The Blue Ridge area is built for the outdoors. Lake Blue Ridge is a 3,300-acre mountain lake for swimming, boating, and paddleboarding. The Toccoa River is the place for tubing, kayaking, and some of Georgia's best trout fishing. The Ocoee River offers world-class whitewater, and trails range from the Aska Trail System near town to the Appalachian Trail and Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak.
Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge is a TVA reservoir on the Toccoa River, formed by Blue Ridge Dam in 1930. It covers about 3,300 acres with roughly 60 miles of mostly wooded shoreline, much of it inside the Chattahoochee National Forest, so it feels far wilder than most lakes near Atlanta. Rent a boat or paddleboard, swim from a day-use area, or grab dinner on the water at the marina.
Parks and recreation areas
- Lake Blue Ridge Dam Recreation Area
- Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area
- Morganton Point Recreation Area
- Tammen Park
- Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area
- Horseshoe Bend Park
- Deep Hole Recreation Area
Toccoa River: tubing, kayaking, and floating
The Toccoa River runs north through Fannin County, through Lake Blue Ridge, and on to McCaysville, where it crosses into Tennessee and becomes the Ocoee. Upstream of the lake, outfitters in the Aska area run tubing and kayak trips on gentle, family-friendly water during the warmer months. Below the dam, the cold tailwater is prime trout water.
Tip: Water released from Blue Ridge Dam can raise river levels quickly below the dam. Check the TVA release schedule before wading or floating that stretch.
Trout fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia
Blue Ridge holds the official title of Trout Capital of Georgia, with hundreds of miles of cold mountain rivers, creeks, and streams in Fannin County. The Toccoa River is the center of it all, and the tailwater below Blue Ridge Dam holds trout year-round. Try fly fishing on your own, book a guided trip with a local outfitter, or use one of the public access points:
- Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area
- Tammen Park
- Curtis Switch
- Horseshoe Bend Park
Anglers 16 and older need a Georgia fishing license plus a trout license.
Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River
The Ocoee River hosted the whitewater events of the 1996 Olympic Games, and today it is one of the most popular rafting rivers in the country. The Middle Ocoee is a five-mile run of Class III and IV rapids, while the Upper Ocoee includes the Olympic course. Rafting trips are generally for ages 12 and up. The Ocoee Whitewater Center also has easy riverside trails worth a stop.
Hiking near Blue Ridge
- Aska Trail System: roughly 17 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails close to downtown Blue Ridge, including Stanley Gap and Long Branch Loop.
- Appalachian Trail: the AT's southern end is at Springer Mountain, and the hike from Three Forks to Long Creek Falls is a favorite day hike.
- Benton MacKaye Trail: also begins at Springer Mountain and passes through Fannin County, including the famous Toccoa River swinging bridge.
- Brasstown Bald: Georgia's highest point at 4,784 feet, with an observation deck and views of four states on clear days.
- Ocoee Whitewater Center: easy trails along the river and the Olympic course.
Horseback riding
Guided trail rides are a great way to see the mountains, especially with kids or non-hikers. Local outfitters include:
- Cowgirl Up Stables
- North Georgia Equestrian Tours
- Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides
Lake, river & trails: FAQ
Can you swim in Lake Blue Ridge?
Yes. Lake Blue Ridge is popular for swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding in summer. Day-use areas such as the Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area and Morganton Point offer lake access.
Where can you go tubing near Blue Ridge, GA?
The Toccoa River is the local favorite for tubing, with several outfitters in the Aska area south of downtown Blue Ridge. Tubing season generally runs late spring through early fall.
Why is Blue Ridge called the Trout Capital of Georgia?
Blue Ridge holds the official title of Trout Capital of Georgia thanks to its many miles of cold mountain streams and the Toccoa River tailwater below Blue Ridge Dam, which supports trout fishing year-round.
Do I need a fishing license in Blue Ridge, GA?
Yes. Anglers 16 and older need a Georgia fishing license, and trout fishing requires a trout license as well. Licenses are sold online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
How far is the Ocoee River from Blue Ridge?
The Ocoee River is just across the Tennessee line, about an hour from our cabin in Cherry Log. Rafting trips are generally for ages 12 and up.
What is the best hike near Blue Ridge, GA?
For a classic, try the Appalachian Trail to Long Creek Falls, about 2 miles round trip. For views, drive to Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point at 4,784 feet. For trails close to town, explore the Aska Trail System.
Stay with us
Your basecamp between the lake and the trails
After a day on the water or the trail, come back to the hot tub and wood-burning fireplace at Amber Ridge Retreat, our 2-bedroom cabin in Cherry Log.
Check availabilitySee the cabinMore from our Blue Ridge area guide
Things to Do in Blue Ridge
The railway, downtown, orchards, and a seasonal plan.
Read the guide →Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge
Hike lengths, heights, and tips for four favorite falls.
Read the guide →Things to Do With Kids
Gem mining, Bigfoot, the drive-in, and ziplines.
Read the guide →Wineries & Breweries
Tasting rooms, vineyards, breweries, and distilleries.
Read the guide →Where to Eat
Upscale, waterfront, and local favorites.
Read the guide →← Back to the Blue Ridge, GA area guide
Written by Jesse and Amber, hosts of Amber Ridge Retreat. Last updated September 2026.
