The Great Outdoors in Fannin County Georgia
Mountains create springs that form tributaries and creeks which shape rivers that form lakes both large and small, natural and man-made yet it is the natural forest that holds these bodies of water together giving life to the waterways and all that dwell within them. This liquid silver from the mountains and heavens offers refreshment to the numerous wildlife that reside throughout the region along with a playground of fun and recreation for the whole family.
Chattahoochee National Forest
From the dense high forest and mountain headwaters of the southern reaches of Fannin County to the vast mountain wilderness lands along the northeastern region of the county, the Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses more than 40% of the county. There is a total of over 100,000-acres of high country rolling out from the southern reaches of Fannin County and along the western border of the county with numerous mountain top altitudes ranging from 1,760 feet to 4,000 feet above sea level at the Cowpen Range.
In its entirety the Chattahoochee National Forest of the North Georgia Mountains covers 749,689-acres and is managed by six ranger districts. It includes 37 developed recreation areas, 500 developed campsites, 200 picnic sites, 6 swim beaches and 530-miles of hiking and biking trails. Chattahoochee National Forest is a wilderness paradise, awaiting those that seek to leave the world of congestion and stress behind and enjoy a place that we often forget exists.
District Ranger Stations Serving the Fannin County Area
Blue Ridge District Office:
2042 Highway 515 West Blairsville, Georgia 30512
Phone: 706-745-6928.
Open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cohutta Wilderness Area
Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Fannin County and rolling into neighboring Gilmer County Georgia and across the state line into Tennessee is the Cohutta Wilderness Area, one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern United States. This 36,977-acre wilderness is part of an even greater 95,265-acre Cohutta Wildlife Management Area that harbors multiple mountain peaks, miles of hiking trails, forestry roadways, remote small hidden valleys, mountain wildlife and the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers. Just across the state line dividing the vast Cohutta Wilderness is the infamous Ocoee River George.
Hidden away in the remote upper reaches of the Cohutta Wilderness, located at 3,150 feet, near the top of Grassy Mountain is Lake Conasauga, the highest lake in Georgia.
Under the management of the National Forest Service this wilderness now thrives after the devastating logging that stripped more than 70% of its forest between 1915 and 1930. Remnants of a rich history lies hidden away within these mountains if you dare to look for it, yet it is the natural essence of this wilderness that has once again returned to this mountainous region drawing adventurers into its thick canopy of new growth forest.
Unlike the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains that lie along the southern reaches of Fannin County, this northwestern region of mountains within the Cohutta Wilderness is more akin to the Unaka Mountain ranges of the Smokies, in both age and development.
Thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) founded in the 1930's during the great depression, the Cohutta Mountain Wilderness as well as all mountain wildernesses and National Forestry lands throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain Province have become accessible to the public by way of the forestry roads, trails and stone structures that provide shelter, offering an adventurous public a way into of out of these treasured wilderness and forestry areas. A great debt of gratitude goes to this forestry army of laborers, craftsmen and engineers. Through the efforts of the CCC and the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration these cherished mountain lands have been restored and returned to the people of our great nation to enjoy for generations to come.
Rich Mountains
The Rich Mountains in the southern high country of Fannin County, part of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountain range is likely the most popular and inhabited mountainous region in the county. There is an abundance of cabins and homes scattered throughout and along the fringes of the Rich Mountain's 13,276-acres of forestry lands along with a paradise of trails, waterways, waterfalls and great trout fishing.The famed north flowing Toccoa River finds it headwaters in this beautiful high mountain area as it works its broad passage around river bends and over its cascading white waters before it spills into the beautiful shoreline of Lake Blue Ridge.
Fishing, kayaking, canoeing and tubing along the Toccoa River Canoe Trail are popular recreations and sports here in Fannin County's southern high country. The riverbanks along the Toccoa River are often lined with cabins and vacation homes adding to the picturesque diversity of the Rich Mountain Wilderness. Hiking and mountain biking along the Stanley Gap and Green Mountain Trails take back country visitors into a private world of lush forest, cascading streams and waterfalls, a place lost in time where remnants of old-growth forest still resides. The largest gold nugget ever found in Georgia was discovered in this mountainous region.
