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Do you have Georgia on your mind? From the historic coastal city of Savannah to the green metropolis of Atlanta to the beautiful mountains of North Georgia, there is so much to explore in this state. When planning your next Georgia road trip, make sure to check all the great cities in North Georgia.

The following North Georgia cities can be visited individually as day trips from Atlanta. They can also be combined into a North Georgia road trip starting and ending in Atlanta and going counterclockwise. Spend a long weekend getting a taste of each city and the surrounding areas or extend your trip and spend a couple days in each. This North Georgia itinerary can also easily be combined with my three day Atlanta itinerary before or after your time up north.

Keep reading to find out all the fun things to do in North Georgia in and around these cities!

Cities in North Georgia to Include on Your Next Georgia Road Trip

Dahlonega

Dahlonega is one of the best places to visit in North Georgia. It is a charming city with a historic square, an interesting history in gold mining, great restaurants, many wineries, and nearby beautiful hiking trails.

What to Do in Dahlonega

Dahlonega Historic Square

Your first stop in Dahlonega should be the historic square with the old courthouse in the middle. Take a stroll around the quaint square to check out all the stores and restaurants. 

Gold Rush Museum

We’ve all heard about the California Gold Rush, but did you know there was a big gold rush before that? One of the first gold rushes in the US occurred in Georgia in 1829 around Dahlonega.

The Gold Rush Museum is a Georgia historic site in the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse from 1836. The museum describes this period in time from when gold was first discovered in the area and the subsequent gold rush and gold mining in North Georgia. There’s a small exhibit on the Dahlonega Mint. The 17 minute movie gives a great overview of the history as well.

It’s a small museum, but it houses fascinating information that was once again left out of history books.

Consolidated Gold Mine 

Are you hoping to find some gold for yourself? Aren’t we all! At Consolidated Gold Mine you can tour a real former mine. As you go underground, you can imagine what it would have been like almost two hundred years ago. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in North Georgia. 

After your tour you will be given expert tips from a gold miner and have your own chance to pan for gold. Wouldn’t it be fun if you ended your North Georgia road trip richer than you started?

Where to Eat in Dahlonega

Picnic Cafe and Dessertery

Other than the persistent flies, this small town cafe is absolutely charming and delicious. There are good breakfast, brunch, and lunch items such as breakfast biscuits, soups, and sandwiches. My chicken salad on a croissant with fruit and pasta salad was very good and just the right amount of food to make sure I still had room for……

The sweets, the real attractions of the cafe! I can still taste the delicious peanut butter cookie with chocolate drizzle that I devoured. The lemon bars and blueberry scones are also yummy.

Where to Hike Near Dahlonega

Amicalola Falls State Park

Located about halfway between Dahlonega and Ellijay you can easily visit this Georgia state park from either North Georgia city. Once in the park you can choose from multiple parking lots. Both the visitor center and parking near the top of the falls have restrooms. They are good spots to start hiking too.

The most popular hike is the base of the falls trail. While the trail is only 1 mile, it is uphill all the way and includes almost 600 stairs. You’ll be rewarded with great waterfall views along the way though. You can also go down the trail instead of up if you start at the top of the falls. To go back up, hike the Appalachian Approach trail. This trail is also only a mile, but at a steady incline up it can be challenging.

The other trails are significantly less busy. The .3 mile (one-way) west ridge access trail is great for seeing the falls with a stroller, walker, or wheelchair. The recycled tire path is truly accessible to the boardwalk right over the falls. There is no bathroom at the parking lot for this trail. Check the trail map for more information on all the trails.

Desoto Falls

On your North Georgia road trip if you want to go chasing waterfalls, you are in luck. The North Georgia mountains are full of waterfalls. The two mile out and back Desoto Falls hike will reward you with two gorgeous falls after a short hike through the woods. Parking is $5.

Don Carter State Park

Whether you are on foot, by kayak, bicycle, or on horseback there are trails or routes for you at Don Carter State Park. The park is located on Lake Lanier and perfect for water sports as well.

Where to Stay in Dahlonega

The Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas

Stay at the Dahlonega Square Hotel to be in walking distance to all the shops and restaurants. With a wine tasting room in the lobby you don’t need to go far to try the region’s wines either!

The boutique hotel is the perfect mix of 1880s historic charm and modern day conveniences in the rooms.

Helen

Helen is one of the many North Georgia cities you need to visit. It feels much more like an alpine village than a city though. The Bavarian style buildings will make you think you arrived in Germany.

What to Do in Helen

Explore Helen on Foot

You’ll definitely want to reserve some time to walk around, go in the shops, and take lots of photos. 

