The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Blue Ridge, Georgia

With significant travel shut down due to COVID-19, what’s your next move? Mine, a mountain road trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Pack the car or SUV with all of these essentials and hit the road for Blue Ridge, Georgia, a charming, unique, and idyllic north Georgia mountain town with tons of exciting things to do with your family while isolating in the woods. Or You can also rent a car at Qeeq.com for an affordable price.

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Picture this…

Arriving at your rustic yet luxurious home away from home, Fireside Retreat, feeling immediate relaxation. The cabin was our destiny, isolating us from the craziness of the World.

Even the teenagers were happy.

In Blue Ridge, Georgia, it is easy to spend a week of adventure combined with proper relaxation, activities, and local nutritious eats.

Here you go, more details about Fireside Retreat, if you are curious, a quick and easy booking through Airbnb.

The top 25 family-friendly things to do in one week in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

1) Make your home away from home for the week in a cozy cabin in the woods. Rent your mountain cabin through Escape to Blue Ridge, via Airbnb. Quick and easy rental and the perfect family getaway.

2) Begin every day with a cuppa joe on that back porch (or front porch) surrounded by the forest. Enjoy the view and fresh, crisp mountain air.

3) Stock up at Ingles, the local supermarket that has EVERYTHING. And it’s a fun family trip, so they can all get what they need for the week. And the tomatoes are perfection. I brought home a bunch.

4) Go fishing in the fly fishing capital of the World, Fannin County.

5) And then cook the trout on the grill on the patio.

6) Go tubing in Toccoa, our family’s unanimous favorite.

7) Happy hour at Grumpy Old Men Brewery, a ten-minute walk from downtown Blue Ridge, for a flight of deliciousness. Ale Jefe was my favorite.

8) Have a taste test, steelhead trout versus rainbow trout, a different taste, but I can’t decide my favorite. Steelhead trout is much like Salmon with rich pink meat, and rainbow trout is a much paler pink, and a bit thinner fish. A dash of salt, and a splash of lime, and both are delicious.

9) Learn fun facts about bears. Here is a bear fact sheet from The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resource Division. Did you know that there are no reported bear attacks on humans in Georgia and no fatalities?

Comforting information. We had no bear sightings, but we kept looking.

10) Go mining for rubies. Teenagers may be too old and cranky for this activity, but little kids love it.

11) Count fireflies.  

12) Sip Bourbon and take a deep breath on the back porch or next to the firepit.

13) Hike across The Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River, the longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi. Be prepared for the trek to get to the parking lot, which was an adventure before the adventure. The bumpy, muddy, one-lane gravel road was an experience.

14) Chase a few waterfalls, there are so many. Here’s a list of local favorites.

• Fall Branch Falls
• Long Creek Falls
• Anna Ruby Falls
• Amicalola Falls
• Helton Creek Falls
• Toccoa Falls
• Jacks River Falls

Only a two-hour drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee, there are also hiking tours exploring waterfalls at Lula Lake Land Trust.

15) Chow on some good ole fashioned fried chicken, collards, and fried green tomatoes at Southern Charm Cafe in downtown Blue Ridge. And their apple butter is divine.

16) Stroll the antique shops, galleries, and boutiques along Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge.

17) And while you are there, taste the fudge from Three Sisters.

18) Catch a ride on the open-air train through the mountains on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (you also have a climate-controlled option). The journey is 26 miles winding down the Toccoa River to the neighboring town of McCaysville, where you have plenty of time for lunch, shopping, and sightseeing.

19) Visit the Big Foot Museum, advertised as North Georgia’s “Biggest Family Attraction,” and become a believer. For those of you curious or interested in the legend of Bigfoot, Expedition Bigfoot is a unique family attraction that full of entertainment and education. Beginning with a quick flick that challenges you to believe, then search through Bigfoot artifacts, life-sized exhibits, images of sightings, sighting maps (lots of Bigfoot sightings where I live), and the World’s only Bigfoot Research and Tech Vehicle. You can even don earphones and listen to audio recordings of Big Foots communicating with each other.

20) Stock up on the local produce at Mercier Orchards, a family-owned and operated apple orchard, started in the 40s by Bill and Adele Mercier. Typically, they host U-Pick events, but due to COVID restrictions, they offer we-pick instead. The store is full of freshly picked apples, peaches, blackberries, and blueberries. Step into their farm to table bakery for a slice of their award-winning apple pie. Unfortunately, the tasting room is not available at this time, but the hard ciders and wines, grown, pressed, fermented, and bottled by the Mercier’s are still available for purchase. AND, they offer a seriously tempting subscription box.

