Fly Fishing in North Georgia

There are over 325 streams in the North Georgia Mountains representing 5500 miles of waters designated as Georgia trout streams. That’s a lot of fish waiting to be caught! Whether your preference is wide open rivers or small hidden creeks, there is no lack of “fishing holes”. No matter where you are in the mountains a trout stream is usually nearby.
If you have never fly fished for trout on a stream before, you may want to consider investing in a casting lesson and a fishing guide. The essence of the sport is all about outwitting the fish. You will be amazed at how ingenious their tiny brains really are so a guide is highly recommended to save frustration out on the stream and great investments in gear until you know exactly what you want. Once you throw the first cast, you are hooked.
At Escape to Blue Ridge, some of our guests recently went on a trip with Kent Klewein and had a spectacular time. For details on how to reach Captain Kent, please contact him at 770-330-7583 or visit his website at
www.kent-klewein.com/

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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North Georgia is a Mecca for Mountain Biking

In the last decade mountain biking as a sport has exploded in North Georgia. Some of the most popluar areas are Ellijay, Blue Ridge and the Cohuttas. Forest Service Roads have become as popular as single track trails for some. We recently became sponsors of the Sorella Womens Cycling Team (a few of the ladies are shown above and stayed at Moosehead Lodge during race week). They love cycling the roads and trails of North Georgia. You can view their website at http://www.sorellacycling.com/

If you are experienced or a novice, bike rentals are available at http://www.cyclesouth.com/. Sam and Shelby Curlee's goal is to assist locals and tourists in finding the perfect trail for your level of expertise. If you are not a cyclist, you will want to be after getting to know them. They are full of energy and make you feel that you can accomplish anything!

Escape to Blue Ridge also has a three night Mountain Biking Adventure Package in one of our luxury blue ridge cabin rentals with a guided cycling trip starting at $850. This includes three nights for four guests with four rental bikes, water/snack and a well informed guide that can show you a pleasant mountain biking excursion with maybe a few surprises along the way. All taxes and cleaning services are included. Call 1-866-618-2521 for details on the cabin options.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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Bears or Birds?

This birdfeeder is not only squirrel proof but also bear proof. Our neighbors caught this one morning when they were reading the paper and having their morning cup of "go juice".

We have had several sightings. They run away as soon as they hear us though. I am having the metal bear bin trash cans made for a few cabins due to the bears wanting to demolish the wooden trash bins. No worries, chances of you seeing one are extremely limited. They seem to only come out when all is quiet and there are no sign of people or dogs.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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Blue Ridge Georgia’s Latest Treasures

Check out the latest in kids activities in Blue Ridge Georgia.
Huck’s General store has now opened an indoor gem mining and putt putt course located in the mines of main street. Our kids loved it and have been back twice now (with their own money of course). For $25, you can have a bucket of dirt with true hidden treasures and a round of putt putt that will keep these kids entertained for quite a while. If you want to make it last longer, buy them each a bucket so they aren’t racing to pan the next scoop. Less expensive options are available too but trust me when I say, you might as well buy the big bucket. A quick entertaining lesson on geology was given by Brett and Jeff, the owners, and the kids were off looking for the biggest piece of emeralds, tigers eye and amethyst that I have ever seen. Our home rock tumbler is going to be very active.


For more information check out http://www.hucksgeneralstore.com/ at 500 E Main Street.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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North Georgia Mountains Summer Camps

There is still time to sign up your kids for camp. Camps in the North Georgia mountains, offer a true nature experience. Some of the camps that are popular in the Blue Ridge mountains are listed below.

Trackrock Stables 2009 Horse Camp for Kids
With over 250 acres bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest, Trackrock Stables offers an adventure you will long remember. The beautiful valley setting is home to wild turkey, deer, and many other types of wildlife and lush, colorful foliage. Both the first time and skilled rider will find a well-trained horse to suit their level of experience. You will have the opportunity to learn horsemanship from their experienced guides as you ride across crystal clear mountain streams and canter through peaceful green meadows. Camp is held weekly from 9:00am to 5:00pm for ages 7 & up. For more information go to http://www.trackrock.com/

Camp Toccoa
Uniquely situated on 176 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northeast Georgia, Camp Toccoa is a traditional summer camp boasting forested trails, waterfalls, a lake, high and low ropes courses, swimming pool, an environmental education center, dining hall, the historic Tasnena lodge, and a state-of-the-art riding stable. The coed programs for young people entering grades 1 to 12 offer a variety of fun and challenging activities. Their energetic staff, many of whom were campers themselves, are dedicated to helping campers learn about themselves and the natural world around them. Campers choose their morning activities. Some options include:

