Sometimes, the mountains just beckon. Our family is flung far and wide. No one in our family lives in a mountainous region of the country. So when we want to get together for an outing, we often look for a change of scenery, which usually includes mountain locations. This time, we pointed the family’s compass towards the deep south.
In deepest northern Georgia is the not-so-sleepy town of Blue Ridge. Driving through each mountain hollow, every turn revealed a satisfying view. The air was thick with pine, and the treetops swayed to welcome our arrival. I could already feel the stress released from my body as my mind wondered about the days ahead.
Arriving in Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is just 90 miles from Atlanta, but it feels like a world apart. On the final push through the Chattahoochee National Forest, I felt like I was visiting an old friend. I find the mountain forests comforting, and I was starting to feel at home. We did a quick drive through the town of Blue Ridge on our way to our base camp, a rental cabin a couple of miles north.
The cabin appeared to be recently updated, and to our pleasant surprise, the online listing photos did not betray our confidence. The home was well appointed and well situated, with a panoramic view of distant hilltops. There was a sparkling clean hot tub on the lower screened patio, and the upper main floor patio was open to the night sky, which was littered with stars. Overall, we were satisfied with our accommodations for the next few days. There’s nothing like a log cabin in a mountain setting to set the mood – serene and peaceful.
Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty of charm, but don’t let its quaintness fool you—this town can be pretty sophisticated. If you’re a foodie, you’ll find plenty of table fare to tickle your palate. Once a vital railway stop in the 1800s, it has retained much of its old Americana appeal while evolving into a new, vibrant destination.
Many of the old building facades have been filled with an array of eclectic boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The town mixes the old and the new – vibrant yet still laid back and welcoming. We planned to visit daily after our daytime excursions into the environs. Let’s see what Blue Ridge has to offer:
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
I don’t know what it is about trains, but they have a special attraction. By the looks of the train station, everyone within a country mile is also attracted. So, buy your tickets in advance, and on weekend days like today, pack some patience.
We decided on the 4-hour round-trip from downtown Blue Ridge along the Toccoa River, stopping at the twin cities of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. The train itself is a nicely restored piece of railway history. The open-air cars let you feel the cool mountain air, and there are plenty of spots on the train to take in the views.
The train ride was gratifying as it wound through dense forests and scenic river bends. We were intent on spotting some local wildlife, but it seemed we were the only ones aboard who could not spot animals along the route. The conductor will keep you entertained with some local knowledge of the area and the history of the railway.
The stop at McCaysville will give you a chance to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. If you’re into trains, this relaxing, family-friendly experience will not disappoint. It’s well worth the price of admission.
Float Tubing the Toccoa River
River tubing is the quintessential Appalachian pastime—carefree mountain life. The Toccoa River flows from Lake Blue Ridge through town and into Tennessee, where it joins the Ocoee River. We rented inner tubes from a local vendor about 10 minutes outside of downtown and floated six miles of the river. It was a warm afternoon, and the water was cool and clear. The river current carried us gently down the stream.
It was an incredibly relaxing trip as we bobbed through the wonderful natural sights of the countryside. This is a nice way to get in touch with the sounds of Mother Nature. The float trip takes two hours and ends near a scenic 270-foot suspension bridge. The water is cool during summer and too cold in other months. The trips are family—and budget-friendly.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The real highlight of your trip was hiking a segment of the Appalachian Trail—something I’ve always wanted to do. We chose to hike to the approach to Springer Mountain, which has a peak elevation of 3,780 feet. Our hike would be an out-and-back beginning at Amicalola Falls State Park, about 35 miles south of Blue Ridge.
The trail climbs steadily through hardwood forest. For us, the hike seemed to stretch the limit of our abilities—this is not an easy hike with a sizable elevation gain, so be forewarned. This challenging hike is jaw-droppingly beautiful and worth every grueling step. The terrain can be rocky, but it is manageable for moderately fit hikers.
The summit is marked with a plaque, and you’ll get a sweeping panoramic view of the Chattahoochee National Forest, with rolling hills far into the distance, fading into the horizon. The round trip took us nearly ten hours, and you will finish with a profound sense of accomplishment. Tip: bring twice the amount of water you think you’ll need. It was a warm day, and we went through our water faster than anticipated.
Reflections
It took us a whole day to recover from our hike, but as we sat on the cabin porch and reminisced, the hike was the highlight of the trip, and we would do it again. Blue Ridge is a great place to relax and escape the day-to-day hustle and bustle of daily life, but not too far from all the creature contorts. This vibrant city fed us luxurious food and drink. It allowed us to relax and unplug without having to rough it.
