10 Memorable Family Adventures in Blue Ridge
By Guest Blogger Lesli Peterson
Hike to a waterfall. Both Long Creek Falls and Falls Branch Falls make excellent hikes with kids. The hike to Falls Branch Falls is not difficult at all, but includes more rocks, tree stumps and moss along the path, which my little ones enjoy wholeheartedly.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=dc44cd3af44a08eb70f86ef57fdeb303 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f259beb15c54fe131acf89c3ff9ca0a7 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=825c7045d104474919f8023af29390b0 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=90c4a3d998a3479604239577ec437204 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=89bfbd49464f4e6db689364347d46042 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=091cbe04641b916321dbd6cc1f75b35e 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=6cd2a9561ada5029cd4ff2a2cd52d1d6 1920w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=7aa35a9d9a9ee700e54bd1c2eb17a696 2560w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/GirlwStrawberryGDECD.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=b659f1476f996812bbe508be8b243bf4 3840w)
Pick berries for a pie. Most people know Mercier Orchards for their apples in fall, but don’t miss out on strawberry and blueberry picking in summer. And grab a bag of peaches while you’re at it. The Market Cafe is a wonderful lunch stop before heading home from the North Georgia Mountains.
Mine for gemstones. The Lilly Pad Village was created with kids in mind. Mining for gemstones is a favorite of ours, but families can also fish in the stocked pond, play a round of mini golf, or cool off with an ice cream.
Take in a flick. If you have a convertible, now’s the time to use it! Swan Drive-In Theater has been showing movies since 1955 - old-school style! Sound is delivered through your radio, and double features play on select evenings.
Hook a trout. You’re in the trout capital of Georgia, so don’t miss the opportunity to hook a few. The Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery is the place to do that (and learn about them, as well!) There is plenty to do here besides fish, but if you want to try your hand you’ll need your own gear and a fishing license.
Zip through the trees. If your kids are 10 yrs or older, you’ll love the 3 skybridges and 6,000 feet of cable allowing you to soar through the trees. There are also aerial challenges (with a ground level for younger kids) and white water rafting on the Ocoee for adventure-lovers.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/WaterTubingPicHero_180604_153924.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=267c730c48af56d904e6b0560e995165 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/WaterTubingPicHero_180604_153924.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f1c70d30350525a0d453723a6a5d6031 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/WaterTubingPicHero_180604_153924.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=2718bfeda50c281d800200f1d8cbbf82 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/WaterTubingPicHero_180604_153924.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=8eaba46de194eb66eeb9815ad692d898 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/WaterTubingPicHero_180604_153924.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=247b27651639bc779757d23bf6c462b6 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/WaterTubingPicHero_180604_153924.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=c722e3dbaa698509bbaf4fef26ae82fc 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/WaterTubingPicHero_180604_153924.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=01db23524f4cec3f196f5b380f5dc644 1920w)
Float your cares away. Do you fancy a kayak or SUP? Maybe you want to whisk the family away on a pontoon boat for the day? Lake Blue Ridge is the ideal location to relax and unwind. Rentals are available through the Marina, and the Day Use area works for launching your own boat or exploring the shoreline.
Camp under the bridge. The swinging bridge over the Toccoa River is a worthy hiking destination on its own, but pack a sleeping bag for the ultimate adventure. First-come, first-serve camping spots under the bridge and along the river are some of the best places to wake in Blue Ridge. I’ll bring the coffee!
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=44737a3fe86595278c74810d9e029316 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e26f43f6b430a740882dc4dca31f3045 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=5af89087397d368a38d45d3d5f7ca419 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=dbe6b42a236beb0838952c860e6f3c44 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=391c45bc6d0eac20c6defb8de2d45247 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=39af439e5de1b64bb8bbc3ef06410c95 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=69cbfb1e90de065858a7f1d6136bb506 1920w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/ChildatHucks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=f2cfb76257d00ad97c2eae7f937c4186 2479w)
Defy the tooth fairy. An apple a day….is not nearly as much fun as Huck’s General Store! Grab a small tin pail and fill it with “penny candy” like Grandpa used to do! It’s also a prime place to see the train roll in.
Explore two states at once. There simply is no better way to enjoy summer than riding in an open-air car on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. During your two-hour layover in McCaysville you’ll want a shrimp taco from Burra Burra Seafood and a selfie straddling the “blue line” where you can stand in Georgia and Tennessee at the same time.
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Mercier Orchards8660 Blue Ridge Dr.
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Mercier Orchards
8660 Blue Ridge Dr. Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-3411 Website
The Lilly Pad Village24 Adelaide Dr.
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
The Lilly Pad Village
24 Adelaide Dr. Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 534-1317 Website
Huck's General Store500 East Main St. #201
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Huck’s General Store
500 East Main St. #201 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 946-4825 Website
Burra Burra Riverside Dining100 Blue Ridge Dr.
McCaysville, GA 30555
Burra Burra Riverside Dining
100 Blue Ridge Dr. McCaysville, GA 30555 (706) 400-6660 Website
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Train241 Depot St.
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Train
241 Depot St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (877) 413-8724 Website
Swan Drive-In Theatre651 Summit St
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Swan Drive-In Theatre
651 Summit St Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-5235 Website