The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia are a beautiful mountain range that stretches across several states, including Georgia. At over 1 billion years old, this range of mountains is one of the oldest in the United States. This range is part of the larger Appalachian chain that spans the country from the border with Canada all the way down to central Alabama. The Blue Ridge range in North Georgia is less than an hour and a half from downtown Atlanta, making it the most convenient area for those looking to escape to a mountain town for a long weekend or Holiday. Looking for a great little mountain town to explore? The following is a list, in no particular order, of towns with cabin rentals to check out while planning your getaway to the North Georgia mountains. 

Helen, Georgia

Helen could be referred to as the “Little Switzerland of America”. It is a charming town nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest within the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour and a half Northeast of Atlanta. With its Bavarian-inspired architecture, biergarten, cobblestone streets, and picturesque scenery, Helen is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Outside of downtown you can enjoy hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, alpine slide and exploring the nearby wineries. Helen is the most “touristy” Georgia mountain town on this list. Some people love the Bavarian theme, others find it cheesy but it is definitely a town to check out while exploring the mountains but the rest of the list contains towns that are a little more authentically Georgia.

Ellijay, Georgia

Ellijay, often referred to as the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” is a charming town with a great downtown area surrounded by orchards and vineyards within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy apple picking, wine tasting, and exploring the local farmers markets. Ellijay’s downtown is home to some really good local restaurants and local shops. This town is also a great base for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, tubing and kayaking on the nearby Catecay river. The tumbling waters nature trail is a great place to visit with your dogs or kids to enjoy the scenic waterway. Being really close together, lets talk about Blue Ridge next.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge, Georgia, is a very popular destination with great Georgia mountain rentals. The Downtown district has a lot of great restaurants, shops and breweries. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway station is right in the middle of downtown and they offer a 26 mile trip along the Toccoa river to McCaysville where you can eat lunch on the Georgia and Tennessee state lines that divide McCaysville from Cooper Hill, TN. Nearby Cherry Log, Georgia is a quiet little town located directly between Ellijay and Blue Ridge that offers a lot of great mountain cabin rentals including our Lazy Laurel cabin. Relax and enjoy the mountain views and sounds from nearby Fightingtown Creek in between your trips into Ellijay and Blue Ridge. There are a bunch of great Cherry Log cabin rentals because the area is a such great home base for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. The scenic railway even offers a unique experience riding the rail bikes along the train tracks. 

Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega is the site of the first major US gold rush and offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum, explore the historic downtown area, or hike in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest. The town of Dahlonega is also near one of our favorite parks, Amicalola Falls State park. The park is about 20 minutes from Dahlonega and offers hiking trails for all difficulty levels, zip lining and a beautiful lodge with amazing views.

Blairsville, Georgia

Blairsville is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The highlight of this area is that it is home to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state of Georgia with a visitor’s center at 4,784 feet. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the surrounding wilderness or discover the town’s moonshine history at Grandaddy Mimm’s distillery. Blairsville is also home to the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers great hiking trails with stunning views and abundant wildlife.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, Georgia’s mountain towns offer something for everyone. Consider supporting local and small businesses while visiting North Georgia. Eat at a local restaurant, explore a family run orchard and stay at a privately owned cabin rental. The locals will appreciate it!