Aska Adventure Area
Within the rich pristine and primitive world of the Rich Mountains is the Aska Adventure Trails Area. Just south of Blue Ridge in Fannin County at Deep Gap is the Aska Trail, a 17-mile hiking and biking trail that ascends to 3,200-ft offering beautiful views of mountain ridges and Lake Blue Ridge below.
Cooper Creek Scenic Area
This scenic wildlife and water management area of 1,240-acres within a total of 34, 000-acres offers an old growth forest area, trout stocked steams for fishing, numerous hiking and biking trails along with canoeing (water levels must be considered.)
Seventeen campsites are available at the Cooper Creek Recreation Area accommodating tents or trailers up to 22-feet plus 11 campsites at Cooper Creek's Mulky Campground (open late March thru October 31.) Both campgrounds have drinking water and sanitary facilities. Forestry road scenic drives include Loop Drive, Mulky Gap Drive and Fanny Gap Drive.
Plan your Trip and Save it in Your Back Pack
Overview of Blue Ridge Georgia & the Countryside
The Towns in Fannin County
Blue Ridge Georgia
McCaysville Georgia
Morganton Georgia
Mineral Bluff
Other Fannin County Communities
Waterways in Fannin County
Lake Blue Ridge
Toccoa River, Waterways & Waterfalls
The Arts
Art & Culture in Blue Ridge Georgia
Recreation & Adventure
Appalachian Trail & Benton MacKaye Trail
Fun, Recreation and Adventure in and Around Blue Ridge
Chattahoochee National Forest • Cohutta Wilderness • Rich Mountain Wilderness • Aska Adventure Area
Scenic Road Trips
Fannin County Scenic Drives
Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Managing Privately Owned Cabins
224 Blue Ridge Dr • McCaysville, GA • 877.628.3353 • www.CuddleUpCabinRentals.com
Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts
Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • John Mac Kah • Ruthanne Kah • Michael Bedoian • Keith Moore • Juanita Greenspan • Robert Levin • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Jo Kilmer • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • Bob Crisp • Thomas Payne • Sarah Long Dauchez • January Tiberius • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole • Richard Cranford
Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
10079 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC • 828.835.9982 • www.HighlanderGallery.com
BRMAA - Art Center Gallery
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 - 6:00 - Closed on Monday
420 West Main Street • Blue Ridge, GA 30513 • 706.632.2144 • www.BlueRidgeArts.net
The Art Station
We encourage you to visit, check out our supplies. "Art, We are it!"
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 - 6:00 - Closed on Monday
420 West Main Street • Blue Ridge, GA 30513 • 706.632.2144 • www.BlueRidgeArts.net
Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips
So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMountainFishing.com
Rafting on the Ocoee River
Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Rafting on the Nantahala River
Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Horseback Riding Near the Ocoee River
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers
Catch the surge and ride the rapids on the exciting Ocoee River in Tennessee or North Carolina's Nantahala River for an experience you won't forget. Challenge your skills on the high ropes just for the thrill. Sit tall in the saddle for a leisure ride through the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp out or stay in log cabins while letting the kids sleep in groups in one of several bunkhouse's. We will help you create a custom retreat for you or your group.
tara@greatmountainretreats.com • 828.835.3275 • GreatYouthRetreats.com
Keri Conner, Realtor/Broker
224 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA • 706-964-6470 • RealEstateGeorgiaMountains.com
Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina
10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.557.1009 • GreatMtnRealEstate.com
Bill Banzhaf, Associate Broker • North Georgia, Western North Carolina & Tennessee
Whether you're looking to purchase a year-round, luxury-style log home, buy a part-time residence for use during your getaway vacation, or prefer to use your property as a vacation rental, I am eager to serve you. Check out my Featured Listings...
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