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Community Spotlight: Ellijay & Carter’s Lake

Endless Adventure Awaits at Ellijay & Carters Lake in Gilmer County Rooted in tradition and historic agriculture, Gilmer County is the idyllic, peaceful valley that is surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Unlike sprawling urban counties, the abundance of recreational opportunities makes it a great place to have endless adventures in wide open spaces. Nearby Carters Lake is one of the deepest reservoir lakes in the North Georgia Mountains, at a depth of 450 ft., surface area of 3,200 acres and 62 miles around the shore. The lake is fed by the Coosawattee River out of Ellijay and is located in both Gilmer and Murray Counties. The sparkling waters offer a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, & boating. Families come to picnic, swim or just enjoy a quiet hour of nature and bird watching on the calm waters of Carters Lake. Several campgrounds with many amenities are located around Carters Lake including, Doll Mountain, Woodring Branch, and Harris Branch Beach. Hiking and biking trails are located in various areas around the lake. If you like to explore the wilderness, you will find miles of trails for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, + horseback riding including nearby Amicalola Falls and Fort Mountain State Park, to experience this natural wonderland. Gilmer County is also known as Georgia’s “Mountain Biking Capital.” No off season here, with maintained year-round trails that are kept by volunteers and biking associations. Trails like Bear Creek or Pinhoti offer six to ten-mile rides for intermediate to advanced riders. In addition to the lake, Gilmer County has beautiful waterways of the Cartecay Rivers as they come together to form the Coosawattee River. Smaller creeks like Turniptown and Mountaintown offer outdoor enthusiasts another scenic backdrop. The Cartecay’s natural progression from flat-water to Class III rapids offers plenty of play spots for paddlers, kayaks, canoeing, or tubing. Visitors also enjoy River Park on the banks of the Coosawattee River, with picnic, tennis courts, and walking trails along the river. Every Fall Ellijay is known as “The Pick” of the crop as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia! The county provides more than 600,000 bushels of delicious mountain grown apples a year and generational family owned orchards offer many varieties including seasonal “U pick” activities. Visitors come far & wide for Georgia’s Apple Festival that is held every year during the 2nd & 3rd weekend of October. Other local Agra-culture includes over six wineries in the Gilmer County area, and each year the Winegrowers Association of Georgia hosts a Wine Highway Weekend. Fall brings Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and the many apple orchards that open to the public. The picturesque valley along State Hwy. 52 East, known to locals as “Apple Alley”. Otherapple orchards are located on Hwy. 76 North / S.R. 282 and Hwy. 515. They offer a year-round selection of baked goods, including apple pies, fritters, cookies, breads, and local crafts. Downtown Ellijay is a true “Main Street” community where you’ll find the town square beautifully [...]

Community Spotlight: Ellijay & Carter’s Lake2026-08-19T10:58:35-04:00

Road Trip to Brasstown Bald

From Atlanta, GA 102 mi From Chattanooga, TN 117 mi From Asheville, NC 121 mi From Greenville, SC 117 mi The mountain of Brasstown Bald is known to the native Cherokee people as Enotah. It is named for the former Cherokee village of Brasstown, Georgia, located along the upper Brasstown Creek. In addition, across the N.C. state line, is Brasstown, North Carolina, in Clay County. (Brass). Itse’y, New Green Place, is a Cherokee locative name given to several distinct areas, and legend tells of a great flood that swept over the land. Everyone who inhabited the land died except a few Cherokee families that sought refuge in a giant canoe. The canoe ran aground at the summit of the mountain. Having no wild game to hunt and no place to plant, the Great Spirit killed all of the trees on the top of the mountain so the surviving people could plant their crops. While the Cherokee legend tells of a treeless mountaintop, the term “bald” is common mountain terminology for mountaintops that have 360-degree unobstructed views. Several trails that lead up to Brasstown Bald, including Wagon Train Trail and Jack’s Knob Trail, where there is an access path to the Appalachian Trail. Arkaquah Trail follows high ridges to the Track Rock Archaeological area, and Brasstown Bald Trail climbs 500 ft. in a half mile. At the top, a stone building was built in the late 30’s and Arthur Woody still greets visitors to the tower that he conceived. Today the present stone structure sits near the location of the original tower and houses a museum and exhibit entitled “Man and the Mountain.”Visitors can travel to Brasstown by car, from State Rd. Hwy. 180 that can be accessed either coming from Helen or Hiawassee on 17/75 or by Blairsville on Hwy. 129. Once at the parking facility, there is a steep, paved trail to the Visitor Information Center at the summit. Although difficult, this is an excellent hike for most people. Frequent stopping places along the path make it achievable for even the most out-of-shape hikers. A shuttle in the visitor parking lot provides access to the summit, and a picnic area for the public. The Visitors Center provides an unencumbered 360 view of the surrounding mountains and four states of North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina. As part of the Blue Ridge area of the Appalachian Mountains, Brasstown Bald is 4,784 feet above sea level and is the highest point in North Georgia. Plan on viewing the extensive museum and various presentations on forestry in North Georgia, as it is well worth the time. Brasstown Bald is Open Daily 10:00 – 5:00 from May to October and on weekends through November. For more info contact: Blairsville Ranger Office: 706-745-6928 or Brasstown Bald Visitors Information Center: 706-896-2556

