The 30 Best Day Trips From Atlanta GA

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[Updated May 16, 2023]

As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I’ve always felt that the natural beauty of the state of Georgia is vastly underrated.

In my experience, even locals tend to forget the amazing amount of green space we’re blessed with, which offers endless excellent opportunities for recreation and ecotourism adventures.

But taking day trips from Atlanta is a great way to explore all the beauty the Peach State has to offer, from cool caves, majestic mountains, and dazzling lakes to rushing rivers and wondrous waterfalls.

With hundreds of city parks, more than 40 state parks, and five national parks located in North Georgia alone, the South’s most bustling metropolis also boasts plenty of outdoor activities.

And most of them can be reached in less than two-hour road trips from Atlanta.

Whether you prefer relaxing activities like fishing, biking, and tubing, or extreme adventures like rock climbing, caving, and ziplining, read on for a diverse array of options for amazing day trips from Atlanta.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta GA

 

Best Day Trips From Atlanta Guide

  1. Amicalola Falls State Park
  2. Apple Picking in Ellijay
  3. Biking the Silver Comet Trail
  4. Boating on Lake Lanier
  5. Black Rock Mountain State Park
  6. Callaway Gardens
  7. Chasing Waterfalls in Rabun County
  8. Check Out the Athens GA Music Scene
  9. Climb Blood Mountain
  10. Cloudland Canyon State Park
  11. Day Hiking the Appalachian Trail
  12. Driving the Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy
  13. Explore Downtown Blue Ridge
  14. Hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest
  15. Fly Fishing for Trout
  16. Fort Mountain State Park
  17. Learn Native American History
  18. Providence Canyon State Park
  19. See 4 States at Brasstown Bald
  20. See Rock City Gardens
  21. Shoot the Hooch
  22. Seeing Northwest Georgia Caves
  23. Spend a Day in Dahlonega
  24. Sunsets on Lake Allatoona 
  25. Tallulah Gorge State Park
  26. Wine Tastings at North Georgia Wineries
  27. Visit Alpine Helen
  28. Unicoi State Park 
  29. Vogel State Park
  30. Whitewater Rafting on the Chattooga River

READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Fairs in Georgia

Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville GA - atlanta day trips
Amicalola Falls in Autumn, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

1. Amicalola Falls State Park

Our of our family’s favorite North Georgia day trips ever since my daughter was born, Amicalola Falls easily ranks among the most popular places to visit near Atlanta.

This is largely thanks to its easy access, easy hiking trails (some of which are paved with recycled rubber), and 729-foot cascading waterfalls (the tallest east of the Mississippi River).

Amicalola (Cherokee for “tumbling waters”) has seen marked improvements in recent years, including the addition of a new observation deck that provides incredible scenic vistas.

Hardcore backpackers often come this way, making the 8.5-mile hike to Springer Mountain, which marks the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail.

But most visitors go for more casual hikes, fish for freshwater trout in the well-stocked pond, and enjoy a quiet picnic near the base of the falls. It’s a beautiful way to spend a warm spring or autumn day!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Scary Escape Rooms in Georgia

Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, GA - road trips from atlanta
Apple Picking in North Georgia, photo by Bret Love

2. Apple Picking in Ellijay

Gilmer County is widely known as “the Apple Capital of Georgia,” so it’s no surprise that apple picking ranks among the most popular things to do in Ellijay GA.

Apple picking in Ellijay is best from early September through the end of October, right as the fall colors in North Georgia begin to reach their peak.

There are many great apple orchards in Ellijay GA to choose from for Atlanta day trips, including Hillcrest Orchards, Panorama Orchards, and the Red Apple Barn. But B.J. Reece Orchards is tops among the perennial favorites.

The family-owned farm encompasses 120 acres and offer around 30 different kinds of apples, including Cameo, Candy Crisp, Fuji, Gala, Mutsu, Red Delicious, and Winecrisp. 

They usually start offering you-pick apples around Labor Day. But the orchard’s market offers bagged apples, apple cider donuts, “World Famous” fried pies, and other tantalizing treats all year round. 

