Take advantage of the natural landscape by visiting lakes, rivers, and parks to enjoy the mountains all year round!

National Parks, Forests, & Historic Sites in North Georgia

These amazing places are a big part of what makes the North Georgia mountains so special. Visit these icons that are well known around the world.

• Appalachian Trail 
• Benton MacKaye Trail
• Brasstown Bald hike to the tallest peak in Georgia at 4,783′
• Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
• Nantahala National Forest
• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

North Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Requires a Georgia State Park ParkPass (Single Visit $5 / Annual $50). Georgia residents can check with their local library for loaner ParkPasses (these passes can be checked out like books).

• Amicalola Falls State Park (Tallest WATERFALLS in Georgia)
• Black Rock Mountain State Park
• Chief Vann House State Park 
• Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site 
• Fort Mountain State Park 
• Hardman Farm Historic Site
• Moccasin Creek State Park 
• New Echota Historic Site 
• Smithgall Woods State Park
  • WATERFALLS: Dukes Creek Falls near Unicoi State Park
• Tallulah Gorge State Park
• Unicoi State Park
  • WATERFALLS: Raven Cliff Falls near Unicoi State Park
  • WATERFALLS: High Shoals Falls near Unicoi State Park
  • WATERFALLS: Anna Ruby Falls near Unicoi State Park
• Vogel State Park
  • WATERFALLS: Wolf Creek Falls at Vogel State Park
  • WATERFALLS: Helton Creek Falls near Vogel State Park
  • WATERFALLS: Desoto Falls South of Vogel State Park

Other Great Parks & Gardens in the Georgia Mountains

• Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens at Lake Chatuge
  • Bloom season begins in early April and continues well into May
  • Open year round and offers seasonal views of native plants and trees
  • Picnic tables are first-come, first-serve (available under the Paris Pavilion)
  • Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily
  • $2 person / $5 family
  • 96 Pavilion Road, Hiawassee, GA
  • 706-970-0011

North Georgia Lakes

There are beautiful lakes to enjoy in the North Georgia mountains including larger lakes like Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Nottely, and Lake Chatuge, and quieter lakes like Lake Burton and Lake Rabun. A few of the lakes are “working lakes” and have a major drawdown of water in the winter.

Boating, Fishing, Swimming

These North Georgia mountain lakes are summertime favorites and offer a beautiful space to enjoy both the water and the mountain views. Stick to the simple joys of fishing, swimming, or boating, or try one of the more unique activities like flyboarding or riding a seaplane. Rent a boat for a fun excursion on the water or rent a cabin WITH a boat for a vacation full of fun on the lake!

• Blue Ridge Lake
  • Winter drawdown – water levels drop approx 22 feet from Summer to Winter
• Lake Burton
  • 62 miles of shoreline
  • Dam is 128 feet high with a span of 1,100 feet
  • Moccasin Creek State Park located on West side of the lake
  • Family Fishing Pond (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) on Moccasin Creek (next to Lake Burton)
  • Marinas include Anchorage Boat Dock and LaPrade’s Marina
  • Visit Jones Bridge Park on the North side of the lake for great views (no lake access)
• Chatuge Lake
  • In years with normal rainfall, the water level in Chatuge Reservoir varies about 10 feet from Summer to Winter
  • 132 miles of shoreline plus campgrounds, picnic tables, & more
  • Public boat ramps available
  • Free admission to Towns County Beach with swimming beach
  • Dam is 150 feet high and stretches 3,336 feet across the Hiwassee River
• Lake Nottely
  • Winter drawdown – water levels drop approx 20 feet from Summer to Winter
• Lake Rabun
  • Drawdown once every 3 years – November and December 2020 lake levels will be lowered

North Georgia Rivers

Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Tubing

• Chattahoochee
• Chattooga
• Nantahala
• Nottely
• Toccoa
• Tallulah