Article | Your North Georgia Vacation Guide

Road Trip To: Vogel State Park

Nestled in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s favorite destinations. Established in 1931, Vogel, is the second oldest state park in Georgia and rises 2,500 feet above sea level. The entire area around Vogel was once linked to the Native Americans and the State Park sits at the base of Blood Mountain, the highest summit on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Driving from the south, visitors pass through Neel Gap, a beautiful mountain pass near Brasstown Bald, which is the highest point in Georgia. The history of the “Vogel” name starts in the 20th century when Augustus Vogel and Fred Vogel Jr. began a lumber mill in Union County. The mill employed many of the men in the county to cut and process lumber from the 65,000 acres of land owned by the Pfister Vogel Leather Company. Unfortunately, the state of Georgia entered an economic downturn in the mid-1920’s and the lumber mill was no longer economically feasible. In 1929 the Vogels donated nearly 259 acres to the state, much of it still encompassed within the 233-acres within Vogel State Park. This park shares a timeless connection with its Civilian Conservation Corps builders that dammed Wolf Creek to form Lake Trahlyta and built housing around the lake for the CCC boys. The 22-acre Lake Trahlyta is named for the Cherokee maiden whose grave sits at the center of Stonepile Gap. The rest of the land donated by the Vogels is under the Chattahoochee National Forest and includes the stone building now known as Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi and Nottla or Nottely Falls, east of the Byron Herbert Reese Trail parking lot. Originally, Walasi-yi was a restaurant run by the state. Directly by Vogel is the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center that celebrates the life of this famous poet who received numerous awards for his writing. The center has wonderful displays, restoration of the Reece writing studio, authentic farm buildings and equipment, plus self-guided tours. Vogel State Park offers a variety of hiking, swimming, fishing and enjoying family time in a diverse mountain landscape. An easy 1.0 mile hiking trail circles the lake, allowing access to fishing docks and the boathouse. A 0.1 miles side trail takes hikers down to Trahlyta Falls, also know as Spillway Falls. A spur trail off the Trahlyta Lake Loop will take you down to an observation deck at the bottom of the roaring falls! More experienced hikers may enjoy the popular 4-mile Bear Hair Gap and the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail. Helton Creek Falls can be found just minutes away from Vogel. There are two waterfalls to see — the lower and upper falls — and the hike is a short, family-friendly 0.6 miles. If you’re looking for another nearby waterfall hike for the whole family, look no further than DeSoto Falls! The DeSoto Falls hike also takes you to two waterfalls, and has a beautiful picnic area. Cottages, campsites and primitive backpacking [...]

