Discover more than 300 miles of hiking trails, including the start of the Appalachian Trail and three local waterfalls.
The hiking trails of Fannin County include some of the most legendary in the United States, including the start of the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail.
The famous Appalachian Trail begins here, the Benton MacKaye winds throughout the county and the Aska Trails Area is great for novices and experts alike. Look through detailed instructions in our Hiking Access Points Map & Guide. Whether you're looking for family-friendly things to do or embarking on a solo outdoor experience, Fannin County offers many awe-inspiring trails. Explore a variety of hikes, ranging from beginner and intermediate levels to advanced adventures.
Explore a hiking and biking trail system 17 miles in length and open year-round. From the start of Aska Road in Blue Ridge, go 4.4 miles to the trailhead for the Deep Gap portion of the Aska Trails in the Aska Adventure Area. Another trailhead is located 1.5 miles from Deep Gap on Shady Falls Road. Trails range from 1 to 5.5 miles and are open all year. There are paths that are suitable for all levels of hikers, but portions of the trails can be very strenuous. Browse an in-depth Aska trail guide for your next outdoor adventure and find inspiration for more self guided tours on hiking or biking.
In addition to whitewater sports, the Ocoee Whitewater Center has a one-mile hiking trail which crosses a 330 foot suspension bridge and circles the center. The trail is entirely accessible for those who are physically challenged. There are 30 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers, and some are appropriate for family biking as well. From Blue Ridge, take GA 5 north to McCaysville, then turn left on Tennessee Highway 68. In Ducktown, take U.S. 64 west to the Ocoee Whitewater Center on the left.
The hiking trails of Fannin County include some of the most legendary in the USA. The Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail (pronounced mack-eye) begin here on Springer Mountain. Whether you are out for a day hike or a longer multi-day hike, Blue Ridge is the perfect starting point for your hike, picking up gear, supplies, and advice. Peruse through a hiking map on the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail. For more guides, stop by our main Visitor Center or Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters or Blue Ridge Adventure Wear to pick up maps of the Appalachian Trail and Trails Illustrated's excellent Map #777 of our area. Find the ultimate outdoor adventure for your trip with plenty of paths to explore:
The Cohutta Wilderness is a 34,102 acre wilderness area lying in Georgia and Tennessee within the Cohutta Mountains, part of the Blue Ridge Mountain chain. This area is home to the Chattahoochee National Forest, which features grounds for camping, picnicking, hiking, and swimming.
Elevations range from 950 feet in the Alaculsy Valley to 4,200 feet on Big Frog Mountain. Rugged terrain and flood-prone rivers make the Cohuttas especially challenging for hikers. Wilderness users should plan trips carefully and make sure that weather conditions will be favorable enough for a safe trip. The Chamber's Cohutta Wilderness Driving Tour may be the best way to experience the Cohuttas the first time around. If you do go hiking in the Cohutta, stop by our main Welcome Center or Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters or Blue Ridge Adventure Wear to pick up maps of the Cohutta Wilderness and Trails Illustrated's excellent Map #777 of our area.
Cell phones and GPS do not work reliably here, please don't rely upon them. Be prepared for wilderness. Some roads are rough. Please pack in all you will need and pack out all your trash. The rule of the forest is “Leave No Trace.” If you build a fire, never leave it unattended. Use good judgment when hiking, particularly around waterfalls where rocks are often wet, moss covered and slippery. If hiking during hunting season, wear a brightly colored vest. The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
There are a multitude of long day-hike trails in Blue Ridge, but if you want just a touch of Mother Nature’s beauty before you hop aboard the train or head into downtown for dinner then these five hikes under five miles are your best bet.
Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters is a full service outfitter store offering premier brands in the outdoor industry. They also offer guided hikes and guided fishing services. Visit them at one of their three locations: 56 Toccoa Ave., McCaysville or 14 River St., Ellijay, or Blue Ridge, GA (listed above).
Fishing
There are 100 miles of trout streams in Fannin County.
Water Sports
Whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, swimming and more.
Horseback Riding
Trail rides, carriage rides, wagon rides and more. Every mountain vacation should include a horseback ride along mountain trails and…
Biking
Cycle or mountain bike in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Two-lane paved roads, Forest Service all weather gravel roads and single track…
Parks & Campgrounds
There are parks and recreation areas for camping, swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking throughout Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Fannin County.
Golf
Tee off amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Take Care of Blue Ridge
Nature's bounty is plentiful in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains! Here are some important practices to put in place while…
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