Meeks Park in Blairsville Georgia

On Hwy 515 along the west edge of Blairsville is Meeks Park, one of the most beautiful parks in North Georgia. The park setting has an open meadow, lots of shade trees, and playing fields. Three other features that make the park so picturesque is a grand mountain backdrop to the south of Meeks Park, the tree lined cascading waters of Butternut Creek running through the center of the park, and Nottely River bordering the park's western boundary.

Meeks Park's athletic facilities include seven ball fields, four batting cages, a basketball court, tennis courts, a large swimming pool, a disk golf course, skateboard park, canoe/kayak launch, restored waterwheel, splashpad, and over a mile of nature trails, both paved and unpaved. a riverside gazebo, Nottely River overlooks, a playground and field houses.  Meeks Park offers many facilities for outside exercise, family outings, reunions and local events.

The park also has several pavilions, lots of picnic tables, benches and swings. The large open meadow is perfect for special events and festivals, including the popular Scottish Fest and Highland Games, and Sorghum Festival.

The walking and nature trails are a favorite park pastime for many of the folks visiting Meeks Park. The paved trail leads from the upper parking area following a tree-lined walkway near the banks of Nottely River.

Along the paved trail, hikers will encounter a sculpture by famed artist and local resident Al Garnto. At the northern edge of the park the trail passes under the Hwy 515 viaduct, then continues on to the campus of the North Georgia Technical College, located across the roadway from Meeks Park. This paved low-impact walk is both picturesque and a good cardio workout.

The parkland's nature trails, can be accessed from several points throughout the park. Nature trails follows along both sides of Butternut Creek crossing over several bridges in route. On the opposite side of the creek the easy to follow nature trail leads through a woodland area and up a hill creating 1-mile loop. The trail offers a good workout with an atmosphere liken unto a National Forest trail. At the top of the hill visitors will encounter additional art sculptures by artist Al Garnto before descending downhill to the banks of Nottely River and back into the main park.

Dogs are not allowed in Meeks Park, instead beloved canines are offered the opportunity to enjoy their own 'dog-park' where they can partake in the privileged canine ritual of mingling and socialize amongst their own kind. The Dog Park is located behind North Georgia Technical College, adjacent to Union County Senior Center and across the road from Meeks Park.

Meeks Park Trails
(total of 4.62 miles)

The Paved 'Handicap Accessible' Trail

This trail leads from the upper parking area at Meeks Park, located on the edge of Blairsville. The trail follows a tree-lined walkway along the bank of Nottely River. Along the paved trail, hikers will encounter a sculpture by famed artist and local resident Al Garnto.

At the northern edge of the park the trail passes under the Hwy 515 viaduct, then continues on to the campus of the North Georgia Technical College, located across the roadway from Meeks Park. This paved low-impact walk is both picturesque. The trail can be a good cardio workout, or a causal stroll according to the pace of your walk.

Trail Rating: easy in difficulty

The Parklands Nature Trail

This trail can be accessed from several points throughout the park. Nature trails follow along both sides of Butternut Creek, crossing over several bridges in route. On the opposite side of the creek is the easy to follow nature trail leading through a woodland area and up a hill to its crest.

The trail creates 1-mile loop. The trail offers a good workout with an atmosphere liken unto that of a National Forest trail. At the top of the hill visitors will encounter additional art sculptures by artist Al Garnto. From the hilltop the trail descends downhill to the banks of Nottely River and back again into the main park. Meeks Park is located on the western edge of Blairsville.

Trail Rating: moderate in difficulty

Union County Dog Park Trail
490 Meeks Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512

The Union County Dog Park trail system is equal to 1.18 miles and is a part of the Meeks Park Trails, located behind Georgia Technical College across from Meeks Park. The dog park trail goes through shady woods with fields. You'll also find a covered pavilion and the Nottely River.

The Dog Park also has a new off-leash area that is completely fenced. There are two pens and a state of the art doggie drinking fountain. Clean-up bags are available on site. It is a wonderful place to spend some quality time with your dogs.

Trail Rating: easy in difficulty

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

designed, produced and hosted by

The Blue Ridge Highlander logo, all photography, design, graphics, artwork, writing, digital images, etc are the Copyright © of C. Wayne Dukes and Sherry Bell Dukes, 1996 to current day, except where otherwise stated. All rights reserved, reproduction, downloading, and/or duplication of any sort is strictly prohibited, all violations will be prosecuted. Legal Policy.  If you have any questions, or comments, regarding this site, e-mail the Highlander.