Vacation Guide in the Mountains - Summer Edition - 17.3

Your Local Guide to the North Georgia Mountains. Let the Vacation Guide in the Mountains help you find Events, Festivals, and Recreational Activities. Find the best local places to Eat, Shop, and lodge with handy Maps to make getting around easy.

Just find the # - for the advertiser’s location on the Local City Map or Centerfold Area Map.

Next Ad Copy Deadline: August 12

Fall Edition, Volume 17, Issue 4

Need Advertising Info? Call Kathleen Painter:

Lake Chatuge Hiawassee, GA

photo by Kathleen Painter

Summer Fun in Hiawassee & Young Harris, Georgia

Nestled in the picturesque North Georgia mountains, the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris offer a perfect summer escape for those seeking outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and a tranquil lakeside atmosphere. From hiking trails, water sports, vineyards, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone in this charming region.

Whether you’ve come for a weekend or want to stay longer, everyone is greeted with small town friendliness in the Enchanted Valley. With natural beauty surrounding the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris locals are always ready to share their knowledge of the best hiking, fishing, and magnificent views from the highest mountain tops.

Surrounded by 50,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves with choices of hiking trails offering varying levels of difficulty. Head to Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia, for panoramic views of four states from the observation deck. The Brasstown Bald Visitors center, with museum is Located on Hwy. 180 and has a paved trail to the top or shuttle available.

For more views, take a drive up to Bell Mountain or more rugged road to High Shoal Falls. For a more leisurely stroll, explore Cupid Falls by Young Harris College, where a cascading waterfall awaits at the end of the path.

For hikers the famous Appalachian Trail crosses Unicoi Mountain at Hwy. 17 /76 west of town. This trail  draws hikers nationwide to see nature at it’s finest.

Also known by many is that Towns County has another 7,000 acres of waterfront owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which built Lake Chatuge in 1941. Lake Chatuge’s many activities can be found at public parks, picnic areas and beaches. A variety of swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, & canoeing awaits.

Rent a pontoon boat and cruise along the serene waters, or try your hand at fishing for bass, trout, and catfish. For adrenaline junkies, jet skiing and wakeboarding offer thrills against the backdrop of majestic mountains.

Many accommodations can also guide visitors to outdoor time at one of the many golf courses,

horseback riding stables or white water rafting adventures.

For many years, Hiawassee is known to be the home of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds that host numerous events throughout the year with Live Concerts, Shows at Anderson Music Hall, Pioneer Village & Local Craft Events. Treat the kids to a day of fun at the Georgia Mountain Fair in August, where they can enjoy carnival rides, petting zoos, and interactive exhibits. The  nearby Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are also open year round with more than 3,000 plants surrounding the shoreline of Lake Chatuge.

Enjoy summer evenings in the city of Hiawassee on the Square including First Friday Markets with live music, food, & games held the first weekend of the month May - October.  Saturdays also offer Music on the Square for visitors to bring a lawn chair and listen to a variety of country, bluegrass, and easy listening for your enjoyment Memorial Day - Labor Day Weekend.

Star Gazers will appreciate Rollins Planetarium which is located in the Maxwell Center building

at Young Harris College and during season public shows are offered in this 100 seat planetarium under a 40-foot-diameter dome.  The college also has an observatory, located on Georgia state property near the Brasstown Valley Resort, only a short distance from campus.

Restaurants feature everything from fine cuisine to country cooking, deli treats, and bakery sweets. Many surrounding wineries also offer tastings & musical entertainment.

You’ll feel relaxed with the wide variety of accommodations.  Stay overlooking a mountain or lake view in our many hotels, resorts, cabins, B & B’s, or campgrounds.  No matter where you stay, you will feel welcomed by a friendly community who enjoys all the beauty this area has to offer.

“Come and stay where Georgia meets the Mountains”

For more information on Hiawassee & Young Harris  visit: GoLakeChatuge.com

Written in Stone

Track Rock Gap Archaeological Area is the location of a series of soapstone boulders covered with petroglyphs made by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago. There are hundreds of carvings in a wide range of figures. It’s one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeastern United States.

