Explore the Area
Things to Do
Waterfalls, gorges, vineyards, whitewater, and a Bavarian village. All within a short drive. You won't run out of things to do up here.
The Best of North Georgia
Everything here is within about 30 minutes of the resort. Some are 5 minutes away.
Nature
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Nearly 1,000 feet deep and two miles long, with waterfalls crashing through the bottom. Rim trails give you the overlooks without much effort. Grab one of 100 daily gorge floor permits and you can scramble right down to the base.
Arrive before 8 AM for gorge floor permits on weekends. Fall foliage peaks mid-October.
Nature
Anna Ruby Falls
Twin waterfalls where Curtis Creek (153 ft) and York Creek (50 ft) merge together. The paved trail is only half a mile. You can be there and back in under an hour.
Go after rain for maximum flow. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
Culture
Helen, Georgia
A mountain town of 500 people that reinvented itself as a Bavarian alpine village in the 1960s. Over 200 shops, German restaurants, and tubing on the Chattahoochee right through town. Two million visitors a year.
Summer weekends get packed. Oktoberfest runs September through November. Park once and walk.
Adventure
North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park
Part zoo, part drive-through safari, part petting farm. The safari portion is in your own vehicle with animals coming up to the windows. Budget 2-3 hours for the full experience.
Buy tickets online in advance. Spring and early fall have the best weather.
Food & Drink
Habersham Vineyards & Winery
One of North Georgia's original wineries in the Nacoochee Valley. Five pours for $14 and the staff actually knows their product. They do everything from dry reds to sweet muscadines.
Pair with a Helen visit since they're half a mile apart. Groups of 10+ call ahead.
Adventure
Sunburst Adventures
A 114-acre adventure farm doing horseback riding, ziplining, and ATV tours. The zipline is the longest in Northeast Georgia. Closest adventure outfitter to Apple Mountain.
Combo package (horseback + zipline) is the best value. Book ahead in summer/fall.
Adventure
LaPrade's Marina / Lake Burton
Full-service marina that's become its own destination. Three restaurants on-site plus ice cream. Even if you don't rent a boat, it's worth the drive for lunch on the water.
Reserve boats in advance for weekends. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Nature
Moccasin Creek State Park
Compact 32-acre park on Lake Burton. Fishing pier designated for seniors, children, and visitors with disabilities. Trailhead for Hemlock Falls. Quieter than the bigger parks.
Combine with LaPrade's Marina since they're on the same lake. Fishing pier doesn't require a Georgia license.
Nature
Hemlock Falls Trail
Two-mile out-and-back trail following Moccasin Creek upstream to a waterfall. The main falls hike takes about 45 minutes round trip. Trail continues beyond to Upper Moccasin Creek Falls but gets rough.
Wear shoes with grip. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.
Culture
Habersham Community Theatre
Volunteer-run theater putting on shows since 1982, right off the town square. Small venue so every seat is close. A nice change of pace from the outdoor activities.
Buy tickets early, shows sell out regularly. Walking distance from downtown restaurants.
Adventure
Soque River
One of North Georgia's legendary trout streams producing genuinely large brown and rainbow trout. Most of the river is privately owned. Public access at Jackson Bridge on Highway 197. For the best experience, book a guided trip.
For tubing, head to Helen instead. A guided fly fishing trip on private water is the standout experience.
Nature
Smithgall Woods State Park
Over 5,600 acres of protected mountain forest that never feels crowded because most people don't know about it. Dukes Creek is one of only two state-managed trophy trout streams in Georgia. Catch-and-release only, by reservation.
Trout fishing Wed/Sat/Sun only, requires reservation (706-878-3087). Chunanee Falls trail is a short hike to a waterfall.