Visiting Reece Orchards is also a family favorite for other reasons, including activities such as a petting zoo, cow milking demonstrations, and old-fashioned wagon rides.

silver-comet-trail near Atlanta GA
Photo via Explore Georgia

3. Biking the Silver Comet Trail

Formerly the route of the Silver Comet passenger train, this paved recreational trail extends 61.5 miles from the northwest Atlanta suburb of Smyrna all the way west to the Alabama state line.

The city’s first ever rails-to-trails project, the Silver Comet Trail is renowned for its many spectacular scenic vistas as it traverses numerous trestles and bridges.

The trail also offers direct access to Heritage Park, which features more than 14 acres of wetlands and the ruins of Concord Woolen Mill.

Don’t have a bike? No problem! Just rent one from Comet Trail Cycles, which offers full and half-day rentals on carbon road bikes, comfort hybrids, youth bicycles and child trailers.

Of course the path can also be used for hiking, jogging, and rollerblading as well. 

READ MORE: The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals in the Georgia Mountains

Lake Lanier GA - road trips from atlanta
Sunrise on Lake Lanier, photo by AaronMorganPhotography via CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

4. Boating/Kayaking on Lake Lanier

Encompassing 38,542 acres in Gainesville, this popular Georgia lake was named after 19th century poet Sidney Lanier.

Lake Lanier was formed when the Buford Dam was created in 1956, with water flowing in from both the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. It’s the biggest lake in Georgia, with around 700 miles of shoreline.

Recreational activities here include boating, water skiing, swimming, kayaking and standup paddle boarding.  There’s also great fishing, with commonly caught species such as bluegill, catfish, redbreast, spotted bass, striped bass, white bass, and walleye.

There are plenty of great picnic spots and camping opportunities on the lake, with 40 parks and 10 campgrounds along the shoreline.

Lake Lanier is home to Georgia’s newest state park, Don Carter State Park, which features 4 miles of hiking trails, a recreational beach, and cabin rentals.

There’s also the upscale Lanier Islands Resort, which offers a variety of lodging options, plenty of lakeside amenities, and one of our favorite North Georgia Christmas events.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains

Sunrise-in-Black-Rock-Mtn-State-Park - day trips atlanta
Sunrise at Black Rock Mountain State Park, photo by Mary Gabbett

5. Black Rock Mountain State Park

Located at an altitude of 3,640 feet along the Eastern Continental Divide, Black Rock Mountain State Park offers extraordinary views of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia.

Located near the town of Clayton, it’s one of the impressive North Georgia attractions, offering 5 hiking trails that range in length from the .10-mile Norma Campbell Cove Trail to the 7.2-mile James E. Edmond Trail.

The most popular is the 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail, which takes you through some of the park’s highest forest. The exceptional views span some 80 miles into North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

There are numerous scenic overlooks in the park offering amazing sunrise and sunset vistas, as well as fishing, kayaking/canoeing in Black Rock Lake, and visiting the Foxfire Museum of Appalachian culture and history.

The park is also home to one of the most picturesque campgrounds in the region, as well as our favorite Georgia State Park cabin rentals

READ MORE: The Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Georgia

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain GA
Photo courtesy Callaway Gardens

6. Callaway Gardens

Although the Atlanta Botanical Garden will always hold a special place in my heart as a hometown hotspot, Callaway Gardens is a world-class attraction located just 80 miles south of Downtown Atlanta. 

One of our favorite romantic getaways in Georgia, Callaway features over 2,500 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens nestled in the southernmost foothills of the Appalachian Mountains

The ever-popular resort offers four different types of accommodations, 12 restaurants, a 10-mile biking trail, and lots of different nature trails for visitors to explore. 

Family-friendly attractions at Callaway include the Azalea Garden, Butterfly Center, Discovery Center, swimming at Robin Lake Beach, and Treetop Adventure Ziplines

We’re also huge fans of their annual “Fantasy in Lights” holiday celebration, which is one of our favorite Christmas light displays in Georgia.

READ MORE: 25 Beautiful Birds of Georgia

Minnehaha Falls Near Lake Rabun, GA
Minnehaha Falls, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

7. Chasing Waterfalls in Rabun  County

There are an estimated 700 waterfalls in the state of Georgia, the vast majority of which are located in the North Georgia mountains.

Every hiker has their personal favorite North Georgia waterfalls. But, for our money, the best place to visit multiple mind-blowing waterfalls in one day is Rabun County, in the northeast corner of the state. 