Track Rock was a place of power within the sacred landscape of the American Indian Nations where the activities of ancient humans were influenced by spirit beings. It sits at the threshold of the spirit world. Rocks carved with footprints and tracks signified a doorway into the domain of dangerous spirit beings. Depictions of footprints and tracks are physical testimony that spirit beings were there at some time in the past, that they could still be lingering somewhere close by in the present, and that they may return unexpectedly at any time in the future.

As early as 3,600 years ago, Native Americans were removing pieces of the soft but durable soapstone to make bowls which were particularly well suited for cooking as they held and radiated heat without breaking. The picture carvings were made by Native Americans during repeated visits over several hundred years beginning around A.D. 1,000. Most likely, the Cherokee, Catabwa and/or Creek tribes made the carvings. In the 1800’s, early American explorers discovered the Track Rock site and it has fascinated people ever since. Recording, studying and preserving of the site began in earnest in 2009.

The carvings at Track Rock were made in one of two ways. Many of the figures were created by repeated blows in the same spot using hammer stones to create the desired

shape. Some of the figures were created by rubbing a hard stone back and forth to carve the design into the rock. Although soapstone is considered a soft rock, it is still rock and rather hard to carve. It took a lot of time and effort to create these figures that have lasted a thousand years. Some of the shapes that can be seen include: 252 cupules, 22 oval shapes, soapstone bowl extraction scars, deer, horse, bird, squirrel, and bear tracks, cross-in-ring motifs and nested ring design, human figures, human footprints (one with 6 toes!), and one giant’s, footprint, maze-like networks, squares, tridents, zigzags, curved and straight lines, and scalloped edges. Unfortunately, signs of vandalism can be seen throughout the area in the form of square shaped depressions with flat topped pedestals in the middle that are left behind when looters chisel out the petroglyphs. There are also several areas when vandals have carved their initials over the top of the ancient marks forever destroying those petroglyphs.

Track Rock Gap is open to public visitation and no fee is charged. When visiting the site, remember that the intensity of natural lighting can influence how much you are able to see. Bright mid-day sun makes it hard to see most of the figures, and the best times to visit are early or late in the day, when the light is at a low angle. Please be respectful of other visitors and the people who made these carvings. Previous visitors removed pieces of the boulders, thus depriving future visitors of the chance to see what they thought was so special.

For more information about Track Rock, including a printable fact sheet with drawings of the petroglyphs, please visit: fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/trackrock

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.

The historical Main Street now features shops and small eateries where visitors can sit a spell on the benches along the way. Spend a day exploring the many unique shops, and galleries 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 in Spring & Summer and cool days and crisp nights in the Fall. During the winter days are highs 50’s, can be freezing at night. Snow usually blankets the 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.

The Art Center / Historic Fannin County Courthousebuilt in 1937 and 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 is popular destination stop of The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. 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.

Visit: www.blueridgemountains.com or Call 1-800-899-MTNS (6867)

Morganton’s Cutest Gift Shop

Shop for great vintage & antiques plus home decor. We carry local soaps, honey, jewelry, and many gift items. We have a great holiday gift selection of the world’s softest socks, candles, Myra bags, plus so much more!

Google 5-Star Review from Amy R: “This was the cutest little shop in Blue Ridge. The ladies were very sweet and helpful! There is something here for everyone!” 10777 Lakewood Hwy - just minutes from downtown Blue Ridge Open 7 Days a Week - Google us! 706-900-2211

NORTH GEORGIA

Beautiful trails are yours to explore in the great outdoors of the North Georgia Mountains. Just pack a snack and plenty of water, get your gear ready and go for a hike.

Blue Ridge FREE KNOB LOOP

Trail: 2.5 miles, easy rating

Directions from Blue Ridge, Georgia: Travel east (toward Blairsville, GA) on GA Hwy 515, approx. 0.8 miles past intersection with GA Hwy 5. Turn Right at Windy Ridge Rd., go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2 miles to Aska Road on right. Continue south on Aska Read to Shallowford Bridge. Turn left across river and immediate right on dirt-gravel road leading to Dial, GA. At 0.4 miles come to point where trail enters road from forest. Continue east on road to parking area at 1.2 miles.

