The North Georgia Mountains homes some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The area is very famous among tourists, who visit all through the year for its exciting festivals and adventures including lakes, hiking trails, and more. However, with its endless natural sceneries, some of the area’s amazing attractions go unrecognised. If you’re thinking of a vacation to North Georgia, or simply want to discover something new to do here, find below some of the best things to do in North Georgia that we would highly recommend.

Best things to do in North Georgia

Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden
Consolidated Gold Mines
Wineries and Vineyards
Fall Branch Falls
Scenic horseback rides
The Head of the Appalachian Trail
Historic Union County Courthouse
Bell Mountain
Zipline through the Blue Ridge Mountains

North Georgia Mountains — Courtesy: Unsplash

1. Toccoa River Swinging Bridge

One of the most popular bridges in North Georgia is the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge. Found about 49 minutes from the city of Blue Ridge, this 270-foot-long link is the longest swinging bridge in the east of Mississippi. One can locate the bridge after a short (half a mile) trek along the Benton MacKaye Trail and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in North Georgia.

2. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (BRSR) is one of the oldest portions of the times when trains were the only commute option available for long as well as short distances. At the present date, the route exists only for tourism and not for actual travel. The 4-hour tour begins in Blue Ridge and drives through the Toccoa River till McCaysville, Georgia. After a two-hour break which allows travellers to explore the place, shop, or have a delicious meal, the train then loops back around and gets its way back south to Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway : things to do in North Georgia — Courtesy: Google images

3. Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden

The Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden is one of the most remarkable sites to visit and hence making its way to the list of best things to do in North Georgia. This beautiful garden is located on the shore of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee and homes about 1,100 different plants, including magnolias, dogwoods, wildflowers, and approximately 400 families of rhododendron. Common admission is free, or one opt for a guided cart tour for $5 per person. Most importantly, since this garden is a non-profit institution, you can also write the tour off on your taxes.

4. Consolidated Gold Mines

Did you know that the first major gold rush in the U.S was in North Georgia? Gold was found in Dahlonega in 1828, 20 years earlier than the remembered California Gold Rush. This mine is the biggest hard rock gold mine in the east of the Mississippi and also offers guided underground tours for a wholesome experience.

Pro tip: If you happen to be here in sometime in the 3rd week of Oct don’t forget to add the annual Dahlonega Gold Rush festival to your itinerary.

5. Wineries and Vineyards

If you’re someone who fancies wine tasting and vineyards, you have found one of the best things you can do in North Georgia. Homing one of the greatest and ever-growing wine industry, there are nearly 30 local wineries in the region which produces their own unique wines. Enjoy a tour around the ones closest to you, but make sure you don’t drink and drive.

6. Fall Branch Falls

Fall Branch Falls is one of the most attractive waterfalls in North Georgia. It’s remembered for its twin cascade and is easily reachable from the trailhead (about a quarter-mile). Though it has a short uphill hike, it is very much kid and pet friendly making it one of the best things to do in North Georgia.

7. Scenic horseback rides

This is a great way to explore the picturesque North Georgian sites. The place has various horseback riding clubs that offer rides for both experts and first-timers. This makes for pure fun especially for families travelling with their little ones.

8. The Head of the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular hiking paths in the whole. of the United States. The tracks extend to more than 2,000 miles, the first (or last) 78.6 of which spreads through North Georgia. You can discover the southernmost part of the trail at Springer Mountain, which is accessible after an 8.5-mile pathway.

9. Historic Union County Courthouse

Blairsville homes the oldest functioning courthouses in the land of Georgia. It was established in 1899 but had dropped due to disrepair in the 1920s. In the 1970s, the structure was convicted and almost destroyed again but was saved by the Union County Historical Society. Soon post-restoration, many offices and meeting rooms were created on the second floor of the building. Meanwhile, the first floor has been converted into an Old Courthouse Museum, which welcomes guests and visitors to take a glimpse of the North Georgia settlers’ lives.

Also Read: Things to See and Do in Tbilisi: Experience The Best of Tbilisi

10. Bell Mountain

Bell Mountain is a bizarre attraction which is also a little controversial. It’s the location of an unsuccessful mining effort from the 1960s, which left the summit of the mountain disfigured. Later, the mountain served as shelters for off-roaders and trekkers. However, one can experience striking pictorial views of Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee, and the neighbouring area from the top. With its recent developments, the place is easily accessible by means of the newly built stairs to the top.

11. Zipline through the Blue Ridge Mountains

If you found the horseback rides fascinating, then the zipline tour through North Georgia forests is sure to leave you wanting for more. Many adventure organisations in the site offer zipline tours that take you through a variety of scenery. Once you start, it would be a whiz into the Georgia hardwoods, breeze over the meadows, and splash across streams and rivers. Don’t worry if you’re a first-timer, you can first try in a more controlled setting that many zipline organisations offer and then plunge into the real ride!

These are just a few of the top attractions and beauties that North Georgia has to offer. So, if a trip to North Georgia is on your cards, pick your favourites from the best things you can do here and you will be sure to have a vacation of a lifetime. You can also log onto pickyourtrail for some amazing International tour packages Let’s unwrap the world together!