Located just 90 minutes from Atlanta, Blue Ridge, GA is a great little mountain town that offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, small-town charm and Southern hospitality. The surrounding areas include the more secluded Cherry Log and the more populated Ellijay. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or weekend escape from your Cherry Log cabin rental, this guide covers all the best things to do in Blue Ridge, GA, updated for 2026. Just a note, places open and unfortunately close throughout the year in Blue Ridge. We try to keep our guide updated, but always Google and check on a place of business and their hours before visiting just to be sure.
Why Visit Blue Ridge?
Look, I’ll be straight with you – Blue Ridge is a LOT more crowded and popular than it used to be just 5 years ago. Even with its popularity, we think it has retained its mountain soul. Yeah, it’s got over 300 miles of hiking trails and sits right in the middle of 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, but it’s not just the outdoor stuff that keeps people coming back. The downtown area actually has personality – real boutiques run by actual locals, breweries and wineries that take pride in their brews and restaurants that go way beyond the usual tourist trap fare. Not to mention a train depot in the middle of downtown offering the popular Blue Ridge Scenic Railway experience to nearby Tennessee and North Carolina.
The Toccoa River runs through here, and Blue Ridge calls itself Georgia’s “Trout Capital.” That’s not marketing speak – the fishing really is that good with opportunities year-round. But what surprised me when we first started exploring the area was how much there is beyond the obvious outdoor activities.
The Big Attractions
Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is touristy, yeah, but it’s touristy for good reason. This heritage train leaves from the old 1905 depot downtown and follows the Toccoa River for 26 miles roundtrip to McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. The whole experience takes about four hours, with a two-hour layover in McCaysville where you can grab lunch, shop a bit, and stand with one foot in each state (which is sillier and more fun than it sounds).
They’ve got open-air cars if you want the full wind-in-your-hair experience and better photo ops, or climate-controlled cars if you prefer comfort. There’s also a Premier Class option that’s adults-only with complimentary wine, beer, and snacks – worth it if you’re doing a date night kind of thing.
Book early though, especially for fall foliage or the Holiday Express trains. Those sell out months ahead.
Mercier Orchards
Mercier Orchards started as a 27-acre family farm in 1943 and has grown into this huge operation – 300 acres now. It’s about halfway between Blue Ridge and our Cherry Log cabin, so we stop by pretty regularly. They do U-pick for different fruits throughout the year – strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and over 40 varieties of apples depending on the season.
The farmer’s market is open basically every day of the year (361 days), and honestly, that’s where a lot of people end up spending most of their time. Fresh baked goods, hard ciders, local honey, jams – it’s one of those places where you go in for apples and leave with a full shopping bag. Their fried apple pies and apple cider donuts are worth the trip alone.
Downtown Blue Ridge
Downtown is walkable and actually pleasant to wander around. Parking is pretty easy with a garage, paid lots and street-level spots as well. Historic buildings that have been turned into boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, antique stores – not chains, actual local places. The olive oil and vinegar tasting shop is one of those things that sounds gimmicky but is actually pretty cool. Mountain Mama’s Coffee Shop and Das Kaffe Haus are both solid for a morning coffee.
If you’re into fishing, stop by Cohutta Fishing Company or On The Fly downtown. They know their stuff and can point you to the good spots.
Outdoor Stuff
Waterfalls
North Georgia has a ridiculous number of waterfalls, and Blue Ridge is centrally located for hitting several. I wrote a whole separate guide to the waterfalls around here, but the short version: Long Creek Falls is a good moderate hike (about 1.9 miles roundtrip), Fall Branch Falls is easier and family-friendly, and Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest at 729 feet – definitely worth the drive.
The hiking trails around here range from easy walks to serious mountain climbs. The Benton MacKaye Trail, Aska Adventure Area, and various Appalachian Trail sections are all nearby. Get the AllTrails app before you go – cell service gets spotty once you’re out on the trails.
Whitewater Rafting
The Ocoee River is about 30 minutes away in Tennessee, and if you want some real excitement, this is it. Class III and IV rapids – this is the same river they used for the 1996 Olympics whitewater events. It’s not like tube-floating; you will get completely soaked. Bring a change of clothes and maybe a waterproof case for your phone if you want pictures.
There are several outfitters that run guided trips. They handle the navigation while you paddle and try not to fall out. You need to be at least 12 for most trips.
River Activities
If rafting sounds like too much, the Toccoa River offers much calmer options. Tubing here is more like floating on a lazy river than anything intense – perfect for families or if you just want to relax. Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking does 6-mile trips down the river with shuttle service included (singles are $45, doubles $85).
Lake Blue Ridge is good for pontoon boat rentals, kayaking, paddleboarding. Morganton Point has a beach area that’s nice in summer. The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is nearby too – longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi, which is a fun fact and also a good photo spot.