Hardman Farms

This Georgia historic site is just outside of Helen. Guided tours take place at the top of the hour and last about one hour. During the tour you will go inside the property’s mansion. The 1870 grand Italianate home was built by Captain James Nicholas. Inside you will see much of the original furniture that was preserved since Nicholas’ time in the home and that stayed in the home with the following two owners who called the mansion home.

The Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound is on the grounds. I would have never guessed it, but apparently it is the second most recognized landmark in Georgia. After the informative tour you can explore the grounds more on your own. The grounds have signs explaining the different farm buildings. 

Hardman Heritage Trail

Hardman Heritage trail runs for about a mile between the farm and Helen. If you are staying in Helen and don’t mind walking, leave your car behind and head to Hardman Farms on foot.

The paved trail along the Chattahoochee offers a few educational signs along the way. There is no cost to walk on the trail or use the bathrooms at the visitor center once at Hardman Farms. 

Georgia Mountain Coaster

You don’t need to go abroad to try an alpine coaster! There is one right in the heart of Helen. You’re in control of the speed for the ~4 minute trip down the mountain.

Shooting the Hooch

The best way to spend a summer day in Helen is floating down the Chattahoochee. With cool river tubing you will either be dropped off or picked up in Helen. You can choose to float down the river for 1 hour or 2 hours.

Where to Eat in Helen

Hofbrauhaus

This Bavarian restaurant along the riverbank is located just on the outskirts of Helen. Some indoor tables have views of the river, but there are also outdoor tables with live music some nights.

We were encouraged to order the pretzel that they have flown in from Munich. Without a doubt it was an excellent recommendation. I’m not a cheese lover, but the cheese fans in my group loved the beer cheese served with the pretzel.

My meal of wiener schnitzel with spaetzle and green beans was oh so delicious. I would even have to say it was better than meals I have had abroad in Germany. The spaetzle was great and the green beans were seasoned to perfection. I would have loved to try a wurst platter as well. 

The friendly wait staff dressed in lederhosen and dirndls completed the German experience!

Where to Hike Near Helen

Tallulah Gorge State Park

One of the most popular state parks in North Georgia, Tallulah Gorge, is known for its spectacular canyon. Many of the hikes, including the hike into the gorge, require a free permit from the interpretive center. A limited number of permits are available. Other hikes around the rim offer views into the canyon and don’t require a permit. There is a three mile paved biking trail as well. See all the trails on the map.

Unicoi State Park

The Unicoi Helen trail connects with Unicoi Hill City Park in the center of Helen. The Smith Creek Trail connects with Anna Ruby Falls. All of the Unicoi trails are here.

Smithgall Woods State Park

Smithgall is a short drive away from Helen. There are a variety of trails of different lengths for both hikers and bikers. All the trails are marked on the map. The park is also good for seasonal trout fishing.

Anna Ruby Falls

Named after Captain Nicholas’ daughter, who lived at Hardman Farms, the falls are a popular spot on many North Georgia road trips. There is a limited number of cars allowed in the parking lot and once it is full visitors are turned away. Be sure to check the hours beforehand as the site is often closed some days of the week.

Once at the visitor center you will take a short, paved trail to the twin falls. Unlike Georgia State Parks where there is a $5 per vehicle charge, at Anna Ruby Falls it is $5 per person.

Vogel State Park

This is one of Georgia’s oldest parks and a good stop between Helen and Blue Ridge. With over 18 miles of trails there are plenty of options to keep hikers busy. Many of those miles are in remote areas on backcountry trails.

Where to Stay in Helen

The Heidi Motel

The Heidi Motel is an older motel that has been renovated quite nicely. With a large windmill out front it has a different look from your typical chain motel. 

The accommodations are basic, but clean and nice. There is no breakfast offered, but luckily there are a lot of places nearby.

One of the biggest perks of staying at The Heidi Motel is that you are close to all the action. You’ll want to walk everywhere in town if possible to avoid paying the parking. With the motel only a couple blocks away from the heart of Helen, there’s no reason to pay for parking that may end up being further away than some of the stores and restaurants.

Blue Ridge

Make sure to add Blue Ridge to your North Georgia itinerary. This mountain town is known for it’s prime location near the Chattahoochee National Forest, a thriving art scene, and its scenic railway.

What to Do in Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Travel through the Georgia countryside on a 4 hour train journey. Spend two hours mid-way through the trip in the mountain towns of McCaysville and Copperhill. The train trip is especially popular during the fall and during the Christmas holidays.

