Road Trip to: Blue Ridge

The town of Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Blue Ridge was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. Because of the railroad, Blue Ridge developed as a center of business and in 1895 the county seat was moved from Morganton to Blue Ridge. In the early 1920’s construction began on US Highway 76, further increasing access to this once remote area.

The historical Main Street now features shops and small eateries where visitors can sit a spell on the rockers and benches along the way. Spend a day exploring the many art galleries or browse for antiques in the shops that line the town. Taste local homemade pies and jams from the areas many orchard farms.

The weather in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is simply stunning. Blooming flowers and green grass carpet the hills in Spring & Summer. In Fall cool days and crisp nights are a welcome change after the warm summer. During the winter, our highs are in the 50’s, dropping below the freezing mark at night. Snow blankets our mountains 3 or 4 times a year.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, peace of mind, or a little excitement, Blue Ridge has history, scenic beauty, and a small town atmosphere with many activities.

The Blue Ridge Depot & Scenic Railway- This historic railroad depot remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge and although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. Enjoy a train ride from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and experience gorgeous foliage in the fall and a ride with Santa and his elves for Christmas. The train route consists of a 26-mile round trip through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River.

Baugh House- is owned by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation located at 411 West First Street. It is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00. The home was built by James Baugh in 1890. Baugh was a brick mason and the bricks were made out of clay from the back yard.

Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast- This beautifully restored Victorian home (Kincaid House) was built in 1890. It has 14 rooms, 8 fireplaces, 12-foot ceilings, original carved woodwork, heart pine floors and claw-foot tubs. Located at 477 West First Street the Blue Ridge Inn still welcomes guests to stay.

The Art Center / Historic Fannin County Courthousebuilt in 1937 after the previous courthouse burned in 1936. The courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Arts Center where visitors can view the galleries see rotating exhibits.

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 offers boating, swimming, hiking camping, picnicking, water skiing and fishing. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service.

Toccoa River- The north-flowing river feeds Lake Blue Ridge. The river flows soothingly for about 15 miles north of the dam. The dam-runoff from the reservoir provides great trout fishing; fishermen should only wade-fish the Toccoa River below the dam when TVA is not generating electricity. The Toccoa River becomes hazardous quickly when they release, so be sure to check the dam release schedule before planning your trip.

Morganton Point Recreation Area is the place to take the kids to the “beach” on Lake Blue Ridge. Located off Hwy 60.

McCaysville was chartered in 1904 and was populated in 1899 from the creation of the Tennessee Copper Co. which produced copper, iron, sulfur, zinc, and small amounts of gold and silver. Two parks provide a nice setting for a peaceful picnic or play area with McCaysville City Park or Horseshoe Bend Park just on the outskirts of downtown. Specialty shops, antique stores, gem shops, souvenir and art galleries line the streets. Eateries and pubs offer outdoor patio or dining on the Ocoee River for a relaxing day to enjoy the scenic “twin towns” of McCayesville & Copperhill.