Local Travel Information

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, this Northeast Georgia village has a rich history linked to the Cherokee Indians and Indian burial mounds as well as early settlers who mined for gold and cut virgin timber in the early 1900s. Today, Helen is a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. There’s shopping, camping, mountain cabins, restaurants, B&Bs, mountains, theater, recreation, romantic getaways, beautiful scenery, family activities, waterfalls, museums, history, art, fishing, tubing, golf and more — something for every member of the family.

Festivals and special events include a hot air balloon race, Winefest, Volksmarch, Oktoberfest and Christmas parades, Fourth of July fireworks, and Bavarian Nights of Summer. From mid-September through October, Helen hosts the longest Oktoberfest in the South. Alpenfest offers entertainment during the holiday season from Thanksgiving through December.

You may know Athens, GA, as home to R.E.M. and the B-52s, and the city Rolling Stone magazine named “#1 College Music Scene in America.”

You may know it for the University of Georgia and the Georgia Bulldogs, the “Classic City of the South” where rich tradition at the heart of a hip college town creates a culture unlike any other.

Nestled below the Blue Ridge Mountains, 70 miles from Atlanta, Athens is a harmony of old and new: wedding-perfect Antebellum architecture, contemporary art and eclectic nightlife, a Victorian-era downtown teeming with funky shops and one of the South’s most progressive culinary scenes.

Whether you’re after a romantic getaway, a unique meeting destination or a quick trip from Atlanta, you may find what you’ve been missing in beautiful Athens.

Between Atlanta, GA, and Greenville, SC, Banks County is your home to year-round fun. Offering almost 1000 hotel rooms, stay here if you race cars, follow college sports, appreciate wonderful shopping or love the outdoors. With a ton of restaurants to meet any budget and taste, you definitely won’t leave Banks County hungry. And with schools that lead the region and a lifestyle that suits so many, you may not want to leave Banks County at all.

Just passing through beautiful Cornelia? Have lunch in a Fifties diner, see 1930s-era rustic architecture and circle a mountaintop to catch a bird’s-eye view of a mountain lake!

Staying a little longer? Hike the natural beauty of a 1200-foot-deep gorge, tempt yourself at an old mill filled with antiques, then fly through the treetops on a zipline … if you dare!

However long you visit Cornelia, you’ll savor the flavor of mountain living with a good night’s rest to fuel a weekend of nonstop activity. Capture images of our scenic waterfalls and restore your spirit!

From a pristine lake to mountain peaks, you can find adventure at every altitude in nature-loving Cumming and Forsyth County, GA. Conveniently located in metro Atlanta’s backyard, Forsyth County encompasses Sawnee Mountain, the Big Creek Greenway, the Chattahoochee River, the Etowah River and 30 percent of Lake Lanier’s 600+ miles of shoreline.

Forsyth County, a “Hospitality Highway” community, is known for its small-town charm and big-city proximity. Whether visiting or relocating, Cumming-Forsyth County is sure to have something for you and your family.

Site of the first major U.S. gold rush and the heart of Georgia wine country, Dahlonega offers an authentic, mountain getaway only an hour north of Atlanta. Visitors and locals alike enjoy outstanding arts and gold medal wineries, original architecture and gold history attractions, outdoor adventure and a Golden Bear signature golf course, plus the University of North Georgia with its signature gold steeple. As a destination hub in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, Dahlonega plays host to year-round weddings, waterfall and wildlife seekers, and world renowned bicycling events.

Experience live music and theater, local shopping and dining, heritage museums and tours, and seasonal festivals. Join the fun and unwind along the trails, on the rivers, and in the relaxing lodging accommodations. From the National Forest to the National Registered Downtown Historic District, welcome to award-winning Dahlonega, where “It’s Pure Gold”!