Road Trip To: Vogel State ParkSara Noto2025-06-18T15:24:04-04:00

Cool Places: The Mountains & Lakes of North Georgia

Summer is the best time to explore some of North Georgia largest lakes & recreational facilities. The many activities range from fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, and canoeing. Many Georgia State and county parks offer camping or picnic facilities with beaches and playgrounds. You can also vacation at one of the resorts that have everything from lodging, restaurants, and packaged activities. Real estate and rental companies also offer cabin or house rentals for a weekend stay. No matter what time you spend exploring North Georgia’s lakes, several marina’s offer everything you need from fishing equipment, to rentals of pontoon boats, jet ski’s, or paddle boats. You can also take a relaxing Sunset Lake Cruise to cool off from the hot summer day. Smaller lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, in the Georgia State Park facilities are worth the trip for a quiet day of fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, or a day to picnic by a cool mountain stream in the National Forest. This season’s rainfall has helped all lakes to be at full capacity and is the perfect time to getaway for a summer destination. Just a short driving distance from Atlanta, GA; Chattanooga, TN; Asheville, NC; or Greenville, SC – spend an affordable vacation that is fun for the entire family. Please use this guide to help you plan your trip to North Georgia Lakes in the Mountains. Lake Nottely is a 4,180 acre TVA lake with 106 miles of shoreline and is popular with those who love boating, fishing and jet skiing. Marinas and several public boat ramps offer access at different points. County-maintained Poteete Creek Park offers lake access, a white sand beach swimming area, campground, boating ramps and picnic facilities. Travel nine miles north on US Highway 19/129, turn left onto Georgia Highway 325, two miles to view 184 foot dam. Cozy Cove Marina & Cabin Rentals 706-745-2468 Lake Nottely Campground 706-745-4523 Nottely Marina 706-745-3638 Poteete Creek Campground 706-439-6103 also: Deaver, Canal Lake, and Jacks Creek Boat Ramps Lake Chatuge is a 7,050-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir located on the North Carolina border. Sport fishing is popular at Chatuge, both in the reservoir and in the Hiwassee River below the dam. Wade fishing for trout is popular. Check with the State for all Fishing and boating regulations. Boundary Waters Resort & Marina 706-896-2530 Chatuge Dam Reservation 423-876-6706 Clay County Park 828-389-3532 Jackrabbit Mtn Recreation Area 828-837-5152 Lake Chatuge Recreation Area 706-745-6928 Towns Co. Park/Georgia Mtn Fair 706-896-2600 Lake Blue Ridge - Located on the Toccoa River in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia. It stretches 11 miles southeast from the Blue Ridge dam. The river flows northwest into Tennessee, where it’s called the Ocoee River. TVA operates this 3,290-acre reservoir on the Toccoa River near Blue Ridge, GA. The river is noted among fishermen for its sunfish, trout, and bass. There’s a scenic overlook above the dam and a shaded picnic area near the powerhouse. The canoe and kayak launch [...]

Cool Places: The Mountains & Lakes of North GeorgiaSara Noto2025-06-18T15:43:46-04:00

North Georgia Hiking Trails

Many visitors come to explore the hundreds of trails through North Georgia’s National Forest. Whether you want to see a waterfall, like to go hiking, biking, or horseback riding, here are some suggestions for a trail adventure: Ellijay - Three Forks Trail: To the left (North) on the trail is Long Creek Falls (2.3 miles round trip) . To the right is a beautiful section of old growth forest along Stover Creek. Directions: Take 52 East from Ellijay about 4.8 miles. Turn left on Big Creek Road at the Dollar General. Follow this road about 15.4 miles (the final .4 miles are dirt) to Forest Service 58 and turn Right. This road follows Noontootla Creek to Three Forks. Parking is available where the trails cross the road. Blue Ridge - Free Knob Loop Trail: 2.5 miles, easy rating Directions from Blue Ridge, Georgia: Travel east (toward Blairsville, GA) on GA Hwy 515, approx. 0.8 miles past intersection with GA Hwy 5. Turn Right at Windy Ridge Rd., go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2 miles to Aska Road on right. Continue south on Aska Read to Shallowford Bridge. Turn left across river and immediate right on dirt-gravel road leading to Dial, GA. At 0.4 miles come to point where trail enters road from forest. Continue east on road to parking area at 1.2 miles. Suches - Jarrard Gap Trail Trail: 1.0 mile, easy/moderate rating Directions: Take US 19 and 129 south from Blairsville Georgia 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. Blairsville - Sosebee Cover Trail Trail: Traveling through a second-growth cove hardwood forest, the 0.25 mile Sosebee Cove Trail is rated easy and receives moderate use. This area is a memorial to Arthur Woody, who served as the first Forest Service Ranger in Georgia. Directions: from Blairsville Georgia, travel 9.5 miles south along US 19/129 and turn right (west) onto GA 180. Continue along GA 180 for 2 miles to the Sosebee Cove parking lot on the right. Hiawassee - High Shoals Creek Trail: The two waterfalls on High Shoals Creek are the highlight of this 170 acre site. A 1.2 mile trail takes visitors from FS 283 down to the falls. Directions: Take 75 South from Hiawassee turn right onto Indian Grave Gap Road, graveled Forest Service Road 283 which leads visitors through the Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area to the High Shoals Creek Falls Scenic Area. Dahlonega - Yahoola Creek Trail: This is about a 4 mile trail that circles Yahoola Creek Reservoir but also swerves [...]

