The best things to do in Blue Ridge, GA are riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, hiking to North Georgia waterfalls, tubing or fly fishing the Toccoa River, boating on Lake Blue Ridge, crossing the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, and spending an afternoon in the shops, restaurants and wineries around downtown. Blue Ridge sits in the North Georgia mountains, about 90 miles (roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive) north of Atlanta, so it works for a weekend or a full week!
We’re the Mullikin family, and we own and design the Vacayzy cabins in Blue Ridge and Ellijay. Over the years we’ve hiked the trails, floated the river and eaten our way through downtown with our two boys (and our fluffy sidekick, Captain Fluffy). This is the list we give our own friends and guests, from the big-name attractions to the quieter spots locals love!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES BLUE RIDGE
1. CROSS THE TOCCOA RIVER SWINGING BRIDGE
At 270 feet, this suspension bridge on the Benton MacKaye Trail is often called the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi. From GA-60, a gravel Forest Service road (FS 816) leads to a small lot about 0.2 miles from the bridge. For a real hike, start at the Benton MacKaye parking area on GA-60 and walk 3 miles each way.
Vacayzy tip: Go on a weekday morning. Weekend afternoons can get crowded, and the gravel road is slow going.
2. HIKE LONG CREEK FALLS
This 50-foot, two-tier waterfall sits just off the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails. The walk takes about 30 minutes each way on a mostly easy trail, so it’s a great pick for families and first-time hikers.
3. FIND FALL BRANCH FALLS
A short but steeper trail off Aska Road leads to a series of cascades that end in a 30-foot drop. It’s one of the closest waterfalls to downtown, which makes it an easy add-on to a morning on Lake Blue Ridge.
4. TAKE A DAY TRIP TO AMICALOLA FALLS
At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The state park sits near Dawsonville, about 21 miles from Ellijay. Choose the stairs to the top for big views, or the easier paved paths for little legs.
5. TUBE, KAYAK, OR RAFT THE TOCCOA RIVER
The Toccoa River is Blue Ridge’s summer playground. Float the calmer stretch above Lake Blue Ridge off Aska Road, or head below the dam toward McCaysville. Outfitters in town rent tubes, kayaks and paddleboards and run shuttles.
6. GO FLY FISHING FOR TROUT
Fannin County calls itself the “Trout Capital of Georgia,” with more than 100 miles of trout water. The Toccoa River tailwater, Noontootla Creek and Rock Creek are local favorites. If you’re new to fly fishing, book a half-day trip with a local guide.
7. SPEND THE DAY ON LAKE BLUE RIDGE
This clear mountain lake is ringed by national forest instead of big developments. Rent a pontoon or kayak, swim at the Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area, or pack a picnic for the Dam Recreation Area.
8. MOUTNAIN BIKE OR HIKE THE ASKA TRAILS
The Aska Adventure Area is a network of forest trails a few miles from downtown. It suits both mountain bikers and hikers. The area has more than 300 miles of hiking trails overall, including the southern start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.
Vacayzy tip: All of our cabins welcome dogs, and most of these trails do too. Keep pups leashed on the swinging bridge and pack water for them on warm days.
DOWNTOWN FOOD, WINE, AND LOCAL FLAVOR
9. STROLL AND SHOP DOWNTOWN BLUE RIDGE
Blue Ridge began as a railroad town and was once a resort known for its mineral springs. Today its walkable downtown is packed with boutiques, galleries, outfitters and candy shops, all within a few blocks of the train depot.
10. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH DOWNTOWN
Downtown has everything from Southern comfort food and barbecue to upscale farm-to-table dinners. Make dinner reservations on fall and holiday weekends, when the best tables book up fast.
Our family’s favorites: Grace Steakhouse, The Pasta Market, Twisted Tomato, & Bigfoot Biscuit!
11. PICK APPLES AT MERCIER ORCHARDS
This fourth-generation family farm covers 300 acres just outside town. Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, peaches and more than 40 varieties of apples. Then grab cider donuts and fried pies from the bakery and taste their hard ciders. Note: pets aren’t allowed, so leave the pups at the cabin for this one.
12. SIP AT NORTH GEORGIA WINERIES
You’ll find farm wineries and tasting rooms in downtown Blue Ridge, at Mercier Orchards and along the back roads toward Ellijay. Book a wine shuttle or tour so everyone can enjoy the tasting.
13. TRY LOCAL BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES
Blue Ridge and the nearby Copper Basin have more than a half-dozen breweries and distilleries. Many have patios that welcome dogs, which makes them an easy, relaxed stop.
14. STAND IN 2 STATES AT THE BLUE LINE
McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN are twin towns divided by a painted blue line on the state border. Snap a photo with one foot in each state. You’ll also see the Toccoa River change its name to the Ocoee as it crosses into Tennessee.
15. CATCH A SHOW OR BROWSE LOCAL ART
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center shows work by regional artists. The Blue Ridge Community Theater stages plays and musicals much of the year. Both are great rainy-day options.
