10 Outdoor Adventures in Blue Ridge
Gateway to Georgia's mountains, Blue Ridge is a rugged paradise of sparkling lakes, world-famous trails and treasured trout streams. Experience the best of Blue Ridge outdoors on these 10 adventures.
Hiking
See tumbling waterfalls, sweeping views and treasured mountain streams along legendary trails weaving through the wilds of North Georgia. Hike designated routes of the 12.4-mile Trout Adventure Trail to sample the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye trails, and earn a commemorative patch.
Boating
Splash into the crystal blue waters of Lake Blue Ridge! Filled with cool mountain water from the Toccoa River and surrounded by Chattahoochee National Forest, the 3,000-acre lake offers refreshing beauty and recreation. Whether planning a paddle, fishing trip or a luxurious pontoon party, you can find your craft at Lake Blue Ridge Marina.
Fishing
The Trout Capital of Georgia, Blue Ridge is the perfect place for fly fishing. Find guides who will show you the finer points of reeling in beautiful trout here.
Mountain biking
Rolling terrain and diverse forest landscapes offer an incredible trail network near Deep Gap in the Aska Trails Area. The scenery shifts from hardwood coves and stream crossings as trails ascend mountain ridges to overlook views. Six sections of interconnected trails offer a range of difficulty and distances to mountain bikers looking for a fun challenge.
Horseback riding
"Saddle up and soar" through the secluded forest of Hells Hollow. One of the best experiences in North Georgia, Hells Hollow combines rugged horseback trails with the excitement of ziplining the canopy. Friendly horses carry riders along deep forest trails, galloping along straightaways and splashing through creeks before your thrilling zipline flight.
If you like horses, but riding them isn't your speed, take a farm tour and carriage ride in a horse-drawn replica 1800s carriage at Daffodil Hill Farm & Carriage. Kids can take pony rides and meet a variety of farm animals, and everyone will enjoy exploring the scenic country setting.
Apple picking
The largest apple orchard in the Southeast, Mercier Orchards offers family-friendly fun, delicious baked goods, and more than 20 varieties of apples. A new reason to make memories at Mercier arrives with every season. Take a tractor tour, enjoy their famous fried apple pies, and pick your own fruit like strawberries and cherries in season. Mercier also makes its own hard cider and wine. Try a sample in the tasting room, and take home a few bottles.
Riding the train
A classic way to experience the exceptional scenery of Blue Ridge, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers vintage and open-air rail cars for fantastic views on the relaxing ride. Your train excursion begins at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge and travels along the Toccoa River, stopping along the way in other charming towns. The fall foliage tour and the wintertime Santa Express are popular seasonal train trips.
Dining
Dining in Blue Ridge is always a treat, but especially so at local eateries with patios and outdoor seating. Enjoy live music, food trucks and beer at Grumpy Old Men Brewing or unique Southern fusion dishes at the Black Sheep Restaurant. Find more places to eat in Blue Ridge.
Camping
Fresh mountain air, gorgeous scenery and varying degrees of roughing it make Blue Ridge an ideal spot to set up camp. Enjoy secluded swimming areas, fishing and hiking trails on Lake Blue Ridge at Morganton Point Campground. Backpack into camp near the Blue Ridge Swinging Bridge, or stay in Springer Mountain's rustic shelter at the historic southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. For a more glamorous "camping" experience, check out the Blue Ridge Treehouse at Bear Claw Vineyards.
Geocaching
Search for geocaches hidden around Blue Ridge, and you'll discover some of the most beautiful things about North Georgia. Blue Ridge geocaches are hidden around historic trails, cascading waterfalls, mountain trout streams and local landmarks.
