There is a wide-variety of dining in the area from southern-style, fun eateries to fast-food.  The mountain town of Blue Ridge is excellent for antique shopping, gift and specialty shops and art galleries.

Canoeing:

Toccoa River Canoe Trail (Length: 13.8 miles, Use: Moderate, Rating:  Easy, River Flow: 3-4 mph.)
The put in point is Deep Hole Recreation Area and you travel west and then north to near Lake Blue Ridge.  This is the ideal canoe trip for those who enjoy a more leisurely drift on a mountain river and is therefore perfect for beginners.  The journey will take you through forested lands and countryside with good fishing and some rapids.
For further information, directions, and put in points, contact the Toccoa Ranger District, 706/632-3031

Drive in Theatre:

Fishing for both native and stocked trout is available in over 100 miles of trout fishing streams in the area, including Jack's Creek, Toccoa River, Fightingtown Creek, Big Turniptown Creek, Cartecay River and Rock Creek.

Trout can be found in all the above mentioned bodies of water.  Additionally, Bass can be found in Jack's River, and Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish and Walleye can be found in the Toccoa.

Pick up a Georgia Guide to Trout Fishing available free at most sporting goods stores for details as to season, size limits, regulations, etc.

Lake Blue Ridge Marina, Blue Ridge:  Half-mile off old US 76.  Boat ramp, fishing, boating supplies and rental.  706/632-2618

H&L Trout Pond, Morganton:  Maple Grove Road off Hwy.515.  No limits, licenses or tackle needed.  706/374-5848

Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, Morganton:  20 miles south of Morgantown off GA Hwy 60.   706/838-4723

Butternut Creek Golf Course is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains with bent grass greens and bermuda fairways.  Located at Hwys. 19/129 North, Blairsville, 706/745-5153

Whitepath Golf Course.  This challenging course is named for the famous Cherokee Chief.  Located 5 miles north of Ellijay on Hwy. 575, 706/276-7199

Copper Basin Golf Club, 9 holes, par 36, located in Copperhill, TN, 423/496-3579

There are over 300 miles of hiking trails within or adjacent to Fannin County, including the Appalachian and Benton McKaye Trails. The US Forestry Service on the Appalachian Hwy. in Blue Ridge has a detailed map of the Chattahoochee National Forest and can provide information on the trails in the area.  The Cherokee National Forest (Tennessee) can be found at the Ocoee Whitewater Center on Hwy. 64.

The Cohutta Wilderness Area is over 35,000 acres of National Forest land set aside as a designated wilderness area.   Because of the rugged terrain it is better suited to the experienced outdoorsman.   The Ocoee Whitewater Center also offers access to about 10-miles of hiking or mountain biking trails including the 1.5 mile Bear Paw Loop trail, or you can put in several hours exploring the Chestnut Mountain Loop (6.2 miles).  A handicap accessible trail is in the works to open in 2000.

For further information contact the US Forest Service at 706/632-3031 or the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce at 706/632-5680 (1-800-899-MTNS)

Flat Creek Trail allows for a gradual climb to the head of Flat Creek and there are stream crossings, tunnels of rhododendron and slip-sliding rides atop baseball sized rocks and a steep climb back to the top.  The total distance is 5.6-miles and the elevation changes from 1980' to 2800'.

Stanley Gap Trail is a terrific single track for 4.9 miles and a paved downhill takes you out to the Toccoa River.  You then ride up and over the top of the mountain along the ridge.  The total distance is 12.5-miles and the elevation changes from 1720' to 3442'.

Green Mountain Trail gives you a downhill rush to the shores of Lake Blue Ridge on a wonderful single track with lake views, but be prepared for a long uphill at the end.  The total distance is 7.5-miles and the elevation changes from 1680' to 2520

Mountain Bike Rentals:  
Cycle South, Blue Ridge 706/632-3533
Ocoee Adventure Center, Copperhill, TN  888-723-8622

You will find knowledgeable and courteous agents waiting to fulfill your real estate needs at Trail Tree Properties ...

Blanche Manor.  706/455-RIDE.   Located in Copperhill, TN, just minutes from the cabin. Offers hourly trail rides throughout the year (weather permitting).  Also offered are hay rides and dinner providing both children and adults a bit of the pioneer experience while touring scenic surroundings.  www.blanchemanor.com

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce offers information on various self-driving tours that begin from Blue Ridge.  To receive detailed brochures specifying directions and descriptions on the following, or other self-driving tours, please contact them at 706/632-5680 or 1-800-899-MTNS

Self-Driving Tour #1 - Mountains & Countryside

A 37 mile drive through the scenic mountains and countryside, approx. driving time is 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours.

Self-Driving Tour #2 - A Ride to the Wilderness for Skilled Drivers, April 1 - October 20

This is a 3-5 hour trip and your vehicle needs to be in good mechanical order with adequate fuel.  The trip will take you adjacent to wilderness areas through mountain forests to a secluded lake.

Self-Driving Tour #3 - Drive through the Deep Forest

Two choices are offered for this drive, one is a distance of 30 miles and an easier drive (1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours duration), the other is for skilled drivers at a distance of 32 miles (2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours).  Either way, you will experience the splendor of the deep forest.

An additional scenic drive definitely worth a mention is the Ocoee Scenic Bypass (Hwy.64).  The first National Forest Scenic Byway in the United States is located in the Cherokee National Forest and consists of 26 miles of highway that winds alongside the Ocoee River in Polk County, TN and up to the Chilhowee Overlooks on Forest Service Road 77.

The train route consists of a 26-mile round trip through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River. This railroad was built over 100 years ago and is the only mainline railroad excursion service based in Georgia.

Each trip begins at the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia and includes a stop in McCaysville which permits passengers to disembark and stretch their legs while exploring the downtown communities of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Each round trip takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.

The Ocoee has been rated one of the ten best whitewater rivers in the country by Canoe Magazine.

Whitewater rafting season normally runs in this area from March through early November.  If you are planning to ride the Ocoee, one of the most exciting rivers in the Eastern United States, allow at least a half-day for the activity.  The trip itself lasts a couple of hours, not including the travel time between the outfitters and back.  Trips are available throughout the day, but it's best to call ahead and make a reservation. Full day trips are also available.  Because the water flow is damn controlled, the river is not affected by drought conditions.

The following outfitters offer exhilarating trips on the Ocoee River (Class III & IV rapids - moderate to wild) and made famous by the 1996 Olympic whitewater events:

Ocoee Adventure Center,  888-723-8622 www.ocoeeadventurecenter.com
Ocoee Rafting, 800-251-4800 www.ocoeerafting.com
Southeastern Expeditions, 800-868-7238 www.southeasternexpeditions.com