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Additional Attractions

The Chattahoochee National Forest

"Barefoot Forest Ranger" Arthur Woody made an extraordinary contribution to Fannin County and all of the north Georgia mountains when he fought to create and protect the vast resources of the Chattahoochee National Forest in the early 1900's. Woody, a Fannin County native, helped replenish the dwindling population of whitetail deer in the forest and introduced new species of non-native trout in the streams. His work was the foundation for the richness of the Georgia mountain experience today.

The Chattahoochee National Forest covers 749,689 acres in north Georgia, managed by six ranger districts. Over 40 percent of the land in Fannin County is national forest land (106,000 acres). 40,006 acres are located in the Cohutta Ranger District and 66,097 in the Toccoa Ranger District. The forest began when the forest service purchased 31,000 acres in Fannin, Lumpkin and Union Counties from the Gennett family in 1911 for $7 per acre.

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have 37 developed recreation areas, 500 developed campsites, 200 picnic sites, 6 swim beaches and 530 miles of trails. There are more than 500 wildlife and fish species in the forest. Almost 100 percent of cold water stream fishing on public lands occurs within the Chattahoochee national forest. 90,000 fishermen generate over $43 million in revenue for Georgia from national forest land.* The forest receives more than 10 million visitors each year.

Want more information? See Chattahoochee National Forest

 

Chattahoochee National Forest
Campgrounds & Recreation Areas

The Toccoa Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including 6 campground/recreation areas. Camping fees are $8/night or $10 for lake or creekside. $3/day use fee for parking by anglers and canoeists at Deep Hole Campground.

MORGANTON POINT RECREATION AREA: Overlooking Lake Blue Ridge, this recreation area offers camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. The area has 37 campsites, 13 picnic tables and a shelter. There is a paved boat launch and a pebble beach. Each campsite has a tent pad, grill and picnic table. Open mid-April through mid-September. DIRECTIONS: Take U.S. 515 south from Blue Ridge for 4 miles to GA 60; turn right (southwest) and go 3 miles to Morganton. In Morganton, turn right on County Road 616 for 1 mile.

LAKE BLUE RIDGE RECREATION AREA: Surrounded by the north Georgia mountains, this area offers camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, skiing and fishing. 58 campsites are equipped with grills, picnic tables and tent pads. Four sites have beautiful lake views. Open mid-April through late October. DIRECTIONS: From Blue Ridge, take old U.S. 76 east for 1.5 miles to Dry Branch Road. turn right, go 3 miles to the entrance.

FRANK GROSS CAMPGROUND: Located on Rock Creek, this area offers camping, hiking and trout fishing. There are nine campsites with picnic tables, tent pads and grills. Hikers can enjoy the Appalachian Trail nearby. Fishing in Rock Creek and Mill Creek for stocked and wild trout is excellent and the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery is nearby. Open late March to end October. DIRECTIONS: From Blue Ridge, take Hwy. 76 east for 5 miles to Morganton/ turn right on Highway 60 south toward Dahlonega for 15 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 69 for 5 miles.

COOPER CREEK CAMPGROUND: Located on Cooper Creek, this area offers camping, hiking and trout fishing. There are 17 camp sites with picnic tables, tent pads and grills. Four of the sites are waterfront. This is a popular area for fishing in Cooper and Mulky Creek for stocked and wild trout. The area adjoins the 1,240 acre Cooper Creek Scenic Area. Open late March to end October. DIRECTIONS: From Blue Ridge, take Highway 76 east for 5 miles to Morganton; turn right on Highway 60 south toward Dahlonega for 16 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 4 for 6 miles.
MULKY CAMPGROUND: 11 campsites. Same attractions and directions as Cooper Creek Campground.

DEEP HOLE CAMPGROUND: Located on the Toccoa River, this recreation area offers camping, boating and fishing. Eight campsites are equipped with tent pads and picnic tables. A canoe launch makes river access easy for floating the Toccoa River Canoe Trail. Fishing is good for rock and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout. Open all year. DIRECTIONS: >From Blue Ridge, take Hwy. 76 East for five miles to Morganton; turn right on Hwy 60 south toward Dahlonega for 16 miles.

For more information, contact the USDA Forest Service, Toccoa Ranger District, 6050 Appalachian Highway, www.fs.fed.us/conf/.

 

Festivals & Events

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race,
April
80 co-ed teams of three hike, mountain bike, run and kayak in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The race begins at a secret location in the Chattahoochee National Forest and ends in Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, with live music, food and the finish line. For more information, call (706) 632-5680 or see Adventure Race on this website.

 

Cinco de Mayo Festival,
McCaysville-Copperhill, May
Food, music and dancing on the street bridge between McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Business Association. For more information, call (423) 496-1750

Arts In The Park,
Blue Ridge, Memorial Day Weekend
Features over 200 arts, crafts and food booths Arts in the Park is located in downtown Blue Ridge City Park. The best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist's demonstrations, music and dance. Arts in the Park has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Call (706) 632-2144 for more information.

