Local Activities

Tellus Science Museum – Located just 38 minutes away off hwy 411 south, this hands on science museum showcases minerals, fossils and much more to fascinate people of all ages. Approximate 31 miles travel distance. 100 Tellus Dr. Cartersville, GA 30120, https://tellusmuseum.org  (770) 606-5700.

 

Panorama Orchards & Farm Market – A favorite with the locates and surrounding towns, many are able to choose from a variety of apples, pies and local baked goods, along with other homemade goodies. Estimated travel time28 minutes (23.4miles)  63 Talona Mountain Rd. Ellijay, GA 30536  https://panoramaorchards.com  (706)276-3813

Mercier Orchards – Travelers and locales alike, enjoy the different variety of apples, dinning in the café and tasting the hard ciders when available. Estimated travel time 49 min (37.6 mi) via GA-382 Eand GA5-N.8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-3411 https://mercierorchards.com/

Calhoun Outlet Marketplace – Shop at the mall. With stores such as,  Vanity Fair, Vanheusen, Rak Outfitters, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nike Factory Store and many more. Travel time 32 min (26.1 mi ) via GA -136 W. 455 Belwood Rd, Calhoun, GA 30701 (706) 602-1305 https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/calhoun-outlet-marketplace

Chief Vann House – Home of James Vann, a Cherokee Indian leader and businessman of the 1790s. Guided tours, nature trail and gifts shop are just a few activities to do on site. Plan to travel 25 min (19.3 mi) via US-411 N. State Historic Site 82 Ga. Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 www.GeorgiaStateParks.org  (706)695-2598

Oak Hill & Martha Berry Museum – Tour this lovely 170-acre estate and home of Martha Berry, founder of Berry College. Enjoy strolling through the Beautiful Historic Home and Museum with breath taking gardens and vintage cars on site.  1hr 11 minutes (61.1 miles) Mount Berry, GA 30149 www.berry.edu/oakhill  (706)368-6789

Barnesley Gardens – An historic southern estate is a great wedding venue or fine dining.  Walk through the ruins or viewing lovely gardens to rounds of golf. Travel time 49 min (41.8mi) via GA-136 W and I-75 S. 597 Barnsley Gardens Rd NW, Adairsville, GA 30103 (706)773-7480 https://barnesleyresort.com

Gibbs Gardens – Located in Cherokee County, the estate gardens have a variety of styles with gorgeous blooms. Plan accordingly, business hours change due to the seasons. Travel time 48 min (37.5 mi) via GA-136 E and GA-5/GA-515 W.1987 Gibbs Dr., Ball Ground, GA 30107 (706)893-1881 https://gibbsgarden.com

Cabbage Patch Kids Baby Land General Hospital – The birth place for Cabbage Patch Kids, has the birthing nursery and the adoption center. Whether you are adopting or attending an event, plan for an adorable experience.  Expected travel time 1 hr 38 min (76.5 mi? via GA-136 E.300 NOK Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528 (706)865-2171   https://cabagepatchkids.com

Woodstock Salt Cave at Forever and a Day –

Forever and a Day is not only a bookstore, but also offers alternative & holistic health services. Plan accordingly, hours and day for the salt cave may differ. Travel time 58 min (51.7mi) viaI-575 S 7830 Hwy 92, Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 516-6969 https://www.foreveranday.biz

New Echota Historic Site –

Located in Gordon County, New Echota was the Capital of the Cherokee Nation from 1825 to the late 1830’s and the beginning of the “Trail of Tears”. Visitors can stroll around the historical buildings, walk along the nature trail and tour the visitor center.   Travel time 24 min (19.7 mi) via 136 W and GA-225. 1211 GA-225 Calhoun, GA 30701 (706) 624-1321 https://gastateparks.org/NewEchota  

Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Located in Bartow County, this 54-acre archaeological site has 6 earthen mounds, natural trail and museums to explore.  Visitors will enjoy touring the site, observing the v-shaped fish trap to the hand-carved stone effigies. Travel time 56 min (39.0 mi) via US-411 South. 813 Indian Mound Rd SE, Cartersville, GA 30120 (770) 387-3747 https://gastateparks.org/EtowahIndianMounds

Prater’s  Mill Historic Site – The Mill is located in Whitfield County near Varnell, GA.  Built in the mid-19^th century, the property displays a piece of history of Southern Appalachia.  Open daily there are many activities for one to enjoy, such as picnicking, fishing or just walking the nature trails. In addition, one can reserve the venue to host birthday parties, reunions, weddings etc.  https://pratersmill.org  (706) 694-6455. 5845 Hwy 2 Dalton, Ga. 30721 Est. travel time 44 min (33.4 mi) via US-411 N

Carters Lake Hiking Trail

Plan a day to explore the easy to moderate hiking trails around the lake. Great views of the lake, Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, the wildlife, the lush flora and fauna.

Hidden Pond Songbird Trail (easy) – Located at the Carters Lake South Regulation Park, this is a mile loop.  Along the trail there are several wildlife viewing blinds, a beaver pond, grassy meadow and hardwood forest. Expect to spend an hour enjoying the scenery. Distance from the marina is 5.0 miles.

 

 

 

Big Acorn Nature Trail (easy) – The trail starts at the Visitor Center and ends at a lake-view overlook. The shortest trail will take about thirty minutes, unless one continues to the connected Talking Rock Nature Trail. Distance from the marina is 1.4 miles.

 

 

 

Talking Rock Nature Trail (moderate) – Just past the entrance of the Northbank Park, the hiking trail is the longest and most 

strenuous. A two mile round trip, leads hikers through winding hardwood and pine ridges with a variety of views of a wet-weather stream. Plan about two hours to enjoy all the sites of interest. Distance from the marina is 1.4 miles.

 

 

Oak Ridge Nature Trail (moderate) – Located in Woodring Branch Park and begins near the campground gatehouse.  The trail splits to a at the .2 mile mark, the right is a loop and the left is a one-way trail.  Each trail is about 1/2 mile, with a variety of foliage and scenic views. Distance from the marina is just over 17 miles.

 

 

Amadahy Trail (easy to moderate) – Located off Hwy 282/76 the parking is just off a short dead spur road, approximately 3.2 miles after turning onto Woodring Branch Recreation Area. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop with two small streams and a great view of the lake. Estimated time spent is around 2 hours. Distance from the marina is 17 miles.

 

 

Tumbling Waters Nature Trail (easy to moderate) – Located in Ridgeway Park, the trail is a little over a mile in distance, takes about an hour and a half to hike. The trail features a hike through the native mountainous foliage ending at the cascading waters of Tails Creek.  Distance from the marina is 23 miles.

 

 

Ridgway and Amadahy Mountain Bike Trail (Beginner to Intermediate) – Ridgway biking trail is located within the Ridgeway Park.  6 mile loop trail goes from single track to old logging road through streams and challenging climbs. The beginner biker, expect to complete the trail in about an hour, the experienced biker about 35 minutes. Driving distance from the marina is 23 miles. Amadahy biking trail is located within Woodring Branch Recreation area. This 3.5 mile loop trail has flat to rolling terrain, great for the beginner biker.  Expect to spend about 25 minutes to complete. Driving distance from the marina is 17 miles.

(706)334-2248 http://carters.sam.usace.army.mill/    

 

Amicalola Falls State Park – The Park is well known for its majestic 729 foot waterfall. Hiker of all ranges can enjoy nature along the winding walking and hiking trails. Travel time is estimated 1 hour (44.1 mile).   418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534. https://www.amicalolafallslodge.com  (706) 265-8888

 

 

Appalachian Trail Southern Terminus (Moderate to Difficult) – Springer Mountain is the most Southern section of the Appalachian Trail, located just 8.5 miles north of Amicalola Falls. An 8 mile approach trail begins at Amicalola the 78 mile Georgia part of the trail leading to Maine. The Springer Mountain portion of the Appalachian Trail has several trails to explore for a day trip. This famous trail offers scenic views, mountainous terrain, wildlife and much more. Plan accordingly; the nearest town is Dahlonega, Ga. approximately 22 miles. For more information call the park (706) 265-4703.  The Trail is open yearlong.  Drive time from marina 1 hr. 12 min (42.0 mi.)  Appalachian Approach Trail, Ellijay, GA 30536 (304)353-6331 https://appalachiantrail.org/

 

 

Fort Mountain State Park – With over 25 miles of trails, the avid hiker can take in the views of valleys and peaks of the mountain, maybe even catch a glimpse of the native wildlife. Travel time 30 minutes (21.6 miles). 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd. Chatsworth, GA 30705 http://gastateparks.org  (707)422-1932

 

Pinhoti Trail Sections 

A 335 mile trail of the Southern Appalachian Mountain located in Georgia and Alabama.  There many trailheads in Georgia counties, here are couple nearby.

Dennis Mill Trailhead (Moderate) – The Dennis Mill Trailhead is the newest section of the Pinhoti Trail. Plan ahead, the trail is about 10 from trail entrance Dennis Mill to Pinhoti Connector Trail located HWY 52 Fort Mountain State Park.  Travel time 16 minutes (11.9 miles). 1298 Dennis Mill Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705 https://www.cohuttawildernesshiking.com/pinhoti-trail/index.html

 

 

Bear Creek Trail (Moderate) – The trail is used by both hikers and mountain bikers. Please give bikers plenty of room and the right-of-way. Plan to spend a few hours hiking the 6.7 mile loop or the lower 3 mile loop. Enjoy gazing up at the Gennett Popular, be cautious crossing stream and be on the lookout for the wildlife. Travel time 58 min. (31.7 mi) via GA-382 E 241 Bear Creek Camp Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10473  (706)297-3000

 

 

Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10465

Jacks River Trail & Beech Bottom Trail (Moderate) – Nestled in the Cohutta Wilderness this 16 mile trail winds through beautiful hardwoods along grassy riverbanks, leading to one of Georgia’s remote majestic waterfalls (about 9 miles from beginning of trail). A short cut to the falls is accessed from Beech Bottom Trail in Tennessee. 

 

 

Grassy Mountain Tower Trail at Lake Conasauga – The 4 mile trail is great for joggers and hikers. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.  Hike around Lake Conasauga  (the highest-elevation lake in Georgia) to the Mountain Tower. The trial winds through different varieties of vegetation, through a grassy marsh and by a beaver pond to meet with the Song Bird Trail. Best time to visit the trail is between April and October. Plan for a scenic drive up the mountain, watch closely for the array of wildlife.  1 hr. 32 min. (40.6 mi) US-411 N

 

 

 

Cloudland Canyon State Park  (Moderate to Difficult) – Although a little further away, this North West Georgia park hikers can hike the West Rim Loop or descend the trail to the bottom of the canyon to view the waterfall. Travel time 1hr 32 min (70.4 mi). 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd. Rising Fawn, GA 30738    http://gastateparks.org (706) 657-4050

River Street Tavern – One of Ellijay’s finest, they offer live music on weekends, with local brews and burgers on the menu. Travel time 29 min (19.6 mi). 40 River St. Ellijay, GA 30540 https:www.riverstreettaveren.com or https://www.facebook.com/riverstreettaveren.com (706) 635-6166

Pink Pig BBQ – Well-known pit-cooked BBQ and other menu items, local and tourist go away satisfied. Travel time37 min (28.7mi)  824 Cherry Log St, Cherry Log,  GA  30522   https://www.pinkpigcherrylog.com   (706) 276-3311

 

 

 

Last Catch – Offers seafood and Southern recipes. The family-owned restaurant is popular with the locals and a find for the tourist Distance 30 min (21.2 mi)   487 E Church St, Jasper, GA 30143 https://www.lastcatchseafood.com or https://www.menupix.com (706)692-0032

 

 

 

Little Rome – A Family friendly restaurant serving fine Italian food. Just short 25 minute drive HWY 411 north in the scenic city of Chatsworth, Ga.  1201 N 3rd Ave, Chatsworth, GA  http://www.littleromeinc.com (706)695-7309

 

Buffalo Luke’s – Check out the wings, burger, sandwiches and more. 2 locations Jasper Ga. travel time 25 min (19.2) via GA-136 E and GA-5/515W.  61 Melissa Pkwy, Jasper, G 30143(706) 692-0890 and Calhoun travel time 33 min (26.2 mi) via GA-136 W.  273 GA-53, Calhoun, GA 30701 (706)659-7628. www.buffalolukes.com

 

 

Canterberrys – Soups, salads, sandwiches and more. Travel time 30 min (19.6 mi) via GA-382 E. 5 S Side Square, Ellijay, GA 30540 (706)636-4663 https://canterberys.com

Biguns Barbeque – Great hickory smoked barbeque, pork, chicken, turkey and much more meats. Check out the cookies, unique jams, pork rinds and much more. Travel time 21 min (15.1 mi) via GA-136 E. 362 Carns Mill Rd, Talking Rock, GA 30175 (706)253-7675  https://www.bigunsbbq.com

Rocco’s Pub – Burgers, Hot Dogs, Whiskey, Beer and much more along with live music on the weekends and other fun events throughout the week. Travel time 28 min (21.8 mi) via GA-136 E and GA-5S/515 W. Pub 47 Mountainside Village Pkwy, Jasper, GA 30143 (706)253-1900 roccosjasper.com

Engelheim Vineyards – A German themed winery and vineyard that offers wine tasting, vineyard & winery tours and much more. Travel time 17 min (11.5mi). 127 Lakeview Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540 https://wwwengelheim.com   (706) 635-9463

Cartecay Vineyards – Located in Ellijay, Ga., this was the first vineyard in Gilmer County, GA.  Offers wine tasting, has local live music on weekends .Travel time 40 min (28.6mi) 5704 Clear Creek Rd. Ellijay, GA http://cartecayvingyards.com   (706) 698-9463

Fainting Goat – Located in Pickens County on the southeast side of Burnt Mountain. Enjoy wine tasting while observing the picturesque views.  Live music, indoor and outdoor fireplaces make this a perfect place to enjoy great wine. Travel time 33 min (24.1 mi) via GA-136 E.  201 Vineyard Way, Jasper, GA 30143 (706)692-9463 http://www.faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com/

 

Chateau Meichtry – Located at the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains. The vineyard and winery offers wine tasting, winery tours, live music, wedding and private events.  Travel time 35 min (25.5mi)via GA-136 E.  1862 Orchard Ln, Talking Rock, GA 30175 (706)502-1608 https://www.chateaumeichtry.co/

Ott Farms and Vineyard  – A charming farm and vineyard offering wine tasting and Estimated travel time 36 min  24.2 mi) via GA-382 E.  230 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536 (706) 273-1891 https://www.ottfarmsandvineyardga.com/

Grapes and Ladders Vineyards – The lovely vineyard offers an array of dry and sweet wines.  Enjoying tasting wine whether inside the tasting room or outside among the vineyard. Travel 18 min (13.0 mi) via GA-382 E. 2317 GA-382 W, Ellijay, GA 30540 (706) 492-9861 https://grapesandladdersvineyards.com/

 

Talking Rock Brewery – This unique brewery is situated inside a renovate rail cars. A small town offering a variety flavorful brews. Travel time 20 min (15.3mi) via GA-136 E. 4500 SR136, Talking Rock GA 30175 (706)253-2337 http://talkingrockbrewery.com

 

 

Ocoee Winery – Located in Bradley County, TN, this exquisite winery offers a variety of white and red wines. Inside the gift shop one will find an array of items from meats, cheese, picture and much more. Travel time 55 min (47.3 mi) via US-411 N. 5365 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 614-5100 www.ocoeewinery.com

North Georgia has an array of festivals, throughout the year, for all to enjoying.   Whether you enjoy food, music, nature or arts and crafts, there is a event for you.  Please check the local websites of the County Chamber of Commerce for any changes, cancelations or rescheduling of events.

Georgia Apple Blossom Festival May 6^th & 7^th

Downtown East Ellijay- Food, Arts and Crafts with many more activities. 164 Craig Street, East Ellijay, GA30540  https://www.gilmerchamber.com  Gilmer Chamber of Commerce (706) 635-7400 Est. travel time 28 min (19.3 mi) via GA-382 E

Georgia Apple Festival October  14^th & 15^th and October 21^st & 22^nd 2023 9:00 Am – 5:00 PM

Ellijay, GA – Regional and Local music, Food, Arts and crafts. 1729 S. Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540 https://www.georgiaapplefestival.org   Gilmer Chamber of Commerce (706)635-7400 Est. travel time 25 min (17.7 mi) via GA-382 E

BBQ Boogie & Blues 2023  April 28 – 29, 2023 

Downtown Calhoun – Live music, BBQ, art and crafts and many other family activities for everyone to enjoy. GA. 109 King St. Calhoun, GA  30701 https://bbqboogieblues.com   Gordon County Chamber of Commerce (706)625-3200 Est. travel time 31 min (24.0 mi) via GA-136 W and GA-225 S

Marble Festival Oct. 07 – 08, 2023

Jasper GA –Parade, Road Race, Quarry Tours, Food, Music and much more fun for the family. 500 Stegall Dr, Jasper, GA 3014 https://www.pickenschamber.com  Pickens County Chamber of Commerce (706) 692-5600 Est. travel time 27 min (20.7 mi) via GA-136 E and GA-5/GA-515 W

Prater’s Mill County Fair Sat, Oct 14 – Sun, Oct 15, 2023

Dalton GA-Featuring local Craftsmen, Artist, Food and Music. Prater’s Mill Historical Site 5845 GA-2, https://pratersmill.org  Whitfield County Chamber of Commerce (706)278-7373 Est. travel time 44 min (33.4 mi) via US-411 N