16. EPLORE ELLIJAY, GEORGIA’S APPLE CITY
Just 20–30 minutes south, Ellijay is known for roadside apple houses, orchards and the Georgia Apple Festival every October. It also has its own wineries and a charming downtown square. It’s an easy half-day trip from any of our cabins.
SCENIC RIDES, FAMILY FUN, AND SEASONAL FAVORITES
17. RIDE THE BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY
Blue Ridge’s signature attraction leaves the historic downtown depot and follows the Toccoa River on a 26-mile round trip to McCaysville. The 4-hour trip includes a 2-hour layover for lunch and the Blue Line. The 2-hour Express skips the layover and runs on select dates. Choose an open-air car on a nice day for the best river views.
18. PEDAL THE RAILS ON A RAIL BIKE
The railway also runs four-person electric rail bikes along the tracks. It’s a fun, low-effort way to see the river valley up close, and teens love it.
19. TAKE ON THE BLUE RIDGE ADVENTURE PARK
This treetop ropes course has four aerial courses and more than 50 obstacles, including zip lines. Book ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
20. GO HORSEBACK RIDING
Local stables offer guided family trail rides year-round. Some also run seasonal hayrides and evening wagon rides with campfire dinners.
21. WATCH A MOVIE AT THE SWAN DRIVE IN
The Swan has shown double features under the stars since 1955. It’s one of the last drive-in theaters in Georgia. Bring chairs, order the burgers and fried Oreos, and check the schedule since showings are seasonal.
22. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE TO BRASSTOWN BALD
About an hour away, Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia at 4,784 feet. On a clear day you can see four states from the observation deck. Closer to home, Aska Road and GA-60 make easy, beautiful drives, especially in fall.
23. CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN BLUE RIDGE
During the holidays, the railway runs a 1-hour Holiday Express on select dates in late November and December. It includes music, “The Night Before Christmas” and a visit with Santa. Mercier Orchards hosts Santa at the Farm, and downtown glows with lights and holiday shopping.
24. PLAN AROUND A MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL
The North Georgia calendar is full of festivals. Highlights include the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay (October), Bear on the Square in Dahlonega and the Sorghum Festival in Blairsville. The railway’s Fourth of July Firecracker Special is a summer favorite.
25. SLOW DOWN AT YOUR CABIN
Some of the best Blue Ridge moments happen without leaving the porch. Think coffee with a mountain view, a soak in the hot tub, s’mores at the fire pit and more stars than you’ll ever see in Atlanta. Build in at least one unscheduled evening.
WHERE TO STAY IN BLUE RIDGE
Our four Vacayzy cabins near Blue Ridge and Ellijay put you minutes from everything on this list. Each one was designed by our own design-build team at Infinite Home, so you get a true luxury cabin instead of a dated rental.
| Cabin | Bedrooms/Bath | Sleeps | Holiday Highlights |
| River Run | 8 Bed , 3.5 Bath | 14 | Ellijay River frontage, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, hot tub, game room; 15 minitues to downtown |
| Above The Clouds | 5 Bed, 3.5 Bath | 10 | Long-range mountain views from every level, fireplace, fire pit; 12 minutes to downtown |
| Creek Side | 5 Bed, 3 Bath | 9 | Fightingtown Creek access, fireplace with firewood provided, hot tub, game room, 2.5 acres |
| Stone Creek | 3 Bed, 1 Bath | 4 | Secluded creekside cabin with hot tub, fireplace hearth, and fire pit by the water |
All four cabins welcome dogs (non-shedding breeds only at River Run), so the whole family can stay!
BLUE RIDGE FAQ
What is Blue Ridge, GA best known for?
Blue Ridge is best known for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, trout fishing on the Toccoa River, nearby waterfalls and Lake Blue Ridge. It also has a walkable downtown full of shops, restaurants and wineries, and plenty of mountain cabin rentals.
How far is Blue Ridge from Atlanta?
Blue Ridge is about 90 miles north of Atlanta, roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive depending on traffic.
What is the best time to visit Blue Ridge?
Fall is the most popular season for leaf color and apple picking. Summer is best for tubing and the lake. Winter is quieter, cozy and often cheaper, with holiday train rides in December.
How many days do you need to stay in Blue Ridge to see everything?
A long weekend of 2–3 days covers the railway, downtown and a waterfall hike. With 4–5 days, you can add the lake, a river float, Ellijay and a slow day at the cabin.
Is Blue Ridge, GA dog-friendly?
Yes. Many trails, patios, breweries and shops welcome leashed dogs, and every Vacayzy cabin is dog-friendly. Some attractions, like Mercier Orchards, don’t allow pets.
What is there to do in Blue Ridge in winter?
In winter, ride the Holiday Express, shop downtown, visit wineries and hike waterfalls with fewer crowds. Then warm up with a fireplace and hot tub back at your cabin.b