North Georgia Hiking Trailsmtnlakepub2025-06-18T16:59:45-04:00

Lake Russell Recreation Area

Situated along the peaceful shore of the 100-acre Lake Russell, this developed recreation area offers 42 campsites that accommodate both tent and RV camping and a picnic shelter with seating for 30 is available on a first come first serve basis. Hiking trails are available year-round and a 4.6 mile loop goes around the shore of this beautiful 100-acre lake. The Ladyslipper Trail is a nice 6.2 mile hike that loops through the forest behind Nancytown Lake. The Sourwood Trail is a 2.7 mile loop trail which features “Nancytown Waterfalls” at the 1.5 mile mark. The Facility has a large grass-covered beach, swimming area, two paved campground loop roads for easy access, plus camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating (non-motorized/electric watercraft only), this ideal getaway is sure to become an outdoor destination for the entire family! From Cornelia, take Hwy. 13 or Dicks Hill Parkway onto the paved Lake Russell Road, where you will see the entrance. Nearby Cornelia, GA sites include: The Chenocetah Fire Tower is the last rock-constructed, working fire lookout tower in the east. Built by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) in 1936 for the Chattahoochee National Forest, the stone tower is 40 feet high and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tower is open to visitors one day a year during the “Big Red Apple Festival.” The city of Cornelia provides hayrides to the tower during daylight hours. Guests may climb to the top for the tower for a spectacular panoramic view of horizons. Downtown Cornelia Train Depot as the original terminal was damaged in a fire, and rebuilt in 1914 to it’s current appearance. Inside the terminal is a museum of early railroad memorabilia, model of the Tallulah Falls train, and two restored cabooses by the depot. The “Big Red Apple,” stands near the train depot as a monument that is seven feet tall, 22 ft. in circumference and weighs 5200 lbs. It was shipped from Virginia in 1926 to celebrate the apple industry. The Community House on Wyly Street is a handsome stone & log structure built by the CCC in 1936 and listed on the National Register. Hilliard Wilbanks memorial and the adjoining park that features picnic areas, playground equipment and walking trails. Loudermilk Boarding House on Foreacre St. Built in 1908 and listed on The National Register of Historic Places features Joni Mabe’s Panoramic Encyclopedia of Everything Elvis Habersham County Historical Society and Telephone Museum is on North Main Street. The building houses an extensive collection of telephone equipment, area information, historical maps, and a telephone receiver that was patented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. Stroll through downtown Cornelia with shops and restaurants that uphold the small town atmosphere that takes pride in the community by preserving history and natural resources. For more information on Habersham County, visit www.habershamchamber.com.

Lake Russell Recreation AreaSara Noto2025-06-18T15:37:39-04:00

and the Chattahoochee River runs through it…

Many people know the Chattahoochee River as one of the most important U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundments in the nation. This river’s basin is the smallest in the nation and serves as a source of drinking water for metro Atlanta, and continues along the Georgia – Alabama border, and into Florida. This important source not only provides drinking water supply to more than half of all Georgian residents, but also provides hydroelectric power, commercial navigation, flood control, and recreation in three states to over 25 million Americans. It begins as a spring; “Chattahoochee Gap,” just a little more than a trickle of water where Jack’s Knob Trail dead-ends into the Appalachian Trail at about 3,600 ft. and lies 200 ft. south. Several streams flow from Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, Union and White counties to broaden its shoulders. Origin of the name “Chattahoochee” is believed to be derived from ‘Chatto,’ a stone, and ‘hoche,’ marked or flowered; there being rocks of that description in the river above Hoithletigua - an old town that historians place near the present town of Franklin, Ga. in Heard County. The river, “Chota,” was named by the Cherokee Indians at the headwaters and when the river flowed into Creek territory, it became the “Chattahoochee.” and was used by the tribes as a border between their Nations, then between themselves and early settlers. Excavations suggest that Spanish searched for gold in the valley as early as the sixteenth century. The first American gold rush began in 1828 through streambeds of the Chattahoochee headwaters, and the first dam was built to power a grist and lumber mill in 1876. The present Nora Mill still operates a water-powered mill and grinds cornmeal, grits, wheat, rye, and flours. The Chattahoochee River and Wildlife Management Area are located within the 750,000-acre Chattahoochee National Forest with lush forests. More than 500 species of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles live in this protected headwaters portion, as it provides wildlife access to drinking water, sites for nests and dens, and berry-producing shrubs along its banks as a source of food. Helen is a perfect start, as this river runs through this Alpine Village town of themed German- festivals and businesses. Then the Chattahoochee picks up flow from creeks such as Smith, Low Gap, Henson, Dukes, and Sautee. Two beautiful waterfalls that merge into these creeks are the twin falls of Anna Ruby and Horse Trough Falls, just north of Helen. From Helen, the river flows east through Sautee Nacoochee Valley, which pass agricultural-residential areas throughout White and Habersham Counties. The river then flows into Buck Shoals State Park, a wildlife preserve not yet opened to the public and Mossy Creek State Park just north of Clermont. The river flows through the newly planned State Park (Don Carter) on the northern tip of Lake Lanier. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy recreation such as fishing, tubing, canoeing, boating, hiking and camping on the Chattahoochee River banks, shores, and it’s watershed to make your [...]