Fishing
The trout fishing here is legitimately excellent. The Toccoa River and its tributaries have rainbow and brown trout, and the fishing is good year-round thanks to the cold water from Lake Blue Ridge’s dam. Whether you are looking to fish the tailwaters in the Summer or the delayed harvest section of the headwaters, Cohutta Fishing Company and On The Fly are both in downtown Blue Ridge and can set you up with gear and advice. Honestly, hiring a guide for at least the first day is worth it – they’ll show you the good spots and save you hours of figuring things out yourself.
You need a Georgia fishing license with a trout stamp. Non-residents can get a one-day license for $10 through the Georgia DNR website.
Horseback Riding
Cowgirl Up Stables is in Cashes Valley in Cherry Log, just 2 miles from our cabin. They’ve got rides starting at $40 for an hour, plus longer options if you want to make an afternoon of it. The horses are well-trained and they accommodate all skill levels.
Ziplines
Blue Ridge Adventure Park and Zipline Canopy Tours both offer zipline experiences through the forest canopy. The Adventure Park has aerial obstacle courses at different difficulty levels too. It’s fun if you’re into that sort of thing – requires moderate physical fitness and no fear of heights. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you can move in.
Relaxation & Leisure
Wineries and Breweries
The craft beverage scene has really grown here. Several local wineries do tastings with mountain views, and the brewery options have gotten legitimately good. Grumpy Old Men Brewery has 18 beers on tap – their Aska pale ale is solid. Most places have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the scenery while you drink.
Spas
Serenity in the Mountains Spa and Teatree Spa both do the full range – massages, facials, body treatments. They’ve also got that Himalayan Salt Cave thing if you’re curious about that. Good option for a rainy afternoon or if you just need to decompress.
McCaysville/Copperhill
These twin towns straddle the Georgia-Tennessee state line – literally, the line runs down the main street. It’s a quirky photo op (one foot in each state!) and also has some decent shopping and restaurants along the Riverwalk. You can drive there in 30 minutes or take the scenic railway.
Family Stuff
Blue Ridge Adventure Dog Park
If you’ve got dogs, this place is great – fenced park with a swimming pool for dogs, fetch areas, and they even do “barkcuterie boards” which is as ridiculous as it sounds. You can grab a beer while your dog plays, which is pretty much the ideal setup.
Gem Mining
Kids seem to love this – you buy a bag of mining rough and sift through it to find gemstones. It’s part educational, part treasure hunt. Several places around town offer it, just Google, they are all about the same experience.
Blue Ridge City Park
Downtown park with playground equipment, benches, and that giant trout sculpture the kids will want to climb on. Good spot to take a break if you’re walking around downtown. You might spot some of the town’s roosters wandering around – they’re sort of unofficial mascots at this point.
Community Theater
The Blue Ridge Community Theater puts on surprisingly good productions – musicals, comedies, dramas. The venue is small enough that you feel like you’re right there, and they sell beer and wine at concessions. Check their schedule – they do special shows around Halloween and Christmas that are worth catching.
Seasonal Highlights
Fall
October is when everyone shows up for the fall colors, and honestly, they’re right to. It’s a great time of the year to get out of the busy Downtown area and eplore. The mountains turn absolutely spectacular – reds, oranges, golds everywhere you look. Late September through October is peak season. The Scenic Railway does special fall foliage trips that book up way in advance. Even just driving the back roads is gorgeous.
This is also prime apple season at Mercier Orchards and other farms in the area.
Winter/Christmas
Blue Ridge goes all out for Christmas. Light Up Blue Ridge in late November kicks everything off – parade, tree lighting, Santa arrival. The Scenic Railway runs the Santa Train with hot chocolate and Santa visits. Downtown gets decorated, and there are carolers and special holiday shows at the theater. It’s festive without being overwhelming.
Summer
Summer is all about the water. The Toccoa River for tubing (May through September), Lake Blue Ridge for swimming and boating, waterfall hikes to cool off. The water stays pretty cold even in July and August, which is perfect when it’s hot. Weekends get crowded, so weekdays are better if you can swing it.
Unique Attractions
Swan Drive-In Theater
Operating since 1955, one of only five drive-ins left in Georgia. They show current movies under the stars, sound comes through your FM radio. The concession stand does deep-fried Oreos and funnel cakes. It’s nostalgia but also just a good time. Open March through November, weather permitting.
Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum
Right on Highway 515 between Blue Ridge and Cherry Log. If you’ve ever wondered whether Bigfoot is real, well, this place isn’t going to definitively answer that question, but it’s going to give you a lot to think about.
David and Malinda Bakara run this 4,000-square-foot museum, and they’re dead serious about Bigfoot research. The place is filled with footprint casts (including a famous “butt print”), eyewitness reports, listening stations where you can hear Bigfoot sounds, and even the high-tech ATV they used for investigations in Florida. There’s a whole diorama about the 1924 “Ape Canyon” incident where a group of Bigfoot reportedly attacked some miners.