An enchanting location in the foothills of the Northeast Georgia Mountains, Dawsonville-Dawson County is conveniently located just 50 minutes north of Atlanta, at the junction of Georgia 400 and Hwy. 53. Dawsonville is a mountain community steeped in Appalachian lore and blessed with the stunning natural beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Lake Lanier, Amicalola Falls, Dawson Forest, the Etowah and Amicalola Rivers, and the Appalachian Trail. And yes, Dawsonville is where the Appalachian Trail begins (or ends).

If you enjoy great outlet shopping deals, beautiful waterfalls and lakes, hiking, biking or driving through thousands of acres of forests, Dawsonville, Georgia, is the place for you to create your own adventure. Relive exciting racing highlights from souped-up moonshine cars, visit the home of Bill Elliott at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame or test your own performance vehicle on a winding mountain track. Tour the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery, located right in City Hall!

To plan your adventure, you can choose from a myriad of fun activities, including hiking, shopping, fishing, rafting, boating, canoeing, golfing, shooting sporting clays, visiting the historic jail and courthouse, and so much more. Visit Dawson County and commune with nature in the Northeast Georgia Mountains where the mountains meet the lakes.

Less than 100 miles from Atlanta, Greenville and Asheville – Dillard makes escaping the ordinary extraordinary! As the gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains, outdoor adventure abounds with white water rafting, horseback riding and zip lining. It’s all right here!

If you enjoy camping, hiking, fishing – we are home to three awesome state parks and 148,000 acres of National Forest. If it’s relaxing and sipping a glass of wine, well, our specialty is “porch rocking” and our wineries are the best. Shopping? How about 40,000 square feet of antique and collectibles. Amazing lodging? The famous and historic Dillard House Inn and Restaurant is our landmark, with Rabun Manor and York House Inn – all just the icing on the cake. Did someone mention food?

An extraordinary experience all it’s own, from award winning southern cuisine to fine dining, you won’t be disappointed. Come stay a while. You won’t ever want to leave!

Known as the “Granite Capital of the World,” Elbert County invites you to visit its unique community and experience its historic roots and beautiful surroundings. Elbert County is located on two beautiful lakes, Clarks Hill and Richard B. Russell. Lake Russell offers 26,650 acres of some of the state’s finest fishing and boating. Richard B. Russell State Park has facilities that include 28 tent, trailer and RV sites, 20 cottages, volleyball area, picnic shelters, walking/biking trails, disk golf, canoeing, pedal boats and a nature trail. If hunting is your passion, you’ll find turkey, deer and quail throughout the county. Golfing at its finest can be found at the Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course, named in TravelGolf.com’s Top 10 Courses in Georgia and is a public course. Entertainment can be found at the Elbert Theatre.

Several tourist attractions can also be found in Elbert County. The Georgia Guidestones, Elberton’s most unusual granite monument, will leave you with a lot of questions as it is a mystery for the many visitors who visit the site. No one knows the identity of a group of sponsors who provided specifications for the 19-foot-high monument. Visit the Granite Museum which contains historical exhibits, artifacts, educational displays and materials depicting current and past events in the rich heritage of the Elberton Granite Industry. Other attractions include Nancy Hart Cabin, the Bicentennial Memorial and Fountain, the Granite Bowl and Old Dan Tucker’s Grave. Elbert County, the world’s granite capital and so much more!

“Visit for a day and we believe you will stay for a lifetime.”

Surround yourself with beauty, relaxation and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge — only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 and Hwy. 515 — but a million miles away from traffic, stress and anxiety. With 106,000 acres located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Blue Ridge and Fannin County area is definitely the cure for whatever ails you.

Rent a cozy cabin or a luxury mountain home, or stay in a bed & breakfast inn or hotel — and simply relax. Then renew your spirit on a day hike to local waterfalls or a horseback ride on forested trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Discover the thrill of an Ocoee River whitewater rafting adventure, take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or soar through the treetops on a canopy zipline adventure. Rent a pontoon or a jet ski and tour beautiful Lake Blue Ridge. Pick strawberries, blueberries or apples at Mercier Orchards, a 65-year-old family orchard. Catch a trout while fly fishing on the tailwaters of the Toccoa River or nearby mountain stream. Did you know Blue Ridge is the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia?

