More than 300 miles of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail terminus and three local waterfalls.
The hiking trails of Fannin County include some of the most legendary in the United States, including 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. Find detailed instructions in our Hiking Access Points Map & Guide and Hiking The Benton MacKaye Trail Access Points. A great place to start hiking adventures is the Aska Trails Area. Check out a free trail guide here.
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.
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. Suitable for all levels of hikers, but portions of the trail can be very strenuous. Find detailed instructions in our Self Guided Tours on Hiking and 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 & advice. Stop by our main Welcome 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.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) begins at the top of Springer Mountain and continues 2,200 miles all the way to Maine.The rugged terrain of the trail can be used for short hikes or longer multi-day hikes with shuttles you setup near access points. The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) is a footpath of nearly 300 miles through the Appalachian mountains of the southeastern United States. It is designed for foot travel in the tradition of the Appalachian Trail (AT). Blue Ridge has been designated as the first Benton MacKaye Trail Town.
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. 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.
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.
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).
Hike The Ridge offers several different hikes ranging from Sunsets • Sunrise • Long Distance Hikes • Short Hikes • Views • Waterfalls and Overnight Trips.
If you can think of it, Hike The Ridge can do it. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Note: Hike The Ridge does not have a storefront, our office is in the outdoors.
Explore the beauty of Georgia’s Blue Ridge with us. 706-455-2496
Fishing
There are 100 miles of trout streams in Fannin County.
Water Sports
Whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddling and 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
Old Toccoa Farm, Blue Ridge's Bunker Hill-designed course is a par 72, links-feel course totaling 6,707 beautiful yards.
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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