Freedom Rail Bike

Do you like the idea of seeing the sights along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, but do you prefer more active pursuits? Along the same rail route, but hopefully not the same time as the train, you can bike! On a 5 1/2 mile scenic journey you will peddle a rail bike through the countryside. It’s one of the more unique things to do in North Georgia!

Shopping

Written by Kiana from Off the Rock Adventures

There’s a little something for everyone when it comes to shopping in Blue Ridge. To satisfy your food cravings, you’ll find fudge, ice cream, and unique kinds of jerky. Explore a broad range of knives (even TSA-confiscated ones) at the Blue Ridge Knife Company. Try a wide variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars when you do a tasting at the Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company (my personal favorite is the coconut white balsamic vinegar).

There are a lot of fun clothing shops and boutiques to find fun new things to wear. Browse the unique handmade creations from local artists at Jumping Mouse Beads. You can also buy everything you need to create your own jewelry. Check out our unique creations at Tonanabelle.

You’ll also find antiques, cigars, comics, pet supplies, outdoor clothing, teas, and more on your trip to Blue Ridge. All of this can be found within walking distance from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Mercer Apple Orchards

Written by Kiana from Off the Rock Adventures

Make a drive to Mercier Orchards to check out their fresh produce, gifts and decor, and delicious fried pies with all kinds of different fillings (strawberry and cream cheese, yum!).

Where to Eat in Blue Ridge

Southern Charm

Kiana also recommended Southern Charm as the best place to eat in Blue Ridge. I had to give her credit as it was such a good recommendation.

The menu warns of the slightly spicy breading used on their fried dishes. Like everything else on the menu the fried catfish was delicious.  The biscuits I am still thinking about weeks after my meal. They were 25 cents for each extra biscuit and I still ponder if I should have ordered another one. 

You’ll want to visit on an empty stomach as everything is so good, but if you are a lighter eater they offer single portions of some of their entrees with one side instead of two.

Where to Hike Near Blue Ridge

Aska Trail System

This free hiking area offers about 17 miles of hiking. Trails range from .5 miles to 5 miles. Changes in elevation will take you from Blue Ridge lake and up into the mountains. Different parking lots lead to the various trailheads. Check where to park on the trail map.

Long Creek Falls

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most well known trails in the country. If you don’t have several months to hike it all, you can hike a short section to the Long Creek Falls. It is a two mile roundtrip hike to the falls in the Three Forks Valley of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Benton MacKaye Trail

Within the Appalachian Mountains, this 300 mile trail runs through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.  Several sections of hikes are near Blue Ridge. Trail descriptions and directions can be found on BMTA.

Where to Stay in Blue Ridge

Comfort Inn & Suites

The Comfort Inn & Suites is a good choice. Rooms are nicely cleaned and come with a refrigerator, microwave, and all the amenities you could need. This non-smoking hotel has friendly service and a convenient location to the rest of the Blue Ridge area.

In the morning you will be treated with a hot breakfast buffet. In these never ending Covid times that is more rare than you would hope.

Ellijay

Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Ellijay has the perfect climate for growing produce. The city is still in close proximity to the beautiful scenery and hikes of the mountains as well.

What to Do in Ellijay

Go Apple Picking

Known as the apple capital of Georgia, Ellijay has an annual apple festival in October with an arts and crafts fair, classic auto show, 5K race, and a parade. Of course there are a lot of apples and apple products as well.

Throughout the entire apple season, visit the many apple orchards in the area to pick your own.

Vineyards

The vineyards are just as popular in Ellijay. Visit the tasting rooms in historic downtown Ellijay or drive to a nearby picturesque vineyard in the countryside. Tour the vineyards and then sample the wines right on site.

Where to Eat in Ellijay

Mystery Picnic in Ellijay

If you are looking for unique things to do in North Georgia then you need to go on a mystery picnic in Ellijay! As you solve clues and riddles, you will find different locations where you add meats, cheeses, breads, and other goodies to your picnic basket. Your final clue will take you to a hidden spot for your picnic lunch. It’s a fun way to explore Ellijay and try a variety of local foods.

Where to Hike Near Ellijay

Fort Mountain State Park

Fort Mountain State Park is a beautiful park about 30 minutes from Ellijay. As you can see from the trail map, there are hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The 1.2 mile lake loop trail offers great views of the park’s lake.

Carters Lake

Carters Lake provides a variety of recreational activities including several hiking trails. Check the map to see the trail lengths and where they start and end.