and the Chattahoochee River runs through it…Sara Noto2025-06-18T15:24:23-04:00

Community Spotlight: Rabun County

Relax in Rabun North Georgia’s Summer Retreat Lake Burton In the midst of life’s hustle and bustle, there’s an undeniable allure to escaping it all and immersing oneself in the serenity of a relaxing vacation. Whether it’s the flowing waters of a glimmering lake, the rustle of leaves in a secluded forest, or the breathtaking vistas of mountain ranges, Rabun County offers a variety of activities to soothe the soul and rejuvenate the spirit. Nature has an unparalleled ability to instill a sense of calm and perspective and Rabun County has approx. 150,000 acres of National Forest land and 20% is owned by Georgia Power for Lake Burton, Rabun, Seed, and Tallulah. If boating, water-sports, swimming or fishing help you cool off on a hot summer day then Rabun County has several lakes with the largest being Lake Burton. Offering three activity areas of Jones Bridge Park, Timpson Cove Beach, or Murray Cove all offer shoreline and picnic areas. Lake Rabun is the second largest with Nacoochee Park and Rabun Beach. Fees are usually required for fishing and catches include bass, bream, perch, trout and catfish. If your looking for cool waters to beat the heat, the Chattooga River borders Georgia and South Carolina and is recognized as one of the Southeast’s premier whitewater area. Over 50 miles of river flows from the Appalachian Mountains to Lake Tugaloo offering class II – V rapids. Black Rock State Park Rabun County boasts on having “three Georgia State Parks” with Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton and off the Scenic Hwy. 197. Black Rock Mountain State Park to the North and takes it’s name from the shear dark granite wall that is visible from long distances. Within the State Park there are four scenic overlooks. Visitors enjoying backpacking for day trips, hiking on the trails and fishing on the 17 acre lake. Near Black Rock Mtn. is home to the famed “Foxfire” Museum & Heritage Center. The project of Foxfire magazine was based on interviewing local people and publishing their stories, which inspired numerous schools across the country to develop similar programs. The museum offers a self-guided tour through the authentic village showing the trades of early settlers Dillard House Traveling north a beautiful valley surrounded by farmland and mountains leads to the community of Dillard that dates back to the earliest documented white settlers in 1794. Visitors have been welcomed to farm fresh family-style meals at the Dillard House Restaurant since 1917 which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The town has an old time feel with antique shops, markets, welcoming accommodations, plus arts & crafts to help you savor the simple life. To view high atop the Mountains take a beautiful scenic drive on Highway 246 toward Sky Valley, Ga. to see an aerial perspective from lookouts. The area offers abundant hiking, waterfalls and scenic flora. Georgia’s highest city, with an elevation of 3,500 ft. is home to Sky Valley [...]

Community Spotlight: Rabun CountySara Noto2025-06-19T11:26:23-04:00

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