Mountain Adventures
If you’ve been dreaming of getting back to nature and experiencing an adrenaline rush, then head to the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Forget the stress, deadlines and commitments of everyday life and immerse yourself in any number of outdoor adventures in the mountains, valleys and rivers of Northeast Georgia. Come and test your ability to whitewater raft, kayak, horseback ride, hunt, hike, and bike. Discover these and other adventures by yourself, with a friend or with a group. Whether it’s a two-day quest or a weeklong journey to renew the inner spirit, adventurers of all ages, levels of fitness and experience can find just the right mix of fun and excitement that will keep them coming back for more!
CYCLING EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURES FISHING
HIKINGHORSEBACK RIDING
HUNTING
PADDLINGLODGINGDININGCYCLING There are many mountain biking trails throughout the region (
www.georgiamountains.org) as well as the challenging Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway for cyclists.
Woody’s Mountain Bikes
19 Clayton Road, Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3715
www.helenga.org/woodys Woody's Mountain Bikes offers fun for all ages. There are over 60 bike trails in the North Georgia Mountains suitable for all skill levels, from first time mountain biker to expert cyclist.
EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURES Adventures come in all forms exciting the various moods and senses of the soul.
• Road Atlanta and the Panoz Racing School
5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, GA 30517
770-967-6143 or 800-849-RACE
www.roadatlanta.com and
www.panozracingschool.com With racing programs for everyone, student drivers can experience intense laps of pure adrenaline from the passenger seat with Hot Laps…or learn the thrill of competitive racing from behind the wheel in One- and Three-day Racing Programs, even earning a SCCA license to race competitively! A Corporate program is available.
• Airborne Promotions Hot Air Balloon Rides
Cumming Area
678-283-4033 or 770-380-3951 or 678-947-9866
www.airbornepromotions.com or
www.balloonsovergeorgia.com Come see the scenery like you never have. A hot air balloon ride over North Georgia. From your lofty perch riders will see Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, the Atlanta skyline and the beginnings of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain ranges to our north. Sometimes you might even get to watch deer run or fly with a hawk. It’s perfect for any special occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, wedding gifts, and Valentines Day.
• Appalachian Adventures at Springer Mountain Stables
Wesley Chapel Road of GA Hwy 52, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-344-2451 or 706-864-7251
www.springermountainstables.com Appalachian Adventures offers Turkey hunting, trout & striper fishing, hayrides & cookouts, mountain biking, horseback riding and canoe & kayaking outings.
• Len Foote Hike Inn
240 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-867-6203
www.hike-inn.com The Inn is accessible only by foot over a moderate 5 mile trail which originates at the top of the falls. Dinner and breakfast are served family style. Spend the night and then hike out. Educational and entertaining programs are conducted in the Sunrise Room after dinner most evenings. Programs consist of everything from worm composting to storytelling. This is a great experience for families, couples and groups.
• Lanier Flight Center
1115 Aviation Way, Gainesville, GA 30501
678-989-2395
www.lanierflightcenter.com Take a sightseeing trip over Lake Lanier and the North Georgia Mountains or lean to fly!
• David Bristol Hot Air Balloon Rides
Helen area
706-878-1449
www.goballooning.net Located just 5 Minutes outside of downtown Helen in the beautiful and historic Sautee Nacoochee Valley, rides are private, romantic flights limited to just one couple. The flight takes place early in the morning at Sunrise (the most beautiful time in the mountains) and lasts between one and two hours depending on available landing sites, fuel Consumption, and Weather. Riders will experience breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, lush valleys and native wildlife. Occasionally the winds take the balloon along the Chattahoochee River where the Cherokee Indians once lived.
• Crystal River Ranch Llama Treks
3499 US Hwy 76 E, Hiawassee, GA 30546
706-896-5005
www.crystalriver-ranch.com Take a hike in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains without carrying all of the necessities. Llamas will be your trail companions while you enjoy the scenery, exercise, and fresh mountain air. This leisurely, 3.5 mile trek in the Chattahoochee National Forest goes through tall timber, clear mountain streams, and wildlife clearings. Bring your camera and sense of adventure, and we'll furnish the rest. A hearty lunch is served on the trail and, of course, the llamas will carry it and all the other amenities. The treks usually last from 3 to 4 hours
FISHING From catching that large mouth bass from one of area’s many lakes to angling a colorful trout from the waters of a cool, clear stream, fishing is usually one adventure that results in a memorable tale about the one that got away!
