Skyview Vacation Homes
Welcome to the
Blue Ridge Mountains
Your guide to the best of Blue Ridge & Ellijay, Georgia — waterfalls, trout streams, river days, and the mountain town tables worth the drive.
Blue Ridge & Ellijay
Sister towns in the North Georgia mountains, about 20 minutes apart — between them you have everything from the Toccoa River to apple orchards, downtown shops, and wide-open national forest.
Blue Ridge
A classic mountain town built around a walkable downtown of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, anchored by the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It's the gateway to the Toccoa River, the Aska Adventure Area, and the Chattahoochee National Forest — and the first official Benton MacKaye Trail Town. Base camp for fly fishing, tubing, and waterfall hunting.
Ellijay
Georgia's "Apple Capital," Ellijay is known for its orchards, wineries, and a charming historic square. It's the closest town to Carters Lake and the rugged Cohutta Wilderness, with easy access to Amicalola Falls and a growing scene of farm-to-table eateries and tasting rooms. A quieter, orchard-country counterpart to Blue Ridge.
Waterfall Hikes
Dozens of Cascades, One Mountain Range
From a 30-minute stroll to a 729-foot showstopper, the mountains around Blue Ridge are full of waterfalls. For full directions, photos, and seasonal conditions, open the official guide.
Long Creek Falls
A two-tiered, ~50-ft cascade reached by a leisurely side trail off the Appalachian / Benton MacKaye Trail near Three Forks. Great first waterfall for families.
Fall Branch Falls
A shorter but steeper hike off Stanley Creek Road. The upper section drops a dramatic 30 feet into a deep pool — one of the most photogenic falls in the Aska area.
Sea Creek Falls
A quick walk (after a rough drive) near the Cooper Creek Recreation Area to a series of steep cascades. Best after rain when the water is running high.
Jacks River Falls
The most popular falls in the Cohutta Wilderness — a 3.5-mile old railroad-bed trail plus a half mile downstream. A full-day backcountry hike for experienced hikers.
Amicalola Falls
At 729 feet, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, ~21 miles from Ellijay. An accessible viewing area plus the famous approach trail toward Springer Mountain.
Benton Falls
A pleasant 1.5-mile hike in the Cherokee National Forest just over the Tennessee line, an easy day trip north through McCaysville and Ducktown.
Helton Creek Falls
Two waterfalls on one short trail near Blairsville — an upper fall feeding a larger cascade. Watch the slippery rocks at the base.
Turtletown Falls
A creekside loop near the Hiwassee River with two falls — Turtletown and Lower Turtletown — reached via the Old Farner Road area north of McCaysville.
DeSoto Falls
A scenic trail section near Blairsville featuring up to five waterfalls along the loop — a rewarding half-day of mountain water.
Raven Cliffs Falls
A 3.3-mile trail near Helen to a striking falls that splits a granite cliff face. One of the most distinctive waterfalls in North Georgia.
Dukes Creek Falls
A majestic 150-ft drop down a granite canyon near Helen, with gold-panning history in the creek below. A 1.25-mile trail down (and back up).
Anna Ruby Falls
Twin waterfalls reached on a short paved trail near Helen, with two observation decks. About 1¼ hours from Blue Ridge — an easy, accessible favorite.
High Shoals Falls
Five waterfalls dropping ~300 vertical feet through a 170-acre scenic area, reached on the High Shoals Trail with creekside observation decks.
Waterfall Guide Map
Self-guided map of area waterfalls & whitewater access (PDF).
Download the Map (PDF)Trail conditions, gravel-road access, and water levels change with the season — always confirm directions on the official guide before heading out.
Hiking Trails
Blue Ridge is the southern-terminus country of the Appalachian Trail and the first Benton MacKaye Trail Town. Here are the marquee trail systems — grab the printable area trail map for access points before you go.
Appalachian Trail
The legendary 2,200-mile footpath begins atop Springer Mountain just south of Blue Ridge. Perfect for a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip with shuttle access.
Benton MacKaye Trail
Nearly 300 miles of footpath through the Appalachians, including the scenic Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River. Blue Ridge is its first designated Trail Town.
Aska Trails System
A 17-mile network of hiking and biking trails (1–5.5 miles each) in the Aska Adventure Area, with multiple trailheads minutes from downtown Blue Ridge.
Ocoee Whitewater Center Trail
A fully accessible 1-mile trail featuring a 330-foot suspension bridge with panoramic views over the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events.