Ellijay

THREE FORKS

Trail: To the left (North) on the trail is Long Creek Falls (2.3 miles round trip) . To the right is a beautiful section of old growth forest along Stover Creek.

Directions: Take 52 East from Ellijay about 4.8 miles. Turn left on Big Creek Road at the Dollar General. Follow this road about 15.4 miles (the final .4 miles are dirt) to Forest Service 58 and turn Right. This road follows Noontootla Creek to Three Forks. Parking is avaiable where the trails cross the road.

Hiawassee

HIGH SHOALS CREEK

Trail: The two waterfalls on High Shoals Creek are the highlight of this 170 acre site. A 1.2 mile trail takes visitors from FS 283 down to the falls.

Directions: Take 75 South from Hiawassee turn right onto Indian Grave Gap Road, graveled Forest Service Road 283 which leads visitors through the Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area to the High Shoals Creek Falls Scenic Area.

Blairsville

SOSEBEE COVER TRAIL

Trail: Traveling through a second-growth cove hardwood forest, the 0.25 mile Sosebee Cove Trail is rated easy and receives moderate use. This area is a memorial to Arthur Woody, who served as the first Forest Service Ranger in Georgia.

Directions: from Blairsville Georgia, travel 9.5 miles south along US 19/129 and turn right (west) onto GA 180. Continue along GA 180 for 2 miles to the Sosebee Cove parking lot on the right.

Photo by: Chris Hefferen

Dahlonega’s newest, luxury bed and breakfast located in the heart of wine country. Enjoy a romantic stay in a picturesque setting with modern farmhouse accommodations and gourmet breakfast.

Hosting weddings, social, and corporate events.

Blairsville

Wildewood

Sautee Nacoochee

Waterfalls

Anna Ruby Falls

Curtis Creek falls 153 feet and York Creek drops 50 feet down the slopes of Tray Mountain in twin waterfalls. The very steep 4/10 mile Anna Ruby Falls Trail is paved and has benches along the trail for sitting or resting while enjoying the beauty of the area.

Directions: from Helen, take GA 75 North one mile. Right on GA 356 for 1.5 miles, left on the entrance road to the falls.

Dukes Creek Falls

A well-designed trail winds its way into Dukes Creek Gorge, ending at the base of the falls

of North GeorGia

which drop about 150 feet down sheer granite canyon into Dukes Creek.

Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left on GA 356 (75 Alternate) for 2.3 miles to the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right, go 2 miles to Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area.

Raven Cliff Falls

The first fall drops 60 feet, then rushes through a split in the face of a solid rock outcropping and drops 20 feet into a deep pool, and then falls another 20 feet to Dodd Creek. 3 other waterfalls can be found on Dodd Creek.

Directions: from Helen, take GA 75 north for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right and travel 2.8 miles to the trailhead and parking area.

WHITE WATER & KAYAKING ON THE CHATTOOGA

Class 2-5 rapids

Let our guides show you section III &

Waterfalls

Becky Branch Falls

The 20 foot Becky Branch Falls is easily observed from a wooden bridge which crosses the stream. Becky Branch Falls is accessed via the Bartram Trail.

Directions: From Clayton, Georgia go east on Warwoman Road (County Rd. 5) for just less than 3 mile to Poll Creek Road. Park on left side of road by a small branch. Follow the trail on the right side of the branch for about 200 yards to a bridge at the base of the falls.

Minnehaha Falls

The Minnehaha Trail, .4-mile in length, follows Fall Branch until it dead ends at Minnehaha Falls. This waterfall is approximately 100 feet high (falling and shoaling).

Clayton/Rabun County Area: Take U.S. 23/441 north

of North GeorGia

from Tallulah Falls for three miles to the Rabun Beach Recreation Area sign. Turn left onto Old 441. Go 2.5 miles and take a left on Lake Rabun Road. Go 1 mile past Recreation area. Take a left on Low Gap Road. Follow Bear Gap road which forks to the left. Go 1.5 miles to the sign marking the trail on the right side of the road.