Want easy trails to wondrous waterfalls with very little hiking involved?

Check out Toccoa Falls, Minnehaha Falls, Becky Branch Falls at Warwoman Dell, and Hurricane Falls at Tallulah Gorge (which you can view from the top after a short walk to the Rim Trail). 

If you visit Minnehaha, it’s a short drive to the Lake Rabun Beach Campground, where you can hike to Panther Falls and Angel Falls on a moderate 1.75-mile round-trip trail. 

Other great waterfalls in the area include Martin Creek Falls (on the same trail as Becky Branch), Dick’s Creek Falls, Ammons Creek Falls, and the Hemlock Falls trail at Moccasin Creek State Park.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Easy Hiking Trails to Waterfalls in Georgia

Beck at Georgia Theatre in Athens GA
Beck at the Georgia Theatre, photo by Bret Love

8. Check Out the Athens GA Music Scene

The town of Athens GA is best-known for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, whose football team has won 16 conference championships and 4 national championships (including back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022). 

But as a lifelong Georgia resident, I’d say the town is equally noteworthy for having the state’s best live music scene. 

In the ’80s, Athens-based bands such as the B-52’s, R.E.M., Pylon, Love Tractor, and Oh-OK (which featured Michael Stipe’s sister, Lynda, and Matthew Sweet) blazed trails for the burgeoning college rock field.

By the ’90s, the town had birthed beloved acts ranging from singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt and Southern rockers Drive-By Truckers to the arty Elephant 6 Collective (Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, Of Montreal, etc.).

From the Boar’s Head Lounge and The Warehouse to larger venues like the 40 Watt, Classic Center Arena, and Georgia Theatre, there are still lots of good places to see great live music in Athens today. 

READ MORE: The History of the Banjo, from Africa to Appalachia

blood mountain overlook
Blood Mountain Overlook, photo by Hope Cross

9. Climb Blood Mountain

One of the most popular North Georgia mountains for hiking, Blood Mountain is the first trail I ever remember hiking with my parents as a young boy. 

With an elevation of 4,461 feet (making the highest spot on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia) and a distance of 4.3 miles round-trip, this is one of the more difficult hiking trails in North Georgia

From the Byron Reece Trailhead near Neels Gap, the adventure takes you through a creek valley lined with rhododendron and other wildflowers. You’ll meet the Appalachian Trail at .7 mile and head westbound.

The Blood Mountain trail reaches the summit at 2.15 miles, where you can take in jaw-dropping sights of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains landscape from a huge rocky outcrop. 

Once you’ve had time to catch your breath and get your fill of the sensational scenery, the hike retraces the outbound route to return to the trailhead.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County

Cloudland Canyon Overlook- Waterfall View
Cloudland Canyon Overlook, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

10. Cloudland Canyon State Park

This 3,485-acre state park, located 35 miles north of sleepy Summerville GA, is rarely crowded except on peak summer weekends. But it offers a diverse range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all fitness levels.

Casual nature lovers can simply stay in the picnic area parking lot, where you can get stunning overviews of the canyon without ever breaking a sweat.

But hardy hikers will love the 4.8-mile West Rim and Waterfalls Trail, which offers more in-depth exploration of the area (which ranges in elevation from 800 to around 2,000 feet).

The gorge was cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, producing striking rock outcroppings that are offset by colorful wildflowers. These stunning views grow increasingly spectacular in the autumn months, when the colorful Fall foliage begins to change.

The park really earns its name in the morning, when the rolling fog over the hills makes it seem as if you’re walking in the clouds. In addition to 100+ campsites, they also have recently renovated Cloudland Canyon State Park Cabins and 10 awesome yurts.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA

Preachers Rock on Appalachian Trail in Georgia - day trips in georgia
Preacher’s Rock on the Appalachian Trail, photo by Tim Corradino via CC By 2.0

11. Day Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Georgia

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the world, stretching 2,190+ miles across 14 different states. Due to its length, most thru-hikers 5 to 7 months to tackle the entire trail.

Trekking from Georgia to Maine isn’t possible (or advisable) for the average hiker. But the AT in Georgia offers an array of easy, moderate, and strenuous trails that explore some of the state’s most scenic summits.