Cohutta Wilderness Trails
Rugged, flood-prone routes through Georgia's largest wilderness (34,000+ acres). Remote and challenging — best for experienced, well-prepared hikers.
Printable Trail Map
Self-guided map of area hiking trails & access points (PDF).
Download the Map (PDF)
Fishing & Fly Fishing
The Toccoa River tailwater is one of the premier trout fisheries in the Southeast — cold, clear water with healthy populations of wild and stocked rainbow and brown trout. The Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery alone raises over a million trout a year for area waters. Book a guided float or wade a feeder creek and let a local put you on fish.
Guided Trips & Fly Shops
Half- and full-day float and wade trips on the Toccoa and beyond.
Float North Georgia
Professional Toccoa River guide service for every skill level, from first-time fly fishers to seasoned anglers.
Visit siteToccoa River Outfitters
Full-service fly shop based in Blue Ridge with guided trips on the Toccoa and across North Georgia. Gear, licenses, and local intel.
Visit siteToccoa Trout Expeditions
Professional fly and spin guide service targeting trophy brown and rainbow trout, with float and wade options.
Visit siteDeep South Fly Anglers
Guided Toccoa River fly fishing trips out of Blue Ridge, tailored to your experience and the season's hatches.
Visit siteReel'em In Guide Service
Toccoa River fishing and Blue Ridge float trips from a drift boat — a relaxed way to fish the river.
Visit siteChattahoochee National Fish Hatchery
Raises 1M+ rainbow & brown trout a year. Tour the hatchery, picnic, and fish Rock Creek (4730 Rock Creek Rd, Suches) — a "must-do" with kids.
DirectionsPublic River & Lake Access
Easy spots to wet a line. A Georgia fishing license (with trout stamp) is required — bring your own gear.
Tammen Park
On the Toccoa below the Blue Ridge Dam: fishing dock, canoe launch, pavilions, and a wheelchair for accessible fishing. 6650 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge.
DirectionsMorganton Point
Boat ramp, beach, kayak rentals, fishing, hiking, and campgrounds on Lake Blue Ridge. 475 Lake Dr., Morganton.
DirectionsRon Henry Horseshoe Bend Park
Spacious park with trout fishing, paved trails, dog parks, and swimming. 1156 River Rd, Mineral Bluff.
DirectionsToccoa River Park (McCaysville)
Easy riverfront access in downtown McCaysville with picnic shelter and walking trail along the Toccoa. Market St., McCaysville.
DirectionsLake Blue Ridge Dam Rec Area
Easy lake access with benches and picnic tables below the iconic 1930 TVA dam and catwalk — a great photo stop too. 6408 Old Hwy 76, Blue Ridge.
DirectionsCooper Creek Rec Area
A major feeder stream of the Toccoa with great trout fishing, plus camping and scenic drives. FS Rd 236, Suches.
DirectionsPond & Family Fishing
Great for kids — most are catch-and-release with rods available on site.
The Lilly Pad Village
Catch-and-release pond stocked with catfish, bass & bream. Rod rentals and bait on site (no treble hooks/corn). 24 Adelaide Dr., Blue Ridge · (706) 534-1317.
6 Ponds Farm
Feed catfish, bluegill & koi right from your hand; fishing allowed (free rods, BYO bait, catch-and-release). 3155 Squirrel Hunting Rd., Morganton · (423) 505-2227.
Mercier Orchards
Catch-and-release pond with bass, bream & carp (BYO equipment) — pair it with apple cider and donuts. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge.
Fannin County Rec Park
Public fishing pond, bring your own equipment. 370 Tom Boyd Rd., Blue Ridge.
Licenses, Regulations & Maps
A Georgia fishing license plus trout stamp is required on most waters. Buy online from GA DNR, or in person at local agents including Blue Ridge Fly Fishing (490 E Main St), Walmart Supercenter (97 Commerce Dr), and Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters (16 Bypass Rd, Morganton).
Always check current regulations with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Rafting & Tubing
Float the gentle Toccoa with the whole family, paddle the 17-mile Toccoa River Canoe Trail, or chase world-class whitewater on the Ocoee. Here's where to put in.
Toccoa River Tubing Co.
Easygoing tube floats minutes from downtown Blue Ridge. Open daily ~10:30 AM–3:30 PM (weather permitting). Walk-ins welcome.
Visit siteRolling Thunder River Co.
