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.

You need to upgrade your Flash Player and enable Javascript to view this content »

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

You need to upgrade your Flash Player and enable Javascript to view this content »

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.

Fannin County Welcome Center in Blue Ridge Georgia

Fannin County Welcome Center Surround yourself with beauty, relaxation and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge. Relax in a mountain cabin overlooking peaceful ridges and valleys. Explore charming mountain towns. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Discover our rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls. Hike, fish, shop or simply relax. Stop by the "Welcome Center" when you come to Blue Ridge for brochures and maps to make your trip more enjoyable. Go Directly to Fannin County Chamber and Welcome Center's Web Site...

Art Galleries & Shopping in Blue Ridge Georgia
	BRMAA - Art Center Gallery The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is passionate about art. Our Art Center Team is devoted to bringing new exhibits, new events, and new programs to our community through art and culture. We endeavor to provide a haven for artists to flourish and grow. We measure success by the success of our artists and the many galleries that help to make up our Art Town in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. We boast the largest Gallery Experience in the North Georgia Mountains, come visit us and experience a true Art Town in the Mountains. Go Directly to BRMAA & the Art Center & Station's Web Site...
	The Art Station The Art Station was created to provide economical pricing for supplies for artists and for our art classes for children and adults. We surveyed our artists to determine the supplies most needed and we are adding to that inventory every day with requests from our artist members. We encourage you to visit, check out our supplies. “Art, We are it!” Go Directly to BRMAA & the Art Center & Station's Web Site...

Adventure in and around Blue Ridge Georgia
	Raft the Ocoee River The Ocoee River is often described as the roller coaster of the southeast. Come experience what has been called the greatest whitewater center in the world.   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.
	Zip Line Canopy Tours on the Ocoee • Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Pigeon River Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US. All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US. All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.
	Guided Fishing Trips throughout the North Georgia Mountains Great mountain adventures is offering the "Best Fishing" available in the Mountains. We create a fishing trip, designed specifically towards your needs with a professional fishing guide to guide you to make the most of your fishing adventure on the Finest Lakes, Rivers and Streams in the Southern Appalachians! Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade Trips • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing Instruction • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips. So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget. Go Directly to Great Mountain Fishing's web site....

Entertainment in Blue Ridge Georgia

Blue Ridge Community Theater invites you to "Come Out and Play." There is nothing like the energy you feel when attending a live performance and we are here to help you experience that feeling. Blue Ridge Community Theater's mission is to enrich the cultural life of residents and visitors through performances, productions and education of all aspects of contemporary and classic theater.  2015 we will be hosting 7 Main Stage Shows with 12 Performances for each show, 8 evenings of music along with 13 Sunny D Performance, our Children's Theater Program. Go Directly to our web site.....BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com...