Archery
Canoeing
Horseback Riding
Arts & Crafts
Swimming
Low Ropes or High Ropes (depending on age)
Nature
Wilderness Skills
Sports & Games
Drama

Evening activities include theme nights, dances, talent shows, pool parties, cookouts and camp outs. Every camper will have the opportunity to cook a meal over an open fire and sleep under the stars (weather permitting). Each session ends with a traditional Council Fire. For more information and dates, please visit http://www.camptoccoa.org/

Blue Ridge Camp
Blue Ridge Camp is a family operated, activity oriented, coed, and accredited camp. Blue Ridge Camp strives to develop an independent camper within a community setting. Each session consists of various field trips, special events, and 40 camper selected activities. With proper guidance from their staff, every camper has the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of activities in the areas of Aquatics, Athletics, Outdoor Adventure & the Arts. Every 3 days (6 periods per day) each camper selects his/her activities (each activity is 1 hour long). At the end of the 3 days, a camper may select new activities, or elect to continue with some. For more information, go to http://www.blueridgecamp.com/

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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North Georgia Mountain - Local Events and Festivals

Blue Ridge and Ellijay

May 1 Culinary Art Celebration / The Martyn House 912 Flat Branch Road, Ellijay Georgia.
Kick off your weekend with celebrating the arts. This fun event includes refreshments, appetizers and a silent auction of registered and visiting artists' work, and a door prize drawing. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the silent auction wraps up at 9:00 p.m. Guests pay a $25.00 entry fee. Door prize tickets are available for $5.00. Contact the Martyn House for more information. 706-635-4759

May 2- 3 Artist Studio Tour 912 Flat Branch Road, Ellijay Georgia
This event takes place at the Martyn House. The Martyn house is open several times throughout the year to host, sustainable dinner parties, healing retreats, artist appreciation weekends and Artist Studio Tours. This event is a FREE Self-guided studio tour and social event. Hours for tour are Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Artists demonstrations, live music all weekend, original art available for purchase. Hosts Joann and Rick, 706-635-4759

May 7, 14, 21, and 28 Pickin' in the Park, Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA. Pickin' in the Park is every Thursday night from 6:00 PM to dusk. Come and listen to live music jams and pickin' on the banks of the Toccoa River at the Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Admission is free and the park is wheelchair accessible. Come and bring the whole family to enjoy the experience. Scattered picnic tables available, nice grassy lawn, but you are also welcome to bring a blanket or chair. For more information visit www.pickinthepark.com

May 8 - 10, 15 - 17, 22 - 24, and 29- 31 Comedy / Harvey Blue Ridge Community Theater, 11 Mountain Street next to Blue Jeans Pizza. Comedy/Harvey is an eccentric comedy by Mary Chase. Elwood P. Dowd is perhaps one of the most-loved characters of stage in the 20th century. Elwood is polite and cheerful and always friendly toward any strangers he might encounter. He has just one problematic character trait: his best friend is an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit! The fun begins as his sister and niece try to have him committed. A fun filled evening of entertainment. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday's at 2:00 P.M. Admission is only $15.00, senior, child and group discounts are available. Blue Ridge Community Theater 706-632-9223

May 9 Georgia Mountain Classic Car Show, City Park in Blue Ridge Main Street.
Come and see over 200 classic cars. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. Door prizes and trophies for the top 25 trucks and trophies for the top 50 cars and specialty awards that include Mayor's Choice, Chief of Police Choice, Best Chevy and Best Ford and numerous other specialty awards. Judging from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Awards will be announced at 4 p.m. Bryan Myers or Rex Miller 706-492-5252 or 706-632-3656

May 16 Smokie Mountain Melodies Show, Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center Smokie Mountain Melodies presents, "Front Row Center 09" a Spring production with all female Barber Shop. Phyllis Baker is a highly-respected Director from Pinellas, Florida who has directed on International stage. She has taken the Smokie Mountain Melodies of 15 members singing four part harmony and grown it to approximately 39 members within a short period of time. The chorus repertoire has also grown exponentially. Saturday 7:00 For more information, call Fannin County High School 706-632-2081 or 706-632-2081

May 23 - 24 Arts in the Park, City Park - Downtown Blue Ridge Downtown Blue Ridge 33rd Annual Festival. This festival features over 200 arts, crafts and food booths and is a must see during your visit to Blue Ridge. The Arts in the Park boasts the best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist's demonstrations, music and dance. The Arts in the Park has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The event is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. For more information contact the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association 706-632-2144