Where to Stay in Ellijay

Comfort Inn & Suites

The Comfort Inn & Suites was a great place to stay in East Ellijay. The included breakfast was one of the best we had at any of the cities in North Georgia, well at the hotels at least! There were actually some hot items that weren’t pre wrapped like many other hotels are currently serving. The waffle maker made me very happy as well!

The room and indoor pool were both nice. The indoor pool felt a bit sandy both on the tile around the pool and the pool floor.  You may question how often it is cleaned, but I advise you to not think about it and enjoy your swim instead! The rooms on the other hand did not have any cleanliness issues at all. The WiFi didn’t require a password and connected quickly. There was a great connection for video meetings. 

Cartersville

Less than an hour from North Atlanta, Cartersville is the perfect location near Metro Atlanta, but close to all the other North Georgia cities as well. The area is known for its Native American History and numerous museums.

What to Do in Cartersville

Etowah Indian Mounds

This is an interesting Georgia historic site that was once home to Native Americans from 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D. Outside you can walk around and climb the stairs to the top of the mounds. Informational signs provide details of their former use. Earlier in my road trip in North Georgia I learned about burial mounds at Hardman Farms. I was surprised to learn that they were constructed for a different purpose here. You will have to visit for yourself and find out!

Inside the museum there is a small exhibit on the Etowah Indians and an informational movie about this period of history.

Museums

You don’t think of small North Georgia cities having a lot of museums, but Cartersville has plenty to keep you busy! The Tellus Science Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute. It’s a huge museum with four large galleries and a planetarium.

The Booth Western Art Museum has the world’s largest permanent space for western art! It is also an affiliate to the Smithsonian Institute. From decorated cowboy hats to American Indian artifacts, you will discover all things from the American West. “The American West” film plays every 20 minutes in the theatre.

Go back in time to the early 1800s at the Bartow History Museum. Learn about the Cherokee Indians who called the land home long before it became Bartow County.

The former Victorian mansion of Samuel Porter Jones is now a historic house museum. The Rose Lawn Museum is full of writings and personal belongings from Jones.

Old Car City USA

To me it sounds like an old junkyard, but to car enthusiasts this classic car junkyard is a hidden gem. With hundreds of cars it is the largest known junkyard. Other unique collections on site include the owners Styrofoam cup art pieces. Definitely one of the more unusual attractions in North Georgia! 

Where to Eat in Cartersville

Appalachian Grill

Appalachian Grill is a more upscale Southern restaurant that serves classic favorites with a modern twist.

Where to Hike Near Cartersville

Red Top Mountain State Park

If you have read Gone with the Wind or done any outdoor activities in Georgia, you know about the red Georgia clay. Red Top Mountain was named for Georgia’s red soil.

The park has over 15 miles of trails, including a .75 paved wheelchair trail from the park office parking lot. In addition to the hiking trails, a 3.9 mile Iron Hill loop gravel trail is recommended to cyclists. 

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Only 30 minutes from Cartersville and much closer to Atlanta is another great spot for hiking. The former Civil War Battleground has remnants of its war history, but now has over 16 miles of trails. The one mile uphill section to the top of the mountain can get quite crowded. Many hikers reach the top and then turn back around the same way. Continue down the path on the other side for a 5.8 or 16.6 mile loop on more difficult, rocky terrain.

Stop at the visitor center to see the film on the former battleground and learn more about the history of the area.

Check out more day hikes from Atlanta.

Where to Stay in Cartersville

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn is located a few minutes from downtown Cartersville. Plus it is only a few minutes off of US Hwy 41 with easy access to the rest of the cities in North Georgia and the nearby hiking.

Rooms are nice and clean as is common with Hilton properties. Breakfast can be included in your room rate if you choose.

Not only is there a pool, but the pool is a connected indoor and outdoor pool! I haven’t been somewhere with one of those pools for a long time.

Whether you are taking multiple day trips from Atlanta or putting together a long North Georgia itinerary, I hope you enjoy these North Georgia cities and all this mountainous region of the state has to offer! 

More in Georgia

ATLANTA ART:

• Tiny Doors
• Murals by Neighborhood

ATLANTA ACTIVITIES:

• 3 Day Itinerary
• Explore the Best Neighborhoods
• Festivals
• When to Visit
• Date Ideas

ATLANTA FOOD:

• BBQ
• BeltLine Restaurants
• Brunch Places
• Breakfast Restaurants
• Burgers
• Chicken & Waffles
• Donuts
• Healthy Restaurants
• Mystery Picnics

ATLANTA OUTDOORS: 

• Chattahoochee River Trails
• Places to Walk
• Most Walkable Neighborhoods
• Hiking Near Atlanta

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