
Dining
Blairsville Seafood Market & Grill
208 Earnest Street, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-9519
Catfish Corner
444 Blue Ridge St., Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-3180
Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant
70 Blue ridge St., Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-4834
Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant
122 Murphy Highway, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-5998
Muffy's
Mountain Burgers & Such...
364 Blue Ridge St., Blairsville, GA 30512
706-835-2992
North Georgia Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant
90 Town Square, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-5888
Rib Country
373 Kousins Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-3530
Steves Steak House
Blairsville, GA 30514
706-745-9885
The
Sawmill Place Breakfast & Country Store
845 Pat
Haralson Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-1250
The World Famous Blairsville Restaurant
229 Earnest, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-8922
Fishing
Lake Winfield Scott: State Route 180
south of Blairsville. Trout are stocked in this acre lake about every other week
during trout season. There is a Forest Service campground here, and it is a very
popular area. The lake has a limited bass and bream fishery. Lake Nottely:
A 4180 acre reservoir with Largemouth, Striped and White Bass, Crappie, Walleye,
Bream and Catfish. Nottely and Toccoa Rivers:
Year round. Other streams are seasonal and year round.

Golf
Brasstown Valley Resort
6321 US 76, Young Harris, GA 30582
706-379-9900
Butternut Creek Golf Course
20 Union County Recreation Rd., Blairsville, GA 30514
706-745-5153
Horse
Back Riding
A Step Above Stables
3839 South Mauney, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-9051
Trackrock Stables
4890 Trackrock Camp Road, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-5252
http://www.georgiamagazine.com/trackrock/
Hiking
Arkaquah Trail Length: 5.5 miles Trail descends along
a ridge from Brasstown Bald parking lot to Track Rock Gap. There are lips and
downs, some steep along the way. The final mile has several swithbacks. Open ridge
tops provide excellent views. This trail is within the Brasstown Wilderness for
about 5 miles of its length. This trail is not blazed. Directions:
Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for 8 miles. Turn left (east) onto
Georgia 180. Go 8 miles and turn left (north) onto Georgia 180 Spur. Follow this
road 3 miles to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center parking lot. NOTE:
There is a parking fee. The trail leaves the parking lot from the northwest corner
near the restrooms. To reach the lower end of the trail at Track Rock Gap, go
east of Blairsville on U.S. 76 for 6 miles. Turn right (south) on Track Rock Road
and drive 3 miles to a gravel parking lot on the right just past the petroglyphs
in the gap. The trail begins across the road from the parking lot. Beasley
Know ORV Trails Length: 10.8 Open to: Off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles,
and motorcycles This area has a well-developed system of 8 interconnecting
trails offering a total of 10.8 miles and a wide variety of riding challenges.
RIDING IS ALLOWED ON DEVELOPED TRAILS ONLY. Most trails are considered difficult
due to steep terrain. The trails are most suited to experienced drivers who are
skilled in mountain terrain driving. Inexperienced drivers are strongly urged
to select other trails. Directions: Take U.S. 76/Appalachian
Development Highway (APD) 515 east from Blairsville for 4 miles. Turn right on
Forest Service Road 745. Follow this road 1.1 miles to parking lot. Visitors should
stop by the Brasstown Ranger District office for more information on these trails.
Brasstown Bald Trail Length: 0.6 mile This
steep, paved trail leads from the parking lot on Brasstown Bald Mountain to the
Visitor Information Center at the summit. There are interpretive signs along the
trail. Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from
Blairsville for 8 miles. Turn left (east) onto GA 180 and drive 8 miles; then
turn left (north) onto GA 180 Spur and follow it 3 miles to the Brasstown Bald
Visitor Center parking lot. NOTE: There is a parking fee. The trail begins
between the food concession building and the log cabin book store. Jacks
Knob Trail Length: 4.5 miles This blue-blazed trail begins with a
short climb out of the Brasstown Bald parking lot, then descends nearly 1,500
feet through a series of switchbacks that cover about 2 miles. It crosses GA 180
in Jacks Gap and then climbs about 2.2 miles to the Appalachian Trail at Chattahoochee
Gap. Approximately 0.2 mile south of Jacks Gap, the trail enters the Mark Trail
Wilderness. Blazes will be farther apart on the wilderness portion of the trail.
Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville
for 8 miles. Turn left (east) onto GA 180. After 8 miles, turn left (north) onto
GA 180 Spur and follow it 3 miles to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center parking
lot. NOTE: There is a parking fee. The trail begins at the southern end of
the parking lot. Lake Chatuge Trail Length:
1.2 miles This loop trail encircles Lake Chatuge campground around the
lakeshore. Directions: Take U.S. 76 east from Blairsville
for 11 miles. Turn right (south) onto GA 288. Go 1 mile and turn left into the
Lake Chatuge Recreation Area. Turn left again into the boat-ramp parking area.
The trail begins to the right of the boat ramp. Wagon
Train Trail Length: 5.8 miles This trail follows an old roadbed from
Brasstown Bald through the Brasstown Wilderness to the National Forest boundary
approximately 1 mile south of Young Harris. Directions:
Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville 8 miles. Turn left (east) onto GA
180. Travel 8 miles and turn left (north) onto GA 180 Spur. Follow it 3 miles
to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center parking lot. NOTE: There is a parking
fee. Walk up the mountain on the paved trail that begins between the food concession
building and the log cabin. The trail soon comes to a dirt road. Turn right on
this road, and you will be on the Wagon Train Trail. Bear
Hair Gap Trail Length: 4 miles This trail forms a loop beginning and
ending in Vogel State Park. Length includes an optional side trail to an overlook
offering a panoramic view of the park and lake. The trail is located on a combination
of old roadbeds and constructed trail. It is well marked with orange blazes. However,
the blazes are spaced more widely apart on the part of the trail that is within
the Blood Mountain Wilderness than on the part outside the wilderness. Directions:
Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn right into Vogel
State Park. NOTE: There is a parking fee in the park. The trail begins to
the right of the road behind the Park Visitor Center. Byron
Herbert Reece Access Trail Length: 0.7 mile This trail, fairly steep
for about half its length, provides access to the Appalachian Trail at Flat Rock
Gap. Since the trail is entirely within the Blood Mountain Wilderness, the blue
trail blazes are widely spaced. Directions: Take
U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for 12 miles. Turn right into the Byron
Herbert Reece Memorial and continue to parking lot on left. Coosa
Back Country Trail Length: 12.7 miles This yellow-blazed loop trail
begins in Vogel State Park and returns there after many ups and downs, crossing
through gaps and over mountains. Some ascents are made gradually around the slopes
and others steeply up the ridges. It is somewhat easier if hiked in a counterclockwise
direction. Approximately one fourth of the trail crosses through the Blood Mountain
Wilderness. Blazes will be farther apart on this section. A permit is required
for both day hiking and backpacking and is available free from Vogel State Park
Visitor Center. Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129
south from Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn right into Vogel State Park. NOTE:
There is a parking fee in the park. The trail begins to the right of the road
behind the Park Visitor Center. Helton Creek Falls
Trail Length: 0.3 This short trail descends to the first waterfall
then climbs beside the creek to the second and larger waterfall. The rocks are
deceptively slippery around these falls. Exercise caution. Directions:
Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for about 11 miles. Turn left onto
Helton Creek Road, the first road past the entrance to Vogel State Park. Travel
2.2 miles to the parking area on the right. The trail begins on the right just
before the parking area. The first mile of this road is paved, fairly narrow,
and surrounded by summer homes. The rest of the road is gravel. Jarrard
Gap Trail Length: 1 mile The trail climbs gradually from Lake Winfield
Scott Campground to its junction with the Appalachian Trail slightly south of
Jarrard Gap. The last 0.25 mile of this blue-blazed trail is within the Blood
Mountain Wilderness. Directions: Take U.S. 19 and
129 south from Blairsville for 9.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto GA 180 and go
7 miles to the main entrance to Lake Winfield Scott campground. Turn left into
the campground. Follow this road over a hill and continue straight ahead into
a gravel parking lot at the foot of the hill. From the parking lot, hike along
the paved road passing the guard rail at the head of the lake. The trailhead is
on the right of the road just past the guard rails. Lake
Winfield Scott Trail Length: 0.4 mile This loop trail follows the
lakeshore on a gentle grade, allowing easy access for fishing. Part of the trail
is paved but most is gravel surfaced. Directions:
Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for 9.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto
GA 180 and go 7 miles to the main entrance to Lake Winfield Scott campground.
