The best things to do in Blue Ridge, Georgia are riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Toccoa River, walking the shops and restaurants of historic downtown, and picking apples at Mercier Orchards. Beyond those three, the area offers waterfalls, trout fishing, Lake Blue Ridge, wineries, and family attractions, all within about 20 minutes of our cabin in Cherry Log.
Signature Blue Ridge attractions
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
This restored historic train leaves from the depot in downtown Blue Ridge and follows the Toccoa River on a 26-mile round trip to the twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, before returning. Choose the 2-hour express or the 4-hour trip with a 2-hour layover to explore McCaysville and Copperhill. You can ride in open-air cars or enclosed, climate-controlled coaches.
Tip: Fall weekends and the holiday trains sell out, so book tickets before your trip. Stand on the line painted across the road in McCaysville and you can be in two states at once.
Historic Downtown Blue Ridge
Walk Main Street and East Main Street for boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries, restaurants, and the historic train depot. It is the heart of town and an easy half day, especially before or after a railway ride. See our Blue Ridge restaurant guide for where to eat while you are there.
Mercier Orchards
Family-owned since 1943 and now run by the fourth generation, Mercier is North Georgia's best-known orchard and farm market. Come for the bakery (the fried pies are a local favorite), the market, and hard cider and wine. U-pick and farm activities vary by season, from strawberries and blueberries to apples in late summer and fall.
More ways to spend your days
- Chase waterfalls: Amicalola, Long Creek, Helton Creek, and Sea Creek Falls. See our waterfalls guide.
- Get on the water: tubing and trout fishing on the Toccoa River, paddleboarding on Lake Blue Ridge, and whitewater on the Ocoee. See lake, river & trails.
- Bring the kids: gem mining, mini golf, the Bigfoot museum, and the Swan Drive-In. See things to do with kids.
- Taste local: farm wineries, craft breweries, and mountain distilleries. See wineries & breweries.
- Visit Ellijay: Georgia's Apple Capital is about 15 minutes south of the cabin, with its own downtown square and the Georgia Apple Festival each October.
Things to do in Blue Ridge by season
| Season | Top picks |
|---|---|
| Spring | Waterfalls at full flow, wildflower hikes, U-pick strawberries, uncrowded railway rides |
| Summer | Toccoa River tubing, Lake Blue Ridge swimming and boating, Ocoee rafting, Swan Drive-In movies |
| Fall | Peak leaf color (usually mid-October to early November), apple picking, Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, fall foliage train rides |
| Winter | Holiday train rides, quiet downtown shopping, winter views through bare trees, hot tub and fireplace nights at the cabin |
A simple 3-day Blue Ridge itinerary
- Day 1, downtown and the train: Morning railway ride with the layover in McCaysville and Copperhill, then an afternoon on Main Street and dinner downtown.
- Day 2, water and waterfalls: Hike to Long Creek Falls or drive to Amicalola Falls, then spend the afternoon tubing the Toccoa River or relaxing at Lake Blue Ridge.
- Day 3, orchards and tastings: Breakfast and fried pies at Mercier Orchards, a winery or brewery in the afternoon, and barbecue at the Pink Pig in Cherry Log on the way back to the cabin.
Things to do in Blue Ridge: FAQ
What is the number one thing to do in Blue Ridge, GA?
For most first-time visitors, it is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The 26-mile round trip follows the Toccoa River from downtown Blue Ridge to McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Pair it with an afternoon walking downtown.
How long is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ride?
The railway offers a 2-hour express round trip and a 4-hour round trip that includes a 2-hour layover in McCaysville and Copperhill for lunch and shopping. Check the railway's website for current schedules and seasonal excursions.
Is downtown Blue Ridge walkable?
Yes. Downtown Blue Ridge is compact, with shops, galleries, restaurants, and the historic train depot within a few blocks of each other along East Main Street and nearby streets.
When is apple season at Mercier Orchards?
Apple season generally runs late summer through fall, with the busiest weekends in September and October. Mercier also offers seasonal U-pick strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries earlier in the year.
What is there to do in Blue Ridge when it rains?
Browse downtown shops and galleries, visit the Mercier Orchards market and bakery, try a winery or brewery tasting room, stop by Expedition: Bigfoot! in Cherry Log, or ride the railway in an enclosed car.
Stay with us
Stay 20 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge
Amber Ridge Retreat is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath cabin in Cherry Log with a hot tub, wood-burning fireplace, and Starlink internet. It is an easy drive to downtown Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Mercier Orchards.
Check availabilitySee the cabinMore from our Blue Ridge area 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 →Lake, River & Trails
Lake Blue Ridge, the Toccoa, Ocoee rafting, and hiking.
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.
