The charming small city of Blue Ridge, which is frequently mentioned as one of North Georgia's top tourist destinations, is a favourite among both Georgians and visitors from other states. Originally established in the 1800s as a depot for Georgia's expanding railway network, it has found new life as one of the most idyllic tourism destinations in the state.
Blue Ridge, one of the southernmost towns in the Appalachian Mountains, has a tonne of entertaining indoor and outdoor things to offer. It offers a wide range of distinctive attractions, thriving dining and shopping districts, and breathtaking landscape that can be discovered on foot, on bike, by vehicle, or even by rail.
The city's close ties to the railway are obvious. Situated in the middle of "Rail Town" lies its most popular tourist attraction, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The town's visitor centre is currently housed in a classic caboose, and its rails neatly divide West and East Main Streets.
Blue Ridge also honours its extensive cultural past. The Jazz Festival and other festivals with a musical focus as well as a winter film festival are all hosted here all year long. There are additional events honouring regional fall foliage, local artists, and craftspeople.
Read through our guide to the best activities in Blue Ridge, Georgia, to find out more about this exciting place.
1.Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, for starters.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is smack dab in the midst of town and impossible to miss. This must-ride heritage railway was built in 1998 and goes along a 26-mile section of the former Marietta and North Georgia Railroad, drawing up to 80,000 passengers annually.
The one-hour excursion departs at the venerable Blue Ridge Depot and travels along the Toccoa River to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Before being picked up for the hour-long travel back home, you get two hours of free time to explore these places. You'll get to take in views of the lovely river as well as the nearby Appalachian Mountains.
Consider reserving one of the exciting seasonal train specials for an even more remarkable journey. They include travels at Thanksgiving, a beautiful fall foliage excursion, and a joyous "Holiday Express" Christmas outing. A "Premier Class" ticket gives you the option to upgrade your experience and comes with unlimited soft drinks, sweets, and nibbles in addition to comfortable reclining chairs.
Parties of up to four individuals can pedal a railbike around a 5.5-mile stretch of the rail line thanks to a recent addition to the interesting attraction. Make sure to reserve this and other rail experiences in advance online if you're travelling during peak season or on a special occasion to prevent disappointment.
In search of a distinctive place to stay while taking in the picturesque railway? Consider the Blue Ridge Inn, a historic bed & breakfast where the first railway's founder formerly resided. It is close to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and the excitement of the downtown area, and it has been beautifully restored while keeping many of its original features.
2. See the charming downtown of Blue Ridge
There are a tonne of enjoyable activities in Downtown Blue Ridge, which has a population of only 1,200. But, despite the city receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, its central business district has escaped the traditional tourist traps of souvenir stores and fast food.
Instead, both West and East Main Streets have kept their appeal thanks to the upscale clothing boutiques, home décor shops, eateries, and cafés that line them, in addition to craft and antique shops. The majority of the well-preserved architecture consists of red-brick structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the occasional modern construction often blending in well.
For fantastic photo options, including the town's historic courthouse, which now serves as the headquarters of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, head to the south end of West Main Street. And a little distance away is the fantastic Black Sheep Restaurant, which boasts a sizable patio with stunning views of the city.
3. Take in the Natural Beauty of Morganton Point Recreation Area
The year-round Morganton Point Recreation Area is a short 15-minute drive from the heart of Blue Ridge and offers a range of opportunities to take in nature. This 3,290-acre location is situated on the north coast of Blue Ridge Lake and provides convenient access to the water for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, all of which can be leased here.
A paved boat launch is available for those carrying motorised watercraft, and Lake Blue Ridge Marina also offers enjoyable pontoon boat rentals that can be used to explore the park's beaches and shoreline of trees. Furthermore, trout, bass, and sunfish can all be caught there.
Morganton Point is a fantastic starting point for hikers to explore the area because of its placement inside the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Swimming, picnics, and barbecues are among more enjoyable activities. Snacks, trinkets, and essential camping goods are available at a nearby store. Try to reserve ahead of time to ensure your location because there are only 43 tent and RV campsites available, especially if you require a site with power and water.
4. Go to the Blue Ridge Dam.
The trip to Blue Ridge Dam is a must-do and can be made in only five minutes by automobile from Downtown Blue Ridge. A portion of the short, beautiful trail crosses the dam itself as it ascends into the hills surrounding Lake Blue Ridge. The construction of this substantial hydroelectric dam, which was completed in 1931 on the Toccoa River, resulted in the development of Lake Blue Ridge, a 3,300-acre body of water with around 60 miles of shoreline today.
it's a magnificent sight, stretching 1,553 feet in length and rising 175 feet in height. There is a huge parking space available, and a variety of designated sites offer some fantastic views of the dam and lake. A few older, deserted structures with views of the lake provide a beautiful setting for photographs.
If you want to get on the water, you can rent kayaks and canoes at the Morganton Point Recreation Area across the lake or a range of motorised and non-powered boats at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina. There are also numerous boat ramps available if you plan to bring your own boat.