Blairsville May 8, Free Concert at John C. Campbell Folk School 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM Widely acclaimed, Betty Smith has sung from Florida to New York, from Vancouver to England, sharing her extensive repertoire of Southern, Appalachian and British ballads, folksongs, hymns and children's songs and games. Singing unaccompanied or accompanying herself on guitar, mountain dulcimer and autoharp, she has delighted audiences of all kinds through personal appearances and her recordings for the Folk Legacy, June Appal and Bluff Mountain Music labels. She is the recipient of many music and folklore awards including the Brown-Hudson Folklore Citation of the North Carolina Folkore Society and membership in the Mountain Music Hall of Fame. www.folkschool.org

May 22 - 24 Brasstown Valley ResortBrasstown Valley Resort is proud to bring you the 2nd Annual Horsin' Around BBQ Showdown. This contest operates under sanction of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Along with the cook-off there will be lots of activities for the whole family. Arts & Crafts Fair, Bike Show, delicious concessions, Kid's Fun Zone, Horse Shoes, Cloggers and live music & entertainment. www.bbqshowdown.com

May 23 Spring Tour of Lakeside Homes Fundraiser "Celebrate the Lake"
The Lake Nottely Improvement Association, Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, and United Community Bank team up for "Celebrate the Lake" a Spring Tour of Lakeside Homes. The fundraiser will feature 6 - 8 waterfront homes and will be a self - guided tour. Contact Sue Boris @ 706-835-3005 or Lynn Varian @ 706-897-5669 , sueboris@windstream.net for more information.

June 13 & 14th Blairsville's Scottish Festival and Highland games.
Catch the excitement at Meeks Park in Blairsville, Georgia. This festival offers athletic games, ceremonies, Scottish dance, live music, great food and workshops. The highlight of this year's festival will be a Mini Cooper Car Show. Members of the Atlanta Minis and sister club, the Smokey Mountain Minis are happy to show off their cute and stylish automobiles. With over 800 members, these two groups share their enthusiasm at many festivals, events, and rallies throughout the year. For more information, please visit http://www.blairsvillescottishfestival.org/

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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1-866-618-2521

EscapetoBlueRidge.com is a website with information about Blue Ridge cabin rentals. Learn more about local attractions, festivals and last minute getaway deals.

Lake Nottely Cabin Rentals

Exciting Company News

Escape to Blue Ridge is excited to annouce that is has recently added three luxury cabins in Blairsville and Union County, all of which sit directly on Lake Nottely.

Blairsville and Union County are located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest and North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you'll enjoy hiking, mountain biking, waterfalls, and horseback riding, as well as water sports on two lakes: Winfield Scott and Nottely. Blairsville and Union County hosts many festivals throughout the year. The most popular festivals are the Blairsville Scottish Festival, the Highland Games each June and the Sorghum Festival at Meeks Park in October. These festivals are fun for the entire family.

Come and visit our updated website to see all the activities in Blairsville and our three featured cabins.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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EscapetoBlueRidge.com is a website with information about Blue Ridge cabin rentals. Learn more about local attractions, festivals and last minute getaway deals.

April Local Events & Festivals

Here's just a few North Georgia mountain festivals and events to enjoy this spring!

April 2, 9 ,16, 23 and 30th Winter Pickin from the "The Pickin Coup"
Located off Hwy 5 north toward McCaysville, enjoy listening to free acoustic musicians from all over the tri-state area, playing a variety of instruments. Everyone is invited and the dance floor is always open for those who just can't keep their feet still. Every Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00pm before it moves back to Horseshoe Bend Park in May. For more information contact Anne Williams 706-455-7771.

April 4th Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Organizers of the Twelfth Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race on April 4, 2009, promise a challenging contest with lots of surprises and some of the most stunning scenery anywhere -- plus the famous Blue Ridge hospitality racers have come to expect and enjoy. So get your team ready to run, paddle, mountain bike and navigate in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Up to 100 coed teams of three (plus one support person) will run along the forested trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest, paddle on the Toccoa River and/or Lake Blue Ridge, mountain bike steep trails and complete mystery challenges along the way. Although the course changes from year to year, the finish line is still in downtown Blue Ridge City Park, with live music, food and relaxing fun. The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race is a USARA National Championship Qualifier. Elaine Dilbeck 706-632-5680

April 11th Easter Egg-spress, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Take the family for a fun afternoon on the Easter Egg-spress. Meet at the Blue Ridge Scenic railway depot on Saturday, April 11th at 4:00pm and ride the train with the Easter Bunny! This is a two hour trip. Ticket prices are $16.00 plus tax for all passengers. 706-632-9833

April 18th Taste of Blue Ridge / Local Restaurants / Benefits Humane Society, Riverstone Medical Campus
Come and enjoy the delicious fare from several of our local Blue Ridge restaurants. There will also be a silent auction, wine tasting and music. Hours are from 6:00 - 9:00pm This is a "Save the Date" event. For more information please call 706-633-9847.

April 18 - 19th & 25 - 26th Blue Ridge Spring Fest, Blue Ridge Farmer's Market
This annual event in Blue Ridge features the works of local artists as well as those from other parts of the county. The arts and crafts sale begins at 9:00am and ends at 5:00pm. It is graciously sponsored by the Fannin County Explorer Post 401. For more information, call 706-946-6003.

April 25th Wildflower Walk, Vogel State Park
Located off Highway 129 south of Blairsville. This gorgeous guided wildflower walk through the Appalachian forest will highlight Jack-in-the pulpits, trilliums, wild azaleas and many other flowering plants. $3.00 admission. For more information, call 706-745-2628

April 25th Bike Race Cohutta 100 and Big Frog 65, Blue Ridge
The Cohutta 100 is a mix of fast moving rolling terrain and big climbs. There is significant elevation change throughout the course. There are about 35+ miles of single track and the remainder is forest service roads, which are very beautiful. The 100 will start at 7:00am. The big frog 65 will start at 7:15am. All races will start at the White Water Center near the welcome center. Contact Barbara Borders at 404-217-0041 for more information.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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EscapetoBlueRidge.com is a website with information about Blue Ridge cabin rentals. Learn more about local attractions, festivals and last minute getaway deals.

North Georgia Mountain biking and 4x4 trail drives

Cohutta Wilderness rides (west of Blue Ridge)
This ride is 3+ hours on winding gravel forest service roads and some times steep grades which is more suited for the skilled driver. Make sure you're car is running well and you load up with fuel and food for the challenging drive.

Jeep & 4-Wheel Drive Trail Drives
Murphy, NC and Tellico, NCIf you prefer the off-road adventures, then these nearby Jeep Jamboree trails are for the seasoned or novice trail riders. You can enjoy some great off-road adventures for just $5 access fees. Click here to learn more.

Blairsville, Georgia - Beasley Knob OHV Area
Another great trail ride area in the Chattahoochee National Forest just 30 minutes east of Blue Ride, GA. Beasley Knob OHV provides nearly 11 miles of trails for 4-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs. Most of the trails are difficult and become even more challenging after a rain. These trails are closed during the winter months (Jan to Mar) for your safety and you should click the following link to make sure that the trails are open after a heavy rain. The US Forest Service has jurisdiction over the area and charges a small $5 access fee. http://www.sfwda.org/trails/beasleyknob/index.html
Blue Ridge Ranger District - More OHV information

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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EscapetoBlueRidge.com is a website with information about Blue Ridge cabin rentals. Learn more about local attractions, festivals and last minute getaway deals.

Blue Ridge Outdoor Adventures & Training

Start Training for the Aska Adventure Race
Tenth Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race on April 4, 2009. Get your team ready to run, paddle, mountain bike and navigate in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Up to 100 co-ed teams of three (plus one support person) will run along the forested trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest, paddle on the Toccoa River and/or Lake Blue Ridge, mountain bike steep trails and complete mystery challenges along the way. Although the course changes from year to year, the finish line is still in downtown Blue Ridge City Park, with live music, food and relaxing fun.

Hit the trails by foot or mountain
around the corner so get the family off the couch and hit the nearby mountain trails for hiking, trail runs, and mountain biking. Here are some scenic trails that will get the heart rate up and provide some great scenic views. Aska Trail and South Fork Trail and Loop ride in the nearby Cohutta national forest just west of Blue Ridge are the 2 most popular and also great hiking trails. Aska Trails are the older of the two and mostly singletrack, which requires more concentration. These Aska trails were previously hiking trails that were opened up for biking. The Stanley Gap trail is very tight near the top of Rocky Mountain and can be even more challenging if there is some winter snow on the ground. But most mountain bikers live for singletrack, so you'll love the challenge and can relax in the hot tub when you return to your mountain cabin retreat! The 2 major Aska trails are Deep Gap on Aska Road and Stanley Gap on Stanley Creek Road, which runs between the two if you have the energy and time. In addition to the hardcore mountain biking trails, there is a short 2.3 mile beginner trial called Turkey Farm Loop just across the road. The Turkey Farm Loop is longer but is mostly a gravel trail along the Forest Service roads.
http://www.escapetoblueridge.com/activities/mountainbiking.phphttp://www.escapetoblueridge.com/activities/hikingtrails.php

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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1-866-618-2521

EscapetoBlueRidge.com is a website with information about Blue Ridge cabin rentals. Learn more about local attractions, festivals and last minute getaway deals.