About Our Area
Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA.
Leave your cell phone and laptop at home and enjoy the splendor and exhilaration of a day hiking to nearby waterfalls, horseback riding on forested trails or whitewater rafting in our unspoiled mountain beauty. Spend the day watching the sun glimmer across the aqua blue waters of Lake Blue Ridge, Carters Lake or one of our many crystal clear Rivers.
Lake Blue Ridge
The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area boast over 90 national forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas.
Carters Lake This lake has 3,200 surface acres, is more than 400 feet deep, and has the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River. Carters Lake is a Corp of Engineers Lake and has no private docks or development along 62 miles of natural shoreline. There is a wide green belt around the lake, so you purchase property that adjoins the green belt, but not that touches the lake. There are public boat ramps and a marina.
Area Waterfalls
Within the boundaries of Gilmer & Fannin County are waterfalls accessible by hikes of various distances. Some of them include Long Creek Falls, Falls Branch Falls, Sea Creek Falls, and Jacks River Falls.
Hiking
North Georgia is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. The Appalachian Trail starts here. Journey deep into the most remote areas on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Look for the swinging bridge over the Toccoa River. Enjoy the serenity of Carters Lake on any of the 6 hiking Trails varying in distance and difficulty. Or hike into the state record sized Tulip Poplar.
Trout Fishing
According to Georgia Outdoor News, the Toccoa River is one of the region's rivers that hold the characteristics required for anglers to find big trout. Serious trout fishermen know that there is serious trout fishing in Fannin County not only in the Toccoa, but in Rock Creek, Cooper Creek and Noontootla Creek.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The train route consists of a 26-mile round trip through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River. This railroad was built over 100 years ago and is the only mainline railroad excursion service based in Georgia. Each trip begins at the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia and includes a stop in McCaysville which permits passengers to disembark and stretch their legs while exploring the downtown communities of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Each round trip takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.