It’s possible to take day trips from Atlanta to hike parts of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, which begins at Springer Mountain in Blue Ridge. 

The most popular sections include the aforementioned Blood Mountain trail, the Springer Mountain Loop, Preacher’s Rock, and the Long Creek Falls trail

If you’re up for a more strenuous trekking challenge, there’s the 5.2-mile hike from Dicks Creek Gap to the summit of Powell Mountain, the 8.6-mile Three Forks to Springer Mountain section, and the 14.5-mile stretch from Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap.

READ MORE: The Best Christmas Lights in Atlanta & North Georgia

Sunset at Hogpen Gap in Helen GA
Sunset at Hogpen Gap, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

12. Drive the Richard B Russell Scenic Highway

Though North Georgia doesn’t offer any epic winding roads to rival the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway offers a stunningly picturesque mountain route on a much smaller scale. 

Also known as Hwy 348, it stretches 23 miles from Helen to Blairsville GA. But it’s easy to extend the drive by heading further north to Young Harris and Hiawassee, or following the larger Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway loop (40.6 miles total). 

There are plenty of cool things to do along the Richard B. Russell stretch to make a full day of it.

Start the morning fishing or hiking at Smithgall Woods State Park, then head north on Hwy 348 for fairly easy waterfall hikes at Dukes Creek Falls (2 miles round-trip) and Helton Creek Falls (0.3 miles). 

If taking a gander at jaw-dropping scenic vistas is more your speed, don’t miss the three roadside scenic overlooks that are located along Hwy 348.

All of them are worth a stop, but our favorite by far is Hogpen Gap, which is located along the Appalachian Trail. It’s a great place for an evening picnic while you soak in the dazzling colors of an amazing sunset!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains

Panorama photo of Downtown Blue Ridge, GA
Downtown Blue Ridge Panorama, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

13. Explore Downtown Blue Ridge GA

One of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA, the charming town of Blue Ridge has long been considered one of the best places to visit near Atlanta. 

Founded in 1886, Downtown Blue Ridge offers upscale restaurants, shopping, and culture, including vibrant art galleries, a theatre, and live music on weekends.

There’s an extensive array of outdoor activities nearby, including horseback riding, white water rafting on the Ocoee River, ziplining, and boating and kayaking at Lake Blue Ridge.

There’s also lots of great hiking trails, including the Benton MacKaye Trail, the AT, and several impressive waterfalls near Blue Ridge (including Long Creek Falls, Fall Branch Falls, and Sea Creek Falls). 

To learn more about the Fannin County area, hop aboard the historic Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and take a train ride through North Georgia along the Toccoa River, just as travelers did in the late 19th century.

If you want to extend your visit, there are loads of accommodation options, ranging from local campgrounds to luxurious tree houses and Blue Ridge cabins

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA

The summit of Yonah Mountain in Helen GA
The summit of Yonah Mountain, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

14. Hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest

The Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses around 867,000 acres of largely pristine land, offering some of the most rewarding opportunities for outdoor adventure in North Georgia.

The forest spans 26 counties and boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails that lead to wildflower-lined streams, glistening waterfalls, peaceful lakes, and jaw-dropping mountain vistas.

Our favorite easy hiking trails in the National Forest include the 0.8-mile Toccoa Swinging Bridge trail near Blue Ridge, the 0.4-mile Sosebee Cove trail near Blairsville, and the 1-mile Lake Chatuge trail in Hiawassee. 

Those seeking moderate hikes in the forest will enjoy the 3-mile Rabun Bald trek near Clayton, the 4.9-mile the Raven Cliff Falls trail near Helen, and the 3-mile Grassy Mountain Tower trail in the Cohutta Wilderness. 

Hardy hikers will love the challenging elevation gain offered by the 4.4-mile Yonah Mountain trail in Helen, the 8.4-mile Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls, and the 12.9-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail in Vogel State Park.

READ MORE: The Best 15 Hiking Trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest

Trout Fishing at Enota Mountain Retreat
Fresh Caught Mountain Trout

15. Fly Fishing for Trout

Atlanta anglers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the 9 to 5 life often head north of the city, where an array of different rivers and streams await.

