North Georgia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming mountain towns. Whether you’re seeking peaceful mountain views, thrilling outdoor activities, or quaint downtown shops and restaurants, North Georgia offers something for every type of traveler. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in North Georgia.

Explore Charming Mountain Towns

Ellijay – The Apple Capital of Georgia

Ellijay stands out as one of North Georgia’s most beloved destinations, especially during fall apple season. This charming town offers a perfect blend of small-town hospitality and mountain adventure.

What to Do in Ellijay:

• Visit Mercier Orchards for apple picking, fresh baked goods, and wine tasting
• Explore downtown Ellijay’s shops, restaurants, and farmers market
• Hike the Cartecay River Loop Trail
• Tour local wineries including Cartecay Vineyards and Engelheim Vineyards
• Attend the Georgia Apple Festival in October
• Enjoy craft beer at Cartecay River Brewing Company

Blue Ridge – Scenic Railway and Downtown Charm

Blue Ridge combines outdoor recreation with a thriving downtown scene. Just minutes from Ellijay, this mountain town delivers excellent shopping, dining, and the famous Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Top Blue Ridge Activities:

• Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway through mountain gorges
• Browse Main Street’s antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques
• Sample craft beer at Grumpy Old Men Brewing or Tipping Point Brewing
• Tube down the Toccoa River in summer
• Fish for trout in pristine mountain streams
• Explore Lake Blue Ridge for boating and fishing

Cherry Log – Your Peaceful Mountain Base

Located perfectly between Blue Ridge and Ellijay, Cherry Log offers the ideal blend of seclusion and accessibility. This quiet community provides easy access to both towns while maintaining its peaceful mountain character.

Outdoor Adventures in North Georgia

Hiking and Waterfalls

North Georgia features some of the Southeast’s best hiking trails, ranging from easy family-friendly walks to challenging mountain climbs.

Must-See Waterfalls and Trails:

• Amicalola Falls State Park – Georgia’s tallest waterfall at 729 feet
• Toccoa River Swinging Bridge – East of the Mississippi’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge
• Anna Ruby Falls near Helen
• Brasstown Bald – Georgia’s highest point
• Cloudland Canyon State Park
• Tallulah Gorge State Park

Water Activities

North Georgia’s rivers and lakes provide endless opportunities for water-based recreation.

• River Tubing: Float down the Toccoa or Cartecay Rivers on hot summer days
• Fly Fishing: Cast for trout in mountain streams and tailwaters
• Kayaking: Paddle peaceful lakes or challenge whitewater rapids
• Swimming: Cool off in natural swimming holes and state park beaches

Off-Roading Adventures

For adventure seekers with 4×4 vehicles, North Georgia offers excellent off-road trails. The Cashes Valley Off-Road Trail near Cherry Log features river crossings and scenic mountain views.

Seasonal Activities

Fall in North Georgia

Autumn transforms North Georgia into a spectacular display of color. Fall is peak season for:

• Apple picking at numerous orchards
• Leaf-peeping drives through mountain roads
• Attending the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay
• Hiking trails surrounded by fall foliage
• Wine tasting at local vineyards

Summer Adventures

• River tubing and kayaking
• Swimming in lakes and rivers
• Berry picking at local farms
• Outdoor concerts and festivals
• Evening s’mores and campfires

Winter Escapes

• Cozy cabin stays with hot tubs and fireplaces
• Holiday light displays in mountain towns
• Wine tasting at North Georgia wineries
• Scenic winter hikes
• Off-season deals on lodging

Food and Wine Scene

North Georgia has developed a thriving culinary scene combining Southern comfort food with farm-to-table freshness.

Wineries and Vineyards

The North Georgia wine region offers dozens of wineries producing quality wines in beautiful mountain settings:

• Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay
• Engelheim Vineyards
• Frogtown Cellars in Dahlonega
• Wolf Mountain Vineyards
• Montaluce Winery

Craft Breweries

• Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Blue Ridge
• Cartecay River Brewing Company in Ellijay
• Tipping Point Brewing in Blue Ridge
• Angry Hops Brewing in Blue Ridge

Local Restaurants

From casual BBQ joints to upscale dining, North Georgia’s restaurant scene showcases local ingredients and Southern hospitality. Don’t miss Pink Pig BBQ in Cherry Log for authentic pulled pork.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Expedition Bigfoot Museum in Cherry Log – Perfect for rainy days
• Apple orchards with farm animals and hayrides
• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Kids love the train ride
• State parks with easy hiking trails and playgrounds
• Swimming areas at lakes and rivers

Where to Stay in North Georgia

North Georgia offers diverse lodging options, from rustic cabins to upscale lodges. Cherry Log cabin rentals provide an excellent home base, offering seclusion while keeping you close to both Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Wake up to mountain views, enjoy your morning coffee on a private deck, and end each day relaxing in a hot tub under the stars.

Planning Your North Georgia Trip

Best Times to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom, waterfalls flow strong, moderate crowds
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for water activities, lush greenery, family vacation season
• Fall (September-November): Peak foliage and apple season, busiest time (book early)
• Winter (December-February): Peaceful cabin stays, off-season rates, occasional snow

How to Get There

Most North Georgia destinations sit 90 minutes to 2 hours from Atlanta. Drive north on GA-400 or I-575 to reach the mountain region. Roads are well-maintained year-round, though some mountain roads may have steep grades or gravel sections near cabin rentals.

What to Pack

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Layers for changing mountain weather
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Camera for scenic views
• Swimsuit for river activities
• Light jacket (evenings can be cool even in summer)

Insider Tips for Visiting North Georgia

• Book accommodations early for fall weekends – October fills up months in advance
• Visit weekdays when possible to avoid weekend crowds
• Download offline maps – cell service can be spotty in mountains
• Make restaurant reservations in popular towns, especially weekends
• Bring cash – some farm stands and rural businesses are cash-only
• Check road conditions before driving to mountain cabin rentals
• Start early for popular hikes to secure parking

Why North Georgia Should Be Your Next Getaway

North Georgia delivers the perfect escape from city life without requiring extensive travel time. Within 90 minutes of Atlanta, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and Southern hospitality. The region’s combination of outdoor recreation, charming towns, excellent food and wine, and comfortable lodging creates an ideal destination for weekend trips or longer vacations.

Whether you’re planning a romantic cabin getaway, a family adventure, or a friends’ weekend exploring breweries and hiking trails, North Georgia offers the perfect setting. The towns of Ellijay and Blue Ridge provide excellent dining and shopping, while Cherry Log offers the peaceful mountain atmosphere many travelers seek.

Ready to experience the best things to do in North Georgia? Start planning your mountain escape today and discover why this region has become one of the Southeast’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure and mountain relaxation.