Spring on the First Coast is very similar to summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cool mornings, hot afternoons with warm breezes, and clear nights for stargazing … with occasional scattered storms to help nourish the soil and all that grows from it. But when the Florida heat sets in, many of us look for an escape from the damp dog days of summer. Just outside of Atlanta lies Blue Ridge, GA, a little mountain town nestled in the Cohutta Mountain Range of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Less than a seven-hour drive from the First Coast, this vibrant historic community is thriving. It is bordered by one of the largest Wilderness Areas in the southeastern United States: 36,977 acres to be exact. A Wilderness Area is defined by Congress as “an area where the earth and its community of life are not dominated by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”
Due to this remarkable tract of protected forest, the communities of this region maintain a charm and authenticity that has deteriorated in their more northern counterparts (think Pigeon Forge or Asheville). “The National Forest is 42 percent of Fannin County. If you look at it on a map, it surrounds the population, which will always protect it from too much growth,” says Blue Ridge resident Gary Knight. Gary, a professional architectural photographer based in Atlanta, had been working in Colorado, when he and his wife, Lissa, decided it might be nice to get a second home in the mountains. Colorado proved too far away from home and too expensive, so after spending Labor Day weekend at a friend’s cabin in Blue Ridge, they decided to build one for themselves. “Originally, it was just to have a second home in the mountains and have it be an investment opportunity,” says Gary. He built a website to rent the house when they were at home in Atlanta. But soon the couple began spending more and more time at the cabin with their children, and they moved their family there in July of 2006. Gary built another cabin and began to market it as a vacation rental, and it was a success. Cabin Rentals of Georgia was born, and while the enterprising family still loves the bustle of Atlanta, Blue Ridge is home.
[caption id="attachment_11213" align="alignnone" width="650"]
The Knights began their company, Cabin Rentals of Georgia, just by renting their own second home out to vacationers, and now they manage properties all over the county.[/caption]
“I prefer a real mountain town to a resort town. It is just more authentic,” says Lissa. Blue Ridge is one of the younger townships in the mountains of Southern Georgia. Born in 1886 to support the bustling railroad industry, Blue Ridge has always been a town settled by people from other places. It was incorporated in 1887, and in 1890 its population was 264. Thanks to the railroad, and its close proximity to Atlanta (3-4 days by wagon), within 10 years the population had grown by 449 percent to a whopping 1,184 citizens. The number of permanent residents has grown just a smidge to 1,290 in 2015. There is still a train that departs from downtown; the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. But rather than moving lumber and other goods, its open-air cars are full of travelers enjoying a tour of the mountainside, making stops to explore small towns along the way.
“It’s like Mayberry on steroids,” says Jan Hackett, President of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. “People get a feeling like our town is bigger than it is because of our great restaurants.” Downtown Blue Ridge has a vibe similar to what you find in some of the lesser-known parts of Sonoma Valley, CA, but with a southern feel. Its quaint brick buildings and historic architecture are rustic, but with a tinge of sophistication. Dining establishments range from fast casual to fine dining, and their menus boast vibrant dishes that highlight regionally sourced ingredients. There are three breweries to indulge in local craft brews, and many boutiques and galleries showcasing artisan craftsmanship at its finest.
But what Blue Ridge and Fannin County is most known for is what the outdoors have to offer. The town sits on Lake Blue Ridge, one of the most pristine lakes in the Southeast. The lake was formed by the damming of the Toccoa River in 1930. “The Toccoa River starts in this area, so we are like the head of the food chain when it comes to clean water,” says Jan. “The lake warms up in mid-June and is as clear as a bell.”
From boating, to fishing and kayaking the opportunities to enjoy the lake and rivers are endless. And of course there are the mountains with waterfalls and winding trails to explore by foot, horse, or bike. The variety of activities and places to explore are limitless.
By Water
“We are the trout fishing capital of Georgia,” says Jan. Trout is on the menu of most restaurants in town, and for good reason. It is not just the beautiful Toccoa River that anglers from across the country come to fish for trout, but also a variety of creeks and streams in which the fish are plentiful. There are three types of trout found in North Georgia, and only one is native. Brook trout is indigenous to the southern mountains, while brown trout (brought from Europe in 1800s) and rainbow trout (from the American West) can also be found. The Georgia Department of Natural resources help maintain the populations. If you are looking to go native in search of brook trout, you can find them in little headwater streams high in the mountains. There are a variety of fly fishing guides and outfitters throughout the region available to help you find the hot spots and bring home dinner.
If you aren’t a fisherman, kayaking and rafting are a must. Both the Toccoa and Ocoee Rivers provide wonderful opportunities to raft at all levels. If you want to spend your day bobbing along, rent a tube from Toccoa River Adventures. If you are traveling with older kids and want to explore a little splash of whitewater, check out Rolling Thunder River Company. If a romantic leisurely canoe paddle on a lake is more your style, then Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking can set you up. All of these organizations have a variety of vessels to help you safely enjoy your time on the water, and they offer pick-up and drop-off services.
Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking: blueridgemountainkayaking.com
Toccoa River Adventures: toccoariveradventures.com
Rolling Thunder River Company: rollingthunderriverco.com
[caption id="attachment_11216" align="alignnone" width="650"] Mercier Orchard has been in the Mercier family for four generations; the market at Mercier is a fabulous place for foodie souvenirs.[/caption]
By Land
The Appalachian Trail begins in southern Fannin County, GA, so to say this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a hiking destination is an understatement. Almost 80 miles of the famed AT meanders through Georgia, starting at Springer Mountain. The Aska Adventure Trail Area is another great hiking destination, as well as for mountain biking. It is a trail system that is about 17 miles long, and it encompasses a variety of trails for different skill levels. Hikes or rides on the Aska Trails can range from 15-20 minutes to 3-5 hours depending on what you want to do. If you are looking to round off a morning hike with an excellent lunch, try the Stanley Gap Trail. Grab a bite at the Toccoa Riverside Trout Restaurant, which is about 4 miles from the trailhead parking area.
Speaking of good eats, Merciers Orchard is the place to go for hands down the best hand pies. Seventy years in operation, this is the largest orchard in the Southeast. You can tour the farm and pick your own fruit, shop for souvenirs of delicious local fare, try a hard cider or wine tasting or sit and enjoy a variety of goods from their bakery. It is as picturesque as it is fun, but be aware in season it can get busy fast. We recommend popping in first thing in the morning for coffee and pie!
Picnics are always a good time, especially when combined with a horseback ride. Explore mountain passes and vistas by horse and have a picnic lunch along the way with Adventure Trial Rides. If you have little ones traveling with you who may be too small to ride, have a picnic at Lilly Pad Village. This rambling roadside attraction is fantastic for families. From gem mining, to mini golf, a good fishing hole and guided hikes, you are not going to find a friendlier place to spend an afternoon.
Blue Ridge, GA is one of the friendliest places to visit. Everyone seems a little drunk on the sweet mountain air, which is understandable. The beauty of the region is intoxicating, and once you arrive, you can’t help but slow down and relax.
For information on trails to hike and waterfalls to seek, as well as a variety of guides on Blue Ridge, GA and Fannin County go to blueridgemountains.com
For info on horseback riding visit adventuretrailrides.com
To check out the Lilly Pad Village visit lillypadvillage.com
[caption id="attachment_11209" align="alignnone" width="650"] A ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a wonderful way to spend the day exploring the region.[/caption]