No matter what you do, you’ll fall in love with the area. Blue Ridge is different kind of mountain town, filled with art galleries, antique and specialty shops, restaurants, small town atmosphere and friendly people. A river runs through the quaint town of nearby McCaysville, twin city with Copperhill, Tennessee. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia and Tennessee meet. Here the Toccoa River becomes the world-famous Ocoee River.

From a pristine lake to mountain peaks, you can find adventure at every altitude in nature-loving Forsyth County, GA. Conveniently located in metro Atlanta’s backyard, Forsyth County encompasses Sawnee Mountain, the Big Creek Greenway, Chattahoochee River, Etowah River and 30 percent of Lake Lanier’s 600+ miles of shoreline.

Known for its small-town charm and big city buzz, Discover FoCo and experience the perfect destination to live, work, and play. Whether visiting or relocating, Forsyth County has endless adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains only 90 minutes from Atlanta, Habersham County is home to seven municipalities. With a diverse population of approximately 45,000, warm hospitality is offered to visitors who venture to this beautiful section of the state. The natural beauty of the area and our distinct four seasons attract many tourists.

Nearly 200 years old with rich mountain culture, this history is captured in Habersham’s six museums. Clarkesville, the county seat, has been designated the “#2 Best Small Town for Retirement in America” by a Rand-McNally poll, and this historic town was voted one of sixteen “Friendliest Towns on the East Coast” in 2011.

Cornelia, home of the world’s largest apple monument, is the county’s largest municipality. Celebrating 125 years in 2012, the town is rich with history and is home to the county’s Historical, Standard Telephone, Railroad Depot and Everything Elvis museums.

Home to the Chattahoochee and the Soque Rivers, Habersham touts the “best fly fishing” east of the Mississippi. And Tallulah Falls, home of Tallulah Gorge, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The gorge, approximately 2 miles long and 1,000-feet deep, was once known as the “Niagara Falls of the South.”

Hartwell/Hart County, Georgia, is filled with year-round exciting outdoor adventures, a thriving downtown art and theater hub, interesting shops and loads of history. Golf, hike, bike, explore nature, swim, fish or boat in beautiful Lake Hartwell. With 222 miles of Lake Hartwell shoreline just minutes from a charming downtown and a town full of warm welcoming people, you will see why we say … live well, play well, Hartwell.

Explore Hart County’s outdoor paradise. Home to Lake Hartwell’s Dam and covering 222 miles of its 962 mile shoreline, you’re never far from the water in Hart County. Whether you’re a golfer, boater, fisherman, hunter, camper, hiker or biker, Hart County is loaded with many activities that you and your family will enjoy. You’ll find 2 golf courses, 5 campgrounds, 9 picnic recreation areas, multiple boat ramps and two hunting preserves.

Hart County’s largest city, Hartwell is located just 5 minutes from the shores of Lake Hartwell. Hartwell is a charming historic town that boasts a wonderful artistic side. Home to 2 live theater production companies, a fine arts center, several art galleries, and a live music venue, you always find something going on in Downtown Hartwell. Be sure to walk the town on the historic walking tour and see the “behind the scenes” stories of many of the town’s historic landmarks.

Helen, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, is a re-creation of an alpine village, complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. This Northeast Georgia area has a rich history linked to the Cherokee Indians and their burial mounds, as well as early settlers who arrived in the 1800s to mine for gold and cut virgin timber for a thriving lumber industry.