Martin Creek Falls

This two-tier waterfall is 35 feet high with aquatic plants covering the weeping rock wall on the left. This 20-minute walk (.5 mile) follows the Bartram Trail along the west side of the creek.

Clayton/Rabun County Area: From Clayton, go east on Warwoman Road for 3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 152, and drive past the Game Checking Station. The park drive is .5-mile. Park in a small cleared camping area on the left bend in the road. Walk west from the camping area. Cross Martin Creek, then travel uphill for about .4 mile to the top of the falls.

Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

Andrews

Jul 12 & 26

Food Truck Fridays Summer Series

Harold H. Hall Memorial Park

August 9

Food Truck Fridays Summer Series

Harold H. Hall Memorial Park

Blairsville

July 5, 13, 20, & 27

Friday Night Concert

Downtown Blairsville

July 6

Lake Nottely Boat Parade

Lake Nottely

July 7

Mountain Music Day Festival 2024

Vogel State Park

July 19

The North Georgia Sing:

2024 Gospel Concert

Union County Fine Arts Center

July 20 – 21

23rd Annual

Butternut Creek Festival

Meeks Park

July 26 – 28

The Mountain Music & Moonshine Festival

Downtown Blairsville

July 27

Winery Comedy Night

Paradise Hills Winery Resort and Spa

August 2, 9, 16, & 23

Friday Night Concert

Downtown Blairsville

August 24

Winery Comedy Night

Paradise Hills Winery Resort and Spa

August 30

Friday Night Concert

Downtown Blairsville

August 31

Grape Stomp Fest

Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa

Mountain Heritage Festival

Downtown Blairsville

September 6

Friday Night Concert

Downtown Blairsville

Blue Ridge

May 29 – July 27

Artists in Residence -

Curtis Whitewam

The Art Center

July 5

Blue Ride Scenic Railway

Firework Special

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

July 11 – 28

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club

Blue Ridge Community Theater

August 16 & 17

Kiwanis Rodeo

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Fairground

September 21

Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ

Music Festival

Downtown Blue Ridge City Park

Brasstown

July 13

29th Annual Sing Happens

Open House

Clarkesville

July 13

Red, White, & Tunes

Ritts Park

September 6 – 14

Chattahoochee Mountain Fair Habersham County Fairgrounds

Clayton

July 6

Lake Burton Fun Run

Moccasin Creek State Park

July 6, 13, 20, & 27

Clayton Farmers Market

Covered Bridge Plaza

July 13 – 14

Painted Fern Festival Civic Center

July 27

Summer Vibes

Concert Series on the Lake

Lake Burton

Garlic Fest ‘24

Covered Bridge Plaza

August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

Clayton Farmers Market

Covered Bridge Plaza

Clayton Block Party

Downtown Clayton

September 1

Summer Vibes

Concert Series on the Lake Lake Burton

September 7

Clayton Farmers Market

Covered Bridge Plaza

Cornelia

July 20

Battle of the Bands

Fenders Alley

July 25

Summer Nights Festival

Downtown Main Street

Dahlonega

July 6, 13, 20, & 27

Appalachian Music

Dahonlega Square

July 6

Dahlonega Farmer’s Market

Hancock Park

August 2-4, 9-11, & 16-18

The Wizard of Oz

The Holly Theatre

August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

Appalachian Music

Dahonlega Square

August 24

End of the Line: Tribute to the Allman Brothers

The Holly Theatre

August 31

These Crowded Streets

The Holly Theatre

September 7

Appalachian Music

Dahonlega Square

Dillard

July 19 – 21 & 26 – 28

The Miss Firecracker Contest

North Georgia Community Players Theatre

Ellijay

July 6, 13, 20, & 27

Ellijay Farmers Artisan Market

Downtown Ellijay

July 6

Red, White, & Boom Party

American Legion Post 82

July 12 – 14

Mulberry Gap Bikepacking weekend (Helen to Ellijay)

Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp

July 18

Murder Mystery DinnerI Love the 80’s to Death!