Road Trip to Brasstown Bald2026-08-19T10:55:47-04:00

Fort Mountain Mystery

Just outside Ellijay, traveling on State Road 52 to the Northwest, is a winding two lane road that ascends more than a thousand feet with sharp turns and pull-offs on both sides. Fort Mountain State Park’s entrance then takes you to the park office where you can get information about trails, camping, R.V. sites, and many activities, including hiking, backpacking, biking, picnicking, horse back riding, fishing, swimming, or geocoaching hidden treasures. Fort Mountain takes its name from a peak that has remnants of a stone formation around part of that peak. These mysterious piles of non-native rock, many of them large, form a long discontinuous zig-zag wall that runs more than 928 feet and varies in height from two to six feet. The original construction and function of the formation as a fort is less accepted today and its origin remains unknown. Some scholars believe that the formation could be attributed to pre-Columbian native Americans from around 500 A.D. and that it held a ceremonial or religious purpose. The ancient wall runs east to west and the alignment illuminates one side of the wall at sunrise and the other side at sunset as ancient Native American cultures often worshiped the sun. The myths of the culture who built it abound. Cherokee Indian culture speaks of a race of “moon-eyed” people who are said to have lived in Appalachia until the Cherokee expelled them. Another myth revolves around the Welsh prince Madoc, who purportedly sailed to America in 1170. The story asserts that Madoc’s colonists had intermarried with local Native Americans. These “Welsh Indians” were credited with the construction of a number of landmarks throughout the United States. For more information to Fort Mountain State Park, call 706-695-262

Fort Mountain Mystery2026-08-19T10:52:21-04:00

Biking in the North Georgia Mountains

Mountain cycling in North Georgia offers the best views overlooking lakes, lush forests, streams, and rivers, in pristine State Parks/Wildlife Management areas. Starting from rolling hills to steep mountain grades many trail rides offer a variety of degrees from the novice to experienced to go through the backcountry of these beautiful mountains. It is highly recommended that all levels of skill be prepared for your trail ride.  Complete information about the trail, which includes distance, terrain, weather conditions, plus good equipment and supplies for your excursion, will help to make the trip enjoyable. Organizations such as IMBA, SORBA, SABA, NGCA, and NGBDA can tell you specifics about trails, races, and other group ride events. Visit a local bicycle shop, listed in our area directory for further information. Websites we like include www.trails.com and www.dirtworld.com Listed below are just a few of the numerous biking trails over a broad range of North Georgia”™s eight counties to explore. Happy Trails! Ladyslipper - Cornelia - 7.2 miles Jasus Creek Loop - Helen - 12 miles Tallulah Gorge State Park - Shortline Rail Trail  - 2.4 miles Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Gorge Trail  - 20 miles White Twister - Clayton - 4 miles Cooper Creek - Blairsville - 12.4 miles Davenport Mountain - Blairsville - 5 miles Sosbee Cove Suches - 7.8 - miles Duncan Ridge - Suches - 20.5 miles Flat Creek Loop - Blue Ridge - 6 miles Hickey Knob - Blue Ridge - 4.6 miles Long Branch Loop - Blue Ridge - 2.3 miles Bear Creek - Ellijay - 8 miles Mountaintown Creek - Ellijay - 19 miles Ridgeway Bike Trail - Ellijay - 5.6 miles Rich Mtn Wildlife Mgmnt Area - Ellijay - 6 miles Bull Mtn / Moss Creek - Dahlonega - 11.3 miles Montgomery Creek Loop - Dahlonega - 8.5 miles Turner Creek Loop - Dahlonega - 4.4 miles

Biking in the North Georgia Mountains2026-08-19T10:52:27-04:00

Explore North Georgia State Parks

North Georgia State Parks include a variety of recreational activities besides camping and welcome travelers to explore “Our Neck of the Woods”. Enjoy your passion to see a waterfall, go horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, or just have a picnic. The great State Parks of North Georgia are waiting for you to watch nature at it’s best! Moccasin Creek State Park Park (706) 947-3194 Reservations (800) 864-7275 Known as the park “where spring spends the summer,” Moccasin Creek is located on the shores of lovely 2,800-acre Lake Burton. Accessibility offers easy navigation for large RVs, children’s bicycles and wheelchairs. This also includes a fishing pier that sits above a trout-filled creek open only to physically challenged visitors, senior citizens and children. Smithgall Woods State Park Park (706) 878-3087 Reservations (800) 864-7275 Dukes Creek, one of North Georgia’s premier trout stream, runs through this spectacular mountain property and has become known for it’s catch-and-release fishing. Eighteen miles of roads and five miles of trails allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams and wildlife. Dukes Creek Falls has a direct trail for cottage guests to view. Unicoi State Park Park (706) 878-2201 Reservations (800) 864-7275 Lodge (800) 573-9659 Unicoi State Park, named from the turnpike that was the early means of transportation, is over 1,050 acres of beautiful nature trails. It includes a 53 acre lake for non-motorized boats and a swimming beach. Enjoy flora, fauna and abundant wildlife as you picnic or hike a trail. Campsites and Cottages provide campers with many accommodations, including a 100 Room Lodge and Conference Center with a restaurant.

Explore North Georgia State Parks2026-08-19T10:51:19-04:00

Warwoman Dell

Warwoman Dell was named to honor a Cherokee Warwoman. Some believe it could have been named for Nancy Hart, the Revolutionary War era woman who may have fought at the Battle of Kettle Creek with her husband and sons. Most likely, though, it was named to honor Nancy Ward, a highly-respected “beloved woman” of the Cherokee Nation who frequented the dell and advised the Cherokee tribal council on war and peace. She was very powerful in the Cherokee clan rule, for she was the last Warwoman in the East. When the Cherokee chiefs voted to go to war, it could only happen if the Warwoman approved. Nancy Ward was born circa 1738 and was called Nanyehi in her native Cherokee language. She was no stranger to war. At the Battle of Taliwa in Ball Ground, Georgia, she helped her husband, Kingfisher, in battle by laying behind a log and chewing his bullets so that the resulting jagged edges might create more damage. When her husband was killed, Nancy picked up his rifle and continued the fight leading her people to victory. She was only 17. At the age of 18, she was awarded with the Cherokee title of “Ghigau”, a prestigious title meaning “beloved woman” or “war woman”, making her a member of the tribal council of chiefs. She was also named the leader of the Women’s Council of Clan Representatives and took over the role of ambassador and negotiator for her people. Through the difficult, war raved years of the Revolutionary War era, Nancy Ward continued promoting alliance and mutual friendship between the Cherokees and the colonists. She led the Cherokee in the implementation of farming, dairy production, and new loom weaving techniques that forever changed traditional roles in Cherokee society. She died in 1822, or possibly 1824, before the Cherokee were removed from their remaining lands during the Trail of Tears. In the 1930’s, after decades of logging had nearly destroyed the area, the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived to reforest and restore the natural beauty of the dell. There is small Forest Service park located at the site of the CCC camp of the 1930’s. No remains of the camp buildings exist. A series of stone structures, identified as trout hatcheries by a sign in the park, are the only remnants of the CCC at Warwoman Dell. Thanks to the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the area’s natural beauty can be appreciated today. Two moderately easy, family-friendly trails lead through this beautiful pocket of wilderness showcasing tall trees, dense vegetation, mosses, wildflowers, and three waterfalls. The hike visits the popular Becky Branch Falls, historic areas of Warwoman Dell and several smaller waterfalls on a 1.4 mile loop. While it’s not a long hike, it’s an exceptionally beautiful one. This is a fairly moderate, short trail, with parking and a roadside picnic spot. Directions: Traveling north US Hwy 441 in downtown Clayton, one block after US 76 comes in from the left, go east on Warwoman Dell [...]

Warwoman Dell2026-08-19T10:51:39-04:00

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 Trails2026-08-19T10:52:00-04:00
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