Fannin County: Trails, Water and Culture

The Appalachian Trail begins at the summit of Springer Mountain; the mountain is also the trail’s southern terminus in Fannin County. From there, the long-distance trail runs 2,200 miles to Maine. The Benton MacKaye Trail also crosses the entire county. Together, the two routes give the landscape a clear hiking focus, while waterfalls, riverbanks and places offering cultural activities add further variety.

Long-term parking for up to 14 days is permitted at the Springer Mountain Trailhead parking lot. The Forest Service roads to Springer Mountain can be rough and may become impassable for cars or vans in winter or during very wet weather. Check current road and parking information before setting out.

Hiking Trails, Ridges and Waterfalls

The Aska Adventure Area is a 17-mile hiking and mountain biking trail system on National Forest land in south-central Fannin County. Its trails climb to just under 3,200 feet, offer views of ridgelines and descend to the shores of Lake Blue Ridge. Here, mountain ridges and lakeside scenery come together, without requiring a single route to suit every plan.

On the Benton MacKaye Trail west of Aska Road, cascades lead to the 30-foot-high Fall Branch Falls. Long Creek Falls is a 25-foot-high waterfall surrounded by hemlock trees, with a pool at its base. To reach it, first follow the Appalachian Trail for 0.8 miles, then turn left onto a blue-blazed trail for 0.1 miles. If you’re planning to visit another waterfall in a wild setting, Jacks River Falls lies on the Jacks River in the Cohutta Wilderness Area and can be reached via a 4.5-mile trail through rugged wilderness. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River

The Toccoa River flows through Fannin County and empties into Lake Blue Ridge. The lake covers 3,290 acres and has more than 100 miles of shoreline, most of it publicly accessible. The surrounding area has National Forest campgrounds, several boat ramps, a full-service marina, and public swimming and picnic areas. The Morganton Point Recreation Area offers year-round camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and hiking by the lake.

The Toccoa River below Lake Blue Ridge Dam is an excellent destination for beginner and experienced trout anglers because of its high catch rates. Rainbow trout and brown trout are stocked annually in the Toccoa River. The Toccoa River Canoe Trail offers experienced paddlers a scenic full-day trip with rapids and calm stretches of water. The river section from Deep Hole to Sandy Bottoms is 13.8 miles long.

Railway, Bridge and History

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers two- or four-hour round trips over 26 miles along the Toccoa River, from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and Copperhill. Schedules and seasonal operations may change; check the dates before planning your trip. The Blue Ridge Railway is a heritage railway with a significant history dating back to the early 1900s.

The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is 270 feet long and the longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi. The USDA Forest Service built it in 1977 in collaboration with the Appalachian Trail Club. The hike from the parking lot is short and easy, but follows an unpaved trail over uneven terrain.

The historic Fannin County Courthouse houses an art center with studios, a pottery and kiln studio, five artist guilds, five galleries and an artist-in-residence program. The county’s first seat of government was in Morganton; following a public vote, it was moved to Blue Ridge on August 13, 1895. A historical marker for Fannin County stands in front of the old courthouse on West Main Street in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge Arts in the Park began in 1976 as a small festival featuring local student art and craft demonstrations.

At Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville, a free, informal weekly jam session for acoustic musicians takes place from Memorial Day week through the end of September. Dates and schedules may change, so check the current schedule when planning your visit.

Fruit and Local Produce

At Mercier Orchards, you can sample house-made hard cider and wines made from harvested fruit in the tasting room. Seasonal pick-your-own options include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and apples; availability depends on the season and harvest conditions. Tractor tours are also offered. The bakery makes, among other things, fried fruit pies, apple cider donuts, muffins, fritters and breads.

Fannin County offers a variety of themes to consider as you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Burke County, Chattooga, Newton County, Murray County, Cherokee, Houston.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.