Helen’s evolution into an alpine village began in 1968 when a group of local businessmen met to discuss ways to revitalize their town. They approached a nearby artist friend who had been stationed in Germany. He sketched buildings, and added gingerbread trim, details and colors to give an alpine look to the entire town. In January of 1969, business owners and local carpenters began turning ideas into reality, and all the downtown stores were renovated. Faces of buildings were painted with scenes of Bavaria and North Georgia, mirroring the migration of early settlers.

Helen has accomplished much in the years since that time. The residents and businesses have created a town and industry, providing jobs and boosting the economy of the entire area. Helen also commemorates its historic past when the early settlers came to this remote area of Northeast Georgia.

This is the story of Helen — a village with mountain heritage and a touch of Bavaria that today hosts nearly 2 million visitors each year.

Jefferson is a 200-year-old community located about an hour north of Atlanta along I-85. With a population of 9,554, it’s the county seat of Jackson County, and was named for President Thomas Jefferson. This picturesque community is set among gently rolling hills in the piedmont region of Georgia. The landscape is still dotted with small farms and lakes. The city’s leadership is working to maintain Jefferson’s small-town character, while strongly encouraging the development of a diverse economy that employs the growing local workforce.

The city’s most notable historic feature is the Crawford W. Long Museum. Dr. Crawford W. Long performed the first surgery using ether as an anesthetic in Jefferson on March 30, 1842. One of Atlanta’s major hospitals is named after him.

Only in Jefferson can you:

• Tour the Crawford W. Long Museum
• Have a picnic in Curry Creek Park
• Read the monuments on the grounds of the Historic Jackson County Courthouse
• Watch the fireworks display during our annual Freedom Festival (last Saturday in June)
• Attend the annual Jefferson Holiday Market at the Civic Center
• Take a walk through historic Woodbine Cemetery or Paradise A.M.E. Cemetery
• Hunt for a Geocache
• Attend one of our Jefferson Community Theatre performances
• Listen to live music in the Downtown Square
• Shop at the Jefferson Farmers Market

If you’re looking for the flavor of the country but still want the convenience of the city, come to Northeast Georgia’s Madison County. You’ll find warm, inviting communities. You’ll find progressive government, business and education. You’ll find birthplaces and histories of people who were instrumental in shaping our culture and world today. And best of all, maybe you’ll find home.

There’s plenty to do in Rabun County — from outdoor activities to cultural entertainment. The land presents plenty of natural beauty to enjoy in a state park with a picnic or find a more exciting adventure like whitewater rafting! The local culture attracts artists and craftmakers who make everything from quilts to wine to honey to carved wooden bears.

Recreation opportunities abound from adrenaline-pumping mountain biking or zip line tours to a relaxing fishing outing or afternoon round of golf. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during your time here. The varied terrain includes mountain peaks and lakes and rushing rivers through wild gorges. Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular summer time activities since there’s really nothing better than splashing around in the river on a hot summer day. The change of seasons is marked and each time of the year offers different choices like taking pictures of wildflowers in the spring or vibrantly colored fall leaves.

The ruggedly beautiful landscape, at times stark during the winter, inspires local artists to create a wide range of arts including painting, sculpture, performance and music. The melodrama of nature speaks to the artist’s soul and inspires creativity throughout the year. Enjoy these labors at one of our local art galleries or pick one up to take with you at a local shop.

Or visit the outdoor attractions that inspire the local artists. State parks with hiking trails and nature walks are a place to take pictures and capture the scenery yourself. Take a hike to a majestic waterfall, try to visit after a rainy night for the best effect. The mountains and forest make a lovely backdrop for your stay!

The busy little city of Royston is located in Franklin County, Georgia. Sometime in the early 1800s, Mr. W. Asbury Royston bought two acres of land at $2 per acre; those two acres now make up most of the business section of Royston. In 1879, Royston was incorporated and became the center of activity.