There, colder waters provide an ideal habitat for trout, not to mention wildlife such as beaver, waterfowl, raccoons, and white-tail deer.

Experienced fly fishing guides such as River Through Atlanta’s Chris Scalley can help you find the best hush-hush hotspots, where you can immerse yourself in Mother Nature’s pastoral beauty while also reeling in some tasty supper.

Scalley, who was recognized by Field & Stream magazine as a finalist for their 2007 Heroes of Conservation Awards for his efforts to protect the area’s sport fishery, offers a few tips on the best areas to land a big one.

“I’m a big fan of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, specifically the areas near Bowmans Island, Settles Bridge, and Jones Bridge. I also like the Conasauga River and Jacks River section of the Cohutta Wilderness; and the Chattahoochee National Forest’s Jones Creek, and High Shoals Creek.”

READ MORE: How to Get to Horse Trough Falls in Helen GA (Upper Chattahoochee River Campground)

CCC Stone Tower at Fort Mountain State Park in Ellijay GA
CCC Tower at Fort Mountain, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

16. Fort Mountain State Park

Located in Chatsworth GA, Fort Mountain State Park makes an excellent North Georgia day trip, offering some of the best hiking near Ellijay GA.

In fact, the #1 thing to do at the state park is to explore its 25+ miles of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails (which includes 8+ miles on the Gahuti Trail).

If you can only do one, the CCC Fire Tower Combination Loop is our favorite. Its total distance is listed as a mile, but you can easily extend it to around 2 miles.

From the parking lot, take the trail on the right, going past the “Stone Tower Trail” sign and continuing east on the Stone Wall Trail. This takes you on a rarely-traveled path around the Fort Mountain summit, with incredible views and massive boulders. 

It eventually connects to the West Overlook Trail, which takes you to an awesome overview of the surrounding landscape.

Retrace your steps and you’ll see signs leading to the 4-story CCC Stone Tower, which was built back in the 1930s. Head back down the mountain from there to see the mysterious stone wall and CCC-built steps.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Ellijay GA

Mound A at Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - things to do outside in atlanta
Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

17. Learn Native American History

Before the 1828 Georgia gold rush and Georgia land lotteries, which forced the removal of indigenous people on the tragic Trail of Tears, Cherokee people had lived in the North GA mountains for hundreds of years.

And while you may not learn much about this sad chapter in U.S. history in school, there are plenty of North Georgia day trips that will immerse you in the 100-year history of Native American history.

For the ancient history, check out the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville.

The prehistoric archaeological site contains one of the largest Indian mounds in North America, which were built by indigenous peoples of the South Appalachian Mississippian culture starting around 900 AD.

For more recent history, visit the New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun.

Established as the capital of the Cherokee Nation in 1825, the town was home to the first Indian language newspaper, the signing of the New Echota Treaty (which relinquished all tribal lands in the Southeast), and the beginning of the Trail of Tears. 

Other excellent sites where you can learn more about Native Americans in Georgia include the Track Rock Gap Archeological Site in Blairsville, the Funk Heritage Center at Reinhardt University in Waleska, and the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home in Rome. 

READ MORE: 6 incredible Indian Mounds in Georgia to Visit

Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin GA, one of the best day trips from Atlanta
Providence Canyon, photo courtesy of @hanwarren8

18. Providence Canyon State Park 

Located in Lumpkin GA, about two hours south of the Atlanta airport, Providence Canyon State Park is known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” due to the multi-colored hues of the dynamic landscape. 

The vibrant striations in Providence Canyon were formed by gradual erosion of the soil, which was caused by unsustainable farming practices back in the 1800s.

Today, the canyon can be viewed from several great hiking trails, including one that meanders along the rim at the top and others that lead hikers down into the canyon. 

Stop by the park’s museum to learn more about the area’s history, or bring a packed lunch to be enjoy at one of the picnic tables or shelters (which are available for rent).

Backpackers are invited to camp overnight along the backcountry trails, but guests can also reserve a camping spot in the state park.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta)

Fall colors in Georgia at Brasstown Bald
Fall colors at Brasstown Bald, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

19. See 4 States From Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest mountain, towering at 4,784 feet above sea level. It’s also arguably the best place in the state to get a view of fall colors in the North Georgia Mountains at their most radiant.

