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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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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march 2009 blue ridge festivals and events

Blue Ridge Community Theater, Kids Say the Darndest Things
11 Mountain Street next to Blue Jeans PizzaGet ready to laugh, laugh, laugh, when,... "Kids Say the Darndest Things!" Yes, the one we remember from the TV of our youth that was hosted by Art Linkletter! This play is filled with the innocent wisdom that comes out of the "mouth of babes" and reminds us to look at the world with a kid's view. This very funny, family entertainment will be vastly enjoyed by audiences young and old! Show times on Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday show is at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are only $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. 706-632-9223Dates for this eventMarch 13, 2009- March 15, 2009 March 20, 2009- March 22, 2009

The Pickin Coup, Winter Pickn'
Hwy 5 north toward McCaysville, turn left on Kingston (just past Sonic) will be on your right.Free event, acoustic musicians from all over the tri-state area, playing a variety of instruments are welcome to drop in for some old fashioned pickn'. Everyone is invited, dance floor for those who just can't keep their feet still. Every Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 before it moves back to Horseshoe Bend Park in May. Anne Williams 706-455-7771Dates for this eventMarch 05, 2009March 12, 2009March 19, 2009March 26, 2009April 02, 2009

Celtic Music Festival, Dahlonega GA
515 south to SR 52 head eastThe Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce presents their first annual Celtic Music Festival! Celtic-themed workshops will be held at various locations around Downtown Dahlonega. Enjoy bagpipers, storytellers and dance as you shop the art and craft exhibitors displaying and selling Celtic themed items. For more information on the festival contact the Chamber at 706-864-3711. Dates for this eventMarch 27 - 29, 2009

The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race
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 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. The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race is a USARA National Championship Qualifier. Contact Elaine Dilbeck 706-632-5680Dates for this eventApril 04, 2009

Bowling Alley Fun Year-round
For those cold and snowy days in Blue Ridge, keep the family entertained by going to the Fannin Lanes Bowling alley, which has been in business for over 30 years. Fannin Lanes has 6 lanes, all of which have the option of bumper sides for the kiddies. Not to mention, they offer wonderful Birthday parties and have several leagues to compete in. So if you are an expert bowler, be sure to pack your ball and shoes and get ready for some bowling alley fun! Located at 4115 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA Phone: (706) 632-2064

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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A few restaurants in Blue Ridge, GA

Repaz On Main Repaz ON Main is an inventive, seasonal, farm-to-table fresh menu in a setting as elegant as it is rustic. Repaz brings a totally different, totally delightful restaurant experience to the heart of Blue Ridge. 576 East Main Street Blue Ridge, Georgia 706-946-6912
Blue Ridge Mountain Bar-B-Q The Blue Ridge Mountain Bar-B-Q offers great southern style hickory-smoked pork, yard bird (chicken for non-southerners), beef and of course, mouth watering ribs! All these delectable meats are smoked slowly to perfection and come with all the provisions like sweet and hot BBQ sauces, Brunswick stew, baked beans, fresh coleslaw, French fry potatoes with the skins on (hey the skins are good for you), fried okra, tasty onion rings, pork rinds with several spice options (Cajun is the best), salads, and a kicking smoked chicken salad that is a must for picnics (they offer free samples that will get you immediately hooked). The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining or you can simply go through the drive-in for fast take-out service. Blue Ridge Mountain BBQ is a great old fashioned southern BBQ experience, so come early and come often.
3870 E. First Street Blue Ridge, GA, 30513 706-632-6996

Enchanted Mountain Trout and Gourmet Meats is a big local favorite for fresh rainbow trout, hardwood smoked trout, good old fashion natural beef (no hormones or steroids), chicken, pork and seafood. They take pride in the gourmet meats they provide and will go the extra mile to hand cut steaks any way your like. So make sure to stop by and get some tasty picnic provisions or some thick cut steaks for an incredible cook-out during your stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 12305 Morganton Hwy Morganton, GA, 30560 (706)374-5971