• Brigadoon Lodge & Fly Fishing
8137 GA Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, GA 30523
706-754-1558 or 888-4BRIGADOON
www.brigadoonlodge.com • Harold Nash Lake Lanier Striper and Bass Fishing Guide Service
5931 Nacoochee Trail, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
770-967-6582
www.lanierfishingguide.com • Larry’s Lanier Guide Service
8850 Bay Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506
770-842-0976 or 770-844-0976
www.lanierguide.com • Lunkers Guide Service
1066 Mt. Olivet Road, Hartwell, GA 30543
706-376-4407
• Unicoi Outfitters
7280 S Main Street, Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3083
www.unicoioutfitters.com • Upper Hi Fly Fishing Outfitters
3375 US Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
706-896-9075
www.upper-hi-fly.com • Reel Angling Adventures
PO Box 12, Suches, GA 30572
770-827-6657 or 866-899-5259
www.reelanglingadventures.com HIKING
The Northeast Georgia Mountains is home to as hiking trails as there are roads. Each one provides a different experience filled with scenic beauty, fauna, and flora. Dust off your walking stick and get your hiking boots out. Start your next adventure in the footsteps of the Cherokee and early Appalachian pioneers who called the woods and forests home.
• Chattahoochee National Forest
Regional Office
1755 Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30501
770-297-3000
www.fs.fed.us/conf Georgia's national forests are said to be a hiker's paradise. Winding trails lead visitors through scenic mountains and rolling hills, by wild rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls. They also lead visitors through he history books: Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto's futile search for gold, the United States' first frenzied gold rush and the Cherokee Indians' struggle to hold on to their lands, and major battles of the Civil War. Ten wildernesses, 1,367 miles of trout streams, and 430 miles of trails enrich the Chattahoochee National Forest. The famous 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail begins here and hardy hikers don't see the end until they reach Maine! Make sure you stop at Brasstown Bald Georgia's highest peak at 4,784 feet. Trails traverse the mountain and the observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and valleys. Waterfalls can be found everywhere throughout the forest, some are within easy walking distance while others are in out of the way places. The unique features of Georgia's national forests make these land a place of exploration and wonder. They are unique lands rich with recreation opportunities, history and spectacular scenery.
• Georgia State Parks
In the Northeast Georgia Mountains, you can find 14 state parks and conservation areas that not only offer great hiking trails, but a wide range of other adventurous activities. These include:
•
Amicalola •
Black Rock Mountain •
Bobby Brown •
Ft. Yargo •
Hart State Park •
Moccasin Creek •
Richard B Russell •
Smithgall Woods •
Tallulah Gorge •
Tugaloo •
Unicoi •
Victoria Bryant •
Vogel •
Watson Mill Bridge HORSEBACK RIDING
There is nothing so majestic, as a view from atop a horse. The spirit of horse fills you as sit astride it and command it to take you on your adventure through the forests, valleys and mountains in Northeast Georgia. The smell of leather, horse and the outdoors mingle giving you a memory that will last for a long time…or at least until you come again!
• Track Rock Stables
4890 Trackrock Camp Road, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-5252 or 800-826-0073
www.trackrock.com With over 250 acres bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest, Trackrock Stables offers an adventure you will long remember. Their beautiful valley is home to wild turkey, deer, and many other types of wildlife and lush, colorful foliage. Both the first time and skilled rider will find a well-trained horse to suit their level of experience. You will have the opportunity to learn horsemanship from one of the experienced guides as you ride across crystal clear mountain streams and canter through peaceful green meadows. Check out the 2006 Horse Camp.
• A Step Above Stables
3839 S Mauney Road, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-9051
www.astepabovestables.net Riders follow guided rides through forest trails of which some areas overlook beautiful Lake Nottley. Riders can choose an easy walking pace for the entire trail, as well as, when the trail opens up riders can experience the smooth quickened gate and rack of which the walking horse is most noted. A variety of trips offered, including a Sunset Ride (advance reservation) with a beautiful view of the sun setting behind the mountains overlooking a cove on Lake Nottley. Children and groups welcome.
• Sunburst Stable
3181 GA Hwy 255, Clarkesville, GA 30523
706-947-7433 or 800-806-1953
www.sunburststables.com Trail rides in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen and the Sautee & Nacoochee Valleys. Special trips include Lodging Rides, Photography Rides, and 2 Day/1Night Camping. Georgia's first outfitter offering up to four days of riding in hundreds of thousands of acres of National Forest. Explore a surprising variety of terrain including forging rivers, high mountain meadows and forests, and old logging trails.
• Montara Farm Horseback Riding
6749 Stringer Road, Clermont, GA 30527
770-983-9503
www.montarafarm.com Our Horseback Riding Programs are open to groups of 6 or more, by reservation only. Ride through over 600 acres of pastures, woodland and mountain-view trails. Their 25 horses have been carefully selected and trained to respond to all levels of skill from the beginner to the accomplished rider. Each 2 hour trail ride is guided by 1-3 wranglers who coach you throughout the ride. Each ride begins with a lesson and a riding ring exercise, prior to "hitting the trail". Rides do not have to have any experience. During a group ride one wrangler may take a few of the more accomplished riders on a faster guided detour.
• Gold City Corral and Carriage Company
49 Forrest Hills Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-9395
www.goldcitycorral.com Horseback Rides include Hourly Rides, Half Day Rides w/ Lunch and Overnight Campout Trips. They specialize in working with children or adults who have had a negative experience or no experience with horseback riding as well as building confidence, being safe and relaxing for a wonderful ride. For the ultimate adventure, try the Half Day Trips ride through open fields or to an area in which riders can hike up waterfalls and have a picnic lunch.
• Sunny Farm North
1332 Longbranch Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-9167
• Dillard House Stables
Old Dillard Road, Dillard, GA 30537
706-746-2038 or 706-782-5630
www.dillardhousestables.com The Dillard House Stables offers gentle healthy horses. Our experienced guides will take you, your family, or group, along our well maintained trails through beautiful scenic mountain trails. Riders will experience breathtaking scenic overlooks, lush forests, and majestic waterfalls.
• Cross Creek Stables
7017 S Main Street, Helen, GA 30545
706-878-1600 or 706-878-3327
www.nacoocheevillage.com Guided trail rides go out every day but Wednesday, weather permitting, with horses for every level of experience. Pony rides also available. See the mountains through the ears of a horse. See wild flowers and wild life as the wooded trail-ride winds around the Chattahoochee River and across Long Hungry Creek under a canopy of native trees. 1 and 2 hour rides are offered through the fall and winter as well as a "racking ride" for the more experienced rider. If you enjoy the outdoors, our scenic horseback ride is one of the best ways to take advantage of your trip to the mountains.
• Swan Center Outreach
75 Swan Center Drive, Marble Hill, GA 30148
770-893-3525
www.swancenter.org Guided trail rides through the foothills of the north Georgia Mountains on the beautiful wooded trails of the Swan Center Monastery. Enjoy the monastery’s specially trained horses for a unique opportunity for relaxation or adventure.
HUNTING
Whether you like to hunt quail or pheasant or just like to shoot at clay pigeons, hunting is a sport for all ages. Hunting parties are made up of dads and daughters, dads and sons, moms and sons, moms and daughters to husbands and wives, groups of men and groups of women.
• Brush Creek Sporting Club
1631 Moriah Church Road, Colbert, GA 30628
706-788-2910
www.brushcreekfarm.net Shoot clays or take a full or half day guided quail and pheasant hunt or hunt with your own dog.
• Etowah Valley Game Preserve & Sporting Clays Park
120 Leon Jones Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-6543
www.etowahvalleygame.com British-style and flush pheasant, chukar, and quail hunts are available for parties of up to 12 hunters from mid-October through mid-March. Sporting clays 5-stand and trap are on-site.
PADDLING From a lazy paddle down one of several navigable rivers to the heart beating rush of paddling through class IV and V rapids, a day on the water is worth the trip. Once you spend one day on the Etowah, the Chestatee, the Chattahoochee, the Broad and Chattooga, you will start planning your next trip to the Northeast Georgia Mountains to add to your bragging rights of becoming a river rat!
• Broad River
Broad River Outpost
7911 Wildcat Bridge Road, Danielsville, GA 30633
706-795-3242
www.broadriveroutpost.com Located in northeast Georgia, 23 miles from Athens on GA Hwy 281, the scenic Broad River has 70 miles of continuous navigable water. Most of this free flowing river is mild with no rapids. One section has exciting but easy Class II rapids, suitable for beginners yet fun for the more advanced paddler. The Broad has "the Waterfall"; an avoidable 5 ft drop which is a definite " cheap thrill." The 6.5 mile section -The Broad- contains 7 shoals, each with individual ledges and sloughs.
The Sandbar
Off Hwy 172 West on King Hall Mill Road, Bowman, GA
706-245-4163
www.thesandbarbroadriver.com Boating season is from early April through September. River Trips are available Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm and are available from 10am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Hiking and Horse riding trails are currently available free of charge. Along the trails way you are sure to find some great fishing spots to catch some fresh fish, or if you prefer you can fish on the many sandbars.
• Chattooga River
This is Georgia’s only river with the “Wild & Scenic” national designation. Adventurers of all ages can enjoy half day, full day and overnight trips. The three outfitters offer guided trips on both Section III and Section IV where rafters experience Class II, III and IV rapids!
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Off U.S. Hwy 76 E, Clayton, GA 30525
864-638-5980 or 800-232-7238
www.noc.com Southeastern Expeditions
7350 US Hwy 76 E, Clayton, GA 30525
404-329-0433 or 800-868-7238
www.southeasternexpeditions.com Wildwater Ltd
Off U.S. Hwy 76 E, Clayton, GA 30525
864-647-9587 or 800-451-9972
www.wildwaterrafting.com • Chattahoochee River
Wildwood Outfitters
140 Mossy Creek Point, Cleveland, GA 30528
706-865-4451 or 800-553-2715
www.wildwoodoutfitters.com Outpost at the Chattahoochee River offers groups and individuals, guided, unguided and assisted canoe, kayak and raft rentals, instructions, camping trips and special events.
• Chestatee & Etowah
Appalachian Outfitters
2084 S Chestatee (GA Hwy 60 S), GA 30533
706-864-7117 or 800-426-7117
www.canoegeorgia.com
The Chestatee trip offers first time canoers and kayakers, families and large groups a fun trip with several fun but gentle rapids, great scenery and good fishing while the Etowah offers paddlers more challenging rapids, great scenery, good fishing and a short portage around the 10 foot drop of spectacular Etowah Falls (a great place for a picnic lunch!) Beautiful Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons grace the banks of this small, fast moving stream that keeps your interest up around every bend.
• Lake Tallulah
Tallulah Point Overlook and Tallulah Adventures
940 Tallulah Gorge Scenic Loop, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
706-754-4318
www.tallulahpoint.com
LODGING
Misty Mountain Inn & Cabins
4376 Misty Mountain Lane, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-4786
www.mistymountaininn.com Trackrock Cabins & Campground
4887 Trackrock Campground Road, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-2420
www.trackrock.com Glen Ella Springs
1789 Bear Gap Road, Clarkesville, GA 30523
706-754-7295
www.glenella.com Beechwood Inn
220 Beechwood Drive, Clayton, GA 30525
706-782-5485
www.beechwoodinn.ws Mountain Laurel Creek B&B
202 Talmer Grizzle Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-8134
www.mountainlaurelcreek.com Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-8888
www.gastateparlodges.com Dillard House
768 Franklin Street, Dillard, GA 30537
706-746-5348
www.dillardhouse.com Best Western Lanier Centre
400 EE Butler Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501
770-531-0907
www.laniercentrehotel.com Unicoi State Park Lodge
1788 GA Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545
706-878-2201
www.gastateparlodges.com Helen Black Bear Resort
219 Dawn Way, Sautee (Helen area), GA 30571
706-865-0093
www.helenblackbearresort.com Stovall House B&B
1526 GA Highway 255 N, Sautee, GA 30571
706-878-3355
www.thestovallhouse.com Lake Lanier Islands – Emerald Pointe Resort
7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, GA 30518
800-840-LAKE
www.lakelanierislands.com Brasstown Valley Resort
6321 U.S. Highway 76, Young Harris, GA 30582
706-379-9900
www.brasstownvalley.com DINING
Monet’s Café & Bakery
91 Blue Ridge Street, Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-5305
Tucker's Family Restaurant
1657 Murphy Highway, Blairsville, GA 30514
706-745-6474
Chateau Elan
100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 425-0900
www.chateauelan.com Crimson Moon
24 North Park Street Dahlonega GA 30533
706-8643982
www.thecrimsonmoon.com Smith House
84 S Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-7000
www.smithhouse.com The Oar House
3072 East Highway 52, Dahlonega, GA 3053
706-864-9938
www.theoarhouse.com Corkscrew Café
51 W. Main St
706-867-8551
Dawsonville Poolroom
East 1st Street, Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-2792
www.dawsonvillepoolroom.com Dillard House
768 Franklin Street, Dillard, GA 30537
706-746-5348
www.dillardhouse.com Two Dog Café
109 Bradford Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
678-316-8074
Johnny’s BBQ
1710 Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville, GA 30501
770-536-2100
Andrew’s Coffee House & Steakhouse
126 W Franklin Street, Hartwell, GA
706-377-3677
Hofers Bakery & Cafe
8758 North Main Street, Helen GA 30545
www.hofers.com Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Hwy. 356 P.O. Box 849 Helen, GA 30545
706-878-2201 or 800-573-9659
www.unicoilodge.com Lake Lanier Islands – Emerald Pointe Resort
7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, GA 30518
800-840-LAKE
www.lakelanierislands.com Brasstown Valley Resort
6321 U.S. Highway 76, Young Harris, GA 30582
800-201-3205 or 706-379-9900
www.brasstownvalley.com