Known to the Cherokee people as Enotah, the site’s current name comes from a misunderstanding of the Cherokee word “Itse’yĭ” (New Green Place), which settlers mistook for “Ûňtsaiyĭ” (Brass).

The “Bald” refers to the unparalleled, unobstructed 360-degree view visitors get from the top, where you can see four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) simply by turning your head.

As a result, the moderate hiking trail up to the Observation Tower can get a bit crowded during peak season, as can the shuttle that takes visitors most of the way to the top.

But with rocking chairs, a small picnic area, and remarkably scenic surroundings waiting at the summit, it’s a fantastic place to spend an autumn afternoon!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA

Christmas at Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights in Lookout Mountain GA
Christmas at Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

20. See Rock City Gardens

Growing up in North Georgia in the 1970s, it was rare that we took a road trip without seeing one of the iconic “See Rock City” barns, over 900 of which were painted in 19 states between 1935 and 1969. 

Located two hours north of Atlanta on the Tennessee border, Rock City Gardens & Fairyland Caverns is a world-renowned tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors to Lookout Mountain GA each month.

The attraction dates back to the 1920s, when Garnet Carter and his wife developed Lookout Mountain as a residential neighborhood. They built Fairyland Caverns, which included a rock garden and America’s first mini-golf course.

Freida Carter planned many of the Lookout Mountain hiking trails, planting wildflowers and importing Bavarian gnomes for her unique garden.

Today, visitors can hike to Lover’s Leap, view 7 states from atop Lookout Mountain, and much more. And don’t miss Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, one of our favorite places to celebrate Christmas in Georgia!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN

SUPing the Chattahoochee River
SUPing the Chattahoochee River, photo courtesy High Country Outfitters

21. Shoot the ‘Hooch on a SUP

Made famous by country singer Alan Jackson, the Chattahoochee River stretches from northeast Georgia down through metro Atlanta suburbs such as Roswell and Sandy Springs.

“Shooting the ‘hooch” on a raft, tube, canoe, or kayak has been a local tradition for decades.

In recent years, High Country Outfitters has been offering a new way to experience one of Atlanta’s favorite outdoor recreation pastimes, with 3- and 6-mile jaunts down the river’s in-town heart (from Powers Ferry Rd to Paces Mill Rd) via stand-up paddle board.

The company has several certified paddleboard instructors on staff, as well as equipment rentals for self-guided trips.

“We’ve all sat down in a kayak or canoe and floated down the river,” says veteran guide John Sloane, the son of the owners.

“But when you’re on a paddleboard, it’s like walking on water, and also a tremendous workout. It’s very easy to do, but it’s an amazing workout from your feet all the way up to your shoulders, and especially your core.”

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for River Tubing in Georgia

Spelunking in North Georgia - georgia day trips
Photo courtesy MattVinzant.blogspot.com

22. Seeing Northwest Georgia Caves

TAG is the popular nickname for the beautiful area in the Cumberland Plateau where northwest Georgia meets Alabama and Tennessee.

Thanks in large part to the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, the area has lured cavers from all around the world eager to explore its labyrinthine underground passages. Pigeon Mountain is particularly popular, thanks to its vast network of limestone caves.

Pettyjohn’s Cave has six miles of previously mapped passageways that often attract a healthy weekend crowd. The 13 miles of Ellison’s Cave that have been explored include the 440-foot-deep Incredible Dome Pit and the 586-foot-deep Fantastic Pit.

Note that underground caves and caverns can be extremely dangerous for people without proper equipment or caving experience.

So please learn more about the sport before embarking on your first caving expedition, and we highly recommend hiring local guides if possible.

READ MORE: 7 Cool Caves & Caverns in North Carolina

Old Fashioned Christmas in Downtown Dahlonega GA
Downtown Dahlonega GA, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

23. Spend a Day in Dahlonega GA

Dahlonega GA has been one of my favorite North Georgia mountain towns for 30+ years now, and makes for a fantastic day trip from Atlanta.

Located just an hour north of Downtown Atlanta, Dahlonega is best known as the site of the first major gold rush in the US. The Dahlonega Gold Museum is a great place to learn about the state’s early gold mining history. 

