Things To Do
CABIN | DIRECTIONS | GUEST INFO | THINGS TO DO | WHERE TO EAT
THINGS TO DO
Whether it’s hiking, fishing, water sports, going to an arts festival or event in town, or just relaxing with family – you’ll find plenty to do in Blue Ridge!
HIKING
Steph loves to hike – just ask and she’ll bend your ear and help you figure out where to go. The Cabin is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forrest and Cohutta Wilderness Areas.
Both the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail start just South of Blue Ridge and wind all through the area. The Aska Adventure Area has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
About a 30 minute drive from the cabin is a great hike on the Benton Mackaye trail that will take you to a swinging bridge across the Toccoa River. It’s a short hike to the bridge – or you can keep going.
If waterfalls are your thing try Falls Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls, or the Jacks River Falls.
Head over past Blairsville to hike up Brasstown Bald where you can see three states from the visitor’s center at the summit.
And you don’t have to get in your car for a great hike! Just head out from the cabin and go to the end of Thomas Mountain Road (about 1/2 a mile) and you’ll come to a trail system that borders the Woodruff Boy Scout Reserve.
There are maps in the kitchen drawer and a book in the living room to help you plan the perfect hike of any length.
FISHING
Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas are home to beautiful lakes, rivers, and mountain streams. If you like to fish, there is no better place in Georgia! Fishing is Blake’s favorite pastime, so just ask and he can help you plan your fishing excursions!
Toccoa River – Blue Ridge is the trout fishing capital of Georgia. The Toccoa River is fishable year round above the dam and from fall through Spring below the lake. Fish from the bank, wade, or hop in the canoe. Below the lake starting around Sandy Bottom Canoe Launch is great for float tube fishing. Stop by Unicoi Outfitters on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge to find access points, hire a guide, or sign up for lessons. If you fish above the dam, make sure to check the water release schedule and if you are in the river and the water starts to rise – get out!
Lake Blue Ridge - The best smallmouth bass fishing in Georgia! You’ll also find spotted bass, bluegill, perch and if you are lucky a walleye or two.
Lake Nottely – A great lake with low fishing pressure. Fish for strippers, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and crappie.
Lake Hiawassee, Lake Chatuge, and Carters Lake are also easy day trips from our cabin.
In addition to the Toccoa, you can fish for trout on the Noontootla, Nantahala, or other mountain streams like Jacks River, Fightingtown Creek, Hothouse Creek, or Rock Creek (especially good for kids).
GET WET
The nearby lakes and rivers offer plenty of water fun! Boat, canoe or kayak on Lake Blue Ridge or Lake Nottely (you can rent pontoons and jet skis at the Marina on Lake Blue Ridge). Whitewater raft or kayak the Ocoee or Nantahala Rivers (we recommend the Ocoee Whitewater Center – home of the 1996 Olympic whitewater kayaking). Canoe or kayak the Toccoa River. There are numerous services to tube the Toccoa – we recommend heading to Shallowford Bridge off Aska Road and you’ll see the services by the bridge that will shuttle you up river and rent you a tube . Or just relax by the water at the beach area at Morganton Point on Lake Blue Ridge or Poteete Creek Park on Lake Notteley.
TAKE A TRAIN RIDE
For a great family outing, take a train ride! The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers train rides in climate controlled or open rail cars. Leave from the 1905 train depot in downtown Blue Ridge and wind alongside the Toccoa River with a stop in McCaysville / Copperhill (the border of Georgia and Tennessee) for lunch before returning.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Take a horseback ride through the beautiful terrain of North Georgia. There are numerous stables in the area – you can find a list on the Chamber of Commerce website at blueridgemountains.com
HIT THE TOWN
Downtown Blue Ridge is a quaint area centered around Main Street. Spend some time in the quaint mountain town shops, galleries, restaurants, and clothing stores. If you are in town for a holiday – there is sure to be an event downtown whether it’s Trick or Treating along Main Street at Halloween, Santa arriving on the train and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Thanksgiving, arts festivals in the warmer months, or 4th of July fireworks at the Marina.