Angelina's Italian Gourmet Market & Delicatessen If you love an Italian deli, then you need to visit Angelina's for lunch, early dinner, or for take-out. Angelina's offers some of the most delicious imported gourmet food and deli favorites including sandwiches and salads that will bring you back for more. All the sandwiches and salads are made fresh daily, so stop by for your mountain adventure picnic provisions. You can load up on the scrumptious Boar's Head deli meats and cheeses, which are available by the pound to satisfy the big group appetites.
3640 East First Street Blue Ridge, GA, 30513 706-632-3354Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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Escape to Blue Ridge sponsors Sorella Cycling

Escape to Blue Ridge is proud to sponsor Sorella Cycling for the 2009 season. Both EBR and Sorella are excited about sharing with cycling and all sports enthusiasts how Blue Ridge, GA is a great mountain environment to train for events, compete, and enjoy all year round as an escape from the daily grind just 90 minutes north of Atlanta. EBR and Sorella support fitness for women as part of our Blue Ridge outdoor mountain activity awareness programs. We look forward to hosting the Sorella team clinics and Cohutta 65 and 100 Mountain Bike Endurance Race in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins

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February North Georgia Mountain Activities

February in Blue Ridge, GA is the perfect time for a quick getaway or week long vacation to relax this winter. We already had some light snow and the winter scenery is very peaceful.
Local Events

February 6 - 27
For those cold afternoons or nights in Blue Ridge, try attending a stage show at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Comedy/Marrying Walt at the Blue Ridge Community Theater is playing the entire month of February. Mary and Walt are living the good life in a Florida Trailer Retirement Village. This is a heart warming and hilarious comedy with an ending that pulls your heart strings with truth. Located at 11 Mountain Street next to Blue Jeans Pizza. Showtimes Friday & Saturdays at 7:30 P.M. Sundays at 2:00 P.M.March 7th Merle Haggard Concert,

http://merlehaggard.com
You gotta love a Merle Hagfard concert, so here's your chance! Tickets On Sale February 2nd The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191
GeorgiaMountainFairGrounds.com

February 14th Crane Creek Vineyards VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL, Complimentary carnations for the ladies and home-made chocolates with wine purchase.
http://www.cranecreekvineyards.com

Frogtown Wine Valentines Day Dinner. Frogtown is serving a Wine Taster Dinner Saturday Feb 14 @ 7:00PM to celebrate. To view the menu click on the following link: http://www.frogtownwine.com/
Reservations are required. If you can't join them for the dinner on Saturday, Frogtown will also be serving a Wine Taster Brunch Sunday Feb 15 @ 12:30PM. Reservations are required. Entire Month of FebruaryDiscover Blue Ridge GA's best kept secret. Serenity in the Mountains Day Spa is a full service spa located in the heart of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Serenity's clients come from around the corner and around the country. Serenity is known for our wonderful service and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a caviar facial, a relaxing massage, a haircut or just a manicure you need to try out Serenity. Serenty is currently offering some amazing winter specials, including a "Girls Weekend" getaway package. Serenity in the Mountains 59 McKinney Rd. Blue Ridge, GA 30513706-258-2244

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 Mountain Hiking Trails

The Aska trails and South Fork trail and Loop ride in the nearby Cohutta national forest just west of Blue Ridge are also some incredible hiking trails. Of course, all of the mountain biking trails mentioned above are welcome to hikers, but the most popular hiking trails in Blue Ridge are the Benton MacKaye and Duncan Trails. These trails offer remarkable changes in terrain and some of the most beautiful scenery of the Cohutta Wilderness. Directions and a detailed description of each trail are described below.

Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail in Georgia stretches from Springer Mountain to Double Spring Gap on the Tennessee border. The first 20 miles of this trail merge with the Appalachian Duncan Ridge Trails. From Springer Mountain, the Benton MacKaye Trail goes north to Rhodes Mountain and turns west, crossing the Toccoa River at Shallowford Bridge. The trail uses county roads near Stanley Gap, and then follows ridge tops to Cherry Log. The trail then crosses private property before following state and county roads to Bush Head Gap. The entire trail is marked with white diamonds and blazes on trees and is suitable for hiking and some mountain biking. 78.6 miles

Duncan Ridge Trail
This challenging trail, not generally suitable for mountain biking, follows high, dry ridges for most of its length. The trail begins on Long Creek near Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail, goes north, and crosses the Toccoa River on a 260-foot swinging bridge. The trail then leads north and west along Duncan Ridge through Mulky Gap to Slaughter Gap. It includes many steep climbs and descents over several mountain tops. The trail is blue blazed for all of this section but also has yellow blazes on the eastern portion, where the Coosa Backcountry Trail shares the same treadway and also will have the white diamonds of the Benton MacKaye Trail from long Creek falls for Rhodes Mountain. About 1.25 miles on the eastern end are within the Blood Mountain Wilderness. A 60 mile loop trail can be made by combing this trail with the Appalachian Trail.

Click here for more Blue Ridge hiking trail information to help plan your January mountain vacation adventure (remember to bring your camera).

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.

Mountain biking in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The winter is a great time to hit the mountain biking and hiking trails in Blue Ridge, Georgia. The weather's cool, the foliage is off the trees, and you can enjoy all the rugged mountain terrain.

The 2 most popular mountain biking trails are the Aska trials and South Fork Trail and Loop ride in the nearby Cohutta national forest just west of Blue Ridge. These are also incredible hiking trails. The trails at Aska are the older of the two and mostly singletrack, which requires more concentration for some of the higher elevation trails. 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 like earlier this week. But hey 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.

Click Blue Ridge mountain biking for more information to help plan your January mountain vacation adventure (remember to bring your camera or video to capture the experience).

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.

Blue Ridge Winter Wonderland

January in Blue Ridge, GA is the perfect time for a quick getaway or week long vacation to relax after a busy holiday season. The weather is significantly cooler, we already had some light snow and the winter scenery is very peaceful

January 10th
John Jorgenson Quintet 7:30 pm, Ellijay Elementary Auditorium, Tickets: GAHA 706-635-5605 http://www.gilmerarts.org

January 31st
Folk Tales and Folk Music, at the Performing Arts Center in Blue Ridge.From traffic light 5 & 515 (McDonalds) take 515 toward Atlanta 2 traffic lights to Old 76 (June Walker Chevrolet is on corner) turn left, entrance to high school is just around the curve on your right hand side. The Performing Art Center is at the high school. This is a wonderful evening of folk tales and songs. This is not an evening to be missed. Dr. Fred Craddock is an excellent speaker and storyteller. This is an annual event which brings hundreds to Blue Ridge to hear him speak. This is a free event. Due to how large the Performing Arts Center is, reservations are not necessary, seating is first come first serve, show begins at 7:30 P.M. The Craddock Center 706-632-1772

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 Community Theater in December 2008

Blue Ridge Community Theater is a great Blue Ridge jewel that is located on 11 Mountain St next to Blue Jeans Pizza. The Blue Ridge Community Theater's Christmas productions will be a trio that will delight children and those young at heart. Below are three shows that will light up every child's holiday spirit.

December 12-14, 19-21

"The Nativity Tale" (ages 3 -19), directed by Valerie Smith, is the true meaning of Christmas as celebrated in scripture and song.

"The Jingles and the Commercial Kids" (ages 8 - 19), honor the Blue Ridge Community Theater sponsors with creative and humorous original skits and songs.

"The Hobo and the Miracle" by John Kaasik, directed by Patricia Webb, is another first for SDCT, in its Southeastern debut, this play is accompanied by original music and dance.

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.