Historic Downtown Dahlonega features numerous 19th century buildings that are home to an array of charming local shops and great restaurants

The town is known as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in GA. Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration is a personal favorite, including a parade, the Lighting of the Square, and free photos with Santa. 

Dahlonega also hosts an array of fun annual festivals, including the Bear On The Square Mountain Festival (a celebration of Appalachian music and culture) in April and Gold Rush Days in October.

READ MORE: Top 20 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia

Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park
Lake Allatoona at Sunset, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

24. Sunsets on Lake Allatoona

We’re biased towards 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona. It’s the closest of Georgia’s lakes to our house, we’ve kept our pontoon boat docked there for 13 years, and it’s our home away from home when we’re not traveling.

It’s also home to 1,562-acre Red Top Mountain State Park (named for the iron-rich soil’s deep red color). It’s 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta, making it one of the most popular Georgia day trips for nature lovers.

The lake attracts avid boaters and fishermen all year-round, and the park’s 15.5 miles of hiking trails provide frequent wildlife sightings, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, osprey, geese, and ducks.

Lake Allatoona is an incredible place for a picnic, swimming, kayaking, and standup paddle boarding, with numerous parks (including Dallas Landing Park and Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area), campgrounds, and marinas along its shores. 

It’s also a magical place to just sit back and watch the sunset over the water

READ MORE: The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in the North Georgia Mountains

 
Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, GA
Waterfalls at Tallulah Gorge, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

25. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Georgia may not be able to match the Grand Canyon for sheer size and scope. But this 2,689-acre park is arguably among the most impressive canyons east of the Mississippi.

Considered one of Georgia’s “Seven Natural Wonders,” Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, with over 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. It’s also home to some of the most majestic waterfalls in North Georgia. 

Permits for hiking in the gorge (which take you close to the waterfalls) are available at the park’s Interpretive Center. But note that spots tend to fill up quickly on the weekends, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

If you choose to tackle this unique trekking adventure, be sure to carry plenty of water, as the bottom of gorge can get extremely hot on sunny days.

Hikers can also follow rim trails to scenic overlooks and cross a suspension bridge that is 80 feet high, offering some of the best views in the park. 

During specific times of the year, they open the Tallulah River dam to offer excellent white-water rafting and kayaking opportunities!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton, GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant in Dahlonega GA
Photo courtesy of Montaluce Winery

26. Wine Tastings at North Georgia Wineries

The unique climate and soil conditions of the North Georgia mountains make it the perfect place for growing grapes and producing wine. 

Despite the fact that there have been vineyards in the state for centuries, Georgia wineries didn’t gain much attention until the 1990s. But in recent years they’ve garnered national notoriety for their award-winning wines.

There are now nearly 60 licensed wineries in Georgia, which is nearly double the number of a decade ago.  Many of them offer wine tastings with breathtaking mountain views and southern hospitality. 

The town of Dahlonega GA is home to many of the most popular North Georgia wineries, including the 57-acre Frogtown Cellars, the 184-acre Three Sisters Vineyards, and the award-winning Wolf Mountain Vineyards.

But our favorite is the Montaluce Winery, which is also home to one of Dahlonega’s best restaurants.

Other wonderful wineries in North Georgia include Bear Claw Vineyards in Blue Ridge, Habersham Winery in Helen, and the Fainting Goats Vineyard & Winery in Jasper. 

READ MORE: 10 Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Dahlonega GA

 
Alpine-style buildings in Downtown Helen GA - places to visit near atlanta
Downtown Helen GA, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

27. Visit Alpine Helen

Helen GA is a unique mountain town that combines the Alpine beauty of Bavaria with the stunning landscapes and endless outdoor recreation opportunities of the Blue Ridge region.

The charming town boasts cobblestone walkways, German-inspired architecture, and lots of great German restaurants, where you can enjoy everything from schnitzel and wurst to massive steins of beer.

When you’re not exploring the tourist-oriented town, you can explore some of the myriad hiking trails, including Yonah Mountain and a diverse array of impressive waterfalls near Helen (such as Anna Ruby, Dukes Creek, Horse Trough, Raven Cliff, and Water’s Creek Falls). 

Other popular things to do in Helen GA include tubing down the Chattahoochee River, panning for gold and gems in the Dukes Creek Mines, riding the Alpine Mountain Coaster, and visiting Unicoi State Park. 

