurant. Burra Burra on the River provides peaceful Toccoa River views alongside Southern hospitality and satisfying plates. Rum Cake Lady, a Cuban bakery that found success in Blue Ridge, has opened a second location in the old Blue and White Pure gas station, serving cafecitos, empanadas, and authentic Cuban sandwiches with tostones.
History and Heritage
The area known as the Copper Basin earned its name from extensive copper mining operations that began in 1843 when a gold prospector discovered copper in North Potato Creek. Mining for copper ore and sulfuric acid production remained the primary industry through the late 1980s, shaping the character of both towns.
Start your historical exploration at the McCaysville Visitor Center (53 East Market Street), which features historic photographs and exhibits from the region’s mining heritage, many on loan from the Ducktown Basin Museum. The center overlooks the beautiful Toccoa River and offers information about a self-guided history tour.
For a deeper dive into mining history, make the short trip to the Ducktown Basin Museum, located on the site of the old Burra Burra Mine. This fascinating museum offers free self-guided tours through artifacts and exhibits spanning over a century of copper mining and everyday life in the Copper Basin.
Outdoor Recreation
Beyond shopping and dining, the Copper Basin offers excellent outdoor opportunities. Horseshoe Bend Park on Highway 60 provides a favorite spot for picnics, fishing, and family gatherings along the Toccoa River. The park features covered picnic shelters, a playground, restrooms, and a beautiful gazebo. From Memorial Day through September, “Pickin’ in the Park” brings bluegrass and acoustic musicians together every Thursday evening for free outdoor concerts—bring your lawn chairs and a picnic.
McCaysville Park on River Street offers another riverside retreat with a playground, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. It’s easily accessible via a pleasant sidewalk walk from the Visitor Center.
For a truly unique experience, book a ride on The Copper Express, a train-like trackless shuttle that tours the twin cities, taking you along the blue line, past the river, and through historic mining sites.
Arrive by Rail
McCaysville and Copperhill serve as the northern terminus for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which runs seasonally from April through December. The vintage train departs from downtown Blue Ridge and offers a stunning 26-mile journey through North Georgia mountain scenery before arriving in McCaysville for a two-hour layover—perfect for lunch, shopping, and exploring before the return trip.
Special Events and Seasonal Attractions
The Copper Basin hosts a farmers market from 9 AM to 2 PM in the picturesque area surrounding the historic steel bridge, featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, local crafts, and more from local farmers and artisans. Check current schedules for market dates and special events.
Apple picking season brings visitors to Deep Roots Orchard in McCaysville for U-pick experiences, scratch cookouts, wagon rides, and mountain music. The area is also known for excellent fly-fishing opportunities in the Toccoa River.
Plan Your Visit from Cherry Log
McCaysville and Copperhill make an ideal day trip from your Cherry Log cabin. The 18-mile drive north takes just 30-35 minutes via scenic mountain roads. Plan to spend 3-4 hours exploring both towns—enough time to walk the blue line, browse the Riverwalk Shops, enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, and sample craft brews at one or both breweries.
For the best experience, arrive mid-morning to beat the lunch crowds and secure parking near the Riverwalk. If you’re visiting on a Thursday from late May through September, time your trip to catch the evening “Pickin’ in the Park” concert at Horseshoe Bend Park. On weekends, both breweries often feature live music that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Whether you’re searching for unique shopping, craving riverside dining, interested in regional history, or simply wanting to say you stood in two states at once, McCaysville and Copperhill deliver a memorable mountain town experience. The twin towns prove that sometimes the best adventures happen when you cross state lines—literally.
From your cabin at The Lazy Laurel in Cherry Log, you’re perfectly positioned to explore these charming twin towns. After a day of straddling state lines and discovering Copper Basin treasures, you’ll return to your peaceful mountain retreat ready to relax by the fire and plan your next North Georgia adventure.
