20 Attractions to Explore Near Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Mercier Orchards is a family-run pick-your-own fruit orchard that has been producing delicious apples, peaches, and blackberries for over 80 years. Visitors are welcome to take a stroll around the orchard's rolling hills and have the chance to pick their own fresh fruit. In addition to selling fresh fruit, Mercier Orchards also offers an array of delicious pies, jams, cider donuts, and hard ciders for purchase. It also proudly supports local farmers by offering homegrown sweet corn in season.

Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area is a picturesque spot for campers and hikers alike. With stunning rolling hills and crystal clear waters, it's no wonder why so many flock to this area each year. The recreation area has something for everyone: from beach access along the lake's shoreline, to camping sites tucked away beneath tall trees, to hiking trails leading around the reservoir with breathtaking views. Boating and fishing are also popular activities here as well as swimming and picnicking.

The Blue Ridge Dam, is an incredible example of civil engineering. Built between 1930 and 1933 as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's construction efforts, this dam produces hydroelectric power for the entire region. Standing at 210 feet tall and 988 feet wide, it has a water surface of 1,500 acres and can produce almost 50 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every day.

Cohutta Overlook is a stunning spot, that has plenty of breathtaking scenery to offer. It boasts stunning views of the Cohutta Mountains and surrounding valleys and ridges amid calm atmosphere. As an ideal spot for outdoor photography, it is one of the most sought-after places by creative minds. Some noteworthy features are its hiking trails, breathtaking fishing spots, campsites and more which add to its appeal as a natural retreat away from city life.

Blue Ridge Lake is an outdoorsman's paradise. A hub of outdoor activities such as water sports, camping, and wildlife viewing, Blue Ridge Lake is a great spot for enjoying all that nature has to offer. Whether visitors want to take a leisurely boat ride around the lake or enjoy a more adventurous day of fishing or kayaking, there's something here for everyone. The lake is also teeming with wildlife and plants. Bird watchers can enjoy views of birds while visiting the lake.

Aska Trails is a network of hiking trails full of unexpected beauty. With two different trail networks to choose from, hikers can explore seven miles of picturesque oak and pine forests, waterfalls cascading down rugged rock formations, deep gorges with trout streams running through them, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perfect for those looking for a relaxing stroll or thrilling adventure - Aska Trails offers something for everyone.

Shallow Ford Bridge is an iconic bridge, well-known due to its structure, being built entirely out of wood 115 years ago. The bridge stands 270 feet long and 78 feet high above the Toccoa River. While there have been a few maintenance updates over the years, it remains true to its original design which is supported by four wooden trusses. Some local legends claim that a train car was built to go across the river at this location however there is no proof this actually occurred.

Big Bald Mountain, offers some of the most stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. At 3,944 feet high, it is one of the highest peaks in the region and provides a breathtaking panorama over miles of rolling hills and lush forests. Its hiking trails are popular among locals and visitors alike due to their gentle grade and tranquil scenery. There are several campgrounds at Big Bald where visitors can spend a peaceful night under the stars or just take in the majestic views.

Rich Mountain Wilderness is an incredible outdoors experience. Boasting more than 17,000 acres of lush green forest, this region will astound you with its sheer beauty and grandeur. From hiking trails to camping spots, fishing to swimming in various creeks, visitors are left with a sense of serenity that is hard to replicate anywhere else. The Rich Mountain Wilderness also boasts some magnificent animal life with deer, raccoon and river otter amongst the wildlife commonly seen by visitors.

This two-million-acre park provides recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors every year, from hiking and kayaking to fishing and archery. Along with its spectacular trees, shrubs and wildlife, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is also part of the longest section of the Appalachian Trail – the 3 million acres that stretch from Maine to Mountain City, GA. With 15 designated wilderness areas complimentary camping sites around lakes and streams.

Nottely Dam is an impressive engineering structure. Built by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1940s, this impressive dam spans 1,200 feet long and rises 170 feet high. The dam has served an important purpose: providing flood control downstream from the Appalachian Mountains and creating a reservoir for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and swimming. Nottely Dam even provides a scenic location for photographers.

The Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery is filled with marvelous sights and sounds. Here, it's possible to get close up with some of the most abundant fish species native to the area, including Rainbow and Brook Trout, Striped Bass and Brown Trout. Guided tours and educational programs provide fascinating insight into this unique ecosystem. Visitors can also explore a seventeen-acre historic building located on site, that was once used for hatching eggs.

Nottely Lake, a stunning 4,180-acre body of water and one of the largest reservoirs in this region of Georgia, Nottely Lake is teeming with native fish species and other aquatic life, making it an ideal locale for fishing. Skiers and wakeboarders can also get their fix at Nottely Lake, which stretches 21 miles long and boasts several smooth-sailing outlets. A network of hiking trails also wind around its lower portion, providing hikers with beautiful views as they explore its wooded skirt.

Jacks River Falls is a stunning sight. Located near the Cohutta Wilderness in North Georgia, it is the highest volume falls in the state, with an impressive 44-foot drop over the rugged and rocky terrain. Visitors can access the falls from multiple trails that range from 2-10 miles long before taking a steep descent down to the banks of Jacks River. For those brave enough to enter its icy depths, swimming at Jacks River Falls provides a truly exhilarating experience.

Rich Mountain Wilderness spans 12,000 acres of stunning beauty, framed by the peaks of the Chattahoochee National Forest and sweeping down 2,000 feet to the Coosawattee River, this area is a haven for wildlife. The terrain offers gorgeous vistas with lush vegetation including hardwoods, hemlocks and pines. For those seeking a deeper exploration, 160 miles of trails will lead ambitious outdoors adventurers across the creeks and rivers of the region in search of waterfalls.

The Emery Creek Trail is a hidden gem! 2.6 miles long, the trail meanders through some of the region's most serene woodlands, offering beautiful views of lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. You'll pass over bridges and along bubbling brooks as you make your way further down the trail. Whether you're looking for a new place to explore or want to reconnect with nature, this trail is an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers.

Cohutta Wilderness is a popular destination for outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts. With over 35,000 acres of rugged terrain, the area boasts an impressive variety of activities including hunting, fishing, backpacking, camping, hiking and more. With its sprawling trails that stretch across numerous mountain ranges, visitors can expect to come across some beautiful vistas of alpine forests and meadows.

The Blue Ridge WMA provides a unique wildlife viewing and recreational experience. Covering more than 4700 acres of heavily forested mountains, this area is a haven for many species of birds, mammals and other wildlife. Visitors to the area can enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, hiking and camping while taking in the picturesque surroundings, which include waterfalls and rolling hills. The WMA also offers access to trout streams, hunting camps, rustic roads and so more.

Springer Mountain Trailhead is an amazing place for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, it is home to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and provides access to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the region. With nearly 3 miles of steep, rocky terrain filled with bluffs, waterfalls, and tall trees, it offers plenty of opportunities for hikers and advanced climbers alike.

Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area offers an array of natural wonders for its visitors. Situated just south of Blairsville, Coopers Creek contains over 100 acres of parkland surrounded by lush mountain forests and valleys. Visitors can take a stroll around the scenic watershed trails and discover fascinating local wildlife such as white-tailed deer, grouse and wild turkeys. The management area provides plenty of opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna.