7 Most Gorgeous Mountain Towns In Georgia, US
The US state of Georgia is a picturesque and charming place of discovery year-round. With a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountain chain passing through its northeastern corner, Georgia’s mountain towns are amongst its most beautiful places to visit. From beautiful valleys to stunning summits, this article looks at Georgia's seven most gorgeous mountain towns.
Kennesaw
Known for its scorching summers and pleasant winters, Kennesaw in Georgia's Cobb County is a beautiful Southern town the whole family can genuinely enjoy. Just a 30-minute drive from Atlanta, visitors can explore Kennesaw Mountain (at an elevation of 1,808 feet) or just marvel at the peaks of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
If you're a history lover, there are many Civil War museums you can visit. These sites house several beautiful walking trails and battle sites to explore, melding together splendid nature and fascinating history.
Blairsville
Blairsville has a population of just over 600 residents, and yet this seat of Union County is a place any nature lover would not want to miss. Visit the nearby Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, or Vogel State Park (some 11 miles away), where hiking trails, picnic areas, bike paths, campsites, and cabin rentals are available.
Blairsville is adjacent to the majestic Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, where scenic views of the mountains are second to none, and majestic rivers and waterfalls round out the landscape. A portion of the Appalachian Trail also runs through the forest. Meanwhile, back in town, visitors can enjoy various festivals year-round, including the spring Green Bean Festival and the famous autumn Sorghum Festival in October, which celebrate the year’s harvest.
Helen
Situated on the shores of the Chattahoochee River, the 531-resident-town of Helen is a perfect place for a day trip in the Georgia mountains. Around 90 miles from Atlanta, the town is affectionately known as Georgia’s Alpine Village, which resembles a Bavarian mountain resort. All the buildings have a unique southern German architectural style, making for some memorable photo opportunities.
Helen hosts several popular events, such as the annual Oktoberfest and a summer hot air balloon race, so there are always charming activities and sites ideal for tourists of any kind. Meanwhile, the nearby Unicoi State Park and the gorgeous Anna Ruby Falls round out anyone’s trip to town. With so much to do, you're bound to visit more than once.
Blue Ridge
Sharing a name with the mountain range, the town of Blue Ridge is a beautiful and welcoming example of a small town in America (infused with an extra bit of Georgia charm). Home to 1,200, visitors to Blue Ridge will find an assortment of great local restaurants, boutique shops, small galleries, and of course, genuine Southern hospitality.
Situated near both the Tennessee and Alabama Rivers, the town also has plenty of hiking and biking trails for tourists to enjoy and naturally great views of the nearby mountains. And with hot summers and mild winters, spending time in Blue Ridge is a great experience no matter what time of year.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega is a unique history-filled Georgia town, where the first modern Gold Rush in America began in 1829. Just 65 miles from Atlanta, this town of under 8,000 citizens is a charming and fascinating spot for history and nature lovers. Visit the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum, housed in the Lumpkin County Courthouse (1836). There, you can learn about the history of the early American Gold Rush, as well as Dahlonega’s growth as a mining town.
You can even try your hand at panning for gold and bring home a golden nugget from the gift shop! Meanwhile, why not spend a night or two at the Historic Dahlonega Square Hotel for a unique sampling of what accommodations looked like in the 1880s? And, of course, surrounding mountain views are never in short supply, while a tour of nearby wineries makes an excursion here exceptional.
Dillard
Near the border with North and South Carolina, the town of Dillard is a great place to enjoy the wonderful outdoors. Though it has a population of only 337 permanent residents, Dillard is a welcoming place with plenty of warm hospitality. Visitors can enjoy an assortment of local restaurants, shops, and charming Main Street facades.
Among the most popular spots is the historic Dillard House, where you can find some of the very best Southern cooking. Situated within the Little Tennessee River Valley and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the atmosphere in Dillard is quite picturesque and quaint. Whether hiking, biking, fishing, or just strolling for a scenic view, visitors will surely love their time in this beautiful Georgia community.
Sky Valley
Just 7 miles from Dillard is Sky Valley, the northernmost settlement in Georgia. Nestled within the slopes of Rabun Bald (the second highest peak in the state), this mountain valley town has perfect scenery, warm summers, and mild winters. Home to the Sky Valley Country Club, visitors can enjoy pristine golf courses, beautiful tennis courts, swimming lanes, and even a croquet field.
But even for those not inclined to athletic sports, a leisurely stroll through this charming town is that all is needed. Enjoy a great Southern meal at a local restaurant, shop for the perfect souvenir, and pose for pictures in a unique valley setting; in Sky Valley, an alluring sojourn is always guaranteed.
The beauty and majesty of mountain towns make them among the most exciting places to visit. In Georgia, the incredible Blue Ridge Mountain range frames a series of communities, each with its own charming history and rustic allure. From German Alpine resorts to Gold Rush hot spots, these Georgia Mountain Towns are a treat for anyone who visits.
