The state of Georgia is quite unique from a historical and geographical perspective. It inherited its name after King George II of Great Britain. Also, Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1733.
One of the reasons Georgia has maintained its rich natural vegetation is the Blue Ridge range. The mountainous terrain is the second-oldest mountain range in the world, formed about 250 million years ago. Its breathtaking features make Georgia an excellent tourist destination.
Here are 8 cool things to do in Blue Ridge.
8 Visit The Ocoee River, Chattahoochee River, And Lake Blue Ridge
The Ocoee River, Chattahoochee River, and Lake Blue Ridge are some of the most iconic geographical features that set the Blue Ridge apart from other forested ranges in Georgia. The Chattahoochee River is unbelievably long at over 400 miles. On the other hand, the Blue Lake Ridge covers about 3,290 acres, which is quite impressive. Tourists can bring their boats or jet skis if interested in sailing. The management also rents out jet skis and pontoon vessels for visitors. The lake has plenty of lifeguards to keep families safe.
7 Explore And Camp In The Blue Ridge Mountains And Forests
A little-known fact is that iconic American leaders and founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington visited the Blue Ridge frequently during their reign as president. For example, Jefferson put his fascination with the mountainous range into writing. He stated that the mountains and forests of the Blue Ridge covering these ranges were beyond what emotions could express.
Georgia has done an excellent job keeping the scenery as natural and unpolluted as possible over hundreds of years. Hiking in the forests and making memories should be on every visitor’s to-do list this year. Nature lovers won't run out of things to do as the forest covers more than 106,000 acres of land.
6 Ride On The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is at the heart of the small town of Blue Ridge. The railway traverses through the Blue Mountains allowing the passengers to take in the beauty of the forests and hilly landscapes from the comfort of their coaches. The ride also allows the passengers to learn about the history of the train such as its commissioning, decommissioning, and restoration.
The tour covers 26 miles along the Toccoa River, with each trip having a two-hour stop in the historic towns of Copperhill and McCaysVille. These old towns are dominated by interesting sights, shopping centers, and rich culture. Travelers with lots of time to spare can access lodging options and camps with amazing eateries within Blue Ridge.
5 Delight At The Das Kaffee Haus
For all coffee junkies out there, visiting the Blue Ridge range will be worth the while. The Das Kaffee Haus is an iconic java house for visitors and locals. The menu items available at this historic institution will leave an impression. The natural approach to coffee and delectable pastries make Das Kaffee Haus worth a visit every year. Those with a more flexible holiday can time their visit around seasonal blends such as campfire latte and pumpkin chai tea. If not, there are some amazing daily specials.
4 The Expeditions Of The Bigfoot Museum Are A Must-See
If one is planning to take their entire family on vacation, there's no better way to have fun together than at the Bigfoot Museum. The over 3,700 square feet of displays and artifacts will entertain every fan of American folklore. Georgia is home to some of the most culturally wealthy Native Indian tribes. The Shawnee, Iroquois, Siouxan Manhouacs, and the Cherokee have inhabited the state for the last 12,000 years. There's no better place to learn about their history than at Bigfoot Museum. Their cultural exhibits, souvenirs, and other artifacts donated by the descendants of the respective tribes are preserved in Blue Ridge.
3 Picking Fruits In Mercier Orchards
The Mercier Orchards was established in 1943 on 300 acres of land within Blue Ridge. Today, the farm is popular for family-friendly activities such as picking seasonal fruits.
There's a market for those who don't like getting their hands dirty. The locals sell donuts, cider, and fresh baked goods. Other interesting activities that visitors should consider doing on the farms are pond fishing, orchard tours, and an on-site winery. The theme of the scenery revolves around fresh, natural, and home-cooked dishes. Nothing beats that on a long holiday.
2 Take Pictures At The Creek Falls
The Creek Falls will give visitors a memorable experience and are a great place to take photos. The 50 feet falls attract tourists from all over the country. Their location in the Chattahoochee National Forest further distinguishes them from other waterfalls. Visitors will probably want to explore a few trails as they enjoy the scene. The in-and-out hiking paths that link the town with the falls will also allow them to see some wildlife.
1 Walk Along The Swinging Bridge On The Toccoa River
To any daredevils out there, the swinging bridge is the place to test one’s emotions. The site is magical and exciting for an adrenaline rush. The one saving grace is that it’s located over a river, which feels safer than a plain valley. Paddlers and anglers should not miss this spot once they visit Blue Ridge. There's enough parking leading to the bridge if for any tourists that have their cars.