Day Tripping in the North Georgia Mountains

Ah, summer is well on its way along the Coosawattee River.  What a gorgeous summer it has been!  While we have had some pretty warm days, the nights are still cool and mild.  Weather like this is really the reason we live in the North Georgia mountains!  When the weather is this beautiful it is almost mandatory to get outside and enjoy it!

We are quite fortunate to live in an area where there are so many natural resources, natural wonders and scenic stops to enjoy.  There are many day trips one can make that result in a very enjoyable experience without breaking bank.  It’s also just as important to remember the great resources we have inside the gates of CRR.  We have access to several beautiful river parks that are ideal for picnicking, taking a stroll along the Coosawattee River or tossing some bait and trying your luck for fresh dinner!  We also have two beautiful outdoor pools to enjoy when the mercury gets into the high 80’s and 90’s.  I also understand that work on the suspension bridge at Fishtrap is well underway and should be reopened soon to provide better access to residents on both sides of the river to the pool and park.

Now, while I love the resources we have in our own backyard, I also love to explore the mountains and see all the terrific things this region has to offer.  I have written before about some of my favorite locations in the area and thought I would expand on those for my readers that may be new to the area and learning their way around, or those that are looking for something new to explore.

Carters Lake – This manmade lake is only a few minutes drive to the west from the Eagle Mountain and Main gates of CRR.  This lake features a beautiful man-made beach and tournament fishing.  Don’t forget to visit the Marina for a snack and even a color tour around the lake in the fall!

Amicalola Falls – These are the tallest free fall waterfalls east of the Mississippi and well worth the 30 minute drive to the east on highway 52 to view this natural wonder.  Don’t forget to drive on up the mountain to the Lodge where you can experience amazing views and a delicious lunch or dinner buffet.

Anna Ruby Falls – These twin falls are located just west of Helen, GA and are about an hour east of Ellijay.  This federally run park offers a gift shop, facilities and stunning views from the base of the falls.  Be warned, though: there is a quarter mile hike from the ranger station UP to the falls.  The walk provides pristine views of the flowing waters down the mountain on your way to the falls.  Just remember – it’s downhill on the way out!

Anna Ruby Falls

 

Views on the walk to Anna Ruby Falls

 

Lake Nottely – This massive lake provides excellent fishing and watersports and is located about 30 minutes north of Ellijay in Blairsville, GA.  An easy ride up 515/76 out of Ellijay to Blairsville will give you access to this beautiful body of water.  There are plenty of coves and sites to behold if you can travel the lake by boat and plenty of areas to simply view the lake if you prefer to stay on shore.

Chatuge Lake – Speaking of massive bodies of water, Chatuge Lake is HUGE!  Chatuge spreads across north Georgia into North Carolina and weaves in and out of the mountain valleys.  Chatuge Lake is another beautiful body of water to enjoy skiing, boating, tubing or exploring on a personal watercraft.  If you don’t have a boat there are ample locations where they can be rented.  Chatuge Lake is found by continuing up Highway 76 from Blairsville, through Young Harris and east towards Hiawassee.

Helen, Ga – Now Helen is not a ‘natural’ wonder, but is certainly a quaint sight to behold.  Helen is Georgia’s gateway to the Bavarian lifestyle.  The streets of Helen and the accompanying architecture are all in Bavarian style.  The town’s shops and restaurants continue the theme with German style taverns, pubs and authentic food.  After a stroll through the shops on Mainstreet you can stop by the Troll Tavern on the East side of town for a cold lager and watch the tubers making their way down the Chattahoochee River.  Helen is about an hour and a half east of Ellijay.  There are no direct roads to Helen from Ellijay, so grab your GPS and be prepared for a lovely drive through the mountains.

 

Downtown Helen, GA

 

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze – I suppose Uncle Shuck’s could be considered partly a ‘natural’ wonder.  This is a must do for the family in the fall and has become a tradition for us.  The kids and grandkids (and us older kids) get a kick out of exploring this 12 acre corn maze and unraveling the mysteries of the Barnyard C.S.I. game.  Uncle Shucks is located about 45 minutes southeast of Ellijay by taking Highway 52 to 183 into Dawsonville.  And, if corn mazes excite you, you should also visit some of the smaller attractions in the area such as Reece’s maze and the locally sponsored corn mazes in Ellijay.

Local Apple Houses – The local apple houses will be opening soon and provide a nostalgic look into the farm communities of North Georgia.  Whether you have a hankering for some fresh apples, apple butter or pumpkins for fall carving, you will find it all at the various apple houses around Ellijay.

Whew!  This summer has been busy and I am looking forward to the slow transition into fall.  I am certainly hoping the fall colors are a little more brilliant than last year’s disappointing display, but hey, there are always plenty of beautiful natural wonders to behold along the Coosawattee River.  So, get out and enjoy this nearly perfect summer weather!

I would love to hear about and see some of your favorite locations and sights around the area.  Please feel free to comment below or send me an e-mail at chrisgoodson37@gmail.com.

 

Till next time,

Chris