Turn left into the campground. Follow this road over a hill and continue straight
ahead into a gravel parking lot at the foot of the hill. Walk straight through
the parking lot to reach the trail. Slaughter
Creek Trail Length: 2.7 miles Located partly on old roadbeds, the
trail leads from Lake Winfield Scott campground to the Appalachian Trail at Slaughter
Gap. This moderate blue-blazed trail enters the Blood Mountain Wilderness about
1 mile before reaching Slaughter Gap. Blazes will be farther apart on this section
of trail. Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 south
from Blairsville for 9.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto GA 180 and go 7 miles to
the main entrance to Lake Winfield Scott camp-ground. Turn left into the campground.
Follow this road over a hill and continue straight ahead into a gravel parking
lot at the foot of the hill. From the parking lot, hike along the paved road passing
the guard rail at the head of the lake. The trailhead is on the right of the road
just past the guard rails. Sosebee Cove Trail
Length: 0.5 mile This loop trail circles through one of the finest
stands of second-growth hardwood in the region and is also noted for the variety
of wildflowers that flourish on the forest floor. Directions:
Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for 9.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto
GA 180. Go 2 miles to the Sosebee Cove parking lot on the right. Davenport
Trail Length: 5 miles Open to: All terrain vehicles, motorcycles,
and mountain bicycles This trail loops around Davenport Mountain with some
moderate grades and offers views of Nottely Lake. This trail is recommended for
riders accustomed to riding on flat to rolling terrain, young, or inexperienced
riders. Riders must stay on the trail. Cross country riding is not allowed. Caution:
The trail crosses a road at two places. Watch for other vehicles on the road at
these crossings.
Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 north from Blairsville
for 2 miles. Turn left on Pat Colwell Road and go 8 miles. Turn right
on Forest Service Road 143 and go 0.75 mile to a trailhead parking area
on the left.
Marinas
/ Boat Tours
Cozy Cove Marina
3786 Nottely Dam Road, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-2468
Fieldstone Marina
3379 U.S. Hwy 76 West, Hiawassee, GA 30546
706-896-8374
Lake Nottely Scenic Tours, Inc.
761 Murphy Highway, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-379-0642
North GA Boat Docks
1360 Blue Ridge Hwy. #3, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-781-3628
Nottely Marina
2580 Doucette Circle, Blairsville, GA 30514
706-745-3638
Massage
Therapy
Healing Hand Wellness Center
1334 Old Blue Ridge Hwy., Blairsville, GA 30512
706-781-3448
Movies
Bald Mountain Cinemas
1650 Backyard Lane, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-8222
Tubing
/Canoeing
Rolling Thunder River Company
20 Hughes Street, McCaysville, GA
800-408-7238
Ocoee Rafting
Windy Ridge Road, Ducktown, TN 37326
423-496-3388
Things
To Do
The Appalachian Trail - A wilderness footpath that
winds over 2,100 miles along the crest of the Appalachian mountains. It
runs through 14 states.
The Appalachian Trail in Georgia extends some 80 miles through the primitive
area of Chattahoochee National Forest. Although rising at times to elevations
of over 4,400 feet, the Trail is mostly along ridges at elevations around
3,000 feet. It offers unlimited hiking adventure of exceptional challenge
and variety. Ascents and descents are sometimes steep, but are often rewarded
by scenic vistas from rocky outcrops and open summits.
The Appalachian Trail may be reached
by way of: Woody Gap on Georgia Highway 60, 4 miles south of Suches; Neel Gap
on U.S. Highway 19/129, 14 miles south of Blairsville; and Testate Gap and Hog
Pen Gap on Georgia Highway 348 (Richard Russell Scenic Highway,) 15 miles southeast
of Blairsville. Blood Mountain Archaeological Area
- Site of Cherokee and Creek Indian Battle before arrival of the white man.
