Outdoor Activities

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Appalachian Trail: The Appalachian Trail is more than 2,150 miles long and winds its way through 14 states. Georgia's segment from Springer Mountain to Bly Gap on the North Carolina border is 76 miles in length. There are several day hikes ranging from 2.2 miles to 10.8 miles. Whatever trail you choose, you will be rewarded by grand views.
Cohutta Wilderness: The Cohutta Wilderness covers 37,000 acres that spill over the Georgia/Tennessee border. Its unique flat-topped ridges and peaks covered with deep, black soils profoundly affect the plant communities—ridges are often carpeted with lush ferns and knee-high herbs. With 95 miles of trails, the Cohutta Wilderness is a hiker's dream come true.
Brasstown Wilderness: Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest mountain. From its summit at 4,784 feet there are breathtaking views of four states. From the parking lot you can reach the top on a moderate 0.5 mile paved trail that is well worth walking.
Ridgeway Bike Trail: This six-mile trail is classified as "expert"—it has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Severe descents, steep climbs, creek crossings and technical downhill sections make this ride fun but challenging. It has beautiful views of Carter Lake.
Bull Mountain: This trail features a four-mile single-track experience with eleven additional miles of lightly traveled dirt and gravel Forest Service roads to complete the loop. Elevations range from 1700 to 2500 feet. The single-track has plenty of fast twisting downhill. The scenery is unbeatable, with Mountain Laurel creating tunnels over parts of the trail.

Golf and Tennis

Big Canoe: If you yearn for a change of pace in your golf experience, Big Canoe's spectacular Mountain Course will surely challenge you to new heights! This 27-hole championship golf course, designed by Joe Lee, has mountain peaks for a backdrop. It winds its way through peaceful valleys by rushing streams and clear lakes and soars to the top of cliffs where you can watch your drive sail into eternity.
www.bigcanoe.com
Hawks Ridge: The course at Hawks Ridge was designed by Bob Cupp, who states publicly that he considers it to be his consummate achievement. The result is an 18-hole, par-72 course that is taking its place among the legendary golf courses of the world.
www.hawksridge.com
Whitepath: This course has elevated tees and medium-sized greens. There is a trout stream and four lakes that come into play. Wildlife can be seen throughout the golf course, including deer, quail and wild turkeys.
www.whitepath.com
Butternut Creek: Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the North Georgia Mountains and featuring 6,536 yards of dramatic fairways, Butternut Creek Golf Course is one of the area's finest public golf courses. Experience the thrill of playing this mountainside course with 18 of the best holes in the northeast Georgia area.
www.butternutcreekgolf.com
Innsbruck: A round at Innsbruck Golf Club in Helen is like a small trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course winds its way through the hills of Helen, culminating with the par-3 15th hole, which drops 200 feet from tee to green. This is as unique as it gets.
www.innsbruckgolfclub.com

Horseback Riding

Fort Mountain Stables: Enjoy 37 miles of scenic riding trails in the North Georgia Mountains. Most wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, occasionally crossing streams and providing spectacular vistas. Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, you are sure to enjoy some of the most beautiful trails in North Georgia.
548 Cliff Mine Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-517-4906
www.fortmountainstables.net
Sunny Farms North: Located amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in historic Dahlonega, they are family-owned and operated. Enjoy a day of exploring and learning on your own, or hand the reigns over to one of their trail guides. Either way, you are sure to have an amazing time.
1332 Long Branch Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-9167
www.sunnyfarmsnorth.com

Water Sports

Carters Lake: Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Its sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of recreational opportunities which include camping, fishing, picnicking, boating, mountain biking and hunting.
carters.sam.usace.army.mil
Lake Cruises: You'll be overwhelmed by the beauty of Lake Chatuge. The lake is completely surrounded by high mountain peaks. There's no better way to enjoy this natural beauty than on a yacht. You can choose from several different cruises including a dinner cruise or a two-hour sunset cruise.
www.romanticlakecruises.net
Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River: Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting on The Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic kayak events. The Ocoee produces the most continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids of any river in the country. Wildwater Ltd. is widely recognized as one of the finest whitewater rafting outfitters in the country. You can choose the Ocoee Rail Adventure and enjoy a scenic ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
800-451-9972
www.wildwaterrafting.com
Fly Fishing: Interested in fishing some of the most breathtaking rivers and streams in N.E. Georgia or western North Carolina? Contact Unicoi Outfitters for all your fishing needs.
490 East Main St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-1880
www.unicoioutfitters.com
Tubing on the Toccoa River: For those of you that prefer a less than vigorous float, the Toccoa River is perfect. The stream meanders through a mix of private land and National Forest land. You will enjoy a few small rapids and some relaxing, beautiful scenery. You'll see forested public lands, pastoral private lands, and wildlife. This trip is perfect for the whole family.
11481 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-838-4317
Kayaking or Canoeing on the Chestatee River: Enjoy the beauty of the Chestatee River by leisurely floating the gentle rapids, or for a little more adventure choose the Etowah River. On the Etowah you will experience more challenging rapids. Either way you're sure to have a good time and see the beautiful mountain laurel and rhododendrons in all their glory. Sit back and relax as the staff at Appalachian Outfitters make this trip easy and relaxing.
2084 S. Chestatee, Hwy 60 South, Dahlongega, GA 30533
706-867-7116
www.canoegeorgia.com