Blue Ridge, Georgia is a small mountain town in Fannin County, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta, known for its historic downtown, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Lake Blue Ridge, the trout-filled Toccoa River, and dozens of waterfalls and trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest. This guide covers our favorite things to do in and around Blue Ridge, written by the hosts of Amber Ridge Retreat, a cabin in nearby Cherry Log.
Explore the Blue Ridge area
We split our guide into six parts so you can jump to what matters for your trip.
Things to Do in Blue Ridge
The Scenic Railway, historic downtown, Mercier Orchards, and a season-by-season plan.
Read the guide →Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge
Amicalola, Long Creek, Helton Creek, and Sea Creek Falls, with hike lengths and tips.
Read the guide →Things to Do With Kids
Gem mining, the Bigfoot museum, the Swan Drive-In, ziplines, and an aerial adventure park.
Read the guide →Lake, River & Trails
Lake Blue Ridge, tubing and trout fishing on the Toccoa, Ocoee rafting, hiking, and horseback rides.
Read the guide →Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Tasting rooms, farm vineyards, craft breweries, and mountain distilleries.
Read the guide →Where to Eat in Blue Ridge
Upscale dinners, riverside and lakeside restaurants, and local barbecue favorites.
Read the guide →Where is Cherry Log, Georgia?
Cherry Log is a quiet mountain community in Gilmer County, off GA-515 between Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Staying here puts you about 20 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge and about 15 minutes from downtown Ellijay, so you can explore both towns without the traffic and crowds of staying in the middle of either one.
Ellijay is known as Georgia's Apple Capital and hosts the Georgia Apple Festival every October. Blue Ridge is the Trout Capital of Georgia and the hub for the railway, the lake, and the Toccoa River. From Cherry Log, you get easy access to both.
Blue Ridge area at a glance
- Location: North Georgia mountains, about 1.5 hours north of Atlanta
- Known for: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Lake Blue Ridge, Toccoa River trout fishing, waterfalls, apple orchards, wineries
- Nearby towns: Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Morganton, McCaysville (GA) and Copperhill (TN)
- Public lands: Chattahoochee National Forest, the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, and the Benton MacKaye Trail
Drive times from our Cherry Log cabin
Approximate drive times from Amber Ridge Retreat. Mountain roads are slower than they look on a map, so check your navigation app before you head out.
| Destination | Approx. drive |
|---|---|
| Expedition: Bigfoot! and the Pink Pig (Cherry Log) | About 5 minutes |
| Downtown Ellijay | About 15 minutes |
| Mercier Orchards | About 15 minutes |
| Downtown Blue Ridge and the Scenic Railway depot | About 20 minutes |
| Lake Blue Ridge | About 30 minutes |
| Toccoa River tubing (Aska area) | About 30 to 35 minutes |
| Amicalola Falls State Park | About 50 minutes |
| Ocoee River rafting (Tennessee) | About 1 hour |
| Long Creek Falls trailhead | About 1 hour |
| Atlanta | About 1.5 hours |
When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge, GA?
There is no bad season in the North Georgia mountains, but each one offers something different.
Fall (September to November)
The busiest and most popular season. Leaves usually peak from mid-October into early November, apple season is in full swing at the orchards, and Ellijay hosts the Georgia Apple Festival. Book early for October weekends.
Spring (March to May)
Waterfalls run strongest after spring rain, wildflowers line the trails, and orchards start U-pick season with strawberries. Crowds are lighter than fall.
Summer (June to August)
Tubing on the Toccoa River, swimming and paddleboarding on Lake Blue Ridge, whitewater rafting on the Ocoee, and movies at the Swan Drive-In. Mountain evenings stay cooler than Atlanta.
Winter (December to February)
The quiet season: fewer crowds, clear long-range views through bare trees, the railway's holiday trains, and the best time to enjoy a wood fireplace and hot tub back at the cabin.
Blue Ridge, GA travel FAQ
How far is Blue Ridge, GA from Atlanta?
Blue Ridge is about 90 minutes north of Atlanta by car, mostly via I-575 and GA-515. Cherry Log is on the same route, about 20 minutes before you reach Blue Ridge.
Is Cherry Log close to Blue Ridge?
Yes. Cherry Log sits on GA-515 between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, about 20 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge and about 15 minutes from downtown Ellijay.
What is Blue Ridge, Georgia known for?
Blue Ridge is known for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, its walkable historic downtown, Lake Blue Ridge, and trout fishing on the Toccoa River. It holds the official title of Trout Capital of Georgia.
What is the best month to visit Blue Ridge?
October is the most popular month for fall color and apple season. For fewer crowds, consider late spring (May) for waterfalls and wildflowers, or winter for quiet cabin stays.
How many days do you need in Blue Ridge?
Plan on at least three nights. That gives you a day for downtown and the railway, a day on the water or trails, and a day for waterfalls, orchards, or wineries.
Are there waterfalls near Blue Ridge, GA?
Yes, many. Popular choices include Amicalola Falls, Georgia's tallest waterfall at 729 feet, plus Long Creek, Helton Creek, and Sea Creek Falls. See our waterfalls guide for hike lengths and directions.
Stay with us
Make Amber Ridge Retreat your Blue Ridge basecamp
Our 2-bedroom, 2-bath cabin in Cherry Log has a hot tub, wood-burning fireplace, and Starlink internet, and sits between Blue Ridge and Ellijay. Book direct for the best rate.
Check availabilitySee the cabinWritten by Jesse and Amber, hosts of Amber Ridge Retreat. Last updated September 2026.
