McCaysville Georgia
At the northern end of Fannin County bordering the state line of Georgia and Tennessee is the historic mountain town of McCaysville founded in 1904 and the second largest town in Fannin County with approximately 1,000 residents. Though today's McCaysville is a tourist destination, McCaysville was once considered only a railroad-mining town along with its neighboring border town of Copperhill Tennessee. These two neighboring towns straddle the state line of Georgia and Tennessee. Though separate towns themselves, together they form one community with two independent histories. So evident is this unique conjunction that a line has been painted down the middle of the intersection, dividing the two towns so visitors can stand with one foot in each state at the same time. Copperhill is the older of the two communities being founded after copper was discovered in the region in 1843. To learn more about the Copper Basin and the affects it had on the region you can visit the Historic Burra Burra Mine site in Ducktown Tennessee just up the road from McCaysville.
Even though the mines have come and gone leaving an environmental disaster in their wake, both the local landscape and these two towns have re-emerged from the ashes finding their own unique identity. With the popularity and close proximity of the Ocoee River Gorge's white water rafting and kayaking combined with the coming of the scenic railroad from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, a new life of tourism has blossomed in this region. The historic downtown districts of these two towns have come alive with unique shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes' along with local cabin rentals becoming increasingly popular. This new life is drawing visitors and local residents by road and rail to McCaysville to partake in a sample of its historic past alongside its more recent renovations and developments.
One of the more interesting sites in this border town is where two mountain rivers converge at the state line. At this site the Toccoa River flowing northward through the county meets at the base of the bridge along the state line of Georgia and Tennessee to become the renowned Ocoee River. These two rivers, born of the same headwaters in the southern mountains of Fannin County are actually one and the same river with two separate names. Both river names are of Cherokee ancestry.
Along the outskirts of McCaysville are two river front parks, the McCaysville City Park and the Horseshoe Bend Park.
Horseshoe Bend Park on the edge of McCaysville, offers a beautiful setting along the banks of the Toccoa River. This park has more of a rural setting with numerous picnic tables; barbecue pits and pavilions plus a playground making the park ideal for peaceful picnics while the kids see if they can wear out the playground. This park is a wonderful place for reunions and group gatherings and a great spot to access the river for anglers that can't wait to get their waders wet. "Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park" is another wonderful family outing, May thru September on Thursday evenings from 6 pm to dark, with artists coming in from NC, TN and GA. The event is sponsored by Fannin County Parks and Recreation and is free to the public.
Other local McCaysville events and festivals include the Miners Homecoming, July 4th Fireworks and the Old Fashioned Mountain Christmas. It's all about the good times and friendly people that make up the heart of McCaysville. Check out the Highlander's event calendar for more information on these events.
Click here to continue exploring Blue Ridge and the Fannin County Countryside...
Fannin County Welcome Center in Blue Ridge Georgia |
|
Art Galleries & Shopping in Blue Ridge Georgia |
|
We encourage you to visit, check out our supplies. “Art, We are it!” |
Adventure in and around Blue Ridge Georgia |
|
Entertainment in Blue Ridge Georgia |
|