21) Make s’ mores over the firepit at your secluded cabin in the woods.

22) Absorb the mountain scenery on horseback at Blueridge Mountain Trail Rides. You don’t need the experience to get a leg up and ride the trails through the Cohutta Mountains. All levels welcomed.

23) Remember the drive-in movie theatre? Well, now is your chance to experience it again at the Swan Drive-In. Tune your car radio to 105.5 and watch the double feature. I can’t think of a better way to be at a theatre and social distance. I miss the theatre, and I wish we had this close to home.  

The Swan Drive-in has been in operation since 1955 and is now open on weekends only. The website lists the movies this weekend (August 2020) as the classics, Ghostbusters and The Karate Kid.

24) Start the Appalachian Trail. Notice, I say “start” the Appalachian Trail? Because the trail is more than 2000 miles and spans fourteen states. However, it begins in the North Georgia Mountains, specifically Springer Mountain, and follows 78 miles through Georgia.

The trail takes you through valleys, creeks, past multiple waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views.

Atlanta Trails lists over twenty trails on the Appalachian Trail ranging from two miles to 29 miles, including trails in North Carolina. Plus, a hiking gear list to help you prepare for your trek.

And if you are ready to step out of your comfort zone, then try this, a zipline in the North Georgia Mountains for extra fun, but a little scary.

25) Don’t miss Grandaddy Mimms Moonshine Distillery (they have Moonshine hand sanitizer, not kidding). A quick history, Jack “Mimm” McClure” s bootlegging career began in the 30s during The Great Depression and spanned another nearly forty years until he died in 1969. Located in Blairsville, Georgia (less than an hour from Blue Ridge, and on the way to Helen, Georgia), Grandaddy Mimms Moonshine Distillery is open for full tasting and tours. And it’s a concert venue to boot.

As if that’s not enough…

A bonus day trip to the Alpine Village of Helen, Georgia, is about an hour’s drive from Blue Ridge (Grandaddy Mimms Moonshine Distillery is on the way). Hike to the stunning Anna Ruby Falls. And transport yourself straight to Germany with Beer and Brat at Hofer’s of Helen Bakery and Cafe.

Practical Tips and Necessities for Your Stay in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

In addition to the top 25 things to do in Blue Ridge, Georgia, I wanted to give you some further tips and helpful information for your stay.

Let’s start with a road trip packing list.

Include these items in your go-bag for the car.

• Sunscreen.
• Insect Repellent.
• Hand Sanitizer. 
• Water.
• Masks.
• Ponchos.

Hiking tips in the North Georgia Mountains. 

• The number one rule of hiking in the forest is to leave no trace.
• Pack in with the basics, and go out with the basics, leaving only footprints.
• Never leave a fire unattended. And make sure there are no kindles when you go.
• Be careful climbing rocks, they are covered in moss and can be slippery.
• Research your hike and know before you go.
• Be aware of the weather.
• And be aware of your limitations.

Read More: 23 Tips for an Epic Hike With Your Family

Healthy-Ish Snacks for a Family Hike.

Ninja Tip: Always pack more snacks than you think you will need.

• Beef Jerky
• Goldfish or Pretzels
• Plantain Chips
• Nuts (if no nut allergies)
• Protein Bars (watch out for too much sugar content)
• Dried Fruit
• Chex Mix
• Popcorn

Add a light lunch to your day with these choices.

• Turkey and cheese rollups with spinach wrap.
• Ham and cheese or Pepperoni and cheese on Hawaiian rolls.
• Pita pocket sandwiches ~ Canned tuna, lettuce, and tomato. Or stuff with turkey, cheese, and your homemade hummus.
• Bagels and cream cheese. Pack some Lox for something special.

Let’s talk pests: bug, mammal, and plant types.

It is essential to know what you’re up against and what to do if you run into trouble. Here are a few quick tips about the local pests of Blue Ridge.

Chiggers.

Chiggers may be lurking in the thick grass, weeds, and the woods. Word to the wise, stay on the trails, or you risk returning from your glorious adventure with chigger bites, then it’s not glorious anymore. You can also protect yourself with long sleeve shirts and pants tucked in your socks, although too hot for that in the summer. Wear insect repellent and shower as soon as you return to the cabin.

Ready to be creeped out?

Chiggers aren’t insects at all, they are arachnids, which is the same family as spiders. EEEEK!

What do chigger bites look like?  

Chigger bites are red itchy bumps with a dark red dot in the middle, typically located in the armpits, crotch, ankles, waist, or behind the knees.

Now what?

