Blue Ridge has a lot to offer travelers, including over 300 miles of hiking trails, more than 100 miles of trout streams, exhilarating waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain towns, making it one of the best destinations for all travelers. Located in northeast Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountains make up the highest mountain range in the state and guarantee breathtaking mountain scenery. The area is also famous for hosting some of the richest biodiversity in the world. This place is full of charm and is home to some of the most scenic towns.
10 Helen
Reachable just 75 miles from Atlanta, Helen is one of the most popular towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the third most visited statewide. Boasting incredible architecture, a fantastic food scene, and an amazing culture, Helen is full of charm. Its downtown covers just about two miles, yet it's packed with colorful shops, beautiful restaurants, cobblestone streets, and more. Hiking, fishing, wine tasting, and events and festivals are some of the best things to do in this town.
9 Blue Ridge
Founded in 1886, Blue Ridge is one of the most scenic mountains in the Blue Ridge Mountains Range and is reachable from Atlanta via a 90-minute drive. Over the past decade, the town has become one of the best mountain destinations while maintaining its small-town charm. Its downtown is brimming with beautiful wineries, shopping opportunities, an incredible food scene, scenic art galleries, and several options for entertainment. Whether planning a mountain vacation as a family, a group of friends, a couple, or a solo traveler, Blue Ridge is the best place to be!
8 Ellijay
Known for being the apple capital of Georgia, autumn is the best time to explore this gorgeous mountain town, as it is the best destination for apple picking. Ellijay is a nature lover's paradise because it has plenty of outdoor opportunities. The town is home to southeast Georgia's tallest cascading waterfall and several apple orchards, wineries hiking, and biking trails to explore. Autumn brings lots of activities and festivals, but the town is a year-round destination with endless options for a fun adventure.
7 Dahlonega
Dahlonega comes with a vibrant downtown full of charm, incredible outdoor opportunities, and endless entertainment options, including an amazing music scene. The town has historical buildings dating back to the 19th century, beautiful restaurants, colorful shops, gorgeous pieces of art, and more. Dahlonega has some of the state’s most impressive vineyards, making it an excellent destination to go wine tasting. The town is home to one of the best Christmas Tree Farms in North Georgia, and one can watch and take part in cutting down one tree on a Christmas holiday.
6 Hiawassee
The gorgeous mountain town of Hiawassee is famous for hosting the highest peak in Georgia, Brasstown Bald, but there is much more to explore. The town is full of outdoor opportunities and spectacular mountain views. Originally inhabited by the Cherokee tribes, Hiawassee is also one of the best fall destinations, as it boasts incredible autumn scenery, thanks to the changing color of leaves. Trout fishing along the nearby Hiawassee River, hiking, wine tasting, camping, swimming, and boating are some of the best things to do in one of the most scenic towns in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Popular attractions are the nearby Lake Chatuge, Hamilton Gardens, and Bell Mountain.
5 Dillard
Founded by Captain John Dillard in 1794, Dillard is one of the best towns to visit in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it's not hard to see why. The town is nestled amidst the mountain range - and boasts several attractions and outdoor activities, ranging from an incredible food scene, historic hotels, gorgeous vineyards, and three beautiful state parks located nearby. Dillard is a perfect weekend getaway that guarantees a thrilling experience.
4 Dawsonville
From enjoying the view of the 729-ft Amicalola Falls State Park’s waterfall, the highest in Georgia to hiking the Appalachian Trail to visiting the famous Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery, this town has several things to see and do. Notable attractions to explore in and near the town include the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, Etowah Valley Sporting Clays, Atlanta Motorsports Park, and more. Travelers will find several hiking trails in Amicalola Falls State Park with incredible views of the surrounding.
3 Suches
Suches may be smaller and not be as famous as other mountain towns, but the scenery is definitely breathtaking, and worth exploring. The town is brimming with some of the most unique places and interesting activities, and most travelers would be surprised by the beauty surrounding one of Georgia’s most hidden destinations. Some of the most iconic attractions in and near Suches include Chattahoochee National Forest, Skeenah Creek Campground, and Copers Creek Wildlife Management Area.
2 Sautee-Nacoochee
Sautee-Nacoochee is nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains near the charming mountain town of Helen. Its spectacular natural scenery and incredible cultural history are some of the most captivating things about it. The white gazebo that is located on top of the Sautee-Nacoochee Indian Mound at the Hardman Farm is one of the most interesting attractions in the town and a must-see. The gazebo is at a place that used to be a former Georgia Governor's home.
1 Blairsville
Located in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blairsville is one of the most scenic towns in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Known to host one of the most iconic landmarks in the state, there is a lot to see and do in Blairsville. Hiking toward the tallest peak in Georgia, Brasstown, for spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the best things to do. Several restaurants are serving delicious meals and enjoyable fun festivals to explore in the town.