The Butcher and Bottle

July 19

Acoustic Blends at The Playhouse

Gilmer Arts Playhouse

August 2 – 4

Mulberry Gap Bikepacking weekend (Helen to Ellijay Segment 3

Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp

August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

Ellijay Farmers Artisan Market

Downtown Ellijay

August 13 – 18

Gilmer County Fair

Ellijay Lions Club

August 16

Acoustic Blends at The Playhouse

Gilmer Arts Playhouse

September 7

Blue Ridge Mountains

Wine & Jazz Festival

White Path Creek Farms

Hayesville

July 19-21 & 26-28

Oklahoma

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 3

Free Bird - The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 10

Songwriter’s Showcase 49

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 17

Peace of Woodstock 2024

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 24

An Evening of Appalachian Tales

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 31

The Prince of Cool: The Vocal & Trumpet of Chet Baker

Peacock Performing Arts Center

Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

September 7

Stairway to Zeppelin

Peacock Performing Arts Center

Helen

July 12 – 14

Mulberry Gap Bikepacking weekend (Helen to Ellijay)

Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp

September 7

Oktoberfest Parade

Helen Festhalle

September 9 – 27

Oktoberfest

Helen Festhalle

Hiawassee

July 6 & 13

Concert on the Square

Hiawassee Town Square

July 20

Electric Avenue -

The 80’s MTV Experience

GA Mountain Fairgrounds

July 27

Laser Light Show

GA Mountain Fairgrounds

August 3, 24, & 31

Concert on the Square

Hiawassee Square

August 15

Miss Georgia Mountain Fair

Pageant

GA Mountain Fairgrounds

2024 Georgia Mountain Fair

GA Mountain Fairgrounds

August 16

Gene Watson & Bellamy Brothers

Anderson Music Hall

August 17

Tommy James & The Shondells

Anderson Music Hall

August 18

The Inspirations, The Martins, & The Perrys

Anderson Music Hall

August 22

American Pop featuring The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, & The Box Tops

GA Mountain Fairgrounds

August 23

The Oake Ridge Boys

American Made Farewell Tour

GA Mountain Fairgrounds

August 24

Crowder

Anderson Music Hall

August 31 – September 1

Hiawassee Pro Rodeo

GA Mountain Fairgrounds

September 5

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - Summer Series

Hamilton Gardens

The Park After Dark

Hamilton Gardens

Lakemont

July 6

Rabun Ramble

Lake Rabun Pavilion

McCaysville

July 11, 18, & 25

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

July 20

Walk the Line - 5k

Downtown McCaysville

August 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

August 21

Annual Homesteading FairThe Folk Collaborative

Folk Collaborative Orchard

September 5

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

Murphy

August 2 & 6

Murphy Art Walk

Downtown Murphy

Sautee Nacoochee

July 7, 14, 21, & 28

SNCA Farmers Market

SNC Campus

July 20

Harvest Festival

Hardman Farm Historic Site

July 27

Community Contra Dance

Historic Gym

August 4, 11, 18, & 25

SNCA Farmers Market

SNC Campus

August 4

Sunday Art Sautee Art Show

Sautee Nacoochee Center

August 24

Community Contra Dance

Historic Gym

September 1

SNCA Farmers Market

SNC Campus

Sky Valley

July 24

Sky Valley Garden Club Arts & Crafts Show

Sky Valley Country Club

Tallulah Falls

July 20

Full Moon Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

August 18

Full Moon Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tiger

July 5

Bar W Rodeo Rabun Arena

Toccoa

July 19

Chad Prather

The Historic Ritz Theatre

July 26

The Righteous Brothers: A Tribute

The Historic Ritz Theatre

August 9

Southern Gospel: Sound of Jericho

The Historic Ritz Theatre

August 16

Ramble Tamble: The Creedence Clearwater

Revival Experience

The Historic Ritz Theatre

September 7

Silver, Blue & Gold: Bad Company Tribute

The Historic Ritz Theatre

Chris Greer Photography