For your convenience, there is a Visitor Information Center located at Walasi-Yi
Center where the Appalachian Trail crosses U.S. Highway 19/129. The area is located
15 miles south of Blairsville at Neel Gap on US Highway 19/129, via Appalachian
Trail. Blue Star Memorial By-Way - First conceived
in 1946 to honor veterans of World War II, Blue Star Memorials became a project
of the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. Since that time, hundreds
of Memorials have been dedicated by Garden Clubs throughout the nation honoring
our armed forces, who have served, are serving, and will serve in the Armed Forces
of the United States. The name was taken from the Blue Star in the Service Flag.
The bronze marker, dedicated June 6, 1999, is located at Heritage Walk on the
grounds of the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, Highway 515 at Old
Blue Ridge Highway, Blairsville. Brasstown Bald
Mountain & Visitor Information Center - 360 degree vista of four states
from the observation deck, atop Georgia's highest elevation of 4,784 feet. The
Visitor Information Center offers interpretive programs, slide presentations and
exhibits that explain the natural history of the mountain area and the changes
that occur in flora and fauna throughout the seasons. Hiking trails and picnicking
areas are available. Open Memorial Day through October and on weekends in early
spring (as weather permits.) Facilities 1/4 mile below. Summit reached by trail
or by shuttle bus for a small fee. An elevator was installed prior to the 1999
season to carry the handicapped visitors to the observation deck. Travel US Highway
19/129 south from Blairsville seven miles. Turn left onto Georgia Highway 180
for nine miles, then north on Georgia 66 for three miles. Byron
Herbert Reece Homeplace - This farm homeplace is where Reece completed his
writings. Still standing are the house Reece built for his parents, his study,
the large barn and home of his sister. About three miles south beyond the homeplace
is the Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Park with hiking trails and picnic area. Located
nine miles south of Blairsville on US Highway 19 & 129. Cooper's
Creek Scenic & Recreation Area - 1,240 acres featuring camping, picnicking,
hiking, fishing and hunting. Cooper's Creek and tributaries are teeming with trout.
From Blairsville, go west on Blue Ridge Highway (Old Highway 76) for three miles.
Turn left onto Mulky Gap Road. Follow paved road until pavement ends and turn
to gravel. Go three miles and Cooper's Creek is on the left. DeSoto
Falls Scenic Area - Rugged mountainous country with exceptional views and
five beautiful waterfalls - 650 acres with 2,000-4,000 feet elevations. Clear
streams, camping, fishing, picnicking, and hiking. Take US Highway 19/129 south
of Blairsville for 15 miles or north from Cleveland for 15 miles. Dukes
Creek Falls - Drops about 150 feet down a sheer granite canyon and into Dukes
Creek. The area offers scenic beauty and excellent gold panning opportunities.
There is a slippery-rock water slide. An observation deck affords an excellent
view of the falls from the parking are. Travel on US Highway 19/129 south from
Blairsville five miles. Turn left onto Georgia Highway 180 for 1/2 mile. Turn
right onto Georgia Highway 348 (Richard Russell Scenic Highway) for 12 miles. Frank
Gross Recreation Area - Along beautiful Rock Creek, near Chattahoochee National
Fish Hatchery. Camping and fishing. Take Georgia Highway 60 north from Suches
approximately 10 miles turn left onto Forest Service Road 69 for five miles. Georgia
Mountain Experiment Station - A branch of the University of Georgia established
in 1930 to provide a diversified program in agricultural research and demonstrations
of fruits, vegetables, field and forage crops as well as ornamentals and beef-cattle
winter feeding trials. Gardens of the Arboretum project is in progress and will
center around the Jarrett "Apple" House, an historic building on the
grounds of the Experiment Station. Tours may be arranged by calling (706) 745-2655.
