Just a few hours from Atlanta, Northeast Georgia awaits with charming mountain towns — brimming with Appalachian culture, Southern food, moonshine distilleries, gorgeous views, country shops, seasonal events, historic sites, cozy cabins, and a slower pace of life. Not to mention, hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, campgrounds, rushing rivers, mountain lookouts, state parks, and more outdoor activities await in the Chattahoochee National Forest nearby.
Whether you’re taking a road trip for the day or traveling to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains for some much-needed R&R, stop by our favorite North Georgia towns for a bit or a while and add a sense of community to your memorable mountain experience.
Ellijay | Apple Capital of Georgia
First on our list of great mountain towns in North Georgia is Ellijay — aka the Apple Capital of Georgia. Baked apple treats, apple cider, apple picking, and the Ellijay Apple Festival are great reasons to visit! Along with a variety of apple orchards, you can schedule a tee time at the Whitepath Golf Course, splash at Carters Lake, sip wine at Engelheim Vineyards, and check out the Bigfoot Museum.
Blue Ridge | Downtown Fun & Scenic Train Rides
A popular North Georgia town in the mountains is Blue Ridge. Shop for antiques, jam out at local festivals, delve into Appalachian arts, and wine and dine at top-rated restaurants in downtown Blue Ridge. Fish for trout along the Toccoa River, paddleboard at Lake Blue Ridge, start the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, visit Mercier Orchards, and hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to McCaysville and Copperhill — sister mountain towns bordering North Georgia and Tennessee.
Blairsville | Outdoor Activities for All Ages
Captivating drives with Blue Ridge Mountain views, hiking trails, mountain biking paths, sparkling lakes, picnic spots, and more outdoor fun awaits in Blairsville, an active mountain community in North Georgia. Explore Vogel State Park (the second oldest state park in the state), experience the Blairsville Sorghum Festival at Meeks Park, discover Helton Creek Falls, and return to town for Grandaddy Mimm’s moonshine!
Hiawassee | Mountain Fairgrounds & Gardens
Home to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds — hosting the Georgia Mountain Fair, rodeos, fall festivals, fireworks displays, car shows, and the annual mile-long yard sale — Hiawassee has a lot to offer. Plus, you can check out the highest point in Georgia at Brasstown Bald and see Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens in bloom, just minutes from this North Georgia town. Hiawassee also offers rafting, kayaking, and trout fishing.
Helen | Bavarian Alpine Village
A super cool town in North Georgia, Helen is an alpine-style village with cobblestone streets, Bavarian cuisine, German fare, Appalachian arts and crafts, and fun seasonal events — including Oktoberfest! Outdoor adventures include tubing the Chattahoochee River, playing miniature golf, riding in horse-drawn carriages, mining for gems, wading through hills of lavender, ziplining through the treetops, and visiting the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound.
Dahlonega | Heart of Georgia Wine Country
Scenic vineyards and wineries make up much of Dahlonega, GA — often referred to as the heart of Georgia wine country — offering visitors a chance to taste award-winning local wine with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or rolling vine-studded hills. Frogtown Cellars, Wolf Mountain Vineyards, and the Kaya Winery are a few of our favs!
And since Dahlonega is where the first major gold rush began, we highly recommend checking out the rich Dahlonega Gold Museum and panning for gold. There’s also tons of outdoor fun here, including waterfall hikes, canoeing, the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, and a butterfly farm.
Dawsonville | Big Canoe Community
A small town in North Georgia, Dawsonville welcomes you to enjoy family-friendly fun, Southern barbecue, Appalachian moonshine, NASCAR at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, and hiking trails. Not to mention, Dawsonville neighbors Jasper and is home to the Big Canoe Community — featuring a championship golf course, a multimillion-dollar clubhouse, exclusive restaurants, 3 lakes with a marina, a wellness center with a sauna, playgrounds, a dog park, luxury cabin rentals, and oh-so-much more!
MORE North Georgia Towns Worth Visiting
Any more North Georgia communities to explore? Absolutely! Go horseback riding in Dillard, view Tallulah Falls in Tallulah Gorge State Park, enjoy a North Georgia wine tour in Cleveland, and dine in the Farm-to-Table Capital of Rabun County, namely Clayton, GA. From intriguing museums, mouthwatering bites, and country stores to relaxing vineyards, forest hikes, and more fun things to do with family and friends, North Georgia towns have a lot to offer your mountain getaway.
Cabin Rentals in North Georgia
Planning a weekend retreat with your partner, a spontaneous getaway with friends, or a relaxing family vacation to the North Georgia mountains? Georgia CFY offers an array of vacation rentals, including log cabins, pet-friendly places, cozy condos, and luxury homes.
Opt for mountain views, riverside relaxation, or peaceful wooded surroundings. Top amenities include steamy hot tubs, playful game rooms, plush home theaters, king suites, indoor jetted or garden tubs, decks for days, outdoor lounges, and community extras.
Plan YOUR Blue Ridge Mountain vacation today and experience the Appalachian charm of North Georgia towns!