Sky Valley, popularly described as the location where spring spends the summer, is known for its high elevation, cool climate and incredible views. In fact, at elevations of 3200-4200 feet, it’s the highest city in Georgia. Located in Rabun County at the intersection of the GA/NC Blue Ridge Mountains between Clayton, Georgia, and Highlands, North Carolina, Sky Valley is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Sky Valley features 2,400 acres of pristine mountain terrain featuring waterfalls, hiking trails and awesome long range views.

The centerpiece in the city is the 15,000-square-foot Sky Valley Country Club. The country club is member-owned, but the recently renovated par-72 championship golf course is open to the public.

Things to do in Sky Valley include:

• Sky Valley Golf Club
• Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center (tubing & ice skating)
• Highlands Aerial Park (zipline)
• Dillard House Horseback Riding Stables
• Cataloochee Ski Area
• Nantahal Outdoor Center/Whitewater Rafting

The city of Toccoa, Georgia, offers more than 75 national and local stores, an award-winning downtown and suburban shopping centers. On Main Street, explore specialty shops, wander through the art galleries and tour the beautifully renovated Stephens County Courthouse. The Cornerstone Antique Market with fine furniture, porcelain, jewelry and more is adjacent to the historic courthouse square.

Currahee Military Museum (of HBO’s Band of Brothers fame) tells the story of Camp Toccoa, the first Paratrooper Camp in the U.S that trained soldiers during World War II (ask about the Camp Toccoa driving tour). The Stephens County Historical Museum offers a glimpse into the area’s past, which is full of interesting and colorful hometown folks like Olympian Paul Anderson, world record holder for the “Strongest Man.”

While in Toccoa, stop in one of the restaurants, one of which was highlighted on Food Network’s Alton Brown’s Feasting on Asphalt show. Enjoy the outdoors while visiting Toccoa Falls, Henderson Falls Park, Paul Anderson Park or Traveler’s Rest State Historic site. Nearby, Hartwell Lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating and swimming.

The Eastern Line of Amtrak runs stops twice daily in the City of Toccoa for easy access to all parts of the Eastern U.S.

Start your day at the Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center located in the renovated train depot along with the Historical Society, the County and Currahee Military Museums. The renovated train station downtown is a great place for watching the Norfolk Southern and Hartwell Railroads. It’s one of only three AMTRAK stops in Georgia on the Crescent line that runs from New York to New Orleans.

Stroll down historic Doyle Street. Browse the galleries, boutiques and antique shops, including the Cornerstone Antique Market featuring over 50 dealers of treasures from the early 1800’s. After working up an appetite, stroll to the Bus Stop Restaurant, housed in a former Greyhound Bus station. If regional flavors are more your style, stop by Shirley’s Sole Food Café, which was recently featured on the Food Network.

Almost one-sixth of the county is comprised of national forest and wildlife. Enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, bicycling and ATV trails.

• Lake Hartwell
• Toccoa Falls
• Traveler’s Rest
• Tugaloo Corrido
• Panther Creek Trail
• Paul Anderson Park
• Yonah Dam/Yonah Lake

White County businesses and venues offer entertainment for families and individuals of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a casual day on the town, hiking in the North Georgia mountains or touring local galleries and museums, you’ve come to the right place.

In the pretty mountain town of Cleveland, you’ll find shopping, history, Babyland and small-town friendliness. Visit our courthouse square, buy some local art and learn about the movies filmed here. Hike the Appalachian Trail (it starts here!) or climb to the top of Mount Yonah and enjoy the vista. Bring your mountain bike or rent one here. Go horseback riding – or feel the thrill of a zip line.

With more than 40 percent of the area under state or federal management as a park or wildlife management area, outdoor recreation is abundant and popular. The Chattahoochee River starts here as well, so take advantage of this pristine mountain creek to fish, raft or kayak. The numerous mountains and streams here have created several waterfalls, some on gentle paths and others deep within the woods.

White County’s Sautee-Nacoochee is a magnet for creativity in the area. Several art galleries, studios, museums, music, theater and dance await, as well as excellent food, lodging and beautiful views.