Guiding since 1977 on the Ocoee & Nantahala (whitewater) plus Toccoa tubing, right on the river in downtown McCaysville. Groups of 15+ call ahead: (706) 492-5720.
Visit siteToccoa Valley Campground
Rents rafts, kayaks, and tubes with full shuttle service on a scenic stretch of the Toccoa — a relaxed paddle for all ages.
Visit siteToccoa River Canoe Trail
A scenic 17.3-mile canoe/kayak trail: put in at Deep Hole Rec Area and take out at Sandy Bottoms, passing under the 260-ft Swinging Bridge. BYO or rent locally.
Water trail map (PDF)Ocoee Whitewater Center
The 1996 Olympic whitewater venue, ~45 minutes north. March–October the Ocoee roars with rafts and kayaks (riders must be 12+ per TN law).
Water sports guideCurtis Switch Bridge
A public boat ramp and canoe/kayak launch beside a historic iron bridge — a gem for paddlers and photographers. 50 N Toccoa River Rd, Mineral Bluff.
DirectionsThe Toccoa is a calm river (no official rapids) — perfect for kids as young as 3. For true whitewater, head to the Ocoee or Nantahala. GPS and cell service are unreliable in the forest, so bring a map and plan ahead.
Restaurant Guide
Our picks across Blue Ridge & Ellijay, sorted by what you're craving. Ratings shown are approximate traveler averages — see each restaurant's site for current hours & menus.
Best for Vegetarian
Harvest on Main
★ 4.5Upscale farm-to-table with a rotating menu and excellent veggie-forward plates and salads.
Find it →Cantaberry
★ 4.5Cozy spot known for housemade soups, salads, and sandwiches with solid vegetarian choices.
Find it →Back Porch Bistro
★ 4.3Healthy, lighter fare — salads, wraps, and vegetarian options in a relaxed setting.
Find it →Best for Pizza
Masseria Kitchen & Bar
★ 4.5Wood-fired Margherita and Bianco pizzas, fresh pastas, and a big lineup of vegetarian plates.
Find it →Mystic Mountain Pizza
★ 4.5A little funky and a blast back in time — but the pizza is genuinely good. Worth a stop for the quirky, retro vibe alone.
Order online →Boardwalk Pizza & Pub
★ 4.4Fresh-made dough and loaded topping options — Ellijay's go-to for a hearty slice and a pint.
Find it →Best for Steak
Black Sheep
★ 4.5Upscale Southern comfort — deluxe steaks, seafood, and a polished dining room.
Find it →Grace Prime
★ 4.7Upscale prime steakhouse for a special-occasion dinner — top-tier cuts and a refined room, with prices to match.
Visit site →Harvest on Main
★ 4.5Also a top steak pick — quality cuts and a strong wine list in an elevated setting.
Find it →Best for BBQ
Blue Ridge Mountain BBQ
★ 4.4Hickory-smoked sandwiches and plates with classic Southern sides — that real smoke flavor.
Find it →The Pink Pig
★ 4.3A longtime North Georgia institution for pulled pork, ribs, and Brunswick stew.
Find it →Smokin' Triggers BBQ
★ 4.4Local smokehouse turning out brisket, wings, and ribs — a favorite quick-and-hearty stop.
Find it →Other Local Favorites
Toccoa Riverside
★ 4.5Dine on a deck over the Toccoa and feed the trout — a true Blue Ridge bucket-list experience.
Find it →The Sawmill Place
★ 4.4Hearty home-style Southern cooking in a rustic setting — a beloved Ellijay comfort-food stop.
Find it →Cucina Rustica
★ 4.4Italian classics and house pastas in a warm downtown room — great for a relaxed dinner out.
Find it →Mercier Orchards
★ 4.6Iconic family orchard — bakery, cafe, cider, and U-pick apples & berries in season.
Find it →Chester Brunnenmeyer's
★ 4.3Rustic American bar & grill known for its blackened ribeye and a big, easygoing menu.
Find it →Southern Charm
★ 4.4Homestyle Southern comfort — fried chicken, shrimp & grits, local trout, and famous biscuits with apple butter. Vegetarian options too.
Visit site →The General Ledger
★ 4.5Classic American fare and craft cocktails inside Fannin County's first bank — you can even be seated in the historic vault.
Visit site →Tip: weekend dinners in downtown Blue Ridge fill up fast in peak season — call ahead or join the waitlist before you head into town.
Grocery Stores
Everything you need for a week in the mountains. Tap any store for directions.