Scenic drives, overlooks, hikes, wildlife - seeking advice

Question

Our family of three - dad, mom, and our college-aged daughter - is planing a trip to Blue Ridge soon, and we have a few questions about the area. We have visited the Great Smoky Mountains countless times, and we’re looking forward to the exploring the North Georgia mountains next trip!

We understand the mountain ranges will look a bit different in North Georgia as opposed to the TN or NC mountains, with lower elevations in GA, so we’re looking for our best bets!

We love nature, hiking, photography, watching for wildlife, and soaking in beautiful scenery.

Does the Blue Ridge area have scenic overlooks of mountain vistas anywhere - like the pull-offs in in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway for example?

What scenic drives would you recommend in the area? Do these scenic drives have pull-offs with great views of the mountains?

What are your best recommended hikes (under 5 miles or so) for the best views of waterfalls or mountain vistas?

What places should we not miss for watching for wildlife - deer, black bears, etc. We completely understand there is no guarantee on seeing wildlife at any particular time, but we wonder if there are areas that would give us the best chance of spotting and admiring wildlife - from a safe distance of course.

We will most likely be staying in Blue Ridge or Ellijay.

We look forward to spending some time in downtown Blue Ridge for some shopping and eating. Also on our list are visits to Helen, GA, for the day and apple picking at Mercier Orchards. The train ride from Blue Ridge looks fun as well!

We truly appreciate your help!

Answer

The Blue Ridge area in North Georgia offers some incredible scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and wildlife viewing spots that will surely delight your family. While the mountains in Georgia might be a bit lower than those in the Great Smoky Mountains or Blue Ridge Parkway, the natural beauty and charm of the area more than make up for it. Here are some recommendations for your trip:

Scenic Drives and Overlooks:

There are several beautiful scenic drives in and around Blue Ridge that offer stunning mountain views, some of which have designated pull-offs where you can stop and take in the vistas:

Scenic Highway 76: This highway takes you through the heart of the North Georgia mountains, connecting Blue Ridge and Hiawassee. There are several overlooks along the way, offering great opportunities for photos of the mountains and valleys.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: While this is a train ride rather than a traditional drive, it’s a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the region. The route travels along the Toccoa River, with views of the Appalachian foothills.
US Highway 19 (The Richard Russell Scenic Highway): This highway offers some of the best views in the area, with scenic overlooks providing sweeping views of the mountains and valleys below. Don’t miss the beautiful views at the top of the highway near the Brasstown Bald Observation Tower, the highest point in Georgia.
Forest Service Road 33 (The “Aska” Road Area): A lesser-known gem with great scenery and access to some trails. Along the way, you’ll see the Toccoa River and have opportunities to stop at small scenic pull-offs.

Hiking Recommendations:

For shorter hikes with amazing views, waterfalls, and wildlife, here are some trails under 5 miles that will give you a taste of North Georgia’s beauty:

Fall Branch Falls Trail (1 mile): A short, easy hike to a lovely waterfall. It’s a perfect spot for photography, especially in the fall when the foliage is changing colors.
Amicalola Falls Trail (2 miles): A bit more challenging, but offers spectacular views of Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia. The trail leads up to an observation platform with views of the falls and the surrounding mountains.
The Aska Trails (2-4 miles): These are a network of interconnected trails in the Blue Ridge area, offering beautiful views of the Toccoa River, waterfalls, and the surrounding forest. Trails vary in difficulty, but many are less than 5 miles long.
Cooper Creek Falls Trail (2.5 miles): A lovely, short hike that takes you through the forest and along a creek to a beautiful waterfall. It’s an easy hike with great opportunities for wildlife and nature photography.

Wildlife Viewing:

North Georgia is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and more. While it’s impossible to guarantee sightings, there are areas where you have the best chance of seeing wildlife:

Brasstown Bald: The area around Brasstown Bald offers excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. The area is also great for birdwatching, and you may spot turkeys, deer, or even black bears.
The Chattahoochee National Forest: Many of the trails and scenic areas around Blue Ridge are part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Hiking early in the morning or late in the evening will give you the best chance of seeing animals like deer and bears.
Lake Blue Ridge: The lake and its surrounding areas are great for birdwatching, and you may also spot beavers, otters, and various waterfowl. The early morning is the best time for wildlife sightings.

Additional Attractions:

Since you’ll be staying in Blue Ridge or Ellijay, make sure to explore some other attractions in the area:

Mercier Orchards: Located near Blue Ridge, this orchard is a great spot for apple picking in the fall, with fresh produce and other local goods. It's a fun, family-friendly experience.
Helen, GA: A charming Bavarian-themed village in the North Georgia mountains. It’s a fun day trip from Blue Ridge, with shops, restaurants, and scenic views. The drive to Helen is also scenic, particularly in the fall.
Downtown Blue Ridge: Spend some time exploring the town, with its local shops, cafes, and art galleries. The town has a relaxed, small-town charm, and it's a great place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

In summary, Blue Ridge and the surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing in nature. You’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the North Georgia mountains without the large crowds of the more popular areas like the Great Smoky Mountains. Have a wonderful trip!

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