12 Fun Things to do in Northeast Georgia
Northeast Georgia is a region that has a lot of cool activities for people of all ages to do.
Whether you prefer to explore this destination’s natural beauty, learn interesting things about the area, or simply relax and have fun, there is something for everyone.
One of the best things about this destination is the fact that there are some great state parks where you can go hiking, camping, and do other fun outdoor activities. There are also numerous waterfalls to see in this location.
Tourists can also explore cute little towns like Dahlonega and Helen, which have cool shops, yummy restaurants, and fun events for you to enjoy.
12 Fun Things to do in Northeast Georgia
1. Explore the charming Bavarian town of Helen
Helen, a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a Bavarian-style look, is one popular destination in Northeast Georgia.
There are a lot of things to see in this destination, you can hike, bike, fish in the Chattahoochee River, or go tubing in the summer. There are also vineyards nearby where you can taste wine and take tours.
If you are a history enthusiast, you can check out the museums around, feed your eyes, and learn about one or two heritage about this location.
If you’re in Northeast Georgia, you should visit Helen. It’s a great place to have fun while also learning about the area.
2. Go kayaking on the Chattahoochee River
There are many beautiful rivers in Northeast Georgia, but the Chattahoochee River is a personal favorite. This popular river flows across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida for a total length of over 430 miles.
Activities like kayaking on the Chattahoochee are very popular. Kayaking on this river is a fantastic opportunity to experience the fun of Northeast Georgia.
A great place to start your kayaking adventure is the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Here, you can hire kayaks and paddle along the river at your own pace.
If you’re new to kayaking, don’t worry! There are guided tours available.
3. Visit the Folk Pottery Museum
One great way to learn about the history and culture of Northeast Georgia is by checking out the Folk Pottery Museum. This unique museum highlights the handmade art of folk pottery, a unique and important craft in the South.
This museum is located in Sautee-Nacoochee and it’s one of the few in the world dedicated solely to folk pottery. The museum’s building and services have even received accolades for its designs and community effort.
The museum is open from Monday-Saturday, and Sunday from 1 pm. They also host several events and tours that allow visitors to get a close experience of the exhibits.
Check out their website for more information about the entry fee.
The Folk Pottery Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Northeast Georgia’s history and culture
4. Explore Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-see in Northeast Georgia! Imagine a super deep canyon, almost two miles long and a thousand feet down!
This park, near Tallulah Falls, is packed with fun activities like hiking to waterfalls, walking on a suspension bridge, taking a kayak tour, and more.
The park has a smooth path made for walking and biking, which is great if you have a stroller or a bike.
If you enjoy mountain biking, there is a difficult 10-mile trail to test your abilities.
Inside the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, there are displays that tell you about the cool history of the town and the area’s rough land and special ecosystem.
If you are seeking adventure, this destination is a must-visit.
5. Take a Ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
If you wish to discover Northeast Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a must-see attraction. This family-friendly train excursion travels 26 miles round trip down the Toccoa River through North Georgia’s beautiful Appalachian mountains.
The experience begins at the ancient train station in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. You can choose from a variety of train cars, including indoor, open rail, and Premier Class seating.
The journey takes two hours each way, with a two-hour break to explore the mountain village of McCaysville, Georgia.
As you ride, you are going to see the beautiful landscapes of North Georgia and Southern Tennessee.
It’s an excellent chance to create lasting memories with family and friends while also learning about the region’s interesting history and culture.
The train runs from March to December, and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website provides a calendar of trips and activities.
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6. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
This super popular museum is located in the town of Dahlonega and it gives you a peek into the state’s past when it comes to gold mining.
The museum is in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse, which was built in 1836; Georgia restored it and converted it into a museum.
In this museum, you’ll learn about the many gold mining methods used in this area, as well as how they impacted the local economy and the entire country.
A 23-minute film about mining processes and Georgia’s gold rush history is a particularly fascinating feature of the museum. It’s an excellent method to gain a fast overview of the topic before diving into the exhibits.
