Pet-friendly Blairsville - Trackrock Campground
As told by Emma, Silver Labrador

Blairsville: A Pet-Friendly Guide

Your complete guide to places to stay, where to eat and things to do with your dog in Blairsville.

Less than two hours north of Atlanta is Blairsville, a perfect mountain town for you, your family and your pups to enjoy! While you're there, please use #exploregeorgiapup to share your photos with us!

Helton Creek Falls

Cool Off at Helton Creek Falls

Helton Creek Falls Trail is a 0.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail located near Blairsville that features two waterfalls. It is rated as a moderate hike and is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips and birding. Accessible year-round, dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash.

Lake Nottely in Blairsville

Cruise Across Lake Nottley in a Pontoon Boat

Rent a boat, turn up the music and cruise around Lake Nottely for some fun in the soan! Call North Georgia Watersports!

TrackRock Archaeological Area

Discover Native American Artifacts at TrackRock Archaeological Area

TrackRock Gap is the location of a series of rock carvings made by Native Americans in Union County on soapstone boulders. It contains more than 100 carvings of a wide range of figures and is one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeastern United States. TrackRock Archaeological Area is one of the few such sites located on public land in Georgia.

Brasstown Bald in Blairsville, Georgia

Explore Brasstown Bald, the Highest Point in Georgia

When fall makes its much-anticipated appearance in North Georgia, in-the-know leaf peepers head to one spot: Brasstown Bald near Blairsville. As the state's highest peak — 4,784 feet above sea level — Brasstown Bald is also among the first to display the season's riotous fall colors. Pack your camera for the half-mile climb from the parking lot to the Brasstown Bald Visitors Center and Observation Deck, where you can soak in breathtaking, 360-degree views.

Vogel State Park

Go Fishing, Hike Trails and Play in the Water at Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park is a 233-acre state park located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. It became one of the first two parks in Georgia when it founded a state park system in 1931. Much of the park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and contains 20 cabins, a lake, mini-golf course, waterfalls and a number of hiking trails.

Blood Mountain

Hike Blood Mountain for Gorgeous Views

Blood Mountain Approach Trail is an 11.1-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Blairsville that features a great forest setting and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and camping and is accessible year-round.

Paddleboarding on Lake Nottely

Paddleboard or Canoe on Lake Nottely

The Nottely Reservoir lies on the southeastern edge of the Georgia River watershed, nestled in the mountains and valleys of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The reservoir features a beach and camping area and is a great place for viewing wildlife. Recreational Opportunities include auto touring, boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, picnic, restaurant/snack bar, recreational vehicles, museum, visitor center, water sports, and wildlife viewing. To rent a stand-up paddleboard on Lake Nottely, contact Southern Water Trails.

Meeks Park in Blairsville

Play With Other Pups at Meeks Park Dog Park

Meeks Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the North Georgia mountains! Visitors can enjoy disc golf, skateboard park, seasonal swimming pool and tennis courts. Butternut Creek and Nottely River run through the park for fishing, nature walks and great family picnics. New park amenities include a grist mill, splash park and canoe launch. The Union County Dog Park trail system is a wonderful place to exercise. With a little over a mile of trails, you can walk your companion while enjoying the tree covered areas, open fields and beautiful views of Nottely River. The Dog Park also has a new off-leash area that is completely fenced in, offers two pens and a state of the art doggie drinking fountain. Clean-up bags are always available.

Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi

Shop and Take in the Views at Mountain Crossings, the Only Covered Portion of the Entire Appalachian Trail

In 1983, the Walasi-Yi (pronounced "Wa La See Yee") Interpretive Center, was reborn as Mountain Crossings, the outdoor retailer and Appalachian Trail (AT) gift store that it still is today. The AT itself passes through the building, marking the only covered portion of the trail's 2,100-plus miles. The views from the side porch are spectacular in every season!

Odom Springs Vineyards

Sip on a Glass of Red or White at Odom Springs Vineyards

Odom Springs Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery located in the lush rolling hills of North Georgia. For more than a century, the Odom family has owned land in the Young Cane valley. The vineyards and winery are situated on 16 acres of Odom land, most recently owned by the late Earl Odom and his wife, Gwen. The Creekside, New Ground and Hillside vineyards are located on the nearby 60-acre farm of Gordon (Papaw/Pop) and Christine (Grandmaw) Odom, known as Pop's Walk. Stop by the front desk where they keep a jar of treats behind the counter for visiting fur friends!

Sunrise Grocery in Blairsville, Georgia

Taste Local Flavors at Sunrise Grocery

Known for their world-famous boiled peanuts, Sunrise Grocery is a truly authentic country store that opened its doors in the early 1920s. The store sells locally grown fresh produce, hoop cheese, sorghum, honey, local goods, gas, camping equipment, fishing supplies and more.

Reece Heritage Farm

Tour the Reece Heritage Farm

The Reece Heritage Farm has wonderful displays, authentic farm buildings and equipment. They offer self-guided tours via their app to learn about rural life in Appalachia in the mid-20th century. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of Wolf Creek and the surrounding mountains.

The Aviator Cafe in Blairsville

The Aviator Cafe

The Aviator Cafe is a laid-back eatery with everything from hot-grilled paninis and cold hoagies to gyros, soups and wraps to smoothies, all made fresh to order.

Cabin Coffee Co. in Blairsville

Cabin Coffee Co.

As you walk into Cabin Coffee Co., enjoy the smell of Arabica gourmet coffee beans roasting. The shop offers the perfect fresh roasted coffee to brew in your morning cup or grab a latte for the road. The café serves breakfast and lunch. Stop by for the best soups, salads and sandwiches in town, but the even better part is that your furry friends can join you!

Jim’s Smokin’ Que in Blairsville

Jim’s Smokin’ Que

Jim’s Smokin' Que has some of the best BBQ in all of North Georgia! Open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, this smokehouse advises guests to arrive early, as their succulent meats – including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken and turkey – often sell out.

Michaelee’s Italian Life Caffe

This full-service, boutique fine-dining restaurant with a creative menu, accented with fine Italian olive oils, balsamic vinegars and ingredients will surprise and delight you. Michaelee’s imports their pasta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, vinegars, oils and sea salt from Italy for a deliciously authentic meal you can enjoy with your four-legged companion!

Monet’s Italian Grille & Pizzeria in Blairsville, Georgia

Monet’s Italian Grille & Pizzeria

Patrons will be delighted with the scrumptious meals and charming atmosphere at Monet's Italian Grille & Pizzeria! Described as "friendly elegance at its best,” enjoy dining in the garden with your four-legged family members. Have you heard rumors about the young ghost that roams Monet's dining room? People swear they have seen her misty form, and workers have found mysterious hand prints.

Hole in the Wall in Blairsville, Georgia

Hole in the Wall

This local hangout is legendary, having served home-cooked meals and desserts since 1931. The front outside area waits for the crowd that will come every day, sit, eat, enjoy and relax. The menu is strictly down-home cooking with great prices and lots of food. The Hole in the Wall is a step back in time you will not want to miss! Enjoy breakfast or lunch on the downtown square with your furry companion. The waitresses are so nice; they will bring your pup ice water on a hot day!

Copperhead Lodge in Blairsville

Copperhead Lodge

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Copperhead Lodge is Georgia's best kept secret. The colossal, rustic lodge features an award-winning restaurant, full-service bar, grand lobby with over-sized fireplace for events, wrap-around covered porch for comfortable outdoor dining and fireside seating.

When summer arrives, live music takes center stage with new music and bands every Friday and Saturday on the wrap-around covered porch, weather permitting April through November. Fall is the perfect time to visit as the lodge is ground zero for leaf season in North Georgia.

Pup Guidelines: The popular pet-friendly cabins have a big grassy yard that pups can enjoy. A one-time pet fee of $35 is charged.

Kilin’ Tyme Cabins in Blairsville

Kilin’ Tyme Cabins

Kilin’ Tyme Cabins is a wonderful place on a beautiful wooded mountainside. As you turn into the entrance, you will find a private paved road that gently winds up the mountain, under a cool, shady canopy of trees. It's the perfect place to spend weekends, vacations and holidays, or any special occasion. It's also a great escape, to just get away and kill some time....any way you choose.

Pup Guidelines: Killin’ Tyme is very pet-friendly! Visiting pups love being outside, hiking and sightseeing during the day, and then lying on the porch and relaxing at night.

Paradise Hills Resort & Spa

Paradise Hills Resort & Spa

Located on a 35-acre mountain ridge, Paradise Hills Resort & Spa offers rustic and luxurious cabin rentals, a resort spa and farm winery – everything you need for your mountain vacation in one location!

Pup Guidelines: All cabins, except Cat’s Meow cabin, are dog-friendly. Up to two dogs are allowed in a cabin, and kennel rentals are offered for those guests who don’t want to bring their own. Four-legged guests are greeted with special doggie blankets and dog cookies set up in the cabin before arrival.

Mountain Crossings at Walas-Yi

Mountain Crossings at Walas-Yi

The stone facade of the Walasi-yi (pronounced: "Wa La See Yee") Interpretive Center has been standing at Neel Gap on the Appalachian Trail since both trail and building were completed in 1937. Though the majestic historical building has seen many purposes, Mountain Crossings has called it home since the early 1980s and has become a crucial backpackers destination on the Appalachian Trail.

It is now one of the premiere full-service outfitters on the trail for thru hikers, offering gear, large resupply options, lodging, gifts and much more.

Pup Guidelines: Dogs are welcome on property and although they are not allowed in the hostel because of possible allergies of other guests, dog owners are allowed to camp onsite with their pups!

Season’s Inn  in Blairsville

Season’s Inn

Located on the historic square in downtown Blairsville, Season’s Inn offers everything you need for an enjoyable stay in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. The inn’s affordable rates, immaculately clean rooms, and the family-friendly atmosphere make it the perfect mountain destination.

Pup Guidelines: The 25 dog-friendly rooms (more than half on ground level) are within easy walking distance of restaurants and shopping. Pups love meeting guests in the hotel lobby.

Trackrock Campground & Cabins

Trackrock Campground & Cabins

Trackrock Campground & Cabins is a 250-acre paradise of meadows, hayfields and woodlands in the beautiful North Georgia mountains. Located between Blairsville and Hiawassee, Trackrock is completely isolated from all other commercial developments and is bordered on three sides by the Chattahoochee National Forest. As a designated Appalachian Botanical Sanctuary, great care is taken to preserve the natural environment. Wildlife, flowers and flowering shrubs are abundant throughout the campground and surrounding area.

Pup Guidelines: Dogs are allowed on a leash in the campground. One pet-friendly cabin is available.

Published: August 2016
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