Sightseeing

The Swinging Bridge is a fun hike. Trails access both sides of the bridge, which literally swings over the Toccoa River and is located on the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail in Fannin County. We found it best to drive the long road down to the hiking area and then walk the easy trail to the bridge. It’s the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi and was built in 1977 by the USDA Forest Service in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail

If you love hiking straight up, Amicalola Falls is about a 30 minute drive from Ellijay. Located in Amicalola State Park in Dawson County, it boasts of a 729-foot waterfall—the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. It’s just 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail and within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The lodge that sits atop offers accommodations and a great restaurant with beautiful views.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a fun adventure for the entire family. We took our girls for the first time when they were 8 and 6 and it continues to be a great attraction to downtown Blue Ridge. The four-hour, 26-mile round-trip runs along the Toccoa River through the Chattahoochee National Forest and takes riders into McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee (it’s basically the same town down divided by the state line). During the two-hour layover, passengers can sight-see,

Nothing beats going to a beautiful field of sunflowers in the Fall. With the mountains in the background, the tall golden heads make an excellent backdrop for great family photos. Fausett Farms is just two miles from Burt's Pumpkin Farm on Hwy. 52 in Dawson County.

If you enjoy flowers, Gibbs Gardens is the place for you! While it’s known for its “millions” of daffodils, the nearly 300-acre property and manor house have 16 different gardens. Located in Ball Ground, about an hour’s drive southeast from Ellijay, it’s open mid-February through early December.

Since my girls were little, we've enjoyed our trips to Burt's Pumpkin Farm in Dawson County were it's not uncommon to find pumpkins well over 100 lbs! You can grab a wheel barrel and head to the rows and rows of pumpkins in any size, shape or color. Burt's also offers hayrides and fall decor. But be prepared, weekends are packed starting in October!