4 days in the North Georgia mountains

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Tallulah Gorge State Park

   A deep gorge cut by the Tallulah River, with rim trails, overlooks and a suspension bridge high above the water. The first look is enough for many people, and the climb down the stairs is for the fit and the sure-footed.

   Go when Morning, when the light reaches the far wall and the rim is quiet.

   Local tip Start with the rim overlooks, which are enough for most people. Going down to the gorge floor is steep, wet and limited, so check ahead on any permit, and keep off the rocks above the water.

   

   About 34 min by car or transit11.8 mi
2. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Black Rock Mountain State Park

   A high mountain park with overlooks and short trails, a short drive from the gorge.

   Go when Morning, on a clear day, before the haze.

   Local tip A high mountain park with wide views from its overlooks. The road up is narrow and winding, so take it slowly.

   

   About 45 min by car21.7 mi
3. 3
   MiddayWorth a short stop

   Unicoi State Park

   A small mountain lake with wooded trails and a quiet shore, on the road to the falls. A gentle place for a picnic and a walk before the afternoon.

   Go when Midday, as a pause between the gorge and the falls.

   Local tip A good place for a picnic by the lake. Check ahead on parking and on what is open.

   

   About 14 min by car or transit2.9 mi
4. 4
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Anna Ruby Falls

   Twin waterfalls where two creeks come down the same slope and meet below. A short paved trail leads from the car park to the viewing area, and the path is easy enough for most families.

   Go when Afternoon, after a rain, when the creeks run full.

   Local tip The paved trail climbs gently, so go slowly and bring a layer, because the spray is cool. Keep to the platforms and off the wet rock. Check ahead on the entry charge and on any trail closure.

   

5. Dinner

   A German-style dinner

   Sausages, red cabbage, potato dumplings and soft pretzels, in keeping with the Alpine look of the town.

   Local tip Tables fill early on fall and holiday weekends, so book ahead.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Travel from Anna Ruby FallsAbout 31 min by car or transit9.4 mi

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time, go early

   Brasstown Bald

   The highest point in Georgia, known to the Cherokee as Enotah, with a long view across the ridges. A paved path leads from the car park toward the summit, so check ahead on how you get up and on any road closure.

   Go when Morning, on a clear day when the ridges show.

   Local tip Fog and cloud can hide the view for days, so check the forecast before the drive. The summit is windy and cooler than the valley, so bring a layer, and check ahead on the road and any seasonal closure.

   

   About 32 min by car or transit10.5 mi
3. 2
   MorningA half day on foot

   Raven Cliff Falls

   A slender waterfall in a narrow gorge, reached by a woodland trail along a creek not far from Helen.

   Go when Morning, with a long day ahead.

   Local tip A woodland trail beside a creek leads to a slender falls in a narrow gorge. The path is rocky and wet in places, so wear shoes with grip and keep off the slick rock.

4. Lunch

   A picnic by the lake

   Sandwiches, fruit and something sweet eaten on the shore, with the hills behind.

   Local tip Take all your rubbish with you, and keep food away from bears and raccoons.

   About 28 min by car or transit7.8 mi
5. 3
   MiddayWorth a short stop

   Babyland General Hospital

   A quirky attraction in Cleveland built around the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, on the way to Helen.

   Go when Midday, as a stop on the way to Helen.

   Local tip A quirky stop built around the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, fun for children. Check ahead on opening.

   

   About 22 min by car or transit5.7 mi
6. 4
   EveningAn evening stop

   Helen

   A river village in the Chattahoochee valley that was remade in the style of a Bavarian town, with timbered fronts, murals and small shops. Walk the riverside at dusk, and look at the Alpine buildings once the lights come on.

   Go when Early evening, as the lights come on along the river (about 7:00 PM).

   Local tip Walk the riverside and the little lanes between the timbered buildings. The town is busy on fall and holiday weekends, so linger early or late.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from HelenAbout 51 min by car26.6 mi

   Where Day 2 ended.
2. 1
   MorningA half day on foot

   Springer Mountain

   The southern end of the Appalachian Trail, a forested summit reached by forest roads and a short walk.

