Where can you find the most beautiful places in Georgia? While many tourists flock to handsome spots in the Southeast (when the weather’s nice, that is) to see the Savannah Historic District, wild horses on Cumberland Island, the other-worldly Okefenokee Swamp, or Southwest Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, North Georgia is filled with gorgeous places — and cool places — worth visiting year-round!
Plan a road trip above Atlanta and vacation in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains — where small towns abound with Appalachian charm, natural wonders enchant, wine flows, luxury cabins await, and every glance has you reaching for your camera. For the best vacation snaps, consider our mini travel guide (brought to you by native Georgians) to the most beautiful places in North Georgia below!
1. Chattahoochee National Forest
What is the prettiest place in Georgia? For us, it’s the Chattahoochee National Forest in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Find cascading waterfalls, radiant sunbeams through the treetops, captivating wildlife in meadows, mesmerizing historic sites, and stunning views of the mountain peaks along hiking trails. You can also go kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, picnicking, fishing, and river rafting.
For hikers, a few notable spots to capture year-round beauty include the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, a suspension bridge crossing the rushing rapids and river stones along a dense forest, and Brasstown Bald — the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 360 views that impress! You can also take the Ridge and Valley Byway to view the scenic countryside, where Cherokee and Civil War history inspires.
2. Helen — A Bavarian Village
With strong German influences, Helen, GA, is a unique tourist attraction in the North Georgia mountains and arguably one of the best places to visit in Georgia! An easy day trip from neighboring Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Dahlonega, Helen features all things Bavaria and is also known as Alpine Helen.
From rolling vineyards and Bavarian-style buildings to cobblestone streets and authentic German fare, this old town offers loads of Instagrammable spots to pause and create. Plus, there’s wine tasting, outdoor fun, horse-drawn carriages, a folk pottery museum, an alpine mini-golf course, the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, and a hillside of lavender.
3. Tallulah Gorge State Park
Stop for a snapshot of the Tallulah Gorge — a magnificent canyon nearly 1,000 feet deep with tumbling waterfalls — on the suspension bridge inside Tallulah Gorge State Park. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Tallulah Gorge is brimming with natural beauty and a sense of enchantment as one of the most beautiful places in the State of Georgia.
Make it a full day, walking along the sandy beach by the calm lake, exploring hiking trails, pausing for a picnic, kayaking the river, and taking the kiddos to the playgrounds. There’s even a gift shop to commemorate your memorable experience at Tallulah Falls.
4. Gibbs Gardens
If you’re a fan of the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, you’re going to LOVE Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, GA! Centered around a historic manor, these carefully curated gardens feature miles of walkways and 100s of photo ops — our top 10 spots to snap a pic are listed below. There’s also a gift shop, cafe, and garden rooms.
- Zigzag bridge in the Japanese Garden
- Wildflower Meadow
- Waterlily Garden
- Sunken Garden
- Rose arbor
- Monet Bridge
- Grandchildren’s Sculpture Garden
- Cabana at the mixed-European manor
- Butterfly Gardens
- Any of the 19 waterfalls!
5. Montaluce Winery & Restaurant
Looking for a hidden gem off the beaten path? Visit the Montaluce Winery & Restaurant in Dahlonega, GA — the wine country of the East Coast! As a top winery in North Georgia, it’s no surprise Montaluce offers first-class Tuscan wines matched with exquisite views of the vineyard, splashy pond fountain, and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you’re a food blogger or just love snapping pictures of beautifully served dishes, you won’t be disappointed. Presentation of the authentic, farm-to-table Italian cuisine served at Trattoria di Montaluce is worth a day trip across the Peach State. Even the dining room features stunning brick ovens for an ideal backdrop.
6. Amicalola Falls State Park
Only 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail, Amicalola Falls State Park is a must-visit beautiful place in Georgia. Cherokee for “tumbling waters,” Amicalola certainly lives up to its name. As the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, Amicalola Falls plunges 729 feet down a rugged cliffside and into a running creek that eventually descends into a reflective pool — a fantastic spot for photos!
Along the main hiking trail, you’ll see majestic mountain views worth filming, too. Keep going, and there’s a picnic area and playground to relax for a while. In Amicalola State Park, there’s also ziplining, guided hikes, a fitness trail, 3D archery, a GPS scavenger hunt, and a meet-and-greet with birds of prey on weekends.
7. Luxury Cabin Rentals
On your mountain getaway and adventure to find the most beautiful places in Georgia, consider staying at a luxury cabin rental. At Georgia Cabins for YOU, we have many luxurious vacation rentals with modern style, cabin charm, and photo-worthy features — including stacked stone fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, a private outdoor pool with a waterfall, hot tubs beneath the trees, and stunning mountain views!
Our cabin rentals are scattered across small towns in North Georgia, including Blue Ridge and Ellijay. We even have properties in Big Canoe Community — an 8,000-acre gated community with exclusive amenities! You can play on the championship golf course, dine with family and friends, go kayaking or paddleboarding, lounge on the sandy beach at Lake Disharoon, take the pups to the dog park, and oh-so-much more.
Plan YOUR North Georgia vacation today and experience the most beautiful places in Georgia firsthand!
