20 Attractions to Explore Near Emery Creek Trail

Conasauga Lake, makes for an awesome spot for a camping excursion! When visiting the lake you can cast your fishing line to catch bass, bream and crappie; take the kayak out for a little exploration of coves and streams; or spend the day sunbathing on the shore. There’s also plenty of hiking trails and lush greenery surrounding the lake. While you're there, you can get up close with nature and witness some beautiful wildlife like deer, beaver, river otters, even bald eagles!

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.

Grassy Mountain is a place gifted with natural beauty. The mountain lies within the Cohutta Wilderness area, allowing visitors an opportunity to experience the tranquility of its immaculate surroundings and all the wonders of nature untouched by human interference. Its footpaths are bounded by deep valleys and ancient trees. The bright blue waters of the Chickamauga Lake form its boundary to the northeast, offering spectacular views for hikers looking to explore this magnificent locale.

Cohutta Overlook located atop of the gorgeous Cohutta Mountain range, visitors to the overlook can take in panoramic views of the surrounding area. From the quartzite cliffs that tower over pine and hardwood forests to the distant rolling hills of North Georgia, visitors will be captivated by a 360-degree view of beauty at its finest. Bird watchers also flock to the area as it's an ideal spot for spotting hawks and vultures from both near and far away locations.

Fort Mountain, is a historical location filled with wonders and secrets. Situated in the north of Georgia it rises with a peak of 835 feet above sea level and overlooks Chatsworth lake, formed naturally by its steep banks. The mountain comprises three distinct geological formations – metamorphic rocks, lava flows, and the famous rock wall – believed to have been built by Indians who lived here thousands of years ago.

Fort Mountain State Park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure. Featuring miles of trails, lake access, and sprawling natural beauty, this is the ideal spot to camp or go hiking. The park has a scenic overlook that can be reached by a short trail and rewards visitors with breathtaking views. In addition to camping and trails, there are plenty of historic sites to explore like 800-year-old evidence of an ancient wall and artifacts from the Civil War period.

Fort Mountain Lake is a man-made lake, which was created as part of the Vogel State Park in the 1930s and is now a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and camping. Nestled in the beautiful folds of the North Georgia Mountains, it lies within its own serene wilderness setting. Within the lake itself lies many distinct features that add its charm to visitors, such as sunken trees, islands, drops offs, underwater channels and more.

Cohutta Wilderness lies in southeastern Tennessee and northwestern Georgia. Spanning over 35,000 acres, it offers a natural, breathtaking sight for those willing to explore it. The Wilderness is covered in rolling hills and streams, making it popular amongst hikers and campers alike. It also provides an environment for abundant wildlife, including black bears and wild turkeys. In Morgan County, Georgia, visitors can enjoy the nearby Conasauga River and Jacks River trails.

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.

Hampton Island, is an adventure destination for all ages. Here, nature lovers can enjoy miles of trails for biking or hiking that lead to unique and breathtaking scenic views. Visitors can take a boat out on the nearby Coosawattee River and cast their line for a variety of freshwater fish species. Those who dare can even paddle along the saltwater border of Hampton Island and kayak amongst dolphins and sea turtles!

The Chief Vann House Historic Site is a 19th century plantation house that has been carefully restored to its original grandeur. Built circa 1805 by Chief James Vann and his son Joseph, the home is a remarkable reminder of an interesting chapter in Georgia's past. The house was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973 for its representations of Cherokee history in Georgia and its significance to southern aristocracy.

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.

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.

Carters Dam, is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. This dam, completed in 1977, helps to control flooding in the area by providing flood storage for the Coosawattee River. Along with its important role in managing the surrounding environment, it also provides recreational opportunities for locals such as kayaking and fishing. For those looking for some relaxation, there are also vast picnic grounds available on site.

Carters Lake, is a popular destination for viewers and adventurers alike. The lake has a 65-mile shoreline and offers activities such as camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking. Hikers can experience the nearby Cohutta Wilderness area or explore the trails at the dam's observation deck. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their rod into waters filled with largemouth bass and striped bass - but make sure to obtain a valid fishing license first!

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 Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a unique and exciting experience. Offering two main types of excursions, the historic line allows visitors to choose between different viewing perspectives of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The Toccoa Valley Express Tour offers a roughly four hour, 26-mile scenic ride from the Blue Ridge Station in downtown Blue Ridge to the town of McCaysville and back again.

Prater's Mill Historic Site brings the past to life in Whitfield County, Georgia. Located between Dalton and Varnell on Prater's Road, this site is a reminder of Southern Appalachian culinary, cultural, and textile history. With a beautiful natural setting featuring historic buildings including churches, warehouses, cotton gin machinery, and more from the early 1800s through the 1960s, this location offers visitors a rare glimpse into the past.

Carters Lake, is truly a unique destination. Nestled within the Appalachian foothills, it offers breathtaking views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake itself covers over 3,200 acres of glassy clear water, perfect for fishing and recreational boating. It's also popular with hikers and campers due to its abundance of trails and public camping sites. Birdwatchers can spend leisurely days scoping out ospreys, bald eagles and wood ducks among other species of birds.

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.