6 Day Trips from Blue Ridge, GA

Blue Ridge, Ga., is a vibrant mountain community that offers an incredible lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for adventure. This charming town in the North Georgia mountains has a welcoming atmosphere, scenic beauty, and a close-knit community. Living here means waking up to breathtaking views, endless outdoor activities, and a charming downtown filled with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Whether you're exploring the mountains, taking a stroll along Lake Blue Ridge, or enjoying a meal with a mountain view, there's always something to appreciate.

Blue Ridge is also the perfect location for fantastic day trips. Just a short drive from town, you'll find waterfalls, vineyards, charming towns, and state parks to keep your weekends full of new experiences. Those considering Blue Ridge, GA, real estate will find a lifestyle filled with nature, adventure, and charm. Let's dive into some of the best day trips you can enjoy from Blue Ridge, making every weekend feel like a new adventure.

An hour from Blue Ridge

Amicalola Falls State Park covers 829 acres between Ellijay and Dahlonega. The scenic park is home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia, where 729 feet of cascading water creates a breathtaking natural wonder. Visitors have two distinct ways to experience the falls. For a more adventurous route, you can take the 604-step trail, which features a viewing platform halfway to the top, offering a perfect spot to rest while soaking in the stunning views. For those looking for a more accessible experience, the West Ridge Trail, made from recycled rubber materials, offers ADA access and is just a short 0.3 miles to a spectacular viewpoint. Or you can avoid the hike and park at the top to peer over the falls, gazing out at the sweeping valley and mountains beyond.

Beyond the waterfall, Amicalola Falls State Park offers plenty of other outdoor activities. From zip-line canopy tours to archery and axe throwing, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the park's adventurous spirit. For seasoned hikers, the 8.5-mile trek to Spring Mountain provides a full day of exploration. The park is also the starting point for the famous Appalachian Trail. It's an experience of nature's best.

An hour and a half from Blue Ridge

Dahlonega is a charming town with roots in Georgia's gold mining history, making it a fascinating and fun destination for a day trip. Home to an underground mine dating to the early 1900s, the town celebrates its rich past with guided tours and museums that offer visitors a glimpse into the days of the Gold Rush. Dahlonega's downtown Public Square has preserved 19th-century buildings housing quaint shops and local eateries. The square's warm atmosphere is only enhanced by the seasonal events and festivals, including the popular First Friday Concerts in Hancock Park.

Wine lovers will also find Dahlonega irresistible. The surrounding area is known for its wineries, offering tastings and tours of some of North Georgia's finest vineyards. The Dahlonega Butterfly Farm and North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park provide unique ways to connect with nature and wildlife.

An hour from Blue Ridge

Helen, GA, is a one-of-a-kind destination, offering a delightful taste of Bavaria in the Georgia mountains. The village, with its Alpine-style architecture and cobblestone streets, creates a charming, Old-World atmosphere that feels like a trip to Europe without ever leaving the South. Visitors can explore unique shops that line the streets, filled with handmade goods, local crafts, and European-inspired treats. The Hardman Farm State Historic Site is a short distance away, where you can tour an 1870 homestead and visit the Nacoochee Indian Mound. This prehistoric burial site holds a special place in local history.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Helen has plenty to offer. Tubing down the Chattahoochee River is a popular summer activity, while hiking trails through the Chattahoochee National Forest lead to breathtaking waterfalls like Anna Ruby and Raven Cliff. Nature lovers can also enjoy Unicoi State Park, which features a serene lake and camping spots for a weekend getaway. If fishing is your thing, head to Smithgall Woods State Park, where Dukes Creek is famous for its trout. Helen is an enchanting getaway that makes owning Blue Ridge, GA vacation homes all the more appealing with its easy access to such unique day trips.

20 minutes from Blue Ridge

A short drive from Blue Ridge, McCaysville is a charming town on the Georgia-Tennessee state line. This unique location allows visitors to stand with one foot in Georgia and the other in Tennessee, making it a fun and quirky destination for a day trip. McCaysville offers a blend of small-town charm, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities, making it a perfect getaway from Blue Ridge. The Toccoa River runs through the town and transforms into the Ocoee River as it crosses into Tennessee, providing opportunities for fishing, tubing, and kayaking.

In addition to its natural beauty, McCaysville has a quaint downtown area filled with local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy browsing unique boutiques, savoring homemade sweets, or dining at local eateries like Burra Burra on the River, which offers scenic riverfront views. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway also stops in McCaysville, making it easy to combine a relaxing train ride with a day of exploration. Whether you’re looking to spend time outdoors or enjoy a leisurely afternoon strolling through town, McCaysville is a delightful destination close to Blue Ridge.

30 minutes from Blue Ridge

Located 30 minutes from Blue Ridge, Blairsville is a picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery and outdoor recreation. Popular with retirees, Blairsville is home to some of the region’s most popular attractions, including Vogel State Park and Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia. Day trippers can hike the many trails, enjoy a picnic by the lake, or take in the sweeping views from the summit of Brasstown Bald, where you can see four different states on a clear day.

Blairsville also offers a charming downtown area with local shops, cafes, and farmers markets, making it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the town. For those interested in history, the Union County Historical Society operates a museum showcasing the area's rich heritage. Throughout the year, Blairsville hosts several events and festivals, including the annual Sorghum Festival and Scottish Festival & Highland Games, providing visitors with a taste of the local culture. With its natural beauty and small-town charm, Blairsville is an ideal day trip for exploring more of North Georgia’s mountain treasures.

30 minutes from Blue Ridge

Known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia," Ellijay offers a perfect mix of beautiful scenery and seasonal charm. Famous for its apple orchards, Ellijay comes alive in the fall with apple-picking adventures, corn mazes, and an annual festival celebrating its rich agricultural history. The town's natural beauty extends beyond the orchards, with hiking trails that wind through rolling hills and forests, offering peaceful treks. Visitors can float down the Cartecay River, taking in the serene landscapes from the water for a more leisurely way to enjoy the outdoors.

Ellijay also boasts plenty of ways to unwind and relax. At Carters Lake, you can rent a pontoon boat and spend a sunny afternoon on the water. Golfers will appreciate the courses that offer scenic views along with challenging play. Historic downtown Ellijay has restaurants featuring mountain views and cozy ambiances. The area is home to several wineries that offer tastings and tours. Whether you're planning a quick escape or looking to extend your stay in one of Ellijay's cabin rentals, hotels, or bed and breakfasts, this delightful town has plenty to explore.

With so many incredible day trips to explore, it's no wonder Blue Ridge is such a desirable place to live or own a vacation home. From stunning waterfalls to charming towns, the area's proximity to adventure makes every weekend feel like a new experience. If you're ready to make this beautiful region your home, Kim Knutzen is here to help.

Specializing in waterfront homes, mountain-view cabins, land acreage tracts, and investment properties, Kim provides honest and punctual communication to ensure the buying process is as smooth as possible. With a strong referral business and a deep commitment to giving back to the community, Kim's team has built a reputation for going above and beyond to meet clients' needs. Whether you're looking for a serene mountain retreat or an active, vibrant community, Kim Knutzen's team will help you find the perfect place to enjoy retirement in Blue Ridge, GA. Search homes for sale in Blue Ridge here.