Blue Ridge, Georgia has no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had! From easy hikes and relaxing floats down the river to horseback riding and ziplining; you’ll find all kinds of fun family-friendly activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains, suitable for both kids and adults alike! Learn all about what kind of family-friendly adventures await you in our blog below.
*Cover Photo Courtesy @korikwissman & @captuedbybeth
North Georgia is known to have some of the best hiking trails in the entire state! Whether you’re looking to hike to the tallest mountain peak, explore a beautiful rushing waterfall, or cross the iconic 270-foot swinging bridge over the Toccoa River, there’s something for every adventurer out there!
One of our favorite trails in the area offers all this and more! The Benton McKaye Trail takes you past waterfalls like Fall Branch Falls and Long Creek Falls, across the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, and up to the summit of Springer Mountain. Stretching over 300 miles in total, the Benton McKaye Trail offers endless opportunities for exploration the farther you go! For more trails to explore check out our hiking blog for all the details: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-blue-ridge-hiking-trails
*Photo Courtesy of Waters Edge at Stanley Creek
While the hiking trails in North Georgia are incredible, the mountain biking trails are even more thrilling! Whether you prefer racing through winding mountain paths or taking your time to enjoy the scenery, there’s a trail for every skill level and pace. If you’re new to mountain biking, start with the Long Branch Loop. This easy trail offers a smooth ride with minimal obstacles and even a chance to stop and admire a nearby waterfall. Looking for a more demanding route? Then try the Stanley Gap Trail. This 10-mile out-and-back ride features steady climbs and steep downhill sections that are perfect for thrill seekers. Looking to try out even more mountain biking trails in the area? Visit our mountain biking blog for the inside scoop on all our favorite trails: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/11-memorable-mountain-biking-trails
*Photo Courtesy of Sorella Cycling
Blue Ridge proudly holds the title of the Trout Capital of Georgia, making it a dream destination for fishermen and women alike! Grab your fishing pole and cast your line into the sparkling waters of the Tocoa River and you might just reel in a trophy trout. The rivers here are teeming with fish, and if you’re lucky, you can even catch one right from your very own riverside cabin. For a more hands on fishing experience be sure to check out the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery and Noontootla Creek Farms. And if you need a little help planning your next fishing adventure, then Cohutta Fishing Company has got you covered! Whether you need expert advice or gear from their Downtown shop or hands on guidance on the water, their knowledgeable staff is happy to help. For more trout fishing experiences visit our blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/the-trout-capital-of-georgia-is-wading
Take to new heights and extremes with ziplining adventures and thrilling ropes courses! At Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge you’ll have 13 incredible zipline courses to choose from, ranging from 25 to 75 feet high! Guests ages 10 and up are invited to experience the thrill of gliding through the treetops while taking in stunning views of mountain peaks, rolling pastures, and Fightingtown Creek. Choose between one-hour or two-hour guided tours to find the perfect route for your family’s adventure style.
And for ziplines mixed with ropes course challenges visit Blue Ridge Adventure Park! This exciting park features climbing walls, ziplines, suspension bridges, and a variety of fun and challenging obstacles. Three different courses, each with their own level of difficulty, are available for guests ages seven and up. Get ready to push your limits and put your strength and balance to the test at Blue Ridge Adventure Park!
*Photo Courtesy of @bykatieparsons
Spend a carefree day tubing along the beautiful Toccoa River! No skill level is required, so every member of the family can enjoy soaking in some rays and floating their cares away down the river. Toccoa River Tubing Company offers just that! Enjoy a peaceful 1.5-hour float down the river that covers about a mile and a half of calm, scenic waters. And over at Toccoa Valley Campground, you can choose from tubing, rafting, or kayaking, but if pure relaxation is what you’re after, tubing is the way to go. They’ve been delivering outdoor fun to the Blue Ridge area for more than 50 years! Ready for more tubing fun this summer? Check out our tubing blog for all the details: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/tubing-and-kayaking-in-blue-ridge
Embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl on a horseback riding adventure through the mountains! No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to enjoy a scenic trail ride through the beautiful forests of North Georgia. If you love horses and the great outdoors, this is the perfect adventure for you!
One of our favorite local stables is Appalachian Trail Rides, where you’ll journey past mountains, creeks, and lakes on your scenic trail ride as you explore over 250 acres of picturesque farmland. And if you’re new to horseback riding, Cowgirl Up Stables is a great place to start. You’ll meander through the rolling Blue Ridge countryside while your horse leads the way at a comfortable pace. Saddle up and make unforgettable memories on one of these amazing trail rides! And for more horseback riding opportunities in Blue Ridge visit our blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/horseback-riding-in-blue-ridge
*Photo Courtesy @lostinthelowcountry
Looking for a fun and unique way to explore the beautiful North Georgia countryside? Gather your friends and set out on a bike riding adventure with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Rail Bikes!
These custom-designed, four-person, electric and motor-assisted rail bikes take you on an 11-mile round trip through the scenic foothills of Blue Ridge. Along the way, you’ll pass by peaceful mountain streams, beautiful mountain vineyards, and lush forests. But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to pause, take in the views, and snap a few photos before continuing your journey through this stunning landscape! And it’s the perfect outing for families of 4, because each bike has 4 seats each. Adults and children 4 and up will love this exciting and unique excursion through the Blue Ridge countryside!
Our biggest thrill seekers will love rafting down the rushing Ocoee River, just across the border in Tennessee. In fact our local rapids are so extreme that the 1996 Atlanta Olympics hosted their whitewater events on the upper section of the Ocoee River, how awesome is that!? But of course, unless you’re a seasoned rafter, you’ll want an experienced guide to help you navigate the rapids safely. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic guides nearby ready to make your trip both fun and unforgettable!
Rolling Thunder River Company has been leading whitewater adventures for over 40 years, offering half-day and full-day trips on the Ocoee River, Toccoa River, and Nantahala River in North Carolina. That’s three rivers, in three different states, each offering their own level of excitement. And another great option is Ocoee Rafting, the oldest rafting company on the Ocoee, guiding guests since 1976. Get ready to paddle through exhilarating Class III and IV rapids with expert guides who ensure your adventure is as thrilling as it is safe! Learn all about how to have a safe and thrilling whitewater rafting experience on our rafting blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/hit-the-rapids-whitewater-blue-ridge
