345
Experience fall at its finest in the North Georgia Mountains
Autumn is the best time to get outdoors in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575. Capture the essence of Blue Ridge outdoors with these top five recommendations for autumn adventures:
- Take a hike! A hiker’s paradise, Blue Ridge offers several major trail systems, including access to the Appalachian Trail which extends for more than 2,000 miles to Maine through many of the states on the Eastern Seaboard. One of the greatest outdoor adventures in the world, the Appalachian Trail, begins in Fannin County at the top of Springer Mountain. Another opportunity to experience Mother Nature, the Aska Trails comprise a popular 17-mile trail system near Blue Ridge, with hikes that intersect and loops ranging from one- to 5.5-miles. Pursue paths outlined at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com for outdoor explorations on one of the many trails in a system of over 300 miles, including short trails suitable for beginning hikers
- Chase waterfalls! The upper portion of Fall Branch Falls in Blue Ridge is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. These falls, along the Benton MacKaye Trail, west of Aska Road, are a shorter, although a bit harder walk than Long Creek Falls, the most popular of the waterfalls in Fannin County. Long Creek Falls total about 50 feet in two distinct drops. A leisurely 30 minute hike to the falls is uphill on the way in, downhill on the way out.
- Take a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit the Self-guided Tours page on www.BlueRidgeMountains.com for complete descriptions of various self-guided tours, along with driving directions. Don’t miss stops along the routes, including Serenberry Vineyard (450 Tipton Trail; www.SerenberryVineyards.com), a charming farm winery just a few country miles from Blue Ridge. Pull off the road for short hikes and waterfall views. Ramble the Benton MacKaye Trail south from Hwy 60 for three miles to be rewarded with sweeping views of the pristine Toccoa River flowing beneath a structure known simply as the “Swinging Bridge.” The longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi, the passage was built by the USDA Forest Service and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club in the mid-1970s. After your driving tour, catch a movie the old-fashioned way at one of Georgia’s four remaining drive-in theaters. Established in 1955, the Swan Drive-in Theatre (651 Summit St; www.Swan-Drive-In.com) also features a full concession stand, including funnel cakes and fried Oreos.
- Make time for apple-picking and tractor rides at Mercier Orchards (8660 Blue Ridge Dr., www.Mercier-Orchards.com), a family-owned and -operated orchard. The must-see attraction will reward senses with bushels of apples, strawberries and other produce, fresh pressed cider, warm fried pies–but, most importantly, memories. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating more than 70 years of fruitful harvests. Beyond fruit, the onsite store serves up a variety of farm toys, pet items, kitchen paraphernalia, home decor and a meat and cheese shop. Visit the tasting room offering hard ciders and wines, including locally-produced varieties.
- Go horseback riding at Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides (319 Hell’s Hollow Rd., www.BlueRidgeMountainTrailRidesatHellsHollow.com ). While there, little ones will love taking pony rides, fishing in the onsite pond, feeding trout, mining for gems and walking the nature trails. If you prefer to get your heart pounding with two feet off the ground, Blue Ridge soars to new heights with The Blue Ridge Canopy Adventure (319 Hell’s Hollow Road, www.TheBlueRidgeCanopyAdventure.com).
If you go
From lake-view with a mountain vista and room for 20 to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot tub included!) find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.