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Helen is their annual Oktoberfest festival in autumn, which is the largest in the world outside of Germany.

But we also love spending Christmas in Helen GA, which includes the lighting of the village, a Christmas parade, Christkindlmarkt, and more.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Rental Cabins in Helen GA

Beautiful scenery at Unicoi Lake-Smith Lake in Unicoi State Park, GA - things to do outside atlanta
Unicoi Lake (a.k.a. Smith Lake), photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

28. Unicoi State Park 

Though it’s located just a few miles from downtown Helen, Unicoi State Park & Lodge feels like a secluded haven for outdoor adventure lovers. 

Popular Unicoi hiking trails include the Bottoms Loop Trail (which passes by an old homestead), the Lake Trail, and the Smith Creek Trail (which stretches from the campground to the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area).

Other fun activities in the park include archery, an air gun range, a GPS scavenger hunt, guided nature hikes, fly fishing classes, guided kayaking, and paddle boarding classes.

The park offers an array of overnight accommodation options. They’re best known for the retro-hip Unicoi State Park Barrel Cabins, but they have cabins along Smith Creek and Deluxe Cabins as well.

There are also plenty of campsites for RV and tent camping to choose from, each of which includes water, power, a fire ring, grill, sewer, and dump station nearby.

READ MORE: Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Camping & Hiking Near Helen, GA

Lake Trahylta in Vogel State Park, North Georgia
Vogel State Park, photo by Rachael Seeley

29. Vogel State Park

Not far from popular Blairsville GA Restaurants, Vogel is one of the oldest North Georgia State Parks. It was established in 1931, with buildings constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

With its dynamic landscapes and spectacular views of Blood Mountain, Vogel State Park remains one of the most visited parks in north Georgia, offering 17 miles of hiking trails

The popular Trahlyta Lake Trail crosses an earthen dam created by the CCC in 1935, while the Bear Hair Gap Trail takes you past picturesque Trahlyta Falls and through the lower ridges of Blood Mountain.

Other fun activities in the state park include visiting the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and renting kayaks, stand up paddle boards, pedal boats, and bikes.

If you want to make it an overnight or weekend visit, the park also offers 1- to 2-bedroom cabins, walk-in campsites, a 50-person pioneer campsite, and RV-accessible campsites.

READ MORE: Vogel State Park: Camping, Hiking & History in North Georgia

Whitewater Rafting on the Chattooga River - best weekend trips from atlanta
Photo via Southeastern Expeditions

30. Whitewater Rafting on the Chattooga River

The Chattooga River (whose headwaters begin in Cashiers NC) is most famous as the place where much of the classic action flick Deliverance was filmed. Today it is an extremely popular place for whitewater rafting.

Designated by Congress as one of America’s “Wild and Scenic” rivers back in 1974, the Chattooga offers challenges for rafters of all skill levels in the picturesque setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more extreme adventure lovers, there’s Section IV, where Class IV and V rushing whitewater speeds you down the river at a breakneck pace, climaxing with an invigorating plunge down the legendary Five Falls and Soc-em-Dog.

For families seeking a kinder, gentler ride, there’s also Section III, a beginner-friendly float trip with a Class IV ending at Bull’s Sluice.

Going with an experienced tour outfitter such as Southeastern Expeditions will ensure safety and maximum enjoyment of your whitewater rafting adventure.  –By Bret Love; lead image by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

 
Leave No Trace logo

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. Born and raised in North Georgia, Editor-In-Chief Bret Love grew up hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family. A professional writer/editor since 1995, he's covered travel and culture for 100+ publications, including American Way, Destination Marriott, Georgia Travel Guide, National Geographic, and Southbound. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning website, Green Global Travel, which is ranked among the world's top travel blogs. Since launching BRMTG in 2020, he and Mary Gabbett have visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns together. Though she lived in NYC for 14 years, photographer/Business Manager Mary Gabbett's family has Georgia roots dating back 200+ years. Her great-grandfather was President of the Western Railroad of Alabama. Before moving to Atlanta in 1989, she fell in love with the North GA mountains, where her aunt owned a cabin. In 2010 she co-founded Green Global Travel, and has since traveled to more than 40 countries on six continents. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks.