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There are no bad views at Fort Mountain State Park! Photo by Bill Leffler

Outdoor Activities Near the Blue Ridge Mountains

1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad – Blue Ridge

The famed Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad offers scenic two-hour and four-hour round trips along the Toccoa River to the border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Purchase tickets for either indoor or outdoor (covered) seating and plan to buy snacks from the dining car.

2. Rail Bikes - Blue Ridge

Also at the depot, sign up for a guided rail bike tour operating from March to November. Families can pedal four-person electric rail bikes for a scenic 5.7-mile tour on an unused portion of track. Anyone 48 inches and taller can participate, but book early as spots sell out fast.  

3. Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge – Blue Ridge

Soar high in the sky on a zipline tour with family members ages 10 and up. Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge offers exciting one-hour and two-hour tours with accredited guides. Kids ages 6-9 are able to participate in the 45-minute Kid Zip with adult supervision.

4. Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park – Blue Ridge

If ziplines aren’t your thing, try the obstacle course at the sister company, Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park. Anyone age 10 and up can challenge themselves on the tight ropes, bridges, and other obstacles on the first two levels of the course, while those 15 and up can complete all three levels.  

5. Appalachian Trails Horseback Rides – Mineral Bluff

Families love horseback trail options on this 250-acre site less than 10 miles from downtown Blue Ridge. Appalachian Trail Horseback Rides also offers pony rides for kids ages five and under, a small petting farm, and an evening horseback ride with dinner (including vegan and kids meal options) served around a campfire.

6. Apple Picking – Blue Ridge and Ellijay

Head over to Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge where you’ll take a tractor ride to go apple picking. The fourth-generation family-owned farm also offers strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry picking when in season. A market sells fruit, jams, and other items. Apple-picking farms, many of which also host farm activities such as petting zoos, slides, duck races, and face painting, are open throughout the fall.

7. Farmers Markets – McCaysville and Blue Ridge

Located in McCaysville, the Twin Cities Farmers Market occurs every Saturday 9am-2pm from late May to October. You can also shop for local produce and fruit in Blue Ridge at the North Georgia Farmers Market, held every Saturday throughout the year 9am-2pm.

8. Lake Blue Ridge – Blue Ridge/Morganton

With 65 miles of shoreline, Lake Blue Ridge offers tons of water activities. Head to Morganton Point Recreation Area to stretch out on the sandy beach, have a picnic, go fishing, and take a swim. The Lake Blue Ridge Marina rents pontoon boats for up to eight people so the kids can boogieboard across the lake. Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks available for rent.

9. Murals – Blue Ridge

Look for the brightly painted murals around Blue Ridge. Popular selfie spots include Coca-Cola, Red-Man Chewing Tobacco, and Welcome to Blue Ridge murals near West Main Street.

10. Rolling Thunder River Company – McCaysville

Nothing beats a whitewater rafting trip down the Ocoee River where the 1996 Olympics were held. Families with kids ages 12 and up can select the Middle Ocoee, Upper Ocoee, or the full-day combo of both sections for thrills and spills.  

11. Blue Ridge Tubing – Blue Ridge 

While not as extreme as whitewater rafting, Blue Ridge Tubing is a great option for families with kids ages 4 and up. Ticket prices include shuttle drop-off for the 90-minute float down the Toccoa River.

12. Shopping

Blue Ridge offers a walkable downtown area bursting with locally owned shops. Kids love Huck’s General Store with a huge variety of candy, sodas, puzzles, and books, as well as The Chocolate Express with over 25 flavors of fudge. Parents will want to peruse the art galleries and specialty food stores such as Blue Ridge Jerky, Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company, and Tupelo Tea.

13. Swan Drive-In Theatre – Blue Ridge

For a bit of nostalgia, catch a movie at this drive-in theatre that’s been around since the 1950s! Order food, popcorn, root beer floats, and all your favorite movie theater candy from the carhop service and watch the movie from the comfort of your vehicle.

14. Waterfall Hikes

For a two-mile (round-trip) waterfall hike, head to Long Creek Falls along the Noontootla Creek south of Blue Ridge. In Cherry Log, Fall Branch Falls is just under a mile (round-trip) walk, so it’s easier for little ones. A bit further away in Ellijay is the easy, one-mile (round-trip) Tumbling Waters Trail on Carter’s Lake.

15. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park – Blue Ridge

Let the kids burn off energy at this fenced-in playground across from the Fannin County Courthouse. Restrooms and picnic tables are also available.  

All aboard the Blue Ridge Railroad! Kids will LOVE taking a train ride through the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo courtesy Georgia's Blue Ridge

Indoor Activities Near Blue Ridge

16. Escape Blue Ridge – Blue Ridge

Find clues and solve riddles during a 60-minute escape adventure. Located right on West Main Street, Escape Blue Ridge offers six different non-scary games appropriate for all ages.

17. Second Story Entertainment – Blue Ridge

Enjoy miniature golf in a former historic hotel built in 1909. You’ll find the 18-hole course spread out across themed rooms.  A game room features air hockey, arcade games, and a vending machine.

RELATED: Mini Golf in Atlanta Is a Hole-in-One for Fun

18. Tri-State Model Railroaders – Mineral Bluff

Head to the historic Mineral Bluff depot to see the fascinating HO scale replica of the L&N “Old Line” Railroad running from Marietta to Etowah, TN. Check the schedule as this volunteer group hosts open houses once per month. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

19. Vertigo Pinball – Blue Ridge

At Vertigo Pinball, your family can play over 25 pinball and vintage arcade games. Hourly and daily rate options are available as well as a restaurant and full bar with over 16 craft beers and cider.

Blue Ridge Festivals and Events

21. Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival – Blue Ridge

Enjoy BBQ from over 15 regional vendors while listening to live blues music. Kids ages 12 and under receive free admission. September 20, 2025

22. Georgia Apple Festival – Ellijay

Celebrate all things apple at the Ellijay Apple Festival. The annual event, held over two weekends in October, features over 250 vendors, live music, food, and a parade. October 11-12 & 18-19, 2025

23. Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade – Blue Ridge

Get in the holiday spirit at this two-day festival, held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. Walk through the Gingerbread Village, take photos with Santa, listen to live music, and watch the parade, followed by a tree lighting. November 28-29, 2025

24. Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff and Craft Beer Festival – Blue Ridge

Wander around intricate ice sculptures while sampling chili in Blue Ridge this February. Parents can enjoy craft beer, hard cider, and wine while kids activities include fire dancers and face painting. February 14, 2026

Head to Main Street and shop at Huck's General Store for fun, tasty items! Photo courtesy Georgia's Blue Ridge

Dining Around Blue Ridge

25. Das Koffee Haus – Blue Ridge and Ellijay

If Dad and the kids need a break while Mom hits the shops, make a quick stop at Das Koffee Haus. In addition to a full selection of coffee beverages, the shop offers hot chocolate and hot cider, as well as cinnamon rolls, scones, and cookies.

16. The General Ledger – Blue Ridge

Right across the railroad tracks, The General Ledger serves hefty sandwiches and burgers, as well as heavier entrees such as ribeye steak and trout. Favorites from the kids’ menu include chicken tenders and grilled cheese.

17. Harvest on Main – Blue Ridge

Harvest on Main is a farm-to-table restaurant with a kids’ menu right in the middle of the downtown area. While parents indulge in local trout, duck breast, and other "grown-up" food, kids 10 and under can enjoy mac n’ cheese, ravioli, and other items served with salad, chips, or sliced apples.

18. Mike’s Trackside BBQ – Morganton

Just about ten minutes from downtown Blue Ridge, Mike's Trackside BBQ offers more than delicious barbecue. Enjoy hot dogs, burgers, wings, daily specials, and a kids’ menu available for dine-in or take-out.  

19. Rum Cake Lady Cuban Food Cafe  – Blue Ridge and McCaysville

Trust us when we say you’ll find the best Cuban food in the mountains at The Rum Cake Lady! Go for Cuban sandwiches and plantains, or you can also order smashburgers and fries. The rum cakes are so famous, the restaurant owner ships them around the world!

20. Southern Charm – Blue Ridge

For comfort food like country-fried steak, meatloaf, and smothered chicken, look no further than Southern Charm. For lighter fare, the restaurant serves salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a kids’ menu. Dine in or order takeout, but the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

21. The Sweet Shoppe of the South – Blue Ridge

Your kids deserve a sweet treat after a full day of sightseeing. Take them for a delectable cupcake at The Sweet Shoppe of the South, winner of the Food Network’s "Cupcake Wars" season six!

Family-Friendly Hotels Near Blue Ridge

22. Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA Holiday – Blue Ridge

Camping allows the entire family to truly enjoy Mother Nature. Located just three miles from historic downtown Blue Ridge, this campground offers cabins, as well as RV and tent sites. Enjoy s’mores at the firepit after a full day of fishing, tossing horseshoes, and taking a dip in the saltwater pool.

RELATED: Atlanta Camping and Campgrounds to Take the Whole Family

23. Hampton Inn Blue Ridge – Blue Ridge

Located right in the heart of downtown, this five-story hotel boasts a rooftop bar, exercise room, and complimentary breakfast. Up to two pets (dogs and cats only) can also stay here for an additional fee.

24. Comfort Inn & Suites - East Ellijay

During the cooler months, kids will love the Comfort Inn’s heated indoor pool. Other amenities include an exercise room, laundry facilities, and free breakfast.

25. Blue Sky Cabin Rentals – Multiple Properties

For roomier and longer stays, consider booking a mountain cabin, river house, or a lake-front property. There are numerous rentals around Blue Ridge, including the nearby communities of Cherry Log, McCaysville, Morganton, and Ellijay.

More Attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains

26. Chief Vann House State Historic Site – Chatsworth

Explore the 1804 plantation house of wealthy business leader and Cherokee Indian Chief James Vann. The guided tour introduces children to Native American history and the Trail of Tears which ultimately removed the Cherokee, including the Vann family, to Oklahoma in the late 1830s.

27. Fort Mountain State Park - Chatsworth

Located in Chatsworth, Fort Mountain State Park is within 30 miles of Blue Ridge. This park boasts jaw-dropping mountain views, a fishing lake with a beach and kayak rentals, and over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Park fees are $5 per vehicle.

28. Amicalola Falls State Park – Dawsonville

Amicalola Falls State Park, located just over 30 miles from Blue Ridge, features the tallest waterfall in Georgia, standing at over 700 feet. Other activities include archery, hatchet throwing, zipline tours, a lodge, and a restaurant. $5 per vehicle.

29. Helen, Georgia

To experience an alpine-themed town in the mountains, drive about an hour east to Helen. In addition to German food and culture, your family can tube down the Chattahoochee River, ride a mountain coaster, and celebrate the annual Oktoberfest celebration.