Pickin' in the Park
Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park, May thru September
Casual jam sessions for acoustic musicians are held under the trees and pavillions along the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. til dusk beginning May 26 through the end of September.  Free admission to musicians of all levels and listeners who appreciate good music.  Bring your picnic supper and enjoy the music!  For more information call 423-496-4653 or see www.pickinthepark.com.

Old Timers Day,
Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday Closest to July 4th
Celebration and parade in Downtown Blue Ridge. Food, crafts, ice cream and entertainment. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks,
Marina, On or near July 4th
Live music and food beginning at 4 p.m. Food provided by the Masonic Lodge. Fabulous fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge at dark. Call (706) 632-2618 for more information.

Miners Homecoming,
Downtown McCaysville, July 4th Weekend
Miners homecoming takes place in Ducktown, TN. every July 4th weekend. Old fashioned Independence Day fireworks are shot from Tater Hill in downtown McCaysville-Copperhill on July 4th at dark-thirty. Fourth of July Kiwanis parade and festivities take place on July 5th, also in McCaysville-Copperhill.

Concerts in the Park,
Downtown Blue Ridge Park, July & August
Good music in a beautiful setting on warm summer nights. Bring your own quilt or lawn chair and a picnic supper. Call the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association for more information, (706) 632-2144.

Smokey Bear's Birthday,
Ocoee Whitewater Center, August
Games, face-painting, storytelling, puppet shows and, of course, Smokey the Bear! For more information, call (423) 496-5197.

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo,
August
Western rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and special events. Great food and fun for all ages. Call (706) 632-3400 for more information.

Labor Day Barbeque,
Labor Day in Downtown Blue Ridge
Annual Barbeque starts at 11 a.m. until the food runs out. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Good food and entertainment. Call (706) 455-3818 for more information.

Wildlife Festival of the Arts,
Downtown Blue Ridge Park, September
Showcasing the works of the finest wildlife artists in the Southeast. More than 75 artists sell their sculpture, painting and woodworking. Forest service information, fly-fishing demonstrations, food and entertainment. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Call (706) 632-2144.

Family Fishing Festival,
Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, September
Fly-tying and casting demonstrations, educational exhibits and plenty of fish to catch in Rock Creek. Call (706) 838-4723 for more information.

Annual Ocoee River Days Festival,
Ocoee Whitewater Center, September
Big name entertainment, food, fun, exhibits, games and activities for all ages. For information, call (423) 496-5197.

Mountain Harvest Sale,
Blue Ridge Farmer's Market, 3rd and 4th weekend in October
Sponsored by the Fannin County Homemaker's Council, the Mountain Harvest Sale features local arts, crafts, food and fun on two separate October weekends. For information, please call (706) 632-2858.

Halloween Safe Zone,
Downtown Blue Ridge
Treats and fun for all. Downtown Blue Ridge Main Street is closed and kids of all ages trick or treat from shop to shop. Food and entertainment. For information, call (706) 632-0547.

Holiday Art Show & Sale,
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assn., Each November-December
Shop for regional art and crafts at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Thanksgiving through Christmas. For more information, call (706) 632-2144.

Light up Blue Ridge,
Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday after Thanksgiving
Christmas festival in Downtown Blue Ridge. Music, refreshments, caroling and all-day activities. Official lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa arrives!! Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association.

Hometown Christmas,
Downtown McCaysville, First Saturday of December
Parade, Santa's arrival, food, refreshments and entertainment. Lighting of the bridge. For information, call (706) 632-4236.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express,
Blue Ridge, Weekends in December
Come ride the holiday train and see Santa, Mrs. Santa and the elves. Listen to Christmas stories and sing carols. For information, call (706) 632-9833.

Festival of Trees,
Ocoee Whitewater Center, Ducktown, December
Come enjoy the beauty of the season and see the beautiful Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, schools and organizations.

Mileage to Other Destinations

 

Georgia Destinations	Miles	Tennessee Destinations	Miles	North Carolina Destinations	Miles
Amicalola Falls	35	Ducktown	14	Asheville	136
Brasstown Bald	41	Chattanooga	70	Blue Ridge Parkway	100
Blairsville	25	Cleveland	54	Cherokee	90
Blue Ridge Lake	3	Copperhill	10	Murphy	25
Clayton	68	Gatlinburg	125
Cleveland	45	Pigeon Forge	135
Dahlonega	60
Ellijay	16
Helen	53
Hiawassee	45

Blue Ridge Weather

High/Low Temperatures - Blue Ridge, Georgia   Year Round (Average)
Month	High Temperature	Low Temperature
January	50°	26°
February	53°	28°
March	60°	33°
April	68°	41°
May	77°	49°
June	83°	57°
July	85°	60°
August	85°	60°
September	80°	53°
October	72°	42°
November	60°	32°
December	51°	26°