If you’re searching for something entertaining and interesting to do in Northeast Georgia, make sure to include this museum on your itinerary.
7. Go fishing in the Chattahoochee National Forest
The Chattahoochee National Forest, measuring 750,000 acres, is located in Northeast Georgia and there are several outdoor activities to do there.
Fishing is one of the exciting activities. The Chattahoochee River is a special sport for trout fishing.
Trout fishing has rules and can be done all year. Remember, fishing is only permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, no overnight fishing.
Fishing in the Chattahoochee National Forest is fun whether you have been fishing before or are just getting started. You can catch several types of fish such as trout, bass, and others.
8. Explore the Smithgall Woods State Park
Smithgall Woods State Park is a fantastic place in Northeast Georgia, just a short distance from Helen.
It’s a big park with 5,664 acres of untouched nature, and it’s a great spot for people who enjoy being outdoors.
At Smithgall Woods, there are lots of fun things to do there. You can fish, hike, watch birds, and more.
The park has one of the best trout streams in North Georgia, called Dukes Creek, and people who love fishing really enjoy catching and releasing fish there.
Aside from the beautiful trees and streams, Smithgall Woods is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and turkey.
You may explore the park by walking along its several routes, which range from short walks to more difficult hikes.
Smithgall Woods State Park is a must-see for anyone who enjoys nature and outdoor activities. it’s no surprise that this park is one of Northeast Georgia’s most popular tourist destinations.
9. Visit the Northeast Georgia History Center
For those who enjoy history and culture, the Northeast Georgia History Center is a great destination to visit. It is located in Gainesville, Georgia, the exhibits and historic buildings span over 10,000 years of the region’s history.
You can explore the museum during your visit to learn about the Native American tribes that once called the area home, the introduction of European settlers, and the region’s involvement in the Civil War.
In fact, the museum features an actual blacksmith shop where visitors can learn about the history of blacksmithing and witness a live demonstration.
The Northeast Georgia History Center provides guided tours, educational activities, and virtual time travel experiences in addition to its exhibits and historic buildings.
You can check HERE for details about ticketing and visiting hour
10. Visit the Hardman Farm State Historic Site
The Hardman Farm State Historic Site is one of the many interesting historic sites in Northeast Georgia. It is located near Sautee Nacoochee, a short distance south of Helen, Georgia, and is a must-see destination.
The elegant Italianate estate from 1870 is the major attraction here. You can take a tour and see all the rooms that have antique furnishings and artifacts from that era.
If you are interested in architecture and history, you should visit the Hardman Farm State Historic Site.
11. Visit the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center
The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center is a must-visit if you’re interested in learning more about Northeast Georgian history.
It is situated on 8 acres of a mountainside near Mountain City, Georgia, it gives visitors a unique perspective into the lives of the early settlers in this region.
This museum has more than 20 old log buildings, each filled with artifacts from 1820 to 1940 that depict mountain life.
These buildings are the focal point of this museum.
Throughout the year, they also host events where they display their traditional talents and crafts.
The cost of entry ranges from $3 to $8, depending on your age.
If you want, you can become a member and get free entrance for a whole year, exclusive savings on events and merchandise, and other awesome benefits.
12. Explore the scenic trails at Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park, right in the middle of the North Georgia Mountains, is a great place for people who love nature and hiking. The park has different trails for all kinds of hikers, whether you like easy walks or more challenging hikes.
One of the most popular routes is the Trahlyta Lake Trail, a 0.8-mile loop that goes around the beautiful Trahlyta Lake. Another popular trail is the Bear Hair Gap trail, a 4.8-mile loop that provides spectacular views of the park’s natural grandeur. It’s a little more difficult, but ideal for hikers looking for a good workout.
If you want to experience the park without hiking much, you can stroll around the lake and enjoy the beautiful view.
Final Thoughts
If you are already making plans for a trip to Northeast Georgia; I hope this list of fun things to do in Northeast Georgia will help you!
Pack your luggage, explore the various services, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy your trip