• Shower and wash your body with soap and water to remove the chiggers.
• Wash all exposed clothing in hot water.
• Avoid scratching as this can lead to infection.
• Use OTC Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone ointment to the bites.

Scorpions. Not kidding.

No need to panic when you see a scorpion, they do not attack. They typically venture out at night in search of food and live a quiet peaceful life. However, sometimes they make their way into cabins and can be found in sinks, tubs, and toilets (places they fall in and cannot climb out).  

As I said previously, they will not attack you. However, if disturbed or felt harassed or trapped, the scorpion will sting. The sting will produce a burning, numbing, or tingling that may last an hour or so. As with any insect bite, a person may be allergic. If a person is developing an anaphylactic type reaction (shortness of breath, throat pain, or swelling), emergency medical treatment is required.

Now what?

• Ice.
• Pain Relievers.
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl.
• Corticosteroid ointment such as hydrocortisone.

Yep, Ticks, too!

Ticks hang out in warm, humid, wooded, and grassy areas, such as that peaceful hiking trail in Blue Ridge. And they carry several diseases, including Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Rickettsia Ricketsii), Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and tick-borne Encephalitis.

The symptoms of tick-borne illnesses include flu-like symptoms — fever, chills, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and fatigue. If you develop these symptoms, seek medical attention as treatment is most effective the closer you begin after the initial tick bite.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of many tick-borne illnesses will continue for months or even years.

Here are ten tips to avoid ticks while hiking.

1. Wear permethrin-treated clothing while hiking or in areas where ticks live.
2. Wear long pants tucked into your socks. Tuck in your long-sleeved shirt, and wear a cap.
3. Wear light-colored clothing so you can see the ticks climbing and searching for a warm, cozy spot to cling.
4. Wear 20-30% Deet on skin exposed areas.
5. Stick to the center of the trail, away from the grassy or bushy areas surrounding the trails.
6. Avoid sitting in the brush or grassy areas.
7. Perform frequent skin checks. The quicker you remove an embedded tick, the less likely you will develop an infection.
8. When you return home after your hike, perform a thorough skin check. Ticks love a warm and moist environment — your armpits, in and around your ears, groin, and butt crack 😉, behind your knees, and in your belly button.
9. Also, check all of your stuff, your backpack, hoodie, and hat. And make sure to check your pup, including in between the toes and paws. Ticks love dogs, too.
10. If you find a clinging menace, remove the tick by using fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and steadily pull it straight out.

Once you are sure the coast is clear, take a hot shower, wash your pup, and wash and dry all of your clothes, hoodies, hats, and jackets on hot.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac.

Skin exposure to urushiol, the oily resin in poison ivy, oak, and sumac causes itching, rash, swelling, and blisters. The rash may develop up to 48 hours after skin exposure. AND, may last up to three weeks.

Prevent exposure by avoiding the plants, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants tucked in socks. If you are exposed, wash your skin immediately. Avoid scratching with your fingernails; this may lead to a secondary infection. And if the rash is severe, the blisters begin to drain pus, your develop fevers, or if the outbreak does not improve, seek medical attention.

Now what?

• Cool Compresses.
• Ointments to relieve itching: Calamine, Benadryl.
• Oatmeal Baths. I know it’s old fashioned, but it works.
• Oral antihistamines such as Benadryl.
• OTC Pain Relievers.
• Seek medical attention for a severe reaction that includes shortness of breath, painful or difficulty swallowing, facial or tongue swelling, or a known history of this type of response to exposure to these plants.
• If your pup is exposed, use protective gloves, and bath him to remove the oils as he has the potential to expose you.

Below are some images of how these plant look.

Black Bears, yes I have to go there, but I have good news.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, there are no recorded bear attacks on humans in Georgia, and no fatalities.  

However, if you encounter a black bear, there a few safety tips to try to keep in mind.

1) If you come into contact with a black bear, do not establish eye contact, remain calm, and DO NOT RUN.

2) Do not approach the bear. I know that sounds funny, but I mean that if you are aware of a black bear in an area, don’t go into that area.  

3) Make loud noises and make yourself BIG.

4) Don’t climb trees to escape a black bear; they can climb, too.

5) Don’t feed the bear.

6) Keep in mind that black bears like bird food, dog food, and human food. Don’t leave it around the camp. And pack out all of your human garbage.

If you are looking for a unique, adventurous, relaxing place to isolate from the crazy world we live in, a road trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia, may be exactly what you need.

Let me know in the comments about your favorite family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Or if you have any suggestions or tips. I always love to hear from all of you.

Here is your Blue Ridge Bucket List Printable.