The museum also has a reference library, sighting maps showing just how many Bigfoot encounters have happened in North Georgia (spoiler: a lot), and a small theater showing documentaries. Kids love it, skeptics find it entertaining, and believers… well, they’re convinced.
It takes about an hour to go through everything. Admission is around $8-9 for adults, $6 for kids 5-12, and free for little ones and active military. They’re closed Tuesdays, open 10-5 most other days, but call ahead (706-946-2601) because mountain hours can be unpredictable.
Is it weird? Absolutely. Is it worth stopping by? Yeah, actually. It’s one of those quirky roadside attractions that you’ll be talking about later. Plus, if you’ve been hearing strange noises in the woods around your cabin at night, the listening station might help you figure out if it’s Bigfoot or just a bear.
Horseshoe Bend Park
In McCaysville, free park on the Toccoa River. Fishing, volleyball, hiking trails, playground, picnic areas. Good option if you’re looking for something that doesn’t cost anything.
Springer Mountain
The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. If you’re into hiking, this is kind of a legendary spot. The views from up there are worth the climb.
Food
Restaurants
The dining scene has gotten a lot better over the past few years. Harvest on Main gets mentioned in Southern food magazines and uses a lot of local ingredients – good for a nicer dinner. Black Sheep does Southern food with some fusion elements; their elk chops and Asian tuna nachos are standouts. Southern Charm is more classic Southern comfort food.
Mystic Mountain Pizza is eclectic with good pizza and often has live music. Chester Brunnenmeyer’s is a solid pub with decent food. For coffee, Mountain Mama’s or Das Kaffe Haus are both good morning stops.
Planning Your Trip
When to Go
Spring (March-May): Wildflowers, comfortable hiking temps, strawberry and blueberry picking. Fewer crowds than summer or fall.
Summer (June-August): Peak season for water activities. Warm weather, full event calendar, but also more people. Book accommodations ahead.
Fall (September-November): Peak foliage in October, apple picking, perfect weather. October weekends book up fast – plan way ahead or come on weekdays.
Winter (December-February): Quieter, cozier, good for cabin stays. Holiday events in December. This is when you’ll find deals on lodging. Snow is possible but not guaranteed.
Getting There
About 90 miles north of Atlanta, roughly 90 minutes depending on traffic. Take I-575 north then continue on Highway 515. Traffic gets heavy Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons during peak seasons.
You need a car – there’s no real public transit and everything is spread out across the mountains. 4WD isn’t necessary unless there are icy conditions and then you won’t really want to be driving around the mountains anyway!
Where to Stay
Blue Ridge has hotels and vacation rentals, but staying in nearby Cherry Log gives you a quieter setting while still being close to everything. It’s 20 minutes to Blue Ridge, 20 minutes to Ellijay – right in the middle of everything. Our cabin (The Lazy Laurel) is in Cherry Log with mountain views, hot tub, game room, and is centrally located to all of the fun!
Pro Tips
Weekdays are way less crowded than weekends, especially in peak seasons. If you can visit midweek, do it. We love the offseason the best up here.
Book the Scenic Railway ahead of time. It sells out, especially in fall and for holiday trains.
A lot of places close Monday-Tuesday, especially in off-season. Call ahead. Actually, call ahead anyway, they tend to open whenever they feel like it in the mountains.
Cell service gets spotty in the mountains. Download maps and trail info before you head out and turn on Wifi calling.
Pack layers and bring some rain gear or at least a poncho no matter when you visit. Mountain weather changes fast.
Black bears live here. They seem cute but they can make a huge mess! Store food properly at cabins, don’t leave food in cars at trailheads, and give them space if you see one.
Free Things to Do
Blue Ridge doesn’t have to be expensive. Lots of free options:
Hiking in Chattahoochee National Forest – hundreds of miles of trails, no fees.
Walking around downtown and browsing shops.
Blue Ridge City Park.
Standing on the state line in McCaysville/Copperhill.
Toccoa River Swinging Bridge.
Horseshoe Bend Park.
Lake Blue Ridge.
Final Thoughts
Blue Ridge has managed to stay authentic while becoming more popular, which is rare. You’ve got serious outdoor activities – the hiking, fishing, and water sports are all genuinely excellent. But there’s also enough cultural stuff (theater, art galleries, good restaurants) and relaxation options (wineries, spas) that you’re not limited to just one type of vacation.
The Scenic Railway ride is worth doing once, especially for older folks or people who just love trains The scenery in places is amazing. Mercier Orchards is worth stopping at regardless of season. The waterfall hikes are worth the effort and there are too many hikes to mention so make sure you check out the AllTrails app. And the trout fishing year-round lives up to the hype if you’re into that. Even with crowds on the river, just give people some space and you will still be able to catch some stocked rainbows.
Just 90 minutes from Atlanta but feels like a different world. That’s the whole appeal of this place.
Quick Reference
Blue Ridge Visitor Center: West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Mercier Orchards: 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