5. Adventures & Pick Your Own Fruit at Mercier Orchards
Visit Mercier Orchards if you wish to enjoy the abundant annual fruit harvest of the Blue Ridge region. This 300-acre orchard was founded in 1943 and has been run by the same family ever since, making it a popular destination for both tourists and residents.
Our Favorite Activities in Blue Ridge, GA - I am sharing all of the things that made our Summer vacation the best yet!!
— Big Pine Cabin (@BigPineCabin) August 13, 2018
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Mercier Orchards, located in a rural area three miles from the city centre, not only sells its own food in a sizable retail store but also offers pick-your-own opportunities for blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and apples. These enjoyable activities for families feature a tractor ride through the orchards and instruction on the finest picking methods. Picnic boxes can also be ordered for those who want to make a day of it.
On weekends and other special occasions, the farm opens its orchards for a relaxing orchard stroll if you merely wish to pay a visit. Moreover, catch-and-release fishing is permitted in the ponds on the property. On-site, there is a bakery and café that serves a range of sweets, including their well-known fried pies. Other food products, such as jams and honey made in the area, are available for purchase at their on-site store along with souvenirs.
6. Go out the Blue Ridge Arts Center to see local artists' creations
A trip to the Blue Ridge Arts Center on West Main Street is worthwhile because it is housed in the historic Fannin County Courthouse, a charming building constructed in the late 1930s. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association's helpful volunteers and staff are happy to provide information on exhibits and events, and admission is free.
The facility offers an excellent selection of educational activities, including seminars, talks, and events, in addition to rotating exhibits highlighting the work of regional artists. Included artistic mediums range from watercolour painting to photography, quilting to sculpture—basically, any activity that fosters creativity. There are also studios and rehearsal rooms available.
To try and catch one of the art group's well-liked outdoor events, be sure to check their website before travelling to Blue Ridge. They consist of a music series in addition to the well-liked "Arts in the Park" occasions with vendors and craftspeople from all around the area.
7. The Fannin County Historical Foundation's Time Machine
The Fannin County Heritage Foundation is housed in a former 19th-century residence just a few streets from the city centre and offers a number of fascinating exhibits about the fascinating history of the area. Founded in 1986, the exhibits and displays provide a fascinating look into the city's history as a railway town and beyond by describing major local events and the individuals who were involved in them.
Its holdings contain artefacts from the pre-railroad era, when the region could only be accessible by stagecoach, as well as vintage fabrics and clothes. There is a study library for those who want to go a little deeper into the area's history as well as a genealogical library for those who are interested in tracing any familial ties to the area.
The Baugh House Museum, a charming red-brick house constructed from clay mined from the foundation's own backyard, is also run by the organisation.
8. ESCAPION: BIGFOOT! Sasquatch Museum
EXPEDITION:BIGFOOT! Anyone with even the tiniest interest in this legendary creature must visit the Sasquatch Museum. Simply look for the life-size metal sculpture of Bigfoot that stands outside the attraction, and you won't miss it.
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This intriguing 4,000 square foot museum, which is billed as housing the greatest collection of genuine Bigfoot artefacts in the Country, also has a large number of pictures and drawings pertaining to reported sightings of the elusive ape-like creature. A special research vehicle will also be on exhibit, along with supposed cinematic "proof" that supports its presence.
Whatever your opinion of the reliability of the offered research is, it's a pleasant experience. Moreover, there is a gift shop there. And don't forget to take a picture of the steel Bigfoot outside so you'll know what to look for if you happen to run across the real thing.
9. The Mineral Bluff Historic Depot
Historic Mineral Bluff Depot, another railroad-related destination worth visiting, is situated 15 minutes' drive northeast of Blue Ridge. This well-maintained red-brick structure was built in 1887 and functioned as a depot for the now-defunct Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. It has just been added to the USA's National Register of Historic Places. It had had a direct rail connection to the Blue Ridge Depot.
An superb size model of the previous railway lines that ran across North Georgia is also housed in the structure, which is noteworthy. The same group that spearheaded the historic depot's preservation also plans sporadic rail excursions, such as a five-mile trip in a railway motorcar. Moreover, a railway hand car is occasionally employed.
10. Go to Blairsville by car
The tiny city of Blairsville, which lies halfway between Blue Ridge and the equally well-known tourist destination of Helen, is a great place to visit when in North Georgia. A portion of the Georgia Scenic Byway is included in the drive itself, which is a lovely one. You might even feel tempted to follow it all the way from Blue Ridge to Helen since it is so lovely.
If so, make sure to pause and take a look about Blairsville. This tiny town of about 700 or so people enjoys one of the most beautiful city squares in the state, which is decorated by the lovely red-brick Union County Historical Courthouse.
The 1899 structure, which has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, houses exhibits and relics pertaining to the history of the city. This location also hosts a concert series. The 1906 Grapelle Butt Mock House and the 1861 John Payne Cabin are two other historic structures that are maintained by the Union County Historical Society.
Make a day of it by visiting a couple more nearby attractions while you're in Blairsville. Top of the list are the 4,180-acre Lake Nottely, a well-liked destination for boating, fishing, and hiking, Vogel State Park, which has beautiful waterfalls, and Basstown Bald, a leisure area with an extensive 80-mile trail network.