Blue Ridge Consistently ranked one of the South’s top destinations, Blue Ridge is a quintessential American mountain town. It’s a true escape from the everyday, nestled amid miles of gentle peaks, forested trails, trout-filled streams and Lake Blue Ridge . When visitors have had more serene natural encounters than they can handle, the walkable, artsy downtown awaits with noteworthy places to eat, wet their whistles and share fish tales with other blissed-out locals and visitors. The Toccoa River ’s pristine waterway has a reputation as the trout-fishing capital of the state, and it’s equally popular for kayaking and tubing. Mercier Orchards , family owned since 1943, lets guests pick their own apples from more than 50 varieties. Pick up treats such as apple butter, fried apple donuts and hard cider. For a taste of the famed Appalachian Trail, head to Springer Mountain . It’s the 2,190-mile hike’s southern terminus and the spot where day hikers will find paths in varying levels of difficulty along with sweeping mountain views. Connect with Hike the Ridge for guided sunset or sunrise hikes. For those looking for views from a more relaxed position, several scenic drives fan out from town (stop by the welcome center for maps) through mountainous areas, lush countrysides and leafy wilderness, as well as several waterfalls, including Amicalola Falls —the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. For more water refreshment, hook up with several outfitters just outside town for an Ocoee River whitewater adventure or splash into the Toccoa with Blue Ridge Tubing . Carve out plenty of time to meander around downtown. There, you’ll find upscale shops, curated galleries with work from local artists, farm-to-table restaurants and breweries. Hit up the tasting rooms of Angry Hops Brewing , Fannin Brewing Company and Bear Claw Vineyards to sample the region’s bounty. Follow that with dinner at Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar , Harvest On Main or Southern Charm and your Blue Ridge to-do list will be complete. 114 #EXPLOREGEORGIA LAKE BLUE RIDGE, FANNIN CO./RALPH DANIEL
Official State Travel Guide 2023 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 114
