Blood Mountain Wilderness

The United States Congress designated the Blood Mountain Wilderness in 1991. This wilderness area consist of 7,800-acres within North Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest overall 749,550-acres.

The highest point and centerpiece of this wilderness area is Blood Mountain standing at 4,458-feet above sea level. Within this designated area are scenic overlooks, rugged mountain peaks, rocky outcropping, rushing creeks, streams, waterfalls, logging roads and numerous trails. The two most popular trails which transverse through these wild lands are the Appalachian and Duncan Ridge Trail, both idea for backpacking.

Black Bear encounters as well as sighting of other natural wildlife animals are common to the region. For more information regarding Black Bears you can refer to the Blue Ridge Highlander's feature stories on Black Bears located in the magazine section.

Sosebee Cove Scenic Area

Sosebee Cove is a quiet mountain cove in the Blood Mountain Wilderness along GA/180 between Vogel State Park and Lake Winfield Scott. This heavily wooded cove of hardwood timber is a memorial to Arthur Woody, the first regional Forest Service Ranger who served the area from 1911 to 1945. Ranger Woody was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of the local Sosebee's Cove property for the Forestry Service.

Sosebee Cove's 175-acres, are a forested jewel of rare wildflowers and ferns, along with dutchman breeches, waterleaf, squirrel corn and other species. The Cove's forest consists of several types of hardwoods including yellow birch, and a rare yellowwood tree. A short 'point 3-mile' trail, consisting of two link loops is accessible from the parking area alongside the roadway. A salamander rich branch flows through the scenic cove as well as a second-growth yellow poplar tree stand that began its towering growth after the last heavy logging, in the region. Near the beginning of the trail is one of the coves largest hardwood trees, reminiscent of some of the large trees in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This young giant tree can be easily viewed from the roadway parking area when looking towards the left, or very short stroll along the beginning of the trail for an up close look. Along the opposite side of the roadway is an excellent example of a high-altitude boulder field, most viewable during the late fall-winter season when heavy foliage has depleted.

Union County Farmers Market in Blairsville GA • Every Tues & Sat ~ June through October

The Union County Farmers Market has over 60 covered vendor spaces in our outdoor setting.

The facility located at 290 Farmers Market Way off of Weaver Road is home to a variety of events and festivals outside of the seasonal market.

Those events include a ramp festival, strawberry jubilee, trash to treasures sale, relay for life event, and an outdoor business expo.

148 Old Smokey Rd • Blairsville, GA • 706.439.6000 • CCFarmersMarket.com

Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Managing Privately Owned Cabins

Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals offers many vacation rental cabins which allow you to experience a little piece of heaven every time you visit. Our private luxury cabins provide a getaway retreat for couples, families and friends who love nature and the outdoors. Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals manages these privately owned luxury cabin rentals, all of which are located within minutes of Blue Ridge, Georgia and the beautiful Ocoee River and Toccoa River.

224 Blue Ridge Dr  • McCaysville, GA  •  877.628.3353  •  www.CuddleUpCabinRentals.com

Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts

When you are visiting the Blue Ridge - Smoky Mountains, a stop by the Highlander Gallery is well worth your time. The Highlander Gallery represents some of the finest artists in the mountains.  With a large assortment of Fine Art Photography and Fine Crafts as well.

Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Juanita Greenspan • Linda Thompson • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne •  Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole • Marla McCormick • Don Milsaps

Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 ish - 5:00 ish
10079 Old Highway 64  •  Brasstown, NC  • 828.835.9982  • www.HighlanderGallery.com

Great Mountain Properties & Cabin Rentals in now accepting additional cabins

Whether you purchased your mountain home as an occasional getaway, an investment, or the destination of your future retirement, we realize the importance that it be respected as your home first and foremost.

It is our objective to provide you with both quality property management as well as a rental program to help offset some of the expense of owning a 2nd home. Through the combined knowledge of all of us at Great Mountain Cabin Rentals, we have the expertise to help you understand and create a Great Mountain Cabin Rental.

896 Green Cove Road  •  Brasstown, NC 28902  • 828.835.3275  •  www.GreatMountainCabinRentals.com

Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips

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!

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

The Ocoee River is often described as the roller coaster of the southeast. Come experience what has been called the greatest white water 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.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

Rafting on the Nantahala River

Experience this unforgettable whitewater adventure through the gorge. The Nantahala is exciting, and a great time, but not as wild as the Ocoee.  This is a river that you can bring children on as young as seven years old.

Experience the excitement of Patton's Run, the fun and splash of Tumble Dry, the rush and roar of riding Class III Nantahala Falls. For a bigger thrill, try taking one of our Duckies down the river!

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • 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.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers

White Water Rafting on the Ocoee and Nantahala Rivers • Horseback Riding • High and Low Ropes Course • Giant Swing • Caving • Paint ball • Mountain Biking • Camping & Cabin Rental

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

Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina

When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.

10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902  •  828.557.1009  •  GreatMtnRealEstate.com

Keri Conner, Realtor/Broker

My name is Keri Conner, I have lived in these mountains all my life, and have been a successful Realtor since 2001.  I know from personal experience why you want your own special place in the mountains and I know how to help you find that special place.  Whether you are looking for a luxury mountain home, log cabin, a view property, river or creek property, a lake front home or property, or a large tract of mountain property, I will help you not only find the right real estate purchase, I will help you through the entire real estate process, including closing.  If you are looking to sell your mountain home, to downsize or are finally ready to buy your new bigger dream home or cabin, I am the Realtor/Broker you need.  Check out our Featured Listings....

224 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA  • 706-964-6470  •  RealEstateGeorgiaMountains.com

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