Discover the Copper Basin

Discover The Copper Basin

Stand in two states at one time at the blue line where Georgia meets Tennessee.

Two rivers, two bridges, two towns and two states -- the Copper Basin is "Too great for one state." As the destination for both the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and the Tennessee Valley Railroad, the twin towns of McCaysville, Ga. and Copperhill, Tenn. are experiencing a revival -- with new shops, restaurants, parks and streetscapes. The Riverwalk Shops and new Chamber Visitor Center on the Toccoa River in McCaysville, are two new "must do's" during your visit to the Basin. The Riverwalk has three restaurants on the river and 11 shops in a revitalized complex of buildings "Ponce Market" style.

The McCaysville Visitor Center features old photos and objects exploring the mining heritage of the Basin on loan from the Ducktown Basin Museum. Enjoy the little history walk to the center along the Toccoa. Along the main streets of Toccoa Avenue in Georgia and Ocoee Street in Tennessee are shops, restaurants and a new brewery or two. You may recognize some of the new shops as second locations for Blue Ridge stores, like the Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe and Blue Ridge Olive Oil.

Copper Basin Landmarks:

McCaysville Visitor Center

Make our McCaysville Visitor Center the first stop during your visit to McCaysville and Copperhill. The center is located beside the Toccoa River at 53 North Market Street. Featured are historic pictures and exhibits along with lots of information about the area.

The Blue Line

The Blue Line that runs from the Hometown Foods IGA grocery store parking lot across Toccoa/Ocoee Street marks the state line of Georgia and Tennessee. Take a family "selfie" as you stand in two states at one time!

The Old Steel Bridge

The old steel bridge crossing the Ocoee River was originally built in 1911 ending the need for a ferry. The bridge is still open to automobile traffic today.

McCaysville Park on the Toccoa River

A hidden treasure, the McCaysville Park is located on River Street, has a playground, picnic tables and boat ramp. Walk from the Visitor Center to the park along a new sidewalk on North Market Street.

Tubing & Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting trips on the Ocoee River, one of the top whitewater rivers in the world, can be booked with local outfitters. If a more laid back experience is more to your liking, book a kayak or tubing trip on the calmer waters of the Toccoa River.

Horseshoe Bend Park & Pickin' in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park (Hwy 60 McCaysville), on the Toccoa River, is a favorite spot for picnics, fishing, family reunions, even weddings in the park gazebo. There are several covered picnic shelters, a playground and restrooms in the park. Pickin' in the Park is a weekly jam session of blue grass and acoustic musicians every Thursday from Memorial Day week through September. Bring a picnic and your own lawn chairs and enjoy the music.

Ducktown Basin Museum

The Tennessee Copper Company still stands on Highway 60 as a reminder of the mining history of the Copper Basin, but most of the copper was actually mined in Ducktown and Isabella,Tenn. Take a short and fascinating journey through a century and a half of copper mining and everyday life in the Copper Basin at the Ducktown Basin Museum, located near the junction of U.S. 64 and Tennessee Highway 68 on the site of the old Burra Burra Mine.