12 Off The Beaten Path Georgia Towns

While there’s no shortage of tourist hotspots in Georgia – Savannah and Atlanta are prime examples – you might be surprised to learn that the Peach State also has plenty of “off the beaten path” towns that are equally fun to explore.

Ever heard of Ellijay? You’re about to learn that this small town in the Georgia Mountains is considered by those “in the know” to be the state’s mountain biking capital. What about Morganton? This oft-overlooked destination boasts a lovely lakeside setting… and a tank driving school! Join us as we discover 12 off-the-beaten-path Georgia towns you’ll want to add to your travel itinerary.

Ellijay

Its location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains has served Ellijay Well. The town’s 1,840 residents, along with outdoor enthusiasts who’ve discovered Ellijay, know only too well that this attractive North Georgia destination is one of the best places to visit in the South for a variety of adventures.

Mountain bikers are especially enamored with Ellijay and visit year-round to compete or simply ride the trails. The “mountain bike capital” is also a great place to visit during the Georgia Mountain Trail Fest. Held each April, visitors turn up to, hike, bike, or simply stroll its extensive trail network. Ellijay is also known for its orchards and is home to the Georgia Apple Festival in October.

Enjoy a good mountain getaway? Check out Gingershack Farms. This family-run business provides deluxe cabin rentals on an authentic mountainside farm just a bike ride away from the best Ellijay trails.

Morganton

Morganton is not only off-the-beaten trail, it’s small. Despite the fact only 294 folks call Morganton “home,” this small town’s location adjacent to Blue Ridge Lake means the population does swell a little in the warmer months as those who know of the place visit for a little r’n’r. In addition to lakeside camping, there are day-use privileges at designated areas including Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area that are perfect for those wanting to get out on the water for some fishing.

Morganton is also home to the epic Tank Town USA. Here you can indulge your wildest off-road fantasy driving a real tank… and yes, car crushing is involved.

Blairsville

Its location on the edges of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes often-overlooked Blairsville a great place to visit during a Georgia road trip. Those in the know are well aware that not only do the 526 people who live here possess one of the prettiest town squares in Georgia, but they’re also in an ideal spot to enjoy the state’s abundant natural beauty.

Here, that beautiful spot is Brasstown Bald. Located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests region of Georgia, the highlight of your visit will be making it to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center. The highest point in Georgia, the views from your perch some 4,784 feet above sea level are simply spectacular.

Tallulah Falls

The name says it all. The magnificent waterfalls after which the town of Tallulah Falls is named are not only remote, but they’re also only viewed by a few handfuls of visitors each day. And that’s deliberate.

Set in Tallulah Gorge State Park, access to this impressive natural attraction is granted to a limited number of visitors daily in order to maintain its integrity. It also takes time to get there, with the hike to the bottom of the gorge and the falls best tackled early in the morning after camping out for the night. Visit during the fall colors for an even more dramatic experience.

Mineral Bluff

There aren’t that many reasons to want to visit the community of Mineral Bluff (population 331) … unless, of course, you’re a railway enthusiast. Located a short drive from the popular Georgia railway town of Blue Ridge, it’s here you’ll find Historic Mineral Bluff Depot, a simple yet well-preserved building that tells the story of this small town’s former importance to the state’s mining industry.

Built in 1887, the town was a major depot for the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad, and the building now houses a great little museum. There’s even a model railway that shows what the depot would have looked like in its heyday.

Lumpkin

Besides having a great name, the small Georgian town of Lumpkin (population 972) is becoming popular with outdoor enthusiasts as the home of Providence Canyon. Nicknamed Georgia's “Little Grand Canyon,” this orange landmark is anything but natural, and only formed in the 19th century, the result of poor farming practices.

That doesn’t stop it looking amazing, especially when viewed from this 1000-acre park’s more than 10 miles of hiking trails. Here for a few days? Plan on camping as the hike can be tiring, so you’ll want to get an early start.

Summerville

Just a short drive from the Alabama border in the west of Georgia, Summerville is one of those off-the-beaten-trail destinations “discovered” first by creative types and artists before the rest of us cottoned on. The first artist to figure it all out was Howard Finster, who opened his Paradise Garden here in 1951.

Finster’s “living gallery” grew from a few modest art installations to the present-day mural- and the mosaic-covered masterpiece that’s now open for all those adventurous enough to visit. Guided tours are available, along with workshops and educational seminars. If you really want an immersive experience, consider an overnight stay in one of the property’s Airbnb accommodations.

Hartwell

Across the Peach State in Hart County, the small town of Hartwell is another destination whose natural beauty has been enhanced with a little help from a dam. Sliced neatly in two by Georgia’s border with South Carolina, Hartwell Lake was formed in the 1950s after the Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Savannah River.

Not only is the lake known for its fishing but nature lovers and birdwatchers are also drawn here. Other fun things to do here include hiking and biking, camping and glamping, as well as kayaking, canoeing, and boating.

St. Marys

While St. Marys itself isn’t necessarily off-the-beaten trail, this attractive Georgian town of nearly 19,000 people is often overlooked by those whipping passed it along the I-95 to Florida, just across St. Marys River. From this historic town, you can catch the ferry to the oasis that is Cumberland Island.

This barrier island is quite remote, with the lack of vehicular access making it an always quiet and relaxing place to visit. Five campgrounds on the island mean you can stay for a night or two to really get the most out of your experience.

Dawsonville

While not considered off-the-beaten-trail to residents of nearby Atlanta, Dawsonville certainly is for those who live outside Georgia’s largest city. It is, however, making a name for itself as a base from which to explore the amazing scenery to be found in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains which from here rise northward.

In addition to funky resorts and remote camping experiences, you can enjoy countless miles of hiking and biking trails. Highlights include Springer Mountain, a natural landmark that’s accessible via the Appalachian Trail.

Clayton

Clayton is where you go when you want to enjoy Lake Rabun, a large man-made lake that covers an area of 835 acres. The lake’s 25 miles of shoreline are among the prettiest in North Georgia and provide the perfect backdrop for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

When you’re done having fun fishing, boating, and hiking, be sure to explore Clayton. Although not directly on the water, the town’s historic downtown core is charming and home to an array of locally owned boutiques, galleries, and places to stay.

Clarkesville

Regularly voted one of the best places to live in Georgia, Clarkesville is certainly well worth taking the time to visit. In addition to its attractive downtown core, exploring the town’s riverside setting makes for a fun diversion. Built along the Soque River are a number of heritage buildings housing art galleries and studios, as well as restaurants.

Founded in 1821 in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, Clarkesville is a great place to stay when exploring this gorgeous part of the Peach State.

The Takeaway 

So, should you take the road less travelled when exploring Georgia? We certainly think so! Not only will you get to experience an array of outdoor activities and enjoy countless fun things to do, but you’ll also broaden your knowledge and impress your friends with tales of your exploits visiting these 12 off-the-beaten-path Georgia towns.