Cherry Log GA: A Hidden Gem in the North Georgia Mountains
Nestled in the heart of North Georgia’s picturesque Chattahoochee National Forest, Cherry Log is a charming small town that offers a peaceful escape to the North Georgia mountains. With its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and abundance of outdoor activities, Cherry Log is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Cherry Log is also located directly between the popular downtowns of Blue Ridge and Ellijay so there is no wonder this town is becoming more and more popular with visitors to the region.
A Brief History of Cherry Log, GA
Cherry Log Georgia’s history is deeply rooted in the region’s logging and agricultural heritage. The town’s name is believed to be derived from the cherry trees that once thrived in the area and the logs that were floated down the nearby river. One legend even states that the town got its name from Native Americans who used a cherry log as a bridge to cross the river in this area. The town itself these days consists of one street with a post office, community center and the popular Pink Pig BBQ restaurant. The many cabin rentals around the area are the real draw for visitors looking for great views, a peaceful getaway or perhaps a great home base for exploring the mountains. Speaking of exploring, here are some great options for activities near Cherry Log, GA.
Things to Do Near Cherry Log
- Visit Expedition Bigfoot: This museum will make you a Sasquach believer! Great for a rainy day and a must see right in Cherry Log.
- Visit downtown Blue Ridge: Downtown is less than 20 minutes from Cherry Log GA and is home to a lot of great restaurants and local shops. The Blue Ridge Scenic railway is located in the middle of downtown and offers train rides down the Toccoa river as well as rail bikes for those looking for a unique exercise experience! Grumpy Old Men brewing is our favorite place to stop for a cold beer after a day in “town”.
- Visit Mercier Orchards: Located in between Cherry Log and Blue Ridge and just down the mountain from our Lazy Laurel cabin rental, Mercier is a beautiful property with a great market. Depending on the time of the year, they have u-pick options for apples and a variety of other fruits including peaches, blueberries and blackberries. The items in their delicious farmer’s market and bakery are responsible for a lot of weight loss for our family every time we visit Cherry Log GA!
- Go for a hike: There are so many great trails and waterfalls within an hour’s drive from Cherry Log. Easy, scenic hikes like the Toccoa River swinging bridge and Fall Branch Falls are great options for families. The Benton MacKaye trail cuts right through Cherry Log with several entry points for those looking for a more challenging day or overnight hike. An hour away is one of our favorite parks, Amicalola Falls State Park. The park offers hiking trails ranging from a half mile to 15 miles and all difficulty levels in between. Start at their brand new welcome center to view the map of trails, grab snacks or supplies for your hike.
- Float down the Toccoa River: Visiting Cherry Log in the Summer months? There is no better way to beat the heat than to tube down the beautiful Toccoa River. Blue Ridge Tubing or Toccoa River Tubing are great outfitters that will supply everything you need and shuttle you and your family upriver for a nice, lazy float trip.
- Go Fly Fishing for North Georgia Trout: Some of the best trout streams in North Georgia are also within an easy drive from Cherry Log. If you don’t know where to start, we recommend visiting the guys at Cohutta Fishing Company in the middle of downtown Blue Ridge. They will set you up with information, the right flies and any gear you forgot to bring. We highly recommend a guided trip with them if you really want to jumpstart your trout game. The experience you will gain from just one trip with them will save you days of frustration on the creeks.
- Go Off-Roading on Cashes Valley Trail: Located just a half mile from our Cherry Log cabin rental, this trail is popular with Jeep owners and owners of other off-road vehicles. The trail offers beautiful views and several river crossings and ends at an old cemetery. If you visit Cashes Valley, PLEASE leave it better than you found it so that we can all continue to access this amazing area. Click here for a guide to the Cashes Valley off-road trail.
How about doing absolutely nothing in Cherry Log?
While there are a lot of great things to do near Cherry Log, in our experience as cabin rental hosts a lot of guests are just looking for a peaceful getaway to relax. Being only an hour and a half from Atlanta, it is a popular location for people trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Cherry Log’s natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and clear streams make it the ideal place to just relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you read the reviews of our Lazy Laurel cabin rental, you will see that many of our guests love the secluded setting of our little town to enjoy their mountain getaway.
So whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway, outdoor adventures, or a taste of small-town Southern charm, Cherry Log GA offers something for everyone. Moreover, its natural beauty, friendly locals, and proximity to nearby attractions make it a hidden gem worth discovering.
