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.

Hiking

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.

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 Knob 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.

Dining

Enrico's Lakeview Restaurant
3295 Dogwood Ln. Hiawassee GA
706-896-1990

Brasstown Vally Reseort
6321 Hwy 76 Young Harris GA
706-379-4617

Asiano Japanese Steak House
1382 Hwy 76 Hiawassee, GA
706-896-0508

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

Steve’s 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

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