Self-guided tours Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Located approximately
three miles south of Blairsville on US Highway 19/129. Helton
Creek Falls - Beautiful double falls set in deep hardwood forest. The total
vertical drop is more than 100 feet. A 300 yard trail leads to the falls. (The
rocks are deceptively slippery; please exercise caution.) Travel 13 miles south
of Blairsville on 19/129. Turn left onto Helton Creek Road, 2.3 miles to a parking
area on the right. Horse Trough Falls - Another
lesser known but no less spectacular waterfall awaits you in Union County within
easy distance of Helen. It's Horse rough Falls, a shimmering 70 foot falls on
Little Horse Trough Creek. To reach Horse Trough Falls, take Georgia 17/75 north
from Helen (in White County) to FS44. Then turn left onto FS44. At 9.3 mile you'll
pass a waterfall on Spoilcane Creek. Then, at about 3.4 miles you'll come to FS44F
which turns off to the right. FS44F soon fords Henson Creek. Once you're across
Henson Creek stay to the left for 0.2 miles to a road-blocking pile of debris
and park your vehicle there. Now look for blue blazes marking a trail leading
upstream along the Chattahoochee River. Hike upstream. You'll soon ford the river.
Several hundred feet upriver Little Horse Trough Creek joins the river from the
left; follow the creek upstream for a tenth of a mile to the base of the falls.
From three hiking distance to Horse Trough Falls is about 0.3 miles. Lake
Nottely - A 4,180 acre body of water with a 106 mile shoreline. Recreation
areas provide opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping.
For your convenience there are two marinas and public boat ramps along the lake.
Travel nine miles north on US Highway 19/129, turn left onto Georgia Highway 325,
two miles to view 184 foot dam. Lake Winfield
Scott - Clear 18 acre lake high in the mountains with picnicking, camping,
swimming, fishing, boating and hiking. Covered pavilion and bathhouse near swimming
area. Take US Highway 19/129 south from Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn west onto
Georgia Highway 180 for seven miles. Lake Woody
- Named for Arthur Woody, widely known for establishing rainbow trout in the
cool mountain streams, and bringing deer back to the mountains of north Georgia.
Take US Highway 19/129 south of Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn west onto Georgia
Highway 180 for 12 miles to Suches near the Georgia Highway 60 intersection. Richard
Russell Scenic Highway - 14.1 miles of scenic mountain drive, overlooks. The
Highway crosses the Appalachian Trail. Elevations range from 2,040 feet to 3,644
feet. Direct route from Blairsville to Helen. Travel south of Blairsville on US
Highway 19/129 for five miles. Turn left onto Georgia Highway 180, 1/2 mile to
designated Georgia Highway 348. Sosebee Cove Scenic
Area - 175 acre tract of prize hardwoods set aside as a memorial to Arthur
Woody, the "Barefoot Ranger," who served as US Forest Ranger form 1911
to 1945. No facilities, 1/2 mile trail. Abundant spring flowers. Take US Highway
19/129 south of Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn west onto Georgia Highway 180 for
two miles. Trackrock Archaeological Area -
52 acre area with preserved petroglyph of ancient indian origin. Carvings resemble
animal and bird tracks, crosses, circles and human footprints. Historical marker
locates the area. Travel US Highway 19/129 south of Blairsville. Turn left onto
Town Creek School Road. Turn left at Harmony Grove Church onto Trackrock Gap Road,
approximately three mile. Union County Historical
Courthouse Museum - A Romanesque style brick and granite structure built in
1899 unique in its Appalachian Georgia setting. The Union County Historical Society
was organized in 1976 to restore the Courthouse and the old Courthouse clock which
had been removed in the 1950's. The clock is proudly displayed in the Courthouse
lobby. Special collections feature the life and works of beloved Georgia poet,
Byron Herbert Reece, a native of Union County, and Margarita Morgan's internationally
known miniature doll house collection. Visit the Historical Society's museum in
the Courthouse, located in the center of Blairsville. Vogel
State Park - One of Georgia's oldest and most popular state parks. Major facilities
include 280 acres in the mountains, 110 tent and trailer sites, 36 rental cottages,
20 acre lake, miniature golf, swimming beach, four picnic shelters, pioneer camping,
pedal boats, family group shelter. There are 17 miles of hiking trails for the
outdoor enthusiasts. Annual special events include the Wildflower Program in April
and the Mountain Music Festival in September.
Woody Gap Recreational Area - Scenic view of Yahoola
Valley. The Appalachian Trail crosses Georgia Highway 60 at this point.
Located four miles south of Suches.
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