7 Most Charming River Towns in Georgia to Visit in 2024

Looking for an authentic dose of Southern hospitality in 2024? Then head to Georgia! The “Peach State” is not only home to the friendliest of people, but it’s also one of the best places to visit in the US for those wanting an authentic American river town experience. Snaking across Georgia are some of the prettiest rivers in the country, serving not just as important connections for transportation and industry, but also increasingly for sightseeing and tourism.

From the rushing cascades of Tallulah Falls to the gentler flowing (yet still powerful) water that passes St. Marys, Georgia's river towns offer plenty of fun things to do for every type of traveler. To help you plan the perfect Peach State itinerary, uncover seven of the most charming river towns in Georgia to visit in 2024 for ideas and inspiration.

Helen

Helen sits in the picturesque North Georgia Mountains and is quite unlike any other town in the state, if not the entire US. Wandering downtown Helen, visitors find themselves surrounded by Bavarian-themed architecture boasting that famous half-timbered look common throughout Germany, an initiative forward-thinking townsfolk undertook in the 1950s to rebrand the town as a tourist destination.

This Bavarian village feel is enhanced by the Chattahoochee River which flows through the town. Pull up a riverside table at a pub and watch the river pass by or, better still, pick up a tube rental and take a spin on the river yourself. The town will also host its annual Oktoberfest celebration again in 2024, the longest-running such event in the United States, complete with lively parades, music, traditional foods, and a vast selection of beers. Helen also provides access to Unicoi State Park, home to the spectacular Anna Ruby Falls.

Ellijay

Its location on the Ellijay River in the North Georgia Mountains makes the small town of Ellijay a must-visit for fans of romantic small-town experiences. Known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia," visitors can sample the rich bounty of the town’s many farms during the annual Georgia Apple Festival, held here each October. In addition to orchard tours and picking, there are also many vendors on hand selling crafts, entertainment, and a variety of apple products that showcase the local harvest.

This delightful small town is fun to explore on foot and is dissected by the Ellijay River near the confluence of the Cartecay and Coosawattee rivers, cementing the area's reputation for water-based recreation (its other nickname is "the city with many waters​​​​"). For those wanting to make a romantic stay of their visit, book a room at the charming Ellijay River House B&B, which backs onto the river.

Hartwell

Situated along the South Carolina border, Hartwell serves as the gateway to Lake Hartwell, a sprawling reservoir encompassing an area of over 56,000 acres that’s fed by three major Georgia rivers: the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers. This vast lake is popular not just for sightseeing but for activities such as fishing, with its clear waters home to species including walleye and bass, making it a popular destination for anglers. Several local rental services, including Hartwell Marina, provide boat rentals and everything needed for a day on the water.

In-town highlights include the Hart County Historical Museum, housed in the historic Hartwell Railroad Depot and showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the region's past. The Hartwell Dam, which harnesses the Savannah River at the south end of the lake, is another must-see spot and makes for a great photo.

Tallulah Falls

It’s not by chance that Tallulah Falls tops most lists of scenic Georgia towns. Situated in the north of the state near the border with North Carolina, this picturesque town is well-known for the 1,000-foot deep, two-mile-long Tallulah Gorge. Carved out over millennia by the Tallulah River as it cut through the rugged terrain of the North Georgia mountains, the best experiences can be had in Tallulah Gorge State Park which offers several overlooks with spectacular views of the gorge, waterfalls, and the river below.

Numerous hiking trails crisscross the park and range from easy strolls to more challenging treks around the gorge, some taking in the park’s thrilling suspension bridge. It’s not for the height-averse, though, and it does sway as you peer down into the rocky gorge below. Whichever route is taken, it’s relatively easy to find a great view of one or more of the park’s six waterfalls. Feeling adventurous? Rock climbing and white-water kayaking experiences are guaranteed to get the adrenalin pumping.

Toccoa

Toccoa rests in the foothills of the Northeast Georgia Mountains and is best known for the stunning Toccoa Falls. Situated on the campus of Toccoa Falls College where the Toccoa Creek flows fastest, this impressive 186-foot waterfall is even higher than the mighty Niagara Falls (it stands at 170 feet) and makes for a splendid selfie backdrop. Other attractions worth visiting in Toccoa include the Currahee Military Museum, dedicated to the paratroopers of World War II who trained at Camp Toccoa and located in a restored train depot. Highlights include displays of memorabilia and artifacts that chronicle the rigorous training of the soldiers who were the inspiration for the hit TV show, Band of Brothers.

Downtown Toccoa attractions include the historic Ritz Theatre, originally opened in 1939 and now a cultural center hosting live performances, movies, and special events throughout the year.

St. Marys

Named after the river on which it is located, St. Marys is just off the I-95 highway north of Jacksonville, making it an easy diversion for anyone travelling to (or from) Florida in 2024. Just a short distance away from the Atlantic Ocean, the town’s riverfront is a delight to explore. Fun things to do include popping into the St. Marys Submarine Museum or visiting the Orange Hall Gillman, a beautifully preserved antebellum home that provides a look into the life of the well-heeled during the 19th century (the home is currently under renovation).

Visitors from far and wide celebrate the town’s connection to water at the annual St. Marys Seafood Festival. Held each October for the past 50 years, the 2024 edition of this much-anticipated event celebrates the local catch and includes a parade, live music, and plenty of seafood.

Summerville

Situated on the Town Branch of the Chattooga River close to the state border with Alabama, Summerville promises no end of fun things to do in 2024. Pay a visit to Summerville Depot, a focal point for community events such as the Summerville Steam Special, a scenic train ride through the picturesque Georgia countryside; it also provides plenty of interesting details about the town's railroad history.

Another significant Summerville landmark is Couey House, a restored 19th-century log cabin that provides a unique insight into early settler life in North Georgia through exhibits about day-to-day living conditions of the era. The town's location adjacent to the Chattooga River provides additional opportunities for adventure, including kayaking, rafting, and fishing.

The Final Word

Georgia's river towns offer the curious traveler no end of fun opportunities to experience authentic Southern hospitality. From the stunning waterfalls of Tallulah Falls to St. Marys where the river of the same name meets the sea, these charming communities promise a refreshing escape from the big cities like Atlanta and Savannah. As 2024 unfolds, these seven charming river towns in Georgia are ready to roll out the red carpet to visitors from far and wide.