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The mountains are calling and you must go straight to Blue Ridge, Georgia where the North Georgia Mountains allow you to cool off in the mountain waters, chase waterfalls, kayak, tube, fish, or even take in a drive-in movie.

Spending time outdoors while visiting the mountains is the way to go and Blue Ridge is an easy road trip.

Of course, I’m midwestern and we drive everywhere, but seriously, drop it in mapquest and see how far Blue Ridge is for you. Under 12 hours is an easy peasy drive.

HefferinMtnandValley — Photo Credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

Enjoy Some River R&R

Dip your toes in the clear, cool waters of the Toccoa River. Kayak, canoe, tube, or even fish the day away. Horseshoe Bend Park is an easy spot to access the river.

If you need a water vessel head over to Jon Ron Toccoa River Outfitters or Blue Ridge Mountian Kayaking and they will hook you up, including shuttle service.

If you’d rather slowly float the river on a tube there are a number of outfitters in the area that can hook you up including Toccoa Valley Campground and Tubing, Toccoa River Tubing, or Rolling Thunder Tubing.

Honestly, there is nothing better than floating down a river on a hot summer day.

Tubing — Photo Credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

Adrenaline Junkies Look Here

As the Toccoa River meanders along it eventually turns into the Ocoee River and crosses into Tennessee and the water turns to white water rapids.

Grab a seat on a raft with a local guide and test your agility as you move through the turbulent waters.

Fly Fishing Blue Ridge — Photo Credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

Is Fishing More Your Speed?

Guided wade trips and float trips are available at the head and tailwaters of the Toccoa River.

Cohutta Fishing Company carries a great selection of fishing gear and accessories plus all their flies are tied by local guides and retired fishing enthusiasts.

Want to learn to tie your own flies? Cohutta offers both fly-tying and fly-fishing classes, as well.

Nearby, Noontootla Creek Farms, gives visitors another option for river adventure with two miles of guided trophy fly-fishing, as well as opportunities to explore by land with guided and unguided quail hunts and a sporting clay course.

Guests can extend the experience with an overnight stay in the farmhouse-style lodging.

How To Enjoy The Lake Life in Blue Ridge

Rent a pontoon boat on Lake Blue Ridge at Lake Blue Ridge Marina or let the experts guide you at Capt’n Joe’s Lake Adventures offers tours, private and specialty charters.

Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters.

Hike Trails, Chase Waterfalls

Here you’ll be able to hike part of the Appalachian Trail or the Benton MacKaye Trail, or both if you’re so inclined.

Simply start at the top of Springer Mountain and check these famous trails off your hiking list.

A number of trails head to waterfalls. Some popular options include Fall Branch Falls and Long Creek Falls. In the Chilhowee Recreations Area you’ll find Benton Falls.

Fall Stanley Rapids — Photo Credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

See More With This Scenic Drive

If taking in the mountain scenery from the comfort of your car is more your speed, explore these six scenic driving routes that let you escape into the wilderness, experience town, and country, and drink in mountaintop vistas.

Practice Safer Travel with Curbside and Al Fresco Dining

Quell hunger pangs with waterside dining in nearby McCaysville. Try curbside family meals from Burra Burra on the River, where you can dig into a variety of American food.

Ranging from Sweet Potato Fries to sandwiches like the Old Line Railroad Burger with Black Angus beef soaked in a whiskey glaze, thick cut bacon, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and lettuce all atop a brioche bun.

End the evening in a sweet way with a riverside ice cream treat from Happy Bear Café.

Next door, Twisted Tomato Restaurant offers mouth-watering, brick-oven pizza and Italian food you can pick up to enjoy along the banks of the Toccoa River.

Just 15 minutes outside of Blue Ridge, Toccoa Riverside Restaurant provides guests with a fine dining experience, complete with award-winning steaks and seafood along with a dog-friendly outdoor bar and patio area, set in the gorgeous natural surroundings along the Toccoa River.

For even more casual dining, go below to River Rest for some great appetizers and an assortment of fish, shrimp, veggie or pork tacos and enjoy dining on the banks of the Toccoa River.

Kick It Old School at the Drive-In

Just because the sun has set doesn’t mean that the outdoor fun is over. Head over to the Swan Drive-In Movie Theater and enjoy a couple of movies while taking in the night sky and fresh mountain air.

No matter which outdoor adventure you choose, summertime memories await in pristine Blue Ridge, Georgia.