Overview
Blue Ridge is a small resort town in the Georgia's Northeast High Country. It is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail.
1 things to do · 1 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Historic railway offering 4-hour, 26 mi sightseeing trips aboard a restored train.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Wettest: Jan and Mar. (climate data from nearby Historic High Country)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CHA Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field), Chattanooga — 51 mi away. Directions
- TYS McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville/Maryville — 68 mi away (major hub). Directions
Blue Ridge is 90 miles north of Atlanta and is easily reached by taking I-75N to I-575 (exit 268). I-575 will become Hwy 515/76 as you drive north and will take you directly into Blue Ridge.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $96–$110 a night (typical $104), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Blue Ridge is a very popular vacation destination, especially in the fall when leaf color is at its peak, but the pristine mountain lake draws a crowd during the summer months as well.
Get in
Blue Ridge is 90 miles north of Atlanta and is easily reached by taking I-75N to I-575 (exit 268). I-575 will become Hwy 515/76 as you drive north and will take you directly into Blue Ridge.
Get around
By foot
Due to the relatively compact and tourist-oriented nature of this town, walking is quite easy, although as is true for most of the state, pedestrians do need to be careful for cars.
Do
- "Gem Mining"
- Helicopter rides
- Ziplining
- cherry log festival ( in the fall)
Buy
Eat
- sue's cafe
- Circle J steakhouse
- Blue ridge mountain bbq ( across sue's)
- Mike's trackside bbq ( right beside previous mention)
Drink
Drink Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Sells beer to enjoy on the premises and also sells beer to go. Inside and outside seating is available. The brewery does not serve food, but outside food is allowed in the brewery. Also, the brewery is attached to Jeff's Hot Dogs, which sells gourmet hotdogs and soft pretzels, which can be brought into the brewery. There is live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and there is karaoke on Thursdays. Dog-friendly.
Sleep
Stay Rainbow Cabin Rentals of North Georgia
Riverfront vacation cabin rentals that sit on a river or large trout stream. Each cabin offers several, if not all of these features - seclusion, hot-tub, pool tables, open rooms with fireplaces, rustic furnishings, outdoor fire pits, hammocks, decks with gorgeous views of nature & whitewater.
Stay North Georgia Mountain Pet Friendly Cabin Rentals
Offers 40 log homes on 1,500 acres in the private mountaintop neighborhood of My Mountain. Long range layered mountain views of North Georgia and the Smokey Mountains, private hot tubs, up-scale rustic lodge-style furnishings, rock hearth wood burning and gas log fireplaces (they supply firewood October thru May), gas and charcoal barbecues, easy paved access, 10 minutes from Blue Ridge. Offers discounts and specials.
Stay Red Apple Vacation Rental Cabin in Blue Ridge
Red Apple Cabin is perched on Prince Mountain within the Cohutta National forest and adventure area. 2,100 feet of elevation lends to cool mountain breezes and crisp clean air as the wind brushes through the leaves. Every room comes with a view of the mountain range and forest. Warm gas fireplace plus central heat and air conditioning. Wake up to silence; 2.2 acres of natural beauty with no other cabins in sight. Upstairs master bedroom, spacious garden bathroom, equipped with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, spectacular views on your private porch. Guest bedroom on the main floor with another oversize full bath and full size laundry services. Lower basement level provides a third bedroom.
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My experience
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