   Go when Morning, with plenty of daylight.

   Local tip The southern end of the Appalachian Trail. The way up is by forest roads and a short walk, so check ahead on road conditions.

   

   About 41 min by car17.8 mi
3. 2
   MiddayWorth the time

   Vogel State Park

   A forest park around Lake Trahlyta at the foot of Blood Mountain, with stone buildings from the 1930s and an easy trail around the lake. A cool place for a picnic.

   Go when Midday, with a picnic by the lake.

   Local tip The lake trail is easy and level. The hills around the park are steep, and the rocks and roots are slick after rain.

   

4. Lunch

   A lakeside lunch

   A sandwich or a picnic eaten under the trees by Lake Trahlyta.

   Local tip Bring water, because there is little to buy by the trail.

   About 39 min by car16.2 mi
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site

   A museum in the old courthouse on the town square, telling how a gold strike set off one of the country's first gold rushes. The story also belongs to the Cherokee, who were forced from this land in the years that followed.

   Go when Afternoon, or any time the weather turns.

   Local tip The story of the gold rush is also the story of the Cherokee removal, and the museum tells both. Check ahead on opening.

   

   About 37 min by car or transit15.0 mi
6. 4
   EveningWorth the time

   Amicalola Falls

   The highest waterfall in Georgia, tumbling down a mountainside in a long run of steps. A viewing platform is close to the car park, and the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail begins in the park. Keep off the wet rock.

   Go when Late afternoon, when the light slants across the falls (about 7:00 PM).

   Local tip The viewing platform near the car park is the easy way. The stairs and trails beside the falls are steep and wet, so take care, and keep off the rock. Check ahead on the park entry.

   

7. Dinner

   A big Southern dinner

   Fried chicken or catfish with collard greens, cornbread and a slice of pie.

   Local tip Small kitchens in the hills often close early, so check ahead.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Amicalola FallsAbout 45 min by car21.2 mi

   Where Day 3 ended.
2. 1
   MorningA slow morning

   Blue Ridge

   A small mountain town with a tidy downtown of shops, galleries and a restored depot. A pleasant place for a slow morning walk.

   Go when Morning, before the shops fill.

   Local tip A pleasant place for a coffee and a walk through the downtown and by the old depot.

   

   About 6 min walk0.3 mi
3. 2
   MiddayBook ahead

   Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

   A heritage railway that runs from the depot in Blue Ridge north along the Toccoa River to McCaysville and Copperhill. Check ahead on the timetable and on booking, since it runs on set days.

   Go when Midday, on a day the train runs.

   Local tip The train runs on set days and seasons, and can book up on fall weekends, so check ahead. Sit on the river side if you can.

   

4. Lunch

   Barbecue or a plate lunch

   Slow-smoked pork with slaw and beans, or a plate of the day with two sides.

   Local tip Small barbecue places often sell out, so go a little early.

   About 13 min by car or transit2.8 mi
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth a short stop

   Lake Blue Ridge

   A big reservoir on the Toccoa River, ringed by wooded hills, good for a quiet shoreline walk or a picnic. The water is calm and the light is soft late in the day.

   Go when Afternoon, in the soft light (about 7:00 PM).

   Local tip A quiet shoreline walk or a picnic. Water levels in the reservoir change with the season, so the shore looks different from month to month.

   

   About 30 min by car or transit8.6 mi
6. 4
   EveningAn evening stop

   McCaysville

   A small town on the Georgia side of the state line, twinned with Copperhill, which lies just across it in Tennessee. Walk the little main street, then watch the light go over the hills.

   Go when Early evening, to end the day.

   Local tip A small border town with a short main street. It is quiet after the daytime visitors leave.

   

7. Dinner

   A trout dinner

   Mountain trout pan-fried with grits and greens, a plain and local end to the trip.

   Local tip Ask about the catch of the day.