Are you looking for the best things to do in Blairsville, GA? Then look no further! This small town is the perfect place to visit for those who love the outdoors.
There are many reasons to visit Blairsville, Georgia. The city is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and it is located in the midst of a great forested area.
The Brasstown Ranger District of Chattahoochee National Forest is headquartered in Blairsville, and the area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
In addition, Blairsville is a cultural center for the region, with several art galleries and museums. The city also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including The Sorghum Festival, which celebrates the sweet taste of sorghum syrup every October.
Here are 20 top things to do in Blairsville, Georgia.
Things To Do in Blairsville
1. Trackrock Campground
The scenic Chattahoochee Forest surrounds this picturesque campground. It’s a great place for a relaxing outdoor stay with your family – especially if you enjoy horses and horseback riding.
The campground offers 95 campsites, all of which are spacious and shaded. You can bring your pop-up, RV, or tent – or you can rent one of their clean and modern one or two-room cabins to stay in this peaceful and natural setting.
The cabins are all furnished and have electricity. There is a kitchenette and a bathroom in each cabin.
While you stay at Trackrock, you can go horseback riding. You can take lessons if you don’t know how to ride a horse.
You can also swim, fish, and hike the trails here. This campground often plays host to groups of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as church groups or private groups.
2. 7M Family Farms
Located in the north Georgia mountains, this farm is a family-run business that features a greenhouse and a hydroponic unit.
They also have 125 rows of planted produce that yield a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables that are free of pesticides.
You can buy vegetables and fruits from the fields during any season except winter – but the greenhouse is open all year to visitors, and there are plants on sale from the greenhouse.
3. The Herb Crib
This little alcove of serenity is a place apart from any urban influences. Surrounded by lush greenery and lilac trees, you’ll find a rustic wooden barn where you’ll find a selection of local herbs.
They have a large list of locally grown herbs for sale. Their staff will be happy to teach you about herbs and their usage in medicine. You can also learn how you can grow herbs at home.
The blossom-studded setting of the barn alone is worth adding to your list of things to do in Blairsville, GA.
4. Union County Farmers Market
This area is heavily agricultural, so it stands to reason its farmer’s market would be a great place to visit. Here you can buy freshly grown produce; sold by the families who have grown it.
There are also food vendors who sell locally-sourced food. Parking is free. You can’t bring your pets in there, but a dogsitting “shelter” is available across the street, run by the area Humane Society.
5. Union County History Trail
Blairsville had an important role in our country’s history, and you can follow in the footsteps of our forefathers as you visit some of its historical sites.
There are many places to visit on this trail; 17 of them are over 50 years old. You can pay your respects to the Civil War soldiers buried at the Blairsville Cemetery.
You can also enjoy a visit to two old-fashioned general stores: Alexander’s Store and Sunrise Grocery.
6. The Brasstown Bald Trail
This site is a stop you won’t want to miss – but get ready for a climb! The trail here will lead you to the highest point in the state of Georgia.
The pinnacle of the trail is 4784 feet high. When the sky here is clear, you will be able to see not only the whole state of Georgia but Tennessee, South Carolina, and parts of North Carolina.
There is a visitors’ center with geological exhibits. A shuttle runs through the trail every morning and until late afternoon.
7. Union County Historical Courthouse
Union County Historical Courthouse is the right place to visit if you’re looking to get a sense of the area’s history and culture.
The courthouse was built in 1899 and is now dedicated to telling the story of the history and culture of this area.
Inside the complex, you will find the courthouse, the Grappelli Butt Mock House, and the John Payne Cabin.
Admission is free, and there is a lot of historical information available. The buildings and exhibits here are especially interesting to Civil War buffs.
A visit to Union County Historical Courthouse is one of the best things to do in Blairsville.
8. Georgia Mountain Research and Education
This building was established in 1930 and stands on 445 acres of beautiful land. Most of their work and projects benefit local farmers, but there are workshops and educational seminars about agricultural topics. Weekly guided tours are offered.
9. The Mountain Life Museum
This museum is part of the courthouse complex but deserves mention all its own. Many historical festivals are held here due to its expansive lawn.
You can take a guided tour and learn about the personal histories of several Civil War soldiers from this area.
10. Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center
If you are interested in the history and culture of southern Appalachia, one of the best things to do in Blairsville is to visit the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center.
The center is dedicated to the memory of poet, novelist, and farmer Byron Herbert Reece, and it features a variety of educational displays that illustrate the rewards and hardships of farming in that region in the early 1900s.
The exhibits also include barns, smokehouses, and other buildings that have been preserved from that era, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn more about Appalachian life.
In addition to its educational functions, the center also serves as a gift shop and visitor’s center.
There is also a theater on site where visitors can watch documentaries about Appalachia, and the center offers excellent picnic facilities.
If you’re interested in the history and culture of southern Appalachia, then the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center is definitely worth a visit.
11. Vogel State Park
This park is in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is one of Georgia’s oldest parks.
Climb through its mountains and enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and visiting its historical museum.
The park also features a 223-acre lake where you can camp, and they offer rustic cabins to rent for those who do not have a tent.
Visitors can use non-motorized boats or swim on its beach during the summer. Annual events include the Independence Day Flag-Raising event, the CCC Reunion, a Wildflower Walk, a Kids’ Fishing Rodeo, and an Arts and Crafts festival.
12. Nottley Lake
This lake is not only one of the loveliest sites in the city but is also helpful as a runoff area during flooding. It’s found at the southeastern end of the Georgia River.
There is a small beach and a few campsites. Visitors will enjoy seeing some animals who live here. Visitors can also fish for trout and bass. There is also a museum and visitors’ center.
13. Meeks Park
The park was established in 1992, and it’s a great place for you and your kids to participate in some outdoor sports.
They have a tennis court, a playground, a skateboard ramp, a basketball court, a playground, and batting cages. There are also some picnic groves and a Disc Golf course.
14. Lasso The Moon Alpaca Farm
Alpacas are fascinating animals, and it is hard to beat them for cuteness. Families can take a tour around the farm and see and interact with the alpacas in their natural setting.
These soft and beautiful animals are a hit with people of all ages. You can buy souvenirs at the gift shop. In the gift shop, you can buy clothing made from alpaca pelts. They also have some unique handmade jewelry.
15. Odom Springs Vineyard
This vineyard isn’t in Blairsville itself, but it is just two hours away and worth the drive. It is a family-owned vineyard and a perfect couples’ getaway spot.
There is a spacious lodge on the grounds where you can stay. It is big enough for a small group or a family – but intimate enough for a couple. You can also sample the local signature vintage called Earl’s Reserve. It is an award-winning wine.
16. Grumpy Old Men Brewery
This local microbrewery was opened by people who wanted a brewery that produced beer that they would personally enjoy.
The brewery sells its locally-brewed beer, and its gift shop has some fun merchandise. The brewery partners with nearby Jeff’s Hot Dogs stand – where the Grumpy Guys’ smooth and delicious beer is perfectly paired with Jeff’s great-tasting dogs.
17. Blairsville Pickers Barn
This site is the type of general store combined with a souvenir shop you would expect in a country town like this.
You’ll find everything from antiques to vintage coins. It’s a 27.000-square-foot indoor mall. The most interesting things on their website include a stuffed porcupine, some World War II war medals, a whole year of vintage Playboy magazines, an old-fashioned traffic light, vintage furniture, and a rare geode.
The mall is open every day except Tuesdays, and the entire area is pet-friendly.
18. The Blairsville Waterfalls
One of the top things to do in Blairsville, GA is to visit the waterfalls. Anyone who enjoys waterfalls will not be disappointed in a visit to Blairsville, as evidenced by the following falls:
Minnehaha Falls
This site offers a short, easy (kid-friendly) hike to beautiful falls. It is located on Rabun Lake. Not many people know that Minnehaha is the Dakota word for “waterfall.” Lots of rhododendron plants make the foliage on these hikes especially green.
Helton Creek Falls
This charming little waterfall has several trails. There are two waterfalls at this location.
One of its popular trails follows a beautiful stream up a small hill, where you will see one of its waterfalls from the top.
You will then be directed to a shortcut to the base of the falls and enjoy the view from there.
Hurricane Falls
You can find this waterfall on one of the hikes at Tallulah Gorge National Forest. The trail to the falls will bring you through several streams and a suspension bridge before taking you to a breathtaking view of the falls.
If you plan to visit here, be sure to check the dam release schedule for the park because visitors are not allowed at the park on dam release days due to safety considerations.
Hemlock Falls
The trail to this waterfall is especially lovely. The trail follows the whitewater run of Moccasin Creek and culminates in the 15-foot falls.
DeSoto Falls
There are two falls on this site and a campground at the trail’s entrance to the falls. The hiking trails are short enough for children to enjoy.
These trails have historical significance, as they are named for explorer Hernando De Soto – and there is a story posted on the trail about him.
19. Blairsville Festivals
One of the fun things to do in Blairsville is to attend one (or more) of the many festivals that are held in the town throughout the year.
Blairsville loves its festivals, and you will soon see why if you visit during one of them. You can attend:
The Sorghum Festival
Blairsville celebrates the sweet taste of sorghum syrup every October. This festival is Blairsville’s longest-running festival. There are lots of country-oriented contests, including a biscuit-eating bash.
The Spring Arts and Crafts Festival
Every May, the artists and musicians in the area will begin this celebration with a parade and then display their wares in the middle of the town. Performers and artisans are celebrated.
The Scottish Festival and Highland Games
These games take place in June. You’ll find this festival by following the sound of bagpipes. There are Scots-themed games, food, and dancing. The hosts and native Scotsmen of the area will be decked out in kilts.
July 4 Independence Day & Boat Parade
Blairsville makes a weekend out of the Independence Day festivities, starting with the boat parade in Nottley Marina and ending with a fireworks display at Meeks Park.
Although the activities listed may make it sound as though Blairsville is a city steeped in history and nature (and it is!), its populace and downtown area are still intent on attracting visitors who know how to party like it’s 2023.
In downtown Blairsville, you will find the streets full of eclectic modern shops, including:
- Rustic Mountain Decor -for home decorations and home furnishings
- Origami Owl – for fine jewelry
- Victoria’s Antiques – all types of antiques
- The Flower Garden – fresh flowers and plants
After all this shopping, you may want to take a break to enjoy some unique food. Try the Hole In the Wall for an all-day country breakfast at one of the most popular restaurants in Blairsville.
20. Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling
After a full day of touring all the beautiful nature or historical places in Blairsville, you may be looking for some nightlife. Look no further than Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling.
Run by a musician who once toured with Waylon Jennings, it still has an operation where they make their own moonshine, and the staff will gladly give you a tour and show you how to make moonshine. This makes it one of the best things to do in Blairsville.
Plan a Trip to Blairsville, GA
If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to get away, look no further than Blairsville in Georgia.
This charming city is surrounded by natural areas, providing plenty of opportunities for picnics, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
Blairsville is also perfect for a relaxing weekend retreat, with its charming downtown district full of shops and restaurants.
So if you’re looking for a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the company of your friends or family, be sure to add the above list of things to do in Blairsville, GA, to your itinerary.
