So many things to do in Blue Ridge, Georgia…so little time! Attractions, shops, and eateries abound in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. For 2022, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 must-dos for your vacation bucket list. From outdoor adventures and indoor fun to neat places to visit and the relaxing cabin life, there’s something for everyone. Plan your 2022 North Georgia getaway with our favorite Blue Ridge, GA, things to do with family and friends — in no particular order below!
1. Board the Scenic Railway
Ah, riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a classic thing to do in North Georgia. Follow the tracks along the sparkling Toccoa River, through the lush national forest, and to the sister mountain towns of McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN. Shop or grab a bite in town, then enjoy the scenic ride back to Blue Ridge.
2. Explore the Chattahoochee National Forest
Featuring the start of the Appalachian Trail, gorgeous wildlife, dazzling waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest beckons nearly 3 million visitors each year and is a favorite with hikers. You can hike, ride horses, plan a picnic, swim, hunt, go trout fishing, and take scenic drives…for starters.
3. Visit the Bigfoot Museum
Stomp over to Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum in Blue Ridge, GA. A unique activity for the whole family, you’ll find one-of-a-kind artifacts, footprint casts, and recordings that help prove the big fluffball is real. Whether you leave a skeptic or a believer, visiting the bigfoot museum is something you’ll not soon forget.
4. Play Golf at Old Toccoa Farm
Grab your best golf clubs and gear and head to Old Toccoa Farm in Fannin County for a relaxing day on the green. As the only golf and river community in Mineral Bluff (minutes from Blue Ridge), this golf course is a top option for lovers of the sport who want to enjoy beautiful views while they swing, putt, and score.
5. Relax at YOUR Cozy Cabin
Whether you want a nice place to rest at the end of a busy day in downtown Blue Ridge or just want to take a peaceful cabin vacation, Georgia Cabins for YOU has great options for your stay. Soak in a steamy hot tub, sip local wine or moonshine by a crackling fireplace, unwind in the outdoor lounge, mix drinks at the wet bar, play games, watch movies, and snooze in a king suite!
6. Pick Apples at Mercier Orchards
You simply can’t go to Blue Ridge without thinking about apples. Mercier Orchards is a local staple and offers apple picking in the fall plus apple treats, like fried apple pies and apple cider donuts, in the cafe. You can also pick up homemade jams, preserves, and vegetables in the market year-round at this local apple orchard. And watch for U-pick days to come back!
7. Ride Horses on Mountain Trails
There’s nothing like sharing a mountain trail with a horse. We recommend Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hells Hollow for horseback riding. Don’t let the name scare you; they have 20+ years of experience. At this family-friendly stables, you’ll be able to see the Cohutta Mountains on horseback and even mine for gems, fish, and play with baby goats!
8. Shop for Antiques Downtown
If antiquing is an art, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia have the tools you seek. At the Blue Ridge Antique Mall & Consignment store downtown, you’ll find all sorts of treasures to take back to your home or give as gifts to loved ones. Continue your hunt for antiques along Main Street and in nearby Morganton and Ellijay.
9. Splash at Lake Blue Ridge
Picturesque and inviting, Lake Blue Ridge is a splashy 3,290-acre lake, with 80% of its shoreline in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Kayak or canoe with a friend, teach your kids to swim, paddleboard for a while, and fish for trout in this sprawling recreation area that showcases the North Georgia mountains. There are also concession stands and picnic areas to make the most of your day on the lake.
10. Conquer Obstacles at the Adventure Park
Popular with tourists and locals alike, the Blue Ridge Adventure Park boasts 3 levels of obstacle courses for kids (8+) and adults. With helmets, gloves, and harnesses provided, challenge 125-foot ziplines, climbing walls, nets, tight ropes, suspended bridges, and swings on this self-guided adventure!
Bonus Family Fun in North Georgia
Sip at local breweries (try Grumpy Old Men Brewing) and wineries (Bear Claw Vineyards is a favorite), go biking among the trees, hike along the Benton MacKaye Trail and other favorite hiking trails, go gem mining, listen to live music, hike to Long Creek Falls or Fall Branch Falls, explore the booming arts scene of the Blue Ridge area at the art center or local art galleries, watch a live show at the Blue Ridge community theater, play mini golf, take a day trip to Atlanta, go fly fishing in the cool waters of North Georgia, stand in 2 places at once (Copperhill, Tennessee), spend a day in the Aska Adventure Area or the Morganton Point Recreation Area, have a classic movie night at the Swan Drive-In, walk across the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, go whitewater rafting down the Ocoee River (about an hour from Blue Ridge)…the list goes on and on!
What are YOU waiting for? Plan YOUR 2022 trip to North Georgia, make lasting memories, soak in the natural beauty of the mountains, and start checking off your bucket list! We